Theology on Mission

Mike Moore and David Fitch, discuss the post-election landscape following Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. They delve into their reactions to the election outcome, explore the broader implications for the church, politics, and society, and consider how the church should engage in politics moving forward. The conversation includes reflections on the failure of the church to address key societal issues, the challenges faced under the new administration, and calls for the church to become a space of reconciliation and healing. They emphasize the importance of community engagement and the role of the church in addressing cultural and political divides.Timestamps: 00:47 Initial Reactions to the 2024 Election01:39 Personal Reflections and Context04:21 Theological and Sociological Implications05:44 Church's Role in Politics18:01 Cultural Resentment and Antagonism25:51 Call to Action for the Church32:18 Practical Steps for Community Engagement33:09 Addressing Critiques of Local Church Efforts34:01 The Role of the Church in Politics35:36 Post-Christendom Reflections36:59 The Church's Alignment with Political Power38:20 Fragmented Christendom in the U.S.40:57 The Church's Role in Social Movements49:28 Post-Election Reflections and Challenges55:20 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

The good news is bigger and better than we imagined. Is the gospel good news for us today? Many Christians—especially young Christians stepping into a world and a church devastated by division, scandal, and abuse—are asking this question and deciding it simply isn’t. For many, it seems like our faith has little to offer the world around us. Our gospel has become too small—it looks nothing like the Jesus who embodies good news in the flesh.  How do we recover this gospel? When we turn to the parable of the prodigal son—a story of elaborate parties, upside-down kingdoms, and reunited families—we can hear in Jesus’ own words a clear presentation of what he is doing, of a truth that is bigger and better than we’ve imagined. In these pages, author and pastor Jonny Morrison invites us on a journey to help us find ourselves and Jesus in the welcoming arms of this familiar parable, zooming out to show how this story shapes the entire story of Scripture. Along the way we discover the radically inclusive power of the gospel that upends religions, disrupts empires, heals the wounded, and empowers the marginalized. This is, after all, Jesus’ news to tell, and when we truly listen to him tell it, we can be found again in the surprising, disarming, challenging gospel that is truly good news. Timestamps: 02:18 Johnny Morrison's Background03:57 Discussing Prodigal Gospel05:12 The Gospel and Its Implications13:41 Challenges in Communicating the Gospel15:25 The Need for an Entry Point16:17 Metaphors for Articulating the Gospel16:46 The Prodigal Son as a Gospel Metaphor19:03 Personal Stories and the Gospel23:34 Challenges and Reservations26:10 Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations

In this episode of Theology on Mission, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down again with Andy Crouch to dive deeper into the complexities of power in the Christian context. Building on themes from Crouch’s book Playing God, they explore the tension between creative and coercive power, framing the conversation around the story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet. With lively debate and thoughtful reflection, Fitch and Crouch wrestle with authority in the church offering clarity and connection. The episode wraps up with a powerful call to reclaim God's presence and power in the church's practices.Timestamps:01:45 Diving into Power Dynamics05:12 Genesis vs. Jesus: Different Starting Points11:18 The Role of the State and Power24:10 Creative Leadership and Coercion28:47 Understanding Mutual Submission29:08 God's Power vs. Worldly Power29:17 Legal Disputes Among Christians30:56 Jesus' Power and Authority32:22 Debating the Nature of Jesus' Power34:48 Peter's Resistance and Jesus' Response36:18 The Concept of Creative Power42:48 The Role of the Church and Sacraments46:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this engaging conversation, Andy Crouch, a thought leader in culture and theology, discusses the complexities of power in the Christian faith alongside David Fitch. They tackle the challenges facing evangelicalism, emphasizing the need for a theology that embraces creative over coercive power. The duo examines historical narratives of power, contrasting violent myths with the peaceful creativity of Genesis. They also highlight the modern dilemma of navigating technology and materialism, proposing a return to genuine worship and reliance on God.

