Local Theologians

MBTS Global Campus
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus, hosted by Travis Montgomery. The Global Campus offers fully online, highly contextualized, biblically sound degrees in theology, ministry, philosophy, business, communications, and more from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College. Learn more at mbts.edu/global.

  1. 5d ago

    Mentorship Makes the Difference | A Conversation with Michael McEwen

    In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Michael McEwen, publisher of B&H Academic, pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, and author of The Devil Reads Nietzsche: A Public Theology for the Post-Christian Age (B&H Academic). Together they discuss the influence of faithful mentors and reflect on the professors, pastors, and teachers who helped shape Michael’s spiritual, intellectual, and ministerial development. Drawing from his time in seminary, Michael shares how relationships with three professors helped cultivate a deeper love for Scripture, theology, philosophy, church history, and Christian discipleship.  Their conversation explores the importance of mentorship, hospitality, intellectual curiosity, and Christlike leadership. Travis and Michael discuss the biblical call to imitate faithful examples, the value of asking difficult questions, and the responsibility Christian leaders have to invest in the next generation. The episode also examines the role of theological education in forming both character and conviction, highlighting how faithful teachers can influence a lifetime of ministry and service.  About the Podcast  Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.  Keywords  Michael McEwen, mentorship, discipleship, theological education, Christian formation, seminary, Christian leadership, hospitality, ministry, pastoral ministry, church history, philosophy, theology, The Devil Reads Nietzsche, Christian character  Takeaways  Faithful mentors help shape both Christian character and theological conviction.  The biblical call to imitate faithful examples remains central to discipleship and ministry.  Great teachers welcome honest questions and invest personally in their students.  Hospitality is an essential component of mentorship and Christian formation.  Theological education extends beyond the classroom through mentorship and relationships.  Christian leaders should cultivate patience, humility, and a willingness to guide others.  Meaningful discipleship often develops through long-term investment rather than short-term influence.  Students should take initiative in seeking wisdom from faithful teachers and mentors.  Christian scholarship should ultimately serve the church and strengthen faithful witness.  Following Christ includes helping others grow in knowledge, wisdom, and Christian maturity.

  2. Sep 21

    The Death of Religion? Not Exactly. | A Conversation with Thomas Kidd

    In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Thomas Kidd, Research Professor of Church History at Midwestern Seminary and co-author of The Death of Religion? Nones, Others, and the Flourishing of Faith. Drawing from historical research and contemporary sociological data, Dr. Kidd challenges common narratives about the decline of Christianity in America. Together they explore the rise of the religious “nones,” the overlooked growth of emerging Christian communities, and why reports of religion’s demise may be far more complicated than popular headlines suggest.  Their conversation examines trends in American religious affiliation, church participation, human flourishing, and the enduring role of local congregations in society. Travis and Thomas discuss the importance of looking beyond surface-level statistics, the value of longitudinal research, and the historical patterns that have shaped American Christianity for centuries. The episode offers encouragement to pastors, ministry leaders, and church members by highlighting the continued influence of faithful Christian communities and the vital role of the local church in cultivating hope, stability, and spiritual formation.  About the Podcast  Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.  Keywords  Thomas Kidd, Byron Johnson, religion in America, Christianity, religious nones, church attendance, human flourishing, American church history, local church, discipleship, evangelism, faith and culture, Second Great Awakening, sociology of religion, pastoral ministry, Christian commitment, church planting  Takeaways  Predictions about the death of religion in America often overlook important historical and demographic realities.  The growth of religious “nones” does not necessarily indicate a corresponding rise in atheism or secularism.  Many Americans who claim no religious affiliation still maintain spiritual beliefs and practices.  Church switching and returning to faith communities are common patterns that are often missed in public discussions.  Tens of thousands of churches and millions of worshipers may be underrepresented in standard religious surveys.  Longitudinal research provides a more accurate picture of faith and religious commitment over time.  Religious participation is strongly associated with indicators of human flourishing and personal well-being.  The local church offers meaningful community, support, and hope during seasons of suffering and uncertainty.  American Christianity has repeatedly experienced periods of renewal despite predictions of decline.  Pastors and ministry leaders can confidently call people to deeper commitment to Christ and His church.

