Deep Roots

Oak Hill College
  • 5.0 (10)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • MONTHLY

Join Oak Hill College each month for engaging conversations with lecturers and a variety of guests which help you build deep roots to thrive in ministry and see the church flourish.

  1. The Mission of God

    3 DAYS AGO

    The Mission of God

    What if mission isn’t just one theme in the Bible — but the very framework that holds the whole story together? In this episode of Oak Hill College’s Deep Roots Podcast, Chris Howles is joined by Revd Dr Christopher J. H. Wright, one of the world’s leading Old Testament scholars and a key voice in global mission theology. Together, they explore what it means to read Scripture through a missional lens — seeing the Bible not as a collection of disconnected texts, but as the unfolding story of the God who is on mission to redeem the world. Chris Wright reflects on the newly released second edition of The Mission of God, first published 20 years ago and now widely used as a core text in theological education around the world. He explains why mission is not something the church does occasionally, but something the church is, and why every Christian is called to participate in God’s purposes — wherever they are. From Luke 24 to Genesis, from Israel’s calling to the Great Commission, this conversation offers deep biblical insight alongside practical wisdom for pastors, leaders, students, and anyone who wants their life to count within God’s great story. Whether you preach, teach, lead, or simply read the Bible devotionally, this episode will reshape how you see Scripture — and your place within it. 🎙️ In This Episode What it means to read the Bible as one unified mission storyWhy mission is not just an activity but the reason the church existsA missional reading of Luke 24 and the Old TestamentHow pastors and churches can move beyond a once-a-year “mission Sunday”Key updates in the second edition of The Mission of GodWhy every Christian is a “mission partner” — wherever they live and work👤 About the Guest: Chris Wright Revd Dr Christopher J. H. Wright is an Old Testament scholar, author, and international ambassador for Langham Partnership, a global ministry founded by John Stott to equip church leaders in the Majority World through theological education, preaching, and literature. He has taught in India and the UK, served at All Nations Christian College, and written extensively on mission, Scripture, and biblical theology. 📚 Featured Books The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative (2nd Edition)The Great Story and the Great CommissionNumerous other works on biblical theology, mission, and ethics🔗 Helpful Links 🌍 Langham Partnership: https://langham.org📖 Chris Wright’s website (books, sermons, articles): https://christopherjwright.com🎓 Oak Hill College: https://www.oakhill.ac.uk #DeepRootsPodcast #ChristianPodcast #BibleAndMission #MissionalChurch #BiblicalTheology

    37 min
  2. Learning From Liberation Theology

    08/12/2025

    Learning From Liberation Theology

    In this episode of Deep Roots, the podcast from Oak Hill College, Jonny Reid, Director of Engagement at Oak Hill College and church elder in Oxfordshire, speaks with Luke Foster, Tutor in Doctrine and Church History. They explore liberation theology through the lens of Luke’s personal story—growing up in the Roman Catholic cultural context of the Philippines, serving the Anglican church in Chile, and researching the theology of Gustavo Gutierrez. Luke explains that liberation theology is not simply a “social gospel,” but at its heart a theological response to inhumanity—asking how we speak of God as Father to people who haven’t even been told they are persons. Jonny and Luke discuss how to engage other theological traditions wisely with grace, confidence, and discernment. The conversation highlights: The resonant pastoral question at the heart of liberation theology Concerns about continuity between nature and grace The distinctive Christology of the Protestant Reformed tradition Why modern theology still matters for churches today A thoughtful, warm, and robust discussion on theology, gospel proclamation, culture, and pastoral care. 🎓 Want more from Luke Foster? Check out his book club in January on the Beatific Vision and the book To Gaze Upon God. https://www.oakhill.ac.uk/our-courses/short-courses/to-gaze-upon-god 📖 Explore courses and training at Oak Hill College. https://www.oakhill.ac.uk/our-courses 0:00 – Opening Moment & Podcast Introduction 1:30 – Luke’s Personal Story & Journey into Liberation Theology 6:00 – The Historical & Cultural Context of Liberation Theology 12:30 – Liberation Theology: Core Question Beyond the Stereotypes 18:30 – Gutierrez’s Answer & Catholic Theological Paradigm 25:00 – Theological Concerns & Instability of the Catholic Answer 31:00 – Resources in the Protestant Reformed Tradition 36:30 – Engaging Other Theological Traditions with Wisdom & Grace 41:00 – Final Reflections, Application to Ministry & Outro #biblical #theology #pastoral #ministry #theological #traditions #liberationtheology #Reformation #Protestant #doctrine #incarnation #sacraments #gospel #culture #churchhistory #Bonhoeffer #C.S.Lewis #Calvin #romancatholicism #Gospelproclamation

