Pastors Talk - A podcast by 9Marks

Joshua Schooping, a former Eastern Orthodox priest and author, explains why he left the priesthood and church. He traces his path into Orthodoxy, seminary formation, and the theological concerns that grew there. Conversations cover contested teachings on atonement, councils like the 1672 Jerusalem meeting, disputes over justification language, authority structures, and how to evaluate Orthodox parishes.

Reuben Bredenhof, pastor and author of The Ministry of Small Things, offers a mini bio as a pastor-writer focused on faithful, ordinary pastoral work. He discusses the daily practices of ministry like visitation and prayer. He explores pastoral cynicism, balancing realism with hope, and concrete habits to sustain gospel optimism in ministry.

Larry Lazarus, a pastor and 9Marks contributor, discusses the role and dignity of deacons. He clarifies common misunderstandings, explores Acts 6 as a biblical model, and highlights how visible service protects and frees word ministry. He also reflects on Jesus as the ultimate servant and urges honoring and teaching about deacons.

Larry Lazarus, senior pastor at Chevrolet Baptist Church, briefly shares his calling and pastoral experience. He discusses why teaching a pastor's job description matters for correcting expectations, protecting trust, and clarifying shepherding vs CEO-style leadership. Short takes cover pastoral burdens, the need for meaningful membership, and practical ways members can support leaders.

Mark talks to H.B. Charles Jr. on ministerial calling and how he prepares for preaching.

Mark sits down with H.B. Charles Jr. to talk about his ministerial journey and how God has used him.

Andrew Walker, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute, brings a biblical lens to religious liberty. He outlines a covenantal logic that limits state control over conscience and worship. Conversations cover Romans 13, why non-Christian conscience deserves protection, church–state jurisdictions, and practical Baptist accommodationism for public life.

Matt Rhodes, missionary and author who plants churches among unreached North African peoples. He discusses why persecution is inherent in missions. He describes modern forms of persecution, real stories of kidnapping and loss, and why churches must prepare and theologically form disciples. He explores responses like fleeing, resisting, and the role of government in protecting believers.

On this episode of Pastors Talk, Mark and Jonathan invite Stephen Yuille and Caleb Morell to talk about the writing of John Cotton, focusing on his perspective on Congregationalism.

How should christians think about protests that stop church services?Mark and Jonathan talk about the recent disruption that happened at St. Paul Church.