Theology on Mission

Is it time to refresh the old church planting playbook? In this forward-thinking episode, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down with Dr. Eun K. Strawser to explore how church planting must evolve in a post-COVID world. Drawing on her work with the IWA Collaborative, her leadership at Ma Ke Alo o, and insights from her upcoming book You Were Never Meant to Lead Alone, Eun outlines a vision for leadership that is local, diverse, co-vocational, and built on discipleship, not metrics. 🎙️ In This Episode: Why the old church planting model no longer fits post-pandemic realities The rise of co-vocational, prophetically bent leaders—especially Black, Brown, and women leaders Redefining success: from attendance metrics to neighborhood presence A vision of shared leadership rooted in communal discipleship The emerging partnership between Northern Seminary and IWA Collaborative 📌 Highlights: [00:08:00] What the Eva bird teaches us about leadership and local nesting [00:13:00] Co-vocational leadership and the shift away from big-budget, parachute church plants [00:22:00] How prophetic, local leaders are already planting churches—whether they call it that or not [00:29:00] Eun’s forthcoming book: You Were Never Meant to Lead Alone (pre-order available soon) [00:33:00] Five pillars of the new church planting initiative: Centering Discipleship (book link) Intercultural Dynamics Sharing Leadership Pastoring Co-Vocationally Exegeting Neighborhoods 💡 Takeaway: Church planting isn’t dead—it’s just waking up to a new imagination. The future belongs to grounded leaders who know their neighborhood, share power, center discipleship, and stop disqualifying themselves from God’s call. 📖 Resources Mentioned: Centering Discipleship by Eun K. Strawser (IVP) Eun’s upcoming book You Were Never Meant to Lead Alone (Fall 2024 – Preorder link coming soon) Northern Seminary Church Planting Initiative IWA Collaborative Lawndale Christian Community Church Christian Community Development Association (CCDA)

What happens when expository preaching meets jazz improvisation? In this musical and moving conversation, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore welcome Mark Glanville, pastor, jazz pianist, and author of Preaching in a New Key, to explore how preaching can meet the needs of post-Christian communities. From shifting cultural landscapes to the crisis of plausibility in faith, this episode unpacks how the preacher’s voice, imagination, and presence can open up space for beauty, belonging, and belief. 🎙️ In This Episode: Why a 1970s preaching manual is still #1 on Amazon—and why that’s a problem What a “crisis of plausibility” means for modern preaching Why Scripture must be heard as a communal word, not just an individual one How preaching can surprise people into faith through beauty and truth What jazz, blues, and the Psalms can teach us about crafting sermons today 📌 Highlights: [00:07:00] Faith in a post-Christian city: what’s changed since the Bible-under-the-arm days [00:13:00] The power of preaching to restore trust in Scripture [00:22:00] From “you” to “we”: how preaching shapes the beloved community [00:36:00] Why preaching from your humanity is not optional—it’s essential [00:39:00] Blues as a metaphor for the church: grief, joy, and solidarity 💡 Takeaway: Preaching today is less about having the right answers and more about being fully present—bringing Scripture to life with the imagination, lyricism, and beauty that awakens faith. In a culture suspicious of authority, the ironic authority of wisdom is what opens hearts.

What does real resistance to an unjust state look like—and can the church still embody it today? In this episode, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down with Bonhoeffer scholar Michael DeJonge to explore the famed theologian’s approach to resisting authoritarian power. Drawing from his article How to Resist an Unjust State and his books on Bonhoeffer's theology, DeJonge unpacks the Lutheran roots of Bonhoeffer’s political vision and why his legacy resists easy appropriation in today’s culture wars. 📖 Suggested Resources: How to resist an unjust state? Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his theology of political resistance Bonhoeffer on Resistance: The Word Against the Wheel Bonhoeffer's Theological Formation: Berlin, Barth, and Protestant Theology 🎙️ In This Episode: The historical truth behind Bonhoeffer’s involvement in plots to resist Hitler Why Bonhoeffer’s theology of resistance goes far beyond assassination debates A deep dive into Lutheran two-kingdom theology—and how Bonhoeffer revised it How the church can speak into state injustice without being co-opted by political power Lessons for resisting both passivity and polarization in today’s divided landscape 📌 Highlights: [00:08:00] Did Bonhoeffer support violence? His participation in anti-Nazi plots clarified [00:14:00] Bonhoeffer’s “authentically Lutheran” resistance—and why it still matters [00:27:00] Evangelicals, Trump, and the preservation/redemption split—dangerous echoes [00:38:00] The meaning behind “jamming a spoke in the wheel” [00:44:00] From preaching to presence: Why Bonhoeffer built community to resist 💡 Takeaway: Bonhoeffer’s legacy isn’t about mimicking the past but learning how to discern our moment. Resistance begins not with outrage but with the church being the church—formed, faithful, and ready to speak a word against injustice when the time demands it.

