Episodes

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 calling i...

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 str...

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 instead o...

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 discipl...

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 Sectplay in his work? And what can...

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 journe...

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, to discuss the unique challenges of raising boys in today’s culture. Mark shares how Trail Life USA is equipping the next generation of godly men through Christ-centered, boy-focused outdoor experiences. Together, they explore topics like the importance of adversity, the transformative power of hands-on engagement, and how fathers and mentors can help boys build resilience and discover t...

In this episode, James and Nate welcom Sean McNamara, Chief Sports Officer for FCA. They discuss the ministry of FCA and the expanding arena of sports ministry. Sean talks about the changes he is seeing in the mission field, as well as offering insight into the ongoing importance of Christian coaches and players in taking Christ to the world. If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click her...

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer talks with Dr. Michelle Keener, author of Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors. Together, they discuss how the book of Job provides a framework for understanding trauma, processing suffering, and restoring faith. Michelle shares insights from trauma studies, the therapeutic power of narrative, and how the church can better support those in pain. Whether you're a pastor, counselor, or someone see...

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes back Dr. May Young, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Biblical Studies at Taylor University, to discuss her newly published book, Walking with God Through the Valley: Rediscovering the Purpose of Biblical Lament. Together, they explore the ancient Near Eastern context of lament, its unique role in Scripture, and its relevance for modern Christians. Discover how biblical lament contrasts with the practices of Israel’s ne...

In this episode, James welome Joe Beckler, Vice President of Development, Marketing, and Communications for Christian Business Men's Connection (CBMC). James and Joe discuss the unique work that Chrisitan executives and business men do, as well as the ongoing need for discipleship. They also consider the nature and process of discipleship as they think about how the body of Christ can be a light for the gospel in a fallen world. If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast...

In this episode of Thinking Christian, James and Nate reflect on their deep dive into the intersection of faith and politics throughout 2024 as we look ahead to the presidential inauguration. They explore how Christians can engage in politics while brining politcs under the authority of Christ. From insights on civil religion and Christian nationalism to the problem of making baseless theological assertions this conversation offers a biblical perspective on navigating politics in a broken world....

In this episode, James welcomes Brandon Robbins. Brandon is a pastor and YouTube content creator. James and Brandon discuss his forthcoming book titled The Forgotten Teachings of Jesus, the TV series The Chosen, and the way he thinks about pastoral ministry. Brandon offers encouragement for those who might be "on the fence" about The Chosen noting that he is seeing the show uncover a hunger for deeper biblical study. If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just get...

In this episode, James supplements the previous episode on resolutions that dealt with practical goal-setting tactics with a more robust, theological vision--the beatific vision. He offers some ideas on how to grow closer to God in the new year, as well as encouraging God's people to nest their resolutions in worship and shape them thorugh discipleship. If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making...

This episode is a replay from last year's conversation between James and Richard Beatty about New Year's Resolutions. They discuss how to think about New Year's resolutions from a practical, goal-oriented perspective, as well as how to approach successes and failures. This episode is aimed at offering tips about pursuing behavior change and habit formation. If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-ma...

In this episode, James discusses New Years resolutions through the lens of Psalm 1. He describes the difference between approaching resolutions from the perpective of changing our behaviors or ourselves and positioning ourselves so that God can transform us. He also describes what he'll be doing over the next few episodes. If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click here. You can also fin...

In this episode, Dr. James Spencer discusses the virgin birth and Matthew's use of Isaiah 7:14. Beginning with an analysis of Isaiah 7:14 in its Old Testament context, Dr. Spencer moves on to consider various issues of interpretation before describing how Matthew uses Isaiah 7:14 to point to the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click here. You can also f...

In this episode, James continues his discussion of Luke 1. He deals with the Magnificat and Zecheriah's Prophecy. He also discusses the importance of Christ's coming from the perspective of Old Testament anticipation. If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click here. You can also find more resources at usefultogod.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about a...

In this episode, James begins a short series that will deal with various passages related to Christmas. The announcement of John and Jesus represent the proclamation that God will be doing something new amongst his people. They demonstrate that there is no obstacle too big for God to overcome as he seeks to bring in his kingdom. If you are interested in supporting the Thinking Christian podcast or just getting a unique, seven lesson resource on Christian decision-making, click here. You can al...

In this episode, James and Nate welcome T. J. Jackson, Director of Community Engagement for Life 88.5. They discuss the various ways Life 88.5 works with communities within their listening area to provide food, build relationships, and advance the mission of Life 88.5. To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here. You can fin...

In this episode, James and Nate talk about the need for civility after the election. They consider the various ways Christians can show love for neighbors despite the political polarization in the United States today. To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here. You can also gain additional perspective on the intersection be...

In this episode, James sits down with Dan Jacobsen, grandson of Warren W. Wiersbe. Dan is a pastor and author of a new book titled Becoming New: 100-Days of Transformation through God's Word. Dan talks about the book's origins in some unfinished papers from his grandfather, as well as the similarities and differences between pastoral ministry today and when his grandfather was pastoring. To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics...

In this episode, James sits down with Terry Wildman. Terry is the lead translator of the First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament. Terry and James discuss the current state of minsitry to Native Americans and the process involved in creating the First Nations Version. Terry also shares some passages from the text and describes the approach to the translation and its ongoing impact beyond the Native American population. To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or...

In this episode, James welcomes Dr. Kevin Chen, author of Wonders of Your Law. James and Kevin discuss Kevin's idea of "nexus passages" and their value in understanding the Old Testament, tracing themes, and pulling together a cohesive Old Testament narrative. To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here. You can purchase Kev...