The Ask a Theologian Podcast

Dave Olson
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We are trying to make theology approachable for people who aren't theologians. Hoping to bridge the gap between theology and life.

  1. Nurturing Theological Curiosity in Children: A Conversation with Quinn Swoboda

    1D AGO

    Nurturing Theological Curiosity in Children: A Conversation with Quinn Swoboda

    Today we are introducing a new subseries, Ask a Theologian Junior Edition, and talk with Quinn Swoboda, a children’s pastor and theology student, about why parents feel afraid to discuss theology with kids—often from fear of being wrong and from church cultures where questions aren’t welcomed. We explore how kids read our body language and may stop asking if we react with anxiety, so I should affirm their curiosity, admit when I don’t know, and say we’ll figure it out together. We discuss why kids need theology because they’ll seek answers somewhere, and we talk about suffering, church hurt, and big questions like why good things happen to bad people. Quinn shares “Godly Play,” a narrative, wonder-question approach that helps kids engage Scripture without needing perfect propositional answers, and we end by encouraging parents to treat kids as fellow disciples who can even teach us.

    31 min
  2. Integrating Faith and Work: A Conversation with Dr. Wayne Park

    FEB 16

    Integrating Faith and Work: A Conversation with Dr. Wayne Park

    In this episode I talk with Dr. Wayne Park, chancellor at Fuller Theological Seminary in Texas and professor of congregational and marketplace leadership, about integrating faith and work. He pushes back on the idea that workplace faith is just Bible studies or evangelism, and argues that work has intrinsic value and can contribute “kingdom value” and the common good. We explore how the workplace can be a primary site of spiritual formation, using practices like a rule of life, Ignatian-style examen, group discernment gatherings, and set prayers like the Serenity Prayer to realign desires and presence during the day. We discuss closing the Sunday–Monday gap by platforming congregants’ everyday work, visiting people at their workplaces, and even imagining communion brought into work settings. He names leadership myths shaped by Machiavellian and Darwinian business models and recommends accountability groups. He suggests Tim Keller’s “Every Good Endeavor.”

    34 min
  3. Understanding Communio Dei: Theology, Anthropology, and Community with Dr. Andy Everhart

    FEB 5

    Understanding Communio Dei: Theology, Anthropology, and Community with Dr. Andy Everhart

    In this episode, I chat with Dr. Andy Everhart from the London School of Theology. Andy introduces us to Communio Dei, a concept emphasizing diversity and community in understanding the Imago Dei. We discuss his upcoming book, the integration of different disciplines in theological studies, and the importance of relational theology in shaping our engagement with society. This conversation is rich with insights into how Jesus' relational nature influences our theological perspectives. We also touch on the fascinating interplay between philosophy and theology in understanding humanity.

    43 min
  4. The Church, Pentecost, and Practical Theology: A Conversation with Dr. Mark Cartledge

    JAN 1

    The Church, Pentecost, and Practical Theology: A Conversation with Dr. Mark Cartledge

    In this episode of the Ask a Theologian podcast, I had an insightful conversation with Dr. Mark Cartledge, the principal of the London School of Theology. We delved into the difference between practical and systematic theology, emphasizing practical theology's focus on the contemporary church and its empirical research methods. Dr. Cartledge shared how practical theologians study living traditions and engage with real people to understand the church's current practices and beliefs. We also explored the communal and doxological aspects of the church as depicted in the Pentecost narrative, discussing how these shape discipleship, spiritual formation, and mission. Dr. Cartledge emphasized the importance of understanding and performing the gospel story within one's cultural context. For those interested in going deeper into practical theology, he recommended his book and the Master of Arts in Practical Theology and Ministry program at the London School of Theology.

    40 min
  5. The Dual Presence of God: A Dialogue on Suffering and Healing with Dr. Pam Engelbert

    12/15/2025

    The Dual Presence of God: A Dialogue on Suffering and Healing with Dr. Pam Engelbert

    Hey everyone, welcome back to Ask A Theologian! I apologize for the hiatus—my wife and I are in the midst of transitioning out from our roles as lead pastors, and things have been hectic. But onward we go! Today, I'm excited to have Dr. Pam Engelbert join us. She's a practical theologian and Pentecostal minister who focuses on grief support, among other roles. We delve into her book, 'Who's Present in Absence,' which adds rich perspective on God and suffering. Pam shares her journey of grappling with unmet expectations of God in ministry and how it led her to explore the complex ways Pentecostals experience God's presence and absence in times of suffering. Through interviews and research, she uncovered different types of divine presence—everything from intense moments of intervention to the sustaining presence of God in the midst of extended suffering. We also touched upon reactions from church communities, both helpful and unhelpful, and how presence and practical support often outweigh spoken words. We wrap up by discussing how her expanded view of divine healing informs a broader understanding that goes beyond the miraculous, touching on everyday interactions as sacred opportunities to participate in God’s healing work. It's an enriching conversation that especially resonates with anyone facing deep questions about suffering and faith.