Is leaving evangelicalism really a departure—or just a shift within the same framework? In this provocative episode, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore wrestle with the deep similarities between evangelical and post-evangelical spaces. Are we just switching teams while playing the same game? From the role of the self in faith to justice work and power structures, they explore what truly changes (and what doesn’t) when people move from white evangelicalism to progressive or mainline Protestant spaces. 🎙️ In This Episode: Why leaving evangelicalism doesn’t necessarily mean leaving evangelical ways of thinking. The modern self: how both fundamentalist and progressive Christianity center personal identity. Justice as something we do vs. justice as something Jesus is doing. The trap of power: why both evangelicals and progressives wield authority in similar ways. How a neo-Anabaptist vision could reshape discipleship and engagement with culture. 📌 Highlights: [00:05:00] Does moving from evangelical to post-evangelical really change anything? [00:13:00] How both camps center faith around the individual self. [00:21:00] Justice work: Are we doing it for people or with people? [00:32:00] Power dynamics: Why both evangelicals and progressives assume an expert posture. [00:37:00] A vision beyond the binaries: toward a new way of being the church. 💡 Takeaway: Shifting theological or political stances doesn’t automatically transform the way we engage culture, power, and justice. Without rethinking the self, mission, and power dynamics, we risk reinforcing the very systems we hoped to escape.

Is our understanding of salvation too small? In this thought-provoking episode, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down with Matthew Bates, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary and author of Beyond the Salvation Wars, to challenge long-held assumptions about the gospel. From the pitfalls of individualistic salvation to the deeper call of allegiance to King Jesus, they explore what it truly means to be saved—and why both Protestants and Catholics need to rethink their approach. 🎙️ In This Episode: Why reducing the gospel to “justification by faith” misses the bigger picture. How allegiance to Jesus reshapes our understanding of salvation. The problem with both evangelical and progressive approaches to discipleship. Why the Gospel Coalition and the Catholic Church might have more in common than we think. How pastors can cultivate a Gospel Allegiance Culture in their churches. 📌 Highlights: [00:04:00] The problem with how Protestants and Catholics frame salvation. [00:12:00] Justification as a benefit of the gospel, not the gospel itself. [00:19:00] Rethinking righteousness: Imputed, imparted, or incorporated? [00:27:00] Why spiritual disciplines should be allegiance opportunities. [00:32:00] The danger of reducing faith to “try harder and do better.” 💡 Takeaway: The gospel isn’t just about avoiding hell or doing justice—it’s about swearing allegiance to King Jesus and being swept up in his mission for the world. When we move beyond an individualistic, works-based mindset, we discover a deeper, more holistic understanding of salvation. 📖 Additional Reflection: What would change in your life if you saw faith not as belief or effort, but as allegiance to Jesus? Let us know your thoughts!

What if the way forward in our polarized world begins at the table?  In this compelling episode, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down with Dan White Jr., author of Love Over Fear, to discuss the art of engaging in difficult conversations. They explore how compassion, curiosity, and a theology of the table can heal divisions in our churches, neighborhoods, and beyond. 🎙️ In This Episode: Dan White Jr. shares how the Kineo Center equips weary leaders to find healing. The four transformative practices for depolarized conversations. Stories of profound breakthroughs during “depolarization dinners.” How Jesus’ table practices challenge the powers of polarization and invite kingdom living. 📌 Highlights: [00:05:00] Dan introduces the Kineo Center as a space for healing weary leaders. [00:12:34] The Power of Conversation in Polarized Times [00:17:00] The origins of Love Over Fear: lessons from a politically divided church. [00:29:00] Four practices for depolarized conversations, including compassionate curiosity and subversive stories. [00:29:33] Techniques for Depolarization [00:41:00] A theology of the table: how Jesus confounds the powers of polarization. 💡 Takeaway: The practice of kingdom living starts at the table, where power shifts from winning arguments to mutual transformation. In a polarized world, Christians are called to disrupt division and embody Christ's love through listening, storytelling, and trust in God’s presence. 📖 Additional Reflection: How can you use the table as a space for transformation and reconciliation in your community?

