Theology on Mission

"I'm more apt to catch a bullet than the coronavirus" That is a sentiment Mike has heard repeatedly in his church. What can we learn from populations in America that have lived under constant threats of "coronaviruses" of imminent death? Pastor Joe Mitchell joins Mike and Fitch to discuss how to suffer well during this time. Drawing from eschatology and critiques of the religious marketplace they raise questions for our cultural moment.

These are unprecedented times and an uncertain future for the global church. How is the church to respond with restrictions on gatherings, mass anxiety, and an uncertain future? Fitch and Moore draw from their distinct contexts and discuss this somber moment. They give instructions for how small gatherings can take place in homes Check out Fitch's article on this issue: https://www.missioalliance.org/faithful-presence-during-a-pandemic/ One such idea is a letter to share with neighbors. Here is a sample if you would like to use: Hey neighbors It’s ________ from (address). In light of COVID-19 many of us will have to stay home in isolation and  we want you to have our phone number. If you run out of supplies or need someone to pick up groceries and drop them off at your door we are happy to help out as much as we can. If there is anything else please don’t hesitate to reach out. Sincerely

Studies suggest that around 70-80% of pastors experience depression. For many in the ministry, depression is inevitable. The question isn't, "Will I become depressed?" The question is, "Who will I journey through depression with?" Fitch and Moore discuss their own experience through depression and the key postures and practices for persevering in ministry.

When you gather around the table as the church how should we talk and listen to each other? Fitch proposes three questions to ask around any table fellowship: Are you lonely? Are you angry? Are you lost? Fitch and Moore talk about the need to be embodied around a table on a regular basis amidst a hurried and isolated culture.

We are back for 2020! Fitch and Moore discuss volunteerism and how it encourages and discourages mission for the church. How does volunteering in the community actually hinder the work of the church? And how do we pastor our churches that default to a volunteer mentality? Here are four tips for moving the church from volunteerism: 1) Seek and follow the apostles 2) More than a project this is a social space to participate in 3) This is a space of God's presence that requires prayer 4) This is a rhythm of our lives

Mike's college professor, J. Denny Weaver joins the show to talk about his work on atonement and the crucifixion. Almost 20 years ago Weaver's book, "The Nonviolent Atonement," was published and contributed significantly to Anabaptist interpretations of atonement.

Buckle up friends, we have a special episode for you this week. Two Northern professors, Greg Boyd and Claude Mariottini debate how to interpret the violence in the Old Testament. Fitch guides the conversation through a few Old Testament passages as Boyd and Mariottini discuss how to make sense of violent portrayals of God in the Old Testament in light of Jesus' crucifixion.

This week we welcome back the co-founder of Theology on Mission, Geoff Holsclaw! Geoff recently wrote a response to David Bentley Hart's book on universal salvation. After bantering for a good five minutes Fitch, Moore, and Holsclaw talk about the challenges and hopes of Christian universalism. Geoff Holsclaw is a professor of theology at Northern Seminary and a co-pastor with his wife Cyd at Vineyard Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Geoff and Cyd's forthcoming book "Does God Really Like Me?" is available now for pre-order. They also have a podcast you should check out, "God With Us." A few of the books that are referenced here: That All Shall Be Saved by David Bentley Hart Dare We Hope That All Men Be Saved by Hans Von Balthasar The Evangelical Universalist by Gregory MacDonald

Evangelicals have discovered liturgy and non-denominational kids are becoming sacramental adults! What are we to make of this liturgical turn? Fitch and Mike look at the trends of evangelicals on the "canterbury trail," and offer some considerations for those who have discovered a new love for liturgy. Here are four considerations: 1) Keep it accessible 2) Keep the bible central 3) Keep it cultural engaged 4) Keep pace and order Want to read more about liturgy? May we suggest: -Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail by Robert Webber -Reaching out Without Dumbing Down by Marva Dawn -Liturgical Theology by Simon Chan -The Eucharist: Sacrament of the Kingdom by Alexander Schmemann

The early church distinguished itself from the Roman and Jewish religions by adopting a "third way." Fitch and Moore sit down with historian Jerry Sittser to talk about what we can learn from the ancient church about evangelism, identity, and worship. Jerry Sittser is the author of the recent book, "Resilient Faith: How the Early Christian "Third Way" Changed the World." He is a professor of theology at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, where he also serves as senior fellow and researcher in the Office of Church Engagement.