    35 min
  6. Reviving the Ancient Practice of Spiritual Direction with Dr. Jeremy D. Sims

    10/15/2025

    Reviving the Ancient Practice of Spiritual Direction with Dr. Jeremy D. Sims

    This episode is a little different than our normal podcast. In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jeremy D. Sims who is the professor of Spiritual Formation at Southeastern University. We talk about what spiritual direction is and why it's needed today. After exploring the topic, I asked Dr. Sims to take me through what a session of spiritual direction might look like. I got quite personal for me as he directed me into what God might be saying to me during this time of pastoral transition. He made quite a few book recommendations and I've included them below. Easy as Hard Gets by Jeremy D. SimsWhat is Spiritual Direction? by Jeremy D. Sims and Hannah SimsSoul Shaper by Tony JonesSacred Listening by James WakefieldMansions of the Heart by Tom AshbrookSeeking God Together by Alice FrylingWorking the Angles by Eugene PetersonThe Contemplative Pastor by Eugene PetersonGravity and Grace by Simone WeilWaiting for God by Simone WeilSpiritual Granularity by Jeremy D. Sims (coming 2026 from IVP)

    41 min
  7. Exploring the Altar: A Journey Through Pentecostal Theology with Dr. Wolfgang Vondey

    10/02/2025

    Exploring the Altar: A Journey Through Pentecostal Theology with Dr. Wolfgang Vondey

    In this episode of the Ask a Theologian podcast, I chat with Dr. Wolfgang Vondey, a professor of Christian Theology and Pentecostal Studies at Birmingham University in the UK. We delve into the unique aspects of Pentecostal systematic theology, focusing on the metaphor of the altar. Dr. Vondey explains that the altar serves not as an abstract concept but as a metaphor rooted in concrete experiences, such as worship, preaching, and personal encounters with God. He also discusses how the altar symbolizes a threshold experience that is central to Pentecostal spirituality and theology. We explore the importance of narrative and testimony in Pentecostal practice, and how these aspects influence a lived, experiential theology. Finally, Dr. Vondey recommends continuing your journey with works on Pentecostal worship, liturgy, and history to fully grasp the richness of the tradition. If you’re interested in Pentecostal scholarship and theology, this episode is packed with insights.

    35 min
  8. Rethinking Revelation from a Pentecostal Perspective with Dr. Jon Newton

    09/01/2025

    Rethinking Revelation from a Pentecostal Perspective with Dr. Jon Newton

    In this episode of The Ask a Theologian podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Dr. John Newton, a professor and scholar from Alpha Crucis University College in Melbourne, Australia. We jumped right into the complexities of the Book of Revelation, especially focusing on debunking dispensationalism within Pentecostal theology. Dr. Newton shared his journey from a classical Pentecostal background to rejecting dispensationalism, explaining that it is fundamentally incompatible with Pentecostal beliefs and practices. He argued that dispensationalism, which emerged in the 19th century, imposes a rigid, literal interpretation of scripture that doesn't align with the more dynamic and mission-oriented nature of Pentecostal faith. Dr. Newton has authored several books on this topic, including 'Revelation Reclaimed,' 'The Revelation Worldview,' and a Pentecostal commentary on Revelation, all available on Amazon. We discussed how the Book of Revelation should be interpreted in a way that inspires and aligns more closely with Pentecostal values, focusing on its missional and gospel-oriented aspects rather than using it as a tool for predicting future events. Dr. Newton emphasized that Revelation is about the ongoing spiritual struggle and the ultimate victory of Christ and his followers, encouraging a more hopeful and active engagement in spreading the gospel. This conversation was a deep dive into rethinking how we approach Revelation and its relevance to today's Pentecostal church.

    42 min
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We are trying to make theology approachable for people who aren't theologians. Hoping to bridge the gap between theology and life.

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