Listen to The Pastor’s Table on your favorite platform: https://pod.link/1661366136 In a world where we can see the abuses of power everywhere.David Fitch & Mike Moore from The Theology on Mission Podcast join Mark and Tara Beth to discuss power dynamics in the church's life.  Church leaders must discern power and avoid its abuses and traumas. By learning from the church's historical pitfalls, Christians can be empowered to relinquish worldly power and make space for God to disrupt and transform our culture for his kingdom.In this episode they explore the appropriate exercise of power within the church, distinguishing between God's and worldly power, and the importance of mutual submission and humility. The conversation addresses how pastors can discern when they are misusing power and the need for a community and friends to hold them accountable. Timestamps:01:08 Meet the Guests: Dr. Mike Moore and Dr. David Fitch03:35 The Challenge of Power in Pastoral Leadership05:00 Distinguishing God's Power from Worldly Power07:33 Recognizing and Managing Misuse of Power10:45 Spiritual Authority and Mutual Submission26:40 Practical Applications and Organizational Structures33:34 Concluding Thoughts 

Pastors face unexpected challenges all the time.  Tara Beth and Mark talk about the many active struggles of ministry. Antagonism and all sorts of sources have created a polarized world. Often this blows up in the church.  Mark and Tara Beth share their insights from mediating conflicts, understanding underlying issues, and knowing when it might be time to move on from a pastoral role. Pastors foster a reconciling presence as Christ was a reconciling force through his ministry.  Listen to The Pastor’s Table on your favorite platform: https://pod.link/1661366136 Outline: 00:00 Introduction and Banter01:58 Special Guests Introduction04:23 Challenges of Ministry10:01 Antagonism in the Church18:09 Historical Context of Marriage18:49 Modern Affluence and Marriage Dynamics19:56 Pastoral Leadership in Conflict21:56 Understanding Congregational Antagonisms23:18 Modeling Reconciliation in Church29:53 Social Media's Impact on Pastors38:12 Differentiation and Pastoral Identity39:28 When It's Time to Leave41:03 Final Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-Up

Palestine is the birthplace of Christianity.  Despite the generations-long crisis existing between Israel and Palestinian, there are followers of Jesus faithfully living out their faith. David Fitch and Mike Moore sit down with Reverend Jack Sara, President of Bethlehem Bible College and a native Palestinian pastor. They delve into the pressing issues Christians face on the ground in the Gaza crisis and beyond. Pastor Jack shares his deeply personal account of living and ministering in a land torn by conflict, tracing the legacy of Palestinian Christians and their pursuit of peace amidst ongoing violence. From the challenges of navigating daily life under occupation to fostering interfaith understanding and resilience, this conversation sheds light on the work of the kingdom of Jesus in regions afflicted by long-standing hostilities. Listen in as we explore the role of faith, the power of nonviolent reconciliation, and the hope that persists for a better future in Palestine.Learn more about and support the work being done at Bethlehem Bible College at https://bethbc.edu/ Timestamps: 02:32 Pastor Jack's Personal and Family History Amidst Conflict03:06 The Role of Christianity in Palestine's Turbulent Context06:46 Challenges and Hopes for Palestinian Christians16:46 The Impact of Palestinian Christians Beyond Their Numbers22:27 Supporting Palestinian Christians: Insights and Actions38:03 Closing Thoughts and Prayer for Peace

Countless hurdles stand in the way of people encountering the gospel. The religious trauma faced by so many people is clearly one of the largest obstacles to even hearing the gospel.  Charles Kiser and Elanie Heath recover the God of love from the structures of hate that pervade Christian communities in America today. In their new guide, Elanie and Charles work toward bringing this reformation to fruition through ministering specifically to the spiritually traumatized.  Fitch talks with Charles about this new book and how our faith communities can be better attuned to the trauma of others. Start making deeper connections and better cultivate communities of wounded healers.  Learn more the book and connect with Charles at his website:  https://www.charleskiser.com 

Explore the concept of finding freedom through constraint in spiritual disciplines practiced within a Christian community. Jared Patrick Boyd discusses reimagining spiritual practices as a communal way of life, emphasizing the importance of constraints in shaping us into the way of Christ. Learn about the six core practices of constraint that can lead to a greater freedom to love as God loves.

The podcast explores the burden and gift of everyday life, emphasizing the challenges of living with mental illness. It discusses the importance of community support in enduring mental health struggles and the evolving attitudes towards integrating mental health with spirituality in evangelical circles. Alan Noble's insights on 'Getting Out of Bed' provide valuable perspectives for pastors addressing mental health challenges.