    43 min
  3. Why Bother With Biblical Languages?

    27/11/2025

    Why Bother With Biblical Languages?

    Why should Christians—especially pastors and Bible teachers—bother with biblical languages today? In this episode of Deep Roots, Jonny Reid sits down with Rev. Dr. Andrew Cowan, Oak Hill College’s new tutor in Greek and New Testament, to explore the real value of learning Scripture in its original languages. Andrew reflects on how Greek first came alive for him, how it has deepened his devotional life, and why slowing down in the text changes everything. Together, they address the most common misconceptions: Is it too time-consuming? Can you ever become proficient? Don’t modern translations and digital tools make languages unnecessary? What if you think you’re “not a linguist”? They also unpack practical examples from Colossians, Revelation, and John 1 that show how Greek and Hebrew reveal nuance, structure, and richness that translations inevitably flatten. Whether you're a ministry leader trying to keep your languages alive, a student considering theological training, or simply an interested believer who wants to understand Scripture more deeply, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a reminder that God’s Word is worth the effort. Topics covered: Why Andrew first fell in love with GreekSpiritual impact of reading Scripture slowlyFour misconceptions about biblical languagesWhether modern translations make Greek/Hebrew unnecessaryHow not to misuse “a little Greek”Textual examples: Colossians 1, Revelation, John 1How to start learning Greek or Hebrew todayHow pastors can revive rusty language skillsTools: Daily Dose of Greek, Alpha with Angela, reading groupsWhy God’s Word is worth the effortResources mentioned: Exegetical Fallacies – D.A. CarsonDaily Dose of GreekAlpha With Angela (YouTube)Greek/Hebrew reading groups & refresher retreats at Oak Hill College00:00 – Intro: Why Study Biblical Languages Today? 02:00 – Andrew's Journey Into Greek & Hebrew 06:30 – How Languages Deepen the Way We Read Scripture 12:00 – The Four Big Misconceptions 18:30 – The Danger of Knowing Just a Little Greek 24:30 – Key Payoff Example: Colossians 1:28–29 31:30 – Greek, Grammar & Theology 40:30 – The Bigger Picture: Structure, Wordplay & Nuance 48:00 – How to Start Learning Greek or Hebrew 55:30 – Reviving Rusty Languages for Ministry 01:03:00 – Resources, Community & Learning Support 01:10:00 – Final Answer: Because the Word of God Is Worth It 01:14:00 – Oak Hill’s Training Pathways & Close

    33 min
  4. Has the church outsourced The Great Commission?

    03/11/2025

    Has the church outsourced The Great Commission?

