EFCA Theology Podcast

In June 2019, EFCA pastors and church leaders gathered at The Compass Church in Naperville, Illinois, for our biennial EFCA One conference. We gathered under the theme, “Multiplying Disciplemakers.” On this episode of the podcast, we share Pastor Eric Rivera’s message from the conference focusing on Luke 6:40, “Life Change in Disciplemaking.” Eric serves as the lead pastor at The Brook in Chicago, Illinois.

In June 2019, EFCA pastors and church leaders gathered at The Compass Church in Naperville, Illinois, for our biennial EFCA One conference. We gathered under the theme, “Multiplying Disciplemakers.” On this episode of the podcast, we share Pastor Lawrence Scott’s message from the conference focusing on 2 Timothy 2:2, “Life-on-Life Investment in Disciplemaking.” Lawrence serves as the planting and lead pastor at Harvest Point Fellowship Church in Pearland, Texas.

In June 2019, EFCA pastors and church leaders gathered at The Compass Church in Naperville, Illinois, for our biennial EFCA One conference. We gathered under the theme, “Multiplying Disciplemakers.” On this episode of the podcast, we share Pastor Colin Smith’s opening message from the conference focusing on Mark 8:34-38, “Commitment in Disciplemaking.” Colin serves as the senior pastor at The Orchard Evangelical Free Church, with several church sites in the Chicago area.

In February 2019, EFCA pastors and church leaders gathered at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, for the annual Theology Conference. As part of this Conference, there was a luncheon lecture with Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer, entitled, “‘Did You Now Know That I Must Be About My Father’s Business?’: Becoming a Pastor-Theologian.” On this episode of the podcast, we learn from Kevin as he addresses becoming a pastor-theologian by asking and answering five key questions: (1) "Why pastor-theologian?", (2) "Why pastor as public theologian?", (3) "What are the roles of the pastor-theologians?", (4) "How do pastor-theologians make disciples?" and (5) "How can pastors grow into their role as theologians?" Kevin serves as research professor of systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois.

In the fall of 2018, Greg Scharf joined Greg Strand, EFCA executive director of theology and credentialing, to address pastoral ministry and preaching. Greg is uniquely qualified to address these topics having served both as a pastor and professor. Greg has the title of professor emeritus of homiletics at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, having served at TEDS in the pastoral theology department from 1999-2018. Prior to his tenure at TEDS teaching pastors, Greg served as a pastor in the EFCA for almost 20 years. During this time, he mentored interns from TEDS, and he also developed an elder training program for the church. Greg Strand was one of those interns. In part two of this interview, we focus on preaching—preaching as an important aspect of and foundational to pastoral ministry, marks of a good sermon, marks of a good/faithful preacher, lessons for a young preacher, counsel for a seasoned preacher, and recommended resources.

In the fall of 2018, Greg Scharf joined Greg Strand, EFCA executive director of theology and credentialing, to address pastoral ministry and preaching. Greg is uniquely qualified to address these topics having served both as a pastor and professor. Greg has the title of professor emeritus of homiletics at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, having served at TEDS in the pastoral theology department from 1999-2018. Prior to his tenure at TEDS teaching pastors, Greg served as a pastor in the EFCA for almost 20 years. During this time, he mentored interns from TEDS, and he also developed an elder training program for the church. Greg Strand was one of those interns. In part one of this interview, we focus on pastoral ministry—models, training, preparation and the role of seminary, joys and struggles, privileges and pains, needs, challenges and temptations, faithfulness in life for a lifelong ministry.

In February 2019, EFCA pastors and church leaders gathered at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, for the annual Theology Conference. The focus was on the theme, “The Doctrine of Creation: Theological Significance and Implications.” On this episode of the podcast, we share Dr. Michael Wittmer’s concluding message on "The Doctrine of Creation and Human Destiny.” Michael serves as professor of systematic theology and historical theology and director of the Center for Christian Worldview, and Bible, Religion and Ministry, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

In February 2019, EFCA pastors and church leaders gathered at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, for the annual Theology Conference. The focus was on the theme, “The Doctrine of Creation: Theological Significance and Implications.” On this episode of the podcast, we share Dr. Jonathan Moo’s message on the topic “The Doctrine of Creation and Human Stewardship.” Jonathan serves as associate professor of theology at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.

In February 2019, EFCA pastors and church leaders gathered at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, for the annual Theology Conference. The focus was on the theme, “The Doctrine of Creation: Theological Significance and Implications.” On this episode of the podcast, we share Dr. Todd Wilson’s message on the topic “The Doctrine of Creation and Human Sexuality.” Todd serves as co-founder and president of The Center for Pastor Theologians in Oak Park, Illinois.

In February 2019, EFCA pastors and church leaders gathered at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, for the annual Theology Conference. The focus was on the theme, “The Doctrine of Creation: Theological Significance and Implications.” On this episode of the podcast, we share Dr. Paige Comstock Cunningham’s message on the topic “The Doctrine of Creation and Human Dignity.” Paige serves as executive director of The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois.