Podcast
The Pastor Theologians Podcast
Hosted by The Center for Pastor Theologians · EN
A theology podcast for the church. The pastor theologians podcast consists of conversations and teaching resources at the intersection of theological scholarship and life and ministry in the local church. The vision for this show is to help equip pastors to be theologians for today’s complex world.
34episodes
Episodes
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BONUS | Joel and Steve on CPT's One-Year Cohorts
3d ago00:15:37Tap to summarizeIn this short bonus episode, Joel Lawrence and Steve Williamson introduce the Center for Pastor Theologians' two new one-year cohorts, exploring how they equip pastors and ministry leaders through theological formation, rich discussion, and practical reflection on the church, pastoral identity, and the theology of work. Join a CPT Cohort Program
Transcribe →REPLAY: Keep Careful Watch on Your Life | JIM SAMRA
6d ago00:55:01Tap to summarizeIn this Summer Replay episode of the Preaching and the Pastor Theologian series, Joel Lawrence and Matt Kim sit down with Jim Samra, senior pastor of Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to explore the vital connection between a pastor's inner life and faithful preaching. Drawing from 1 Timothy 4:16, Samra reflects on what it means to "keep careful watch" over both life and doctrine, arguing that preaching flows not simply from sound preparation but from a deep, ongoing relationship with God. He shares practical rhythms of prayer, fasting, accountability, and sermon preparation that have shaped his ministry over two decades, emphasizing the preacher's role as a conduit through whom God speaks to his people. The conversation also examines how pastors can cultivate churches that are attentive to God's voice, the role of spiritual gifts in ministry, and the importance of addressing past wounds and unhealthy patterns that can hinder a congregation's spiritual life. Samra offers thoughtful reflections on pastoral leadership, holiness, and the Spirit's work in preaching, encouraging pastors to pursue lives that faithfully embody the message they proclaim. Join a CPT Cohort Program Attend the 2026 CPT Conference
Transcribe →BONUS | Matthew Kim on Books and Preaching
1w ago00:09:44Tap to summarizeIn this short, bonus episode of the CPT Podcast, we talk with Matthew Kim about a preaching resource that has profoundly shaped his ministry—Preaching as Reminding: Stirring Memory in an Age of Forgetfulness by Jeff Arthurs. Kim explains how the book reframes preaching as the faithful task of reminding people of what God has already said, rather than striving for novelty or cleverness. He also shares a practical sermon preparation habit—writing each sermon with one specific person in mind—which helps him communicate clearly to both mature believers and newcomers while trusting the Holy Spirit to apply God's Word to the entire congregation. Join a CPT Cohort Program
Transcribe →Becoming a Friendlier Church | Matthew Kim
2w ago00:35:26Tap to summarizeWhat makes a church feel truly welcoming? In this episode of the CPT Podcast, we welcome one of CPT's Senior Fellows, Dr. Matthew Kim, to discuss his new book, Becoming a Friendlier Church: A Pathway to Genuine Community. Drawing from years of ministry, teaching, and personal experiences visiting churches around the world, Matt explores why many congregations unintentionally create barriers for newcomers and how pastors can foster a culture of authentic hospitality. The conversation examines five common obstacles to church friendliness—including insularity, apathy, busyness, comfort, and prejudice—and offers practical, discipleship-centered practices to help churches become places where people experience belonging from the moment they arrive. Matt also reflects on the pastor's role in shaping church culture, the connection between preaching and hospitality, and why becoming a friendlier church is ultimately part of making faithful disciples of Jesus. Join a CPT Cohort Program Attend the 2026 CPT Conference
Transcribe →BONUS | Heather Joy Zimmerman on Preaching Resources
2w ago00:11:34Tap to summarizeHeather Joy Zimmerman shares why the Evangelical Homiletics Society has been one of the most formative influences on her preaching ministry. She discusses the value of a scholarly community devoted to expository preaching, opportunities for pastors and students to grow as preachers, and how meaningful relationships and collaboration can sharpen faithful proclamation of God's Word. Join a CPT Cohort Program
Transcribe →Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Heather Joy Zimmerman
3w ago00:46:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Pastor Theologians Podcast, we invite Heather Joy Zimmerman, a member of CPT's St Irenaeus fellowship, to share how profound personal suffering shaped both her faith and her calling. Reflecting on the loss of a close friend, her father's battle with cancer, and her journey through lament, Heather explains how God used Scripture—especially Romans 8 and the Psalms—to deepen her understanding of God's goodness and inspire a lifelong passion for helping others faithfully navigate suffering. Heather also traces her path from Moody Bible Institute to Dallas Theological Seminary and Wheaton College, where her academic work on the Psalms of lament and preaching emerged from her own spiritual journey. She discusses her passion for theological education, forming faithful preachers, and bridging the gap between the academy and the local church. The conversation offers a compelling vision of the Pastor Theologian—one whose scholarship is rooted in personal faith, pastoral ministry, and a deep love for Christ and his people.Join a CPT Cohort Program Attend the 2026 CPT Conference
Transcribe →Men of Virtue | Zachary Wagner
4w ago00:51:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Pastor Theologians podcast, we welcome one of our own, Zach Wagner, to discuss his new book, Men of Virtue: How the Fruit of the Spirit Forms Male Character in the Modern World. Zach reflects on his decade of ministry with CPT, his transition into a new season, and the journey behind writing a book that reframes conversations about masculinity through the lens of Christian virtue.Rather than focusing on cultural ideals of manhood, Zach explores how the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control—forms a distinctly Christian vision of male character. The conversation examines the modern crisis of meaning, competing narratives around masculinity, and how following Jesus challenges both the denigration and idolization of masculine identity.Join a CPT Cohort Program Attend the 2026 CPT Conference
Transcribe →BONUS | Jeff Hubing on Books and Preaching
Jul 800:17:19Tap to summarizeIn this short bonus episode of the Pastor Theologians podcast, Jeff Hubing discusses preaching within the context of his network of house churches. He explains that pastoral leadership is not simply about delivering sermons but about equipping and empowering the whole church to participate in ministry. Jeff recommends Robert Banks’ Paul’s Idea of Community and Gordon Fee’s Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God as influential resources that shape his vision of church leadership, community, and Spirit-led ministry. Join a CPT Cohort Program
Transcribe →Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Jeff Hubing
Jul 600:55:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Pastor Theologians podcast, we invite Jeff Hubing to share his journey into pastoral ministry, shaped by personal tragedy, a deep love for Scripture, and a desire to connect theology with everyday life. He reflects on how his father’s faith influenced his calling, his theological studies, and his work leading a network of house churches in Chicago. Jeff discusses a vision of church leadership centered on family, discipleship, and raising up others—not simply gathering crowds, but equipping and releasing people for the work of ministry.Join a CPT Cohort Program Attend the 2026 CPT Conference
Transcribe →BONUS | Ben Espinoza on Books and Preaching
Jul 100:12:45Tap to summarizeIn this short bonus episode of the Pastor Theologians podcast, Ben Espinoza shares the preaching resources that have shaped his ministry, highlighting John Stott’s Between Two Worlds and Haddon Robinson’s work on expository preaching. He discusses the importance of bridging Scripture and culture, understanding the world of the Bible alongside the world of today. Ben also reflects on how his Wesleyan theological journey has shaped his preaching through an emphasis on grace, dialogue, and engaging people where they are. Join a CPT Cohort Program
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