    What does it mean for the local church to truly “send well”? In this episode of Oak Hill College’s Deep Roots podcast, host Chris Howles sits down with Bradley Bell and Larry McCrary from The Upstream Collective (USA) to explore what it looks like for churches to reclaim their biblical role in global mission. Together, they unpack the vision behind the Upstream Collective’s motto — “The church sends, we help” — and discuss key insights from their book The Sending Church Applied, including their “Periodic Table of Sending.” 🕊️ Topics include: Why every believer is a “sent one”How churches can move from reactive to proactive mission sendingThe four stages of a healthy sending culture — Establishing, Developing, Engaging, and MultiplyingThe crucial role of care, commissioning, and re-entry for missionariesPractical steps for pastors and leaders to start cultivating a sending culture📚 Resources mentioned: The Sending Church Applied by Bradley Bell, Larry McCrary, and colleaguesLearn more about The Upstream Collective: https://www.theupstreamcollective.orgExplore Oak Hill College’s Cross-Cultural Training: https://www.oakhill.ac.uk🎧 Subscribe for more conversations helping you grow deep roots in theology, mission, and ministry. 🔗 Learn more about Oak Hill’s courses and resources: https://www.oakhill.ac.uk 🎧 Subscribe to Deep Roots for more conversations on theology and ministry. #DeepRootsPodcast #MinistryLife #OakHillCollege #mission #upstreamcollective

    44 min
  5. Can you lead others if you don’t know yourself?

    23/10/2025

    Can you lead others if you don’t know yourself?

    What happens when leaders don’t truly know themselves? In this episode of Deep Roots, Jonny Reid talks with Dr. Mark Stirling, Programme Director of Oak Hill’s MA in Contemporary Christian Leadership. Together they explore why self-awareness and self-deception are such critical issues in ministry — and how our blind spots can quietly harm those we serve. Mark shares personal stories and lessons from years in pastoral ministry and medicine, and practical wisdom for cultivating humility, accountability, and honest relationships in leadership. 📖 Topics include: Why self-awareness is central to Christian leadership How fear, insecurity, and image-shaping distort ministry The loneliness of leadership — and how to resist it Building honest relationships that help us see ourselves clearly What true maturity and self-knowledge look like in Christ Whether you’re a pastor, elder, or ministry trainee, this episode will help you lead with greater integrity and grace. 🔗 Learn more about Oak Hill’s courses and resources: https://www.oakhill.ac.uk 🎧 Subscribe to Deep Roots for more conversations on theology and ministry. #DeepRootsPodcast #ChristianLeadership #SelfAwareness #MinistryLife #OakHillCollege

    38 min
  6. Why evangelicals struggle with music in church

    22/05/2025

    Why evangelicals struggle with music in church

    This time on the Deep Roots Podcast, we are joined by @EmuMusic - Philip Percival and Alanna Glover talk with Jonny Reid about three big questions that the church needs to wrestle with in church music and singing. https://emumusic.com https://www.oakhill.ac.uk

    32 min
  7. What does God think about technology?

    20/03/2025

    What does God think about technology?

    Technology is changing at lightning speed—but how do we keep up without losing our sanity? In this episode of Deep Roots, Jonny Reid and Robin Barfield dive into the moral panics of the past (yes, people once feared cheap paperbacks!), the accelerating pace of digital change, and how it impacts everything from anxiety to Christian ministry. They also explore how online theological education is shaping a new generation of learners. Whether you're a pastor, a student, or just someone trying to navigate the digital age wisely, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Everyday Dadding - Are smartphones rewiring my kids brain? - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5UNqVNhYs18TPgzeiw0Dlx?si=157456c8a292410f

    37 min
  8. Lessons From Lausanne

    09/10/2024

    Lessons From Lausanne

    Fresh off of the plane from Seoul, South Korea, Chris Howles the Director of Cross-Cultural Training here at Oak Hill College shares his experience from The Fourth Lausanne Congress. 5000 believers gathered from every country in the world to Seoul to connect, share and converse with one another and Chris shares how this congress has shaped his thoughts around cross-cultural mission. Tune in to hear his conversation with Eric Ortlund. Find out more about Oak Hill College Read Chris' blog on Lausanne Find out more about Langham Publishing Listen to "Meet An African Pastor"

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Join Oak Hill College each month for engaging conversations with lecturers and a variety of guests which help you build deep roots to thrive in ministry and see the church flourish.

Information

  • Creator
    Oak Hill College
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Oak Hill College 2026
  • Show Website
    Deep Roots

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