In this episode I sat down with Dr. Tanya Riches of Eastern College Australia. Dr. Riches shares her journey growing up in the Hillsong Church, being part of its music scene, and how those experiences shaped her creatively and spiritually. She talks about her academic pursuits, including her degrees in psychology, political economy, and theology, and how she’s integrated traditional liturgical practices into modern worship. The conversation also dives into her fascinating research on Aboriginal Pentecostal churches, where she discovered the rich wisdom and inclusive practices of indigenous leaders. Dr. Riches emphasizes the importance of learning from and engaging with marginalized communities, offering tips for non-Aboriginal churches on how to connect meaningfully with local leaders. Our chat wraps up with a look at her current work and future plans, including potential publications to share her insights.

On this episode, I sat down with Dr. W. David O. Taylor, an Associate Professor of Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and Anglican priest, to chat about his book A Body of Praise. Our conversation led us into how he met Bono, the lead singer of the band U2, and his connection with Eugene Peterson. We also talked about theological anthropology, full sensory worship, the disabled, art and the body, and so much more. I hope you find our conversation beneficial.

In this episode I sat down with Dr. Marshall Clark, president of the Society for Pentecostal Studies and lecturer at Vanguard University and the London School of Theology. Dr. Clark shared her background growing up in a migrant church in England, her PhD research on female spirituality within Pentecostalism, and the significant roles women have played as 'disruptors' in religious history. Our conversation touches on biblical figures like Deborah and modern disruptors such as Amy Semple McPherson and Mary Woodworth Etter, highlighting their impact without engaging in theological debates about their roles. The episode explores how these women overcame societal and racial barriers to fulfill their callings, and how contemporary leaders can support and empower women in ministry.

In this episode, I chatted with Dr. Susan Maros, associate professor of Christian leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of Calling in Context and Power, Agency, and Women in the Mission of God.' We discussed how identities shape our calling and vocation, especially for women in conservative evangelical circles. Dr. Maros shared her experiences and insights into how context, culture, and gender impact one's sense of calling. The conversation also explored practical aspects of fostering diverse, intercultural communities within churches. We discussed the challenges of integrating different voices and cultures into church leadership and practice, moving beyond tokenism to genuine interdependence. As an educator, Dr. Maros highlighted the importance of formation in theological education and the need for seminaries to focus on disciple-making beyond credentialing. This vital conversation underscores the complex interplay between personal vocation, community contexts, and broader cultural dynamics in church and educational settings.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Richard Park, an Associate Professor of Theology at Vanguard University, to chat about his book 'Calling, the Blueprint.' Dr. Park shares his journey and passion for helping people discover their calling, whether it's in ministry, dentistry, or any other field. He helps unpack the biblical concept of calling, the importance of mentorship, and how everyday tasks can be acts of worship. He also breaks down the difference between interests and passions and why it's crucial to know the difference. Tune in for practical advice on living out your calling and making every day meaningful!

You can find Dr. Park's non-profit, The Renaissance @ TheRen.org

Show Notes:

01:13 Dr. Richard Park's Publications01:26 Children's Book and Personal Motivation02:19 Nonprofit Work: The Renaissance02:45 Exploring the Concept of Calling04:57 Biblical Foundations of Calling08:11 The Sacred and the Secular13:51 Mentorship and Its Importance16:26 Personal Reflections on Family and Faith16:56 The Importance of Intergenerational Relationships17:44 Passion and Suffering: A Deeper Connection21:01 Understanding Liturgy in Worship26:34 Recommended Resources for Further Reading

In this episode, I had the privilege of talking with Dr. Lisa Bowens, Associate Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary and author of 'African American Readings of Paul.' We discuss her inspiration for writing the book and its roots in her doctoral dissertation. Dr. Bowens shares insights on how African Americans have historically interpreted Paul's texts, revealing both positive receptions and critical perspectives. We discuss the impact of reception history on scripture interpretation, the ingenious ways African American interpreters have reclaimed Paul's texts from slaveholder misinterpretations, and the influence of hermeneutics on understanding Paul's message. Our conversation also touched on broader themes of love, unity, and the church's role in society, enriched by powerful historical examples like Frederick Douglass and William Seymour. Dr. Bowens emphasizes how her research highlights the intersection of faith with liberation and justice. Just in case it's not obvious, I absolutely loved her book.

You can get her book here on Amazon.Show Notes:01:58 Inspiration Behind the Book03:11 Reception History and Its Impact04:51 Interpreting Paul's Letters07:21 African American Biblical Exegesis15:21 Women Interpreters and Equality17:39 Azusa Street and Racial Unity20:07 Frederick Douglass and Modern Relevance

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Tania Harris from God Conversations. Dr. Harris shares insights from her extensive experience in church planting, academia, and leadership training. We discuss the Pentecostal understanding of contemporary revelatory experiences and how it aligns with New Testament teachings. Dr. Harris also addresses common theological concerns, the role of scripture, and the need for proper discernment within the Pentecostal community. Key points include the importance of Jesus' teachings, community validation, and the presence of spiritual signs. Dr. Harris advocates for an intentional approach to training leaders and fostering a culture that embraces the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Harris's resources are available atGodConversations.com.

Show Notes:01:12 Dr. Harris's Background and Work02:11 Exploring Contemporary Revelatory Experiences02:47 Theological Questions and Practical Challenges03:37 Pentecostal Perspectives on Hearing God's Voice05:02 PhD Journey and Protestant Tradition09:14 Prophetic Experiences and the New Covenant12:42 Scripture and the Role of the Holy Spirit17:00 The Gap Between Theology and Practice18:27 The Gift of Scripture and the Spirit's Guidance18:54 The Early Church and the Spirit's Revelations19:46 The Importance of Discernment20:41 Pentecostal Practices and Catholic Traditions21:35 Peter's Vision and the Inclusion of Gentiles22:22 Principles for Discerning God's Voice23:28 The Role of Community in Hearing God24:22 Training and Humility in Discerning God's Voice28:41 Embracing the Spirit's Work in Different Traditions

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Alicia Jackson, an assistant professor of Old Testament at Vanguard University, who specializes in the book of Ezekiel. We explore the concepts of eschatology (end times) and missiology (mission of the church), particularly within the Pentecostal movement. Dr. Jackson explains the inherent eschatological nature of Pentecostalism and the urgency for gospel witness. We discuss the early Pentecostal views, how they evolved, and their implications on modern beliefs, particularly concerning Israel and Palestine. Dr. Jackson emphasizes the importance of keeping a heart for mission and gospel witness, regardless of one's eschatological views. Our conversation also touched on Dr. Jackson's research on Ezekiel and her current work on Israel and Palestine.

Recommended resources:

" Jesus the Spirit Baptizer" by Frank Macchia

"Kingdom Come" by Matthew Thomson

Show Notes:

01:46 Defining Eschatology and Missiology

02:24 Pentecostal Eschatology and Its Implications

07:21 Dispensationalism in Early Pentecostalism

10:23 Israel, Palestine, and Eschatological Views

14:40 Ezekiel's Prophecies and Their Significance