What happens when revivalist faith meets political power?   In this episode of Theology on Mission, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down with scholar Matthew D. Taylor to uncover the startling rise of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)—a movement reshaping the landscape of evangelical Christianity and American politics. Taylor reveals how this influential network of apostles and prophets has grown from obscure beginnings to a force wielding colossal sway, intertwining charismatic zeal with far-right rhetoric. From the Seven Mountains Mandate to the dramatic spiritual warfare on January 6, this conversation peels back the layers on how NAR’s vision of Christian supremacy is impacting both the church and democracy. Brace yourself for a deep dive into the movement's roots, its rapid ascent, and what it means for the future of faith and public life. Timestamps:  01:49 Introducing Northern Seminary's New President 04:17 Meet Our Esteemed Guest: Dr. Matthew Taylor 05:49 The Violent Take It By Force: Book Overview 07:50 The New Apostolic Reformation and January 6th 09:24 C. Peter Wagner: The Man Behind the Movement 12:23 Signs, Wonders, and Church Growth 17:51 Strategic Level Spiritual Warfare 20:19 Theological Implications and Controversies 23:11 The Rise of Pragmatic Theology 24:11 From Fringe to Mainstream: The Evolution of NAR 26:16 The Seven Mountain Mandate 27:32 Sarah Palin and the NAR's Political Ambitions 28:10 Donald Trump: The Anointed One 30:57 The Theology of Christian Trumpism 32:02 The January 6th Insurrection 34:35 Theological Reflections and Critiques 38:11 Christian Supremacy vs. Democracy 44:44 Cultural Resentment and Conservative Christians 48:54 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

What is the deepest emphasis of the prophets in the Bible?   Prophets beyond Activism insightfully challenges the common progressive narrative that the prophets of ancient Israel were primarily concerned with social justice. Instead it daringly offers more life-giving ways of engaging the prophetic books for the causes of justice. The assumption that the prophets of ancient Israel were primarily concerned with social justice so permeates the thinking and the discourse of progressive Christianity that it might be considered an interpretive orthodoxy. For example, progressives characterize prophets as those who speak truth to power and “prophetic preaching” as social critique. Yet, they often do so without explanation or consideration of alternative views. Timestamps:   01:54 Introducing Dr. Julia O'Brien 03:05 Prophets as Activists Orthodoxy 09:06 Biblical Ventriloquism and Social Justice 13:46 Challenges of Interpreting Prophetic Texts 20:14 The Role of Prophets in Modern Social Justice 45:37 Concluding Thoughts and Final Remarks

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 Election 01:39 Personal Reflections and Context 04:21 Theological and Sociological Implications 05:44 Church's Role in Politics 18:01 Cultural Resentment and Antagonism 25:51 Call to Action for the Church 32:18 Practical Steps for Community Engagement 33:09 Addressing Critiques of Local Church Efforts 34:01 The Role of the Church in Politics 35:36 Post-Christendom Reflections 36:59 The Church's Alignment with Political Power 38:20 Fragmented Christendom in the U.S. 40:57 The Church's Role in Social Movements 49:28 Post-Election Reflections and Challenges 55:20 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 Background 03:57 Discussing Prodigal Gospel 05:12 The Gospel and Its Implications 13:41 Challenges in Communicating the Gospel 15:25 The Need for an Entry Point 16:17 Metaphors for Articulating the Gospel 16:46 The Prodigal Son as a Gospel Metaphor 19:03 Personal Stories and the Gospel 23:34 Challenges and Reservations 26:10 Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations

We live in a culture that wants it all. More is seen as better—whether it’s more money, social media fame, choices, or power. For those chasing this way of life, “narrow” seems negative. Who wants to narrow their options . . . or be seen as narrow-minded? Jesus’ way is subversive and narrow. Yet, there is no more meaningful way to live.   Mike and Fitch are joined by Rich Villodas, lead pastor of New Life Fellowship and author of 'The Narrow Path'. Rich shares insights from his book, which challenges cultural norms and highlights the paradox of the narrow yet spacious path defined by Jesus. The conversation delves into the integration of spiritual formation with justice, community care, and the multifaceted role of therapy within Christian life. There are unquestionable communal aspects of spiritual practices like Sabbath and lament. Gain practical guidance on navigating anger and fostering deep, healing relationships within faith communities. Rich’s personal experiences in a multi-ethnic congregation in Queens, NY, enrich the dialogue, making it a compelling listen for those looking to deepen their spiritual journey while resisting societal pressures. Get your copy of The Narrow Path: https://amzn.to/4hgUdlk Timestamps:  02:58 Rich Villodas on Singing in Sermons 04:05 Discussing 'The Narrow Path' 05:04 Countercultural Spiritual Formation 05:47 Unexpected Happiness and Therapy 14:19 Sabbath and Community 21:55 Understanding Anger and Resentment 23:18 Normalizing Anger in the Church 24:43 Formation and Community 25:18 Confession and Vulnerability 25:36 The Role of Community in Healing 27:52 Weekly Confession Practice 28:56 The Importance of Vulnerable Community 31:18 Exploring Emotions with Theology 33:01 Final Thoughts on Spiritual Practices 38:56 Challenges of Multi-Ethnic Ministry

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 Dynamics 05:12 Genesis vs. Jesus: Different Starting Points 11:18 The Role of the State and Power 24:10 Creative Leadership and Coercion 28:47 Understanding Mutual Submission 29:08 God's Power vs. Worldly Power 29:17 Legal Disputes Among Christians 30:56 Jesus' Power and Authority 32:22 Debating the Nature of Jesus' Power 34:48 Peter's Resistance and Jesus' Response 36:18 The Concept of Creative Power 42:48 The Role of the Church and Sacraments 46:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections

