Episodes

In this special announcement, Dr. James Spencer shares details about the upcoming German Reformation Tour , running from October 30 to November 9, 2025. Explore the theological and political heritage of Germany with stops in Wittenberg, Munich, Nuremberg, and beyond. From the legacy of Martin Luther to the resistance of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this unique tour blends biblical insight, historical depth, and cultural discovery. James will be joined by Reformation expert Dr. Greg Quiggle and political...

What does it take to bring faith-based comedy to life while navigating the ever-changing entertainment industry? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with entertainer and comedian Danny Adams to discuss his journey from gospel music to Hollywood, football stunts, and his latest role in Iggy and Mr. Kirk , a new family-friendly show from Brave Books. Danny shares insights on the power of laughter, the importance of authentic storytelling, and how Christian values can...

Many assume the New Testament canon was the product of centuries of debate and formalization, but what if the need for new scripture was as natural to early Christians as the New Covenant itself? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Levi Baker, Assistant Professor of New Testament at William Tennant Seminary, to explore the formation of the New Testament canon. Together, they challenge the popular scholarly narrative that suggests the canon was a late develop...

In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Keeney Dickenson, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Crockett, Texas, and author of Spurgeon: The Prayer-Powered Pulpit of the Prince of Preachers . They discuss the role of prayer in sermon preparation, Charles Spurgeon’s deep dependence on the Holy Spirit, and how modern pastors can cultivate a preaching ministry that overflows from their personal walk with Christ. Keeney also shares insights from his Prayeradigm Mi...

What made C.S. Lewis such a compelling thinker and writer? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Barbeau, professor of theology at Wheaton College and author of The Last Romantic: C.S. Lewis, English Literature, and Modern Theology . Together, they explore Lewis’s unique ability to blend reason, imagination, and theology—making faith more accessible in a world increasingly skeptical of God. 📖 Topics covered: The influence of Romanticism on Lewis’s sto...

Are you feeling stuck in patterns of hurt, shame, or relational brokenness? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Justin and Trish Davis, authors of One Choice Away from Change and founders of RefineUs Ministries. Together, they explore how small, intentional choices can lead to lasting transformation in our faith, relationships, and personal growth. Key topics include: ✅ Understanding the "messy middle" and why we stay stuck ✅ How hidden wounds and past messages...

In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Angie Velazquez Thornton to discuss the challenges of handling criticism, fostering accountability, and maintaining unity in Christian public ministry. As an experienced writer, podcaster, and ministry leader, Angie shares her insights on navigating online discourse, the importance of local church accountability, and how Christians can engage in constructive dialogue without compromising truth. Key topics include: ✅ Balancing...

In this special announcement, Dr. James Spencer shares details about the upcoming German Reformation Tour , running from October 30 to November 9, 2025. Explore the theological and political heritage of Germany with stops in Wittenberg, Munich, Nuremberg, and beyond. From the legacy of Martin Luther to the resistance of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this unique tour blends biblical insight, historical depth, and cultural discovery. James will be joined by Reformation expert Dr. Greg Quiggle and political...

In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with authors Linson Daniel, Jon Heitbrink, and Eric Rafferty to discuss their new book, Reviving Mission: Awakening to the Everyday Movement of God . Together, they explore how mission and revival are inseparable, why cynicism hinders spiritual growth, and how to recognize and join God’s work in the ordinary moments of life. Drawing from biblical wisdom, personal stories, and practical insights, this conversation will challenge ...

How should Christians think about race and justice five years after George Floyd? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer welcomes back Ed Uszynski, author of Untangling Critical Race Theory , to explore the nuanced realities of race, politics, and faith. They discuss the pendulum swings of political ideologies, the role of the church in fostering biblical justice, and how Christians can engage these conversations with wisdom and discernment. Plus, Ed previews his talk at the E...

Deconstruction is often misunderstood—some see it as a step toward renewal, while others fear it as a path to apostasy. But what if we’re missing the deeper reality? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer talks with Ian Harber, author of Walking Through Deconstruction: How to Be a Companion in a Crisis of Faith . Together, they explore the personal and cultural forces shaping deconstruction, why many in the church respond with fear or animosity, and how we can engage with thos...

In this episode of Thinking Christian , James Spencer and Nate Giarratano take a deep dive into the complexities of meritocracy, systemic sin, and hiring practices. Using personal stories and broader cultural conversations—sparked by a recent presidential speech—they examine whether hiring is ever truly based on merit alone. They explore how networks, relationships, and institutional structures shape hiring decisions, sometimes in ways we fail to recognize. Does meritocracy really exist? How sho...

