Welcome to the Thinking Chrisitan Podcast

Season 3

June 12, 2025

Paul Hoffman | AI, the Imago Dei, and the Fight for Our Humanity

Is artificial intelligence just a tool — or are we slowly making it a partner in how we think, relate, and even worship? In this episode of Thinking Christian , I sit down with Dr. Paul Hoffman — pastor, theologian, and co-au...

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June 9, 2025

AI, Adolescents, and the Apocalypse? Discerning the Digital Age Witho…

In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Nate Giarratano to unpack the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, a controversial 10-year moratorium on state regulation, and what it means for Ch...

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June 5, 2025

Laura Richter | Formation at the Top: Catholic Healthcare, Mission In…

What does it look like to lead not just with strategy, but with soul? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer speaks with Laura Richter, executive advisor to various healthcare systems, about the quiet revol...

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June 2, 2025

Romney Ruder | Revival Behind Bars: Discipleship, Dignity, and Breaki…

What if the next revival didn’t start in a church... but in a prison? In this episode of Thinking Christian , I sit down with Romney Ruder, President of Lifeline Global Ministries, to explore how God is transforming lives beh...

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May 29, 2025

Ben Matthew | Anxiety, Faith, Fear, and Finding Peace in Christ

Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with Dr. Ben Matthew, professor of clinical counseling, as they explore the complex topic of Christians and anxiety. This insightful discussion delves into biblical per...

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May 26, 2025

Kyle Norman | Finding Jesus When Faith is Hard

Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with special guest Reverend Kyle Norman, author of Alive, Loved and Free: Finding Jesus When Faith Is Hard . In this heartfelt episode, Rev. Norman shares his personal ...

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May 22, 2025

Shane Wood | Encountering Christ in Revelation

Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with Dr. Shane J. Wood, author of Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation . Dive into a unique perspective on Revelation that moves beyon...

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May 19, 2025

Restoring Fallen Leaders: Integrity, Platforms, and the Hidden Cost o…

Why do so many ministry leaders fall—and how should the church respond when they do? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer and co-host Nate Giarratano tackle the complex terrain of restoring leaders who’ve...

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May 15, 2025

Stanley K. Ridgley | DEI and the Challenges of Meritocracy

Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Stanley K. Ridgely, author of "DEI Exposed," for a critical examination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Discover why Dr. Ridgely calls DEI...

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May 5, 2025

Biblical Discernment: How to Identify False Teaching in Today's Church

In this episode of the Thinking Christian Podcast, Dr. James Spencer and Nate Giarratano explore the critical difference between false prophets and false teachers in Scripture. Learn practical biblical discernment tools to ev...

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May 1, 2025

Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave | Worship, Grief, and the Grace of God

This episode features Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave, who shares his remarkable 25-year journey in Christian music ministry. Mike reveals how God has consistently shown up in both celebratory milestones and devastating person...

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April 28, 2025

Lisa Harper | Theology for the Tenderhearted

In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer welcomes Bible teacher, author, and podcaster Lisa Harper for a rich, heartfelt conversation about her new book A Jesus-Shaped Life . Together, they explore how diving...

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April 25, 2025

Join Me in Germany: 2025 Reformation Tour

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 ...

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April 24, 2025

Discipled Men: Rethinking Masculinity Through the Lens of Christ

In this episode, James Spencer and Nate Yertano kick off a series on biblical manhood by asking a foundational question: What does it really mean to be a man under the authority of Christ? Too often, discipleship is confused ...

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April 22, 2025

Gregg Quiggle | False Religion, the Barmen Declaration, and the Fight…

In this episode of Thinking Christian , I’m joined by Dr. Greg Quiggle for a deep dive into one of the most important yet often overlooked documents of the 20th century—the Barmen Declaration. Against the backdrop of Germany’...

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April 21, 2025

Beth Allison Barr | From Pulpit to Parsonage: Gender, Ordination, and…

Historian and author Beth Allison Barr joins Thinking Christian to discuss her latest book, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry . We explore the medieval redefinitions of...

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April 17, 2025

David and Brandon Lindell | Lionhearted Manhood: Leading with Strengt…

In this episode of Thinking Christian , James Spencer is joined by David and Brandon Lindell—pastors at James River Church and authors of Lionhearted: A Man’s Guide to Life . Together, they tackle the complexities of Christia...

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April 15, 2025

Gregg Quiggle | Martin Luther’s Legacy and the Chaos of Freedom: Refo…

Was the Reformation a spark for spiritual renewal—or the start of theological chaos? In this episode of Thinking Christian , I’m joined by Dr. Greg Quiggle to explore the sites and significance of the German Reformation in an...

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April 14, 2025

Join Me in Germany: 2025 Reformation Tour

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 ...

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April 14, 2025

Danny Adams | Faith, Laughter, and Cultural Conversations

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 ...

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April 7, 2025

Keeney Dickenson | Spurgeon, Prayer, and the Power of Preaching

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...

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April 3, 2025

Jeffrey Barbeau | C.S. Lewis, The Last Romantic & Faith in a Post-Chr…

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: ...

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March 31, 2025

Justin and Trisha Davis | Breaking Free from the Messy Middle: One Ch…

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...

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March 28, 2025

Angie Velasquez Thorton | Handling Criticism & Accountability in Chri…

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...

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