What is a Gospel Centered-Church and Why Do We Need One?
The Gospel affects the entire life of a believer, and the same is true for a body of believers that comprise a local church. Churches, and all that they do, should have a particular Gospel focus. From the preaching to the polity, everything should be intentionally centered on the Gospel. The purpose of this short […]
Theological Rest with Books: On Taking Reading Days Each Year
Before I became the lead pastor of my church, I stumbled onto an idea that quietly reshaped my approach to ministry. It came from two very different voices: Bill Gates and Michael Reeves. Gates, the tech giant, famously takes one or two weeks a year to retreat to his secluded cabin on a lake and […]
Episode 322: Patriotism
An American and a Scotsman walk into a podcast studio . . . It’s not just the start of an obscure joke; it’s the start of this conversation about patriotism. Is it a sin? Is it biblical? How should Christians think through national patriotism in a way that still maintains their allegiance to God above all?
Five Keys to Applying for a Ministry Job
If we really believe that the Lord is sovereign and has a plan and purpose for our lives, we can trust Him with the timing of our next ministry assignment.
Episode 306: Conspiracy Theories
JFK. 9/11. QAnon. Lizard people? This week, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss conspiracy theories! Why do they attract? What’s the fascination? Are they all bunk? And how should Christians think about them?
Ep 12: Recreation
The Lord has made us not simply to work, but to play. He has given us talents and taste buds, interests and abilities, wonder and “wirings”—all to help us enjoy his common grace and glorify him in that enjoyment. But how do we devote good time to hobbies and interests without feeling guilty, or letting them overrule our life? In this episode, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin have a lively conversation about the surprising wisdom practice of recreation.
Episode 294: FTC Mailbag
It’s another installment in the FTC Mailbag feature, where Jared and Ross answer listener-submitted questions. This week’s topics include evangelizing the comfortable, the difference between preaching and teaching, leaving churches with shallow preaching, divisive church members, chemistry on the elder board, and the structure of pastoral residencies.
Episode 10: Exercise
Paul said bodily exercise matters (though not as much as spiritual formation). But how can we incorporate a healthy practice of physical exercise into our lives in ways that actually affect our spiritual and emotional health? What is the purpose of regular exercise beyond concerns about body image or losing weight? How do we find the right balance? Or find time to exercise at all? In this episode, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin talk about our bodies as a stewardship from God and how commitment to regular exercise is a practice of wisdom.
Episode 5: Sabbath
Most pastors fall into a pattern of overwork. Why is that? And how does sabbath set us free from worldly metrics of productivity? In this episode, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin explore the wisdom practice of guilt-free rest and “fasting” from being needed.
Episode 277: How to Go to Church
Are you a late to church arriver? Are you a sleep in service attender? Are you a size everybody up fellowshiper? On this episode of the FTC Pod, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the practical, dispositional, and spiritual considerations we should all make in preparing for church — everything from the logistics to getting there on time to the attitude of graciousness towards those worshiping alongside us.