How does God want His people to deal with power?  Andy Crouch & David Fitch have nuanced ways in which they see God’s invitation to embrace and use power in the world.   The discussion explores topics such as coercive versus creative power, idolatry and injustice, and the pervasive influence of systems like Mammon in modern Christian thought. This candid conversation over the implications of using power in the name of God. From the Genesis narrative and historical stances on ecclesiastical power.  This deep dive aims to unpack the complexities of wielding power within Christendom, ultimately emphasizing a return to true worship and dependence on God as a solution. Timestamps:  01:36 Introducing Andy Crouch 02:28 Andy Crouch's Journey and Work 03:56 The Crisis in Evangelicalism 05:20 The Theology of Power 10:55 The Creative and Coercive Power 20:02 The Problem of Magic and Mammon 23:54 Introduction to Power Distortion 24:40 Summarizing the Issues of Power 25:23 The Two Powers and Their Origins 26:09 Critique of Andy Crouch's Views 27:02 The Problem with Blurring Powers 29:27 Andy Crouch's Response 34:26 The Role of Coercion in Power 39:00 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps

There is a critical need for church leaders to engage with cultural issues.  In the Season 10 opener of the Theology on Mission podcast, hosts Dave Fitch and Mike Moore reflect on the shifting role of intellectual leadership during transitional times for the church.  It is important to integrate theological reflection with the practical struggles of everyday ministry. The conversation explores the changing dynamics within Christian education, the decline in church attendance, and the evolving landscape of moral and ethical engagement in a post-Christendom society.  Timestamps:  03:33 Theology on Mission: Engaging Culture 04:01 The Role of Organic Intellectuals 06:57 Challenges Facing the Church and Education 08:08 Cultural Shifts and Church Responses 10:31 The Need for Organic Intellectuals in Ministry 23:43 Training and Developing Organic Theologians 31:22 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

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 Fitch 03:35 The Challenge of Power in Pastoral Leadership 05:00 Distinguishing God's Power from Worldly Power 07:33 Recognizing and Managing Misuse of Power 10:45 Spiritual Authority and Mutual Submission 26:40 Practical Applications and Organizational Structures 33:34 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 Banter 01:58 Special Guests Introduction 04:23 Challenges of Ministry 10:01 Antagonism in the Church 18:09 Historical Context of Marriage 18:49 Modern Affluence and Marriage Dynamics 19:56 Pastoral Leadership in Conflict 21:56 Understanding Congregational Antagonisms 23:18 Modeling Reconciliation in Church 29:53 Social Media's Impact on Pastors 38:12 Differentiation and Pastoral Identity 39:28 When It's Time to Leave 41:03 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 Conflict 03:06 The Role of Christianity in Palestine's Turbulent Context 06:46 Challenges and Hopes for Palestinian Christians 16:46 The Impact of Palestinian Christians Beyond Their Numbers 22:27 Supporting Palestinian Christians: Insights and Actions 38:03 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 

The constraints of the spiritual life, practiced in the community, are what set us free. Practicing spiritual disciplines can seem difficult, especially when we undertake them as isolated individuals. But we were never meant to practice them alone. Jared Patrick Boyd reveals how the constraints practiced in Christian community shape us into the way of Christ. He re-anchors the practices of constraint within the ascetic tradition of monasticism, religious orders, and the early church fathers. Boyd writes, "The constraints of a rule of life are what make life together, lived for one another, possible. A rule of life is not meant to be primarily personal, but communal. It's not primarily meant to guide my life. It is meant to describe our way of life together." Constraint is the practice of learning to pay deeper attention to the things in our inner world that prevent us from progressing in the school of love. Discover a deep conversation on freedom and constraint with six core practices of constraint that can form in us a greater freedom to be and become people who love as God loves. Enter into this vision with your local community (in small groups, church leadership teams, or families), and learn to make greater room to experience the love of God. Grab your copy of Finding Freedom in Constraint: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Freedom-Constraint-Reimagining-Disciplines/dp/1514004313

We aren't always honest about how difficult normal human life is. For the majority of people, sorrow, despair, anxiety, and mental illness are everyday experiences. While we have made tremendous advancements in therapy and psychiatry, the burden of living still comes down to mundane choices that we each must make―like the daily choice to get out of bed. In this deeply personal essay, Alan Noble considers the unique burden of everyday life in the modern world. Sometimes, he writes, the choice to carry on amid great suffering―to simply get out of bed―is itself a powerful witness to the goodness of life, and of God. Purchase Your Copy of On Getting Out of Bed: https://www.ivpress.com/on-getting-out-of-bed