Theology On Mission

"To pursue liturgy for our own depths of formation and ignore the cultural engagement of those outside the faith is a luxury of Christendom." --Dave Fitch In this episode we discuss the "post-evangelical" turn towards liturgy and the great joy of celebrating Advent. We contend that Advent is for the formation of Christians and for the purposes of engaging those outside of liturgical traditions of the church. Check out Fitch's article here: https://www.missioalliance.org/advent-for-the-rest-of-us-avoiding-exclusion-welcoming-wonder/

Just in time! On the eve of the election Fitch and Moore describe a 'Third Way' approach to theology of church and culture. Some suggest a 'Third Way' approach is merely a position of privilege that too easily compromises and disengages. This episode corrects those fallacies and outlines how Third Way politics provides a different way of being with Jesus in the world. Show Notes: THIRD WAY POLITICS AND ITS FALLACIES Intro 1.) COMPROMISE? Third Way has often implied compromise- arriving at a solution to the conflict by way of the middle. Although I encourage listening and discerning in the middle of conflict, in no way do I suggest compromise. Instead, I suggest a conflict, when open to God’s presence and working, leads us into a future neither side could imagine within the existing frameworks they are working in – ‘a way beyond’. 2.) DISENGAGEMENT? Third Way has often implied dis-engagement. Although I often encourage refusing to engage a conflictual injustice in the world on the terms dictated by the w

In this episode, Fitch and Moore explore critical theory and what is has to offer the church. The conversation follows Fitch's response to Tim Keller's article on biblical justice and covers an expanse of topics: race, sexuality, ideology, identity politics and more. Here is Fitch's recent article: https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/2020/august/critical-theory-tim-keller-and-david-fitch.html Here is the previous article:https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/2020/august/tim-keller-david-fitch-and-justice.html Tim Keller's article: https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/a-biblical-critique-of-secular-justice-and-critical-theory/

Dave wrote an article at Christianity Today that responded to Tim Keller's recent piece on justice. In this podcast, Fitch and Moore explore how "justice" is up for grabs post-Christendom. They agree with Keller's assessment of the culture, but diverge when it comes to the issue of foundations and posture. (audio volume gets a little funky on Mike's mic during the podcast) Read the pieces below: https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/2020/august/tim-keller-david-fitch-and-justice.html https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/a-biblical-critique-of-secular-justice-and-critical-theory/

Fitch and Moore look at the fundamentalism of evangelicalism in North America and how it has led to the backlash of progressive evangelicalism. They explore the backlashes to purity culture, penal substitutionary atonement, the inerrancy of Scripture, making a decision for Christ, and more. (One note: there is some reverb in Fitch's microphone)

This podcast starts pretty meta: two white men speaking about white men speaking. How should white men position themselves in leading the church? Fitch and Moore suggest the practice of silence, listening, and going to where you are invited, before speaking.

UPDATED: Greg Armstrong joins again to examine the evolution and ideology of the word "racist." The word "racist" has changed from meaning prejudice to including the unconscious systems of white supremacy. Now, drawing from the work of John McWhorter's, we see the third wave that equates the word "racist" equated with subjective feelings. What does this mean for the church as we try to unwind the antagonisms rife in this cultural moment? Here is McWhorter's article:  https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/07/racism-concept-change/594526/

How do we make sense of the protests and riots that have erupted after the murder of George Floyd. Greg Armstrong, Director of Admissions at Northern and pastor of Renew Church (Lombard, IL) joins Mike and Dave as they discuss the church's response to and participation in public demonstrations.

Over the last month, a little theological scuffle has emerged regarding what the "gospel" means. Reformed pastor, Greg Gilbert, criticized Scot Mcknight and Matthew Bates formulations of a "kingship gospel." You can see the articles and conversation below in the links. Here is where Theology on Mission jumps in. What are the social implications of how we define the gospel? How does our atonement influence our posture and practice in the world? Essentially, what difference does the gospel make? Fitch and Moore give a quick review of this theological conversation and explore how our soteriology integrates with the social reality of the church. Greg Gilbert's Sermon: https://www.9marks.org/article/a-t4g-2020-sermon-what-is-and-isnt-the-gospel/ Scot McKnight's Response: https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/2020/april/king-jesus-gospel-mere-kingship-no.html Matthew Bate's Response: https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/2020/april/good-news-are-t4g-tgc-leaders-starting-to-change-their-gosp.

Is video killing the church? This week we invite Geoff Holsclaw on the podcast to discuss church growth in the era of video church. Should we be concerned about falling into attractional modes of worship with the increase of online Sunday worship? Holsclaw critiques missiologists who 1) see this as a church growth moment 2) who see this as setting the church back decades. Rather, he proposes this moment will reveal the church for what it is. These articles provide the backdrop to our conversation. Carey Nieuwhof: https://careynieuwhof.com/half-of-all-churches-are-instantly-growing-heres-why-and-heres-what-to-do/ Michael Frost: https://mikefrost.net/coronavirus-could-set-the-church-back-25-years/

"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.