Can Christians faithfully engage in politics without compromising their convictions? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Jesse Covington, Dr. Brian T. McGraw, and Dr. Micah Watson, co-authors of Hopeful Realism: Evangelical Natural Law and Democratic Politics . Together, they explore how natural law provides a foundation for engaging in the public square while maintaining theological integrity. 📖 Topics Covered: What is natural law, and why should evangelic...

In this episode of Thinking Christian , James and Nate explore the razor-thin line Christian journalism walks between accountability and bearing false witness. Prompted by a controversy at the NRB convention, they discuss the tension between exposing sin and rushing to judgment, the biblical framework for justice and accountability, and the consequences of premature or biased reporting. How should Christians navigate the flood of information in a digital age? What does real accountability look l...

he church is at a crossroads. With rising disaffiliation and declining trust, how can we re-engage the next generation? How do we stop the drift and disciple effectively in today's world? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer welcomes Raymond Chang , Executive Director of 10x10 Collaboration at Fuller Seminary and co-author of Future Focused Church . They explore: 📌 Key Topics: ✅ The "10x10" Initiative: Engaging 10 million young people in faith over 10 years ✅ Why are so many...

Is your work-life balance out of sync? Do you struggle with burnout, workaholism, or feeling like your job defines you? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Ariana Malloy , communication professor at Biola University and author of Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work , to unpack the dangers of job idolatry, the power of Sabbath, and how humility helps us maintain a sustainable calling . Key Topics Covered: ✅ How to recognize when your callin...

As AI and digital technology become more embedded in our daily lives, what does it really mean to be human? Are we losing our sense of identity, community, and embodied faith? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Shane Wood , New Testament professor at Ozark Christian College , to explore how technology is shaping our understanding of humanity, relationships, and discipleship —and what Scripture has to say about it. 📌 Key Discussion Points: ✅ How has AI ch...

Technology and faith often seem like opposing forces, but what happens when a Christian innovator steps into the artificial intelligence space with a mission to transform education? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Mark Naufel, CEO and founder of Axio, an AI company dedicated to reshaping how people learn, grow, and engage with knowledge. Mark shares his personal faith journey, growing up in a Lebanese Christian family and later transitioning into a Protes...

Is your work-life balance out of sync? Do you struggle with burnout, workaholism, or feeling like your job defines you? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Ariana Malloy , communication professor at Biola University and author of Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work , to unpack the dangers of job idolatry, the power of Sabbath, and how humility helps us maintain a sustainable calling . Key Topics Covered: ✅ How to recognize when your callin...

Will artificial intelligence shape the future of Christian discipleship, ministry, and outreach? Chase Capo , leader in AI relationship development for Glue , joins Dr. James Spencer on Thinking Christian to explore how faith-based AI is offering a powerful alternative to mainstream models like ChatGPT. 📌 Key Discussion Topics: ✅ What makes Christian AI different from secular AI? ✅ How AI can help churches disciple more effectively ✅ The danger of AI “built on sand” & why faith-based AI needs st...

s technology shaping us more than we realize ? Are we losing our ability to rest, reflect, and be present ? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Felicia Wu Song , sociologist and author of Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age (InterVarsity Press). They explore how digital technology influences our sense of self , why constant connectivity isn’t neutral , and how Christians can resist being shaped by algorithms ins...

Technology is shaping our world at an unprecedented rate —but how should Christians respond? Are we thoughtfully engaging with the digital world, or are we being shaped by it in ways we don’t even realize? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Derek Schuurman , Professor of Computer Science at Calvin University and author of Shaping a Digital World: Faith, Culture, and Computer Technology . Together, they explore how theology, technology, and Christian disc...

William Wilberforce wasn’t just a politician—he was a man of deep faith who leveraged his influence to fight for abolition, social reform, and gospel-driven cultural transformation. In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Michael Morgan, president of William Tennant Seminary, to explore the life and legacy of Wilberforce. How did Wilberforce’s evangelical convictions shape his mission? What role did his friendships and the Clapham Sect play in his work? And what ca...

In this episode of Thinking Christian , James sits down with Dr. Chris Rappazzini, professor of leadership at Anderson University, author of Moving Forward After Messing Up , and founder of Faithful Steps Forward. James and Chris discuss how leadership serves as a specialized form of discipleship, the tension between cultural adaptation and biblical foundations in leadership theories, and the enduring challenge of learning from our failures. Dr. Rappazzini shares insights from his personal journ...