  3. Sep 14

    Charles Spurgeon and Pastoral Faithfulness | A Conversation with Geoff Chang

    In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Geoff Chang, Associate Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Midwestern Seminary and Curator of the Spurgeon Library. Together they discuss the life and ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, exploring why the nineteenth-century pastor continues to influence pastors, church leaders, and Christians around the world. Drawing from years of studying Spurgeon’s life, sermons, and pastoral ministry, Geoff highlights the qualities that made Spurgeon a faithful servant of Christ.  Their conversation examines the theme of faithfulness in ministry, particularly Spurgeon’s commitment to biblical conviction during seasons of both extraordinary success and intense opposition. Travis and Geoff reflect on Spurgeon’s pastoral care, church membership practices, preaching ministry, and unwavering devotion to Christ. The episode offers a compelling vision of stewardship, perseverance, and Christ-centered ministry that remains deeply relevant for believers today.  About the Podcast  Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.  Keywords  Geoff Chang, Charles Spurgeon, faithfulness, pastoral ministry, church history, preaching, stewardship, discipleship, ecclesiology, Baptist history, Christ-centered preaching, perseverance, ministry leadership, Spurgeon Library, church membership, pastoral care  Takeaways  Faithfulness is a defining characteristic of effective and enduring Christian ministry.  Ministry success should never replace obedience to Christ and commitment to biblical convictions.  Pastors are called to steward their responsibilities faithfully rather than pursue popularity or recognition.  Church membership and pastoral care require intentional attention, even in seasons of growth and success.  Christ-centered preaching remains one of the most important responsibilities of pastoral ministry.  Christian leaders should measure success by faithfulness rather than numbers or influence.  Historic examples can help modern believers understand and apply biblical principles.  The life of Charles Spurgeon demonstrates perseverance through both fruitfulness and controversy.  Faithful ministry often involves maintaining conviction when cultural and theological pressures arise.  Jesus Christ provides the ultimate example of steadfast obedience and faithfulness to God’s mission.

  4. Sep 7

    Bloom Where You're Planted | Learning from Wendell Berry's Novels with Jason Kees

    In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Jason Kees to discuss character through the lens of literary characters, particularly those found in the novels of Wendell Berry. Drawing from Berry's fictional community of Port William, Jason reflects on the themes of community, faithfulness, calling, and the ordinary rhythms of life that shape Christian character.  Their conversation explores several of Berry's most memorable characters, including Jayber Crow, Hannah Coulter, and Andy Catlett. Together they discuss the value of asking honest questions, communicating truth with clarity, remaining rooted in community, and embracing God's providential calling. The episode offers a thoughtful reflection on how ordinary faithfulness, long-term commitment, and love for place can help Christians cultivate wisdom, humility, and perseverance in everyday life.  About the Podcast  Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.  Keywords  Jason Kees, Travis Montgomery, Wendell Berry, Port William, Jayber Crow, Hannah Coulter, Andy Catlett, Christian character, community, calling, discipleship, faithfulness, Christian formation, vocation, mentorship, place, providence, perseverance, Christian living  Takeaways  Christian character is often formed through ordinary acts of faithfulness rather than extraordinary achievements.  Healthy communities help believers grow through long-term relationships, shared responsibilities, and mutual care.  Believers should not be afraid to wrestle honestly with difficult questions while continuing to trust God.  Faithfulness often requires pondering questions over time rather than demanding immediate answers.  Clear communication helps make theological truth accessible and understandable for everyday people.  God's calling is frequently expressed through service in specific places and among specific people.  Long-term investment in a church or community can produce deep spiritual fruit.  Prudence and humility help believers embrace God's providence even when alternative opportunities seem attractive.  Stories can powerfully illustrate biblical virtues and help Christians imagine faithful living.  Christians should seek to love and serve the people God has placed directly in front of them.

  5. Aug 31

    Calling and Competency in Ministry: A Panel with Jared Bumpers, Todd Chipman, and Rustin Umstattd

    In this special Local Theologians panel discussion during Midwestern Seminary’s Summer Session intensive classes, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Jared Bumpers, Dr. Todd Chipman, and Dr. Rustin Umstattd to explore the relationship between character, calling, and ministry. Drawing from personal experience, pastoral ministry, and biblical wisdom, the panel reflects on the mentors and examples who shaped their own lives and discusses why Christian character is essential for faithful leadership.  The conversation addresses pastoral qualifications, integrity, spiritual growth, humility, repentance, church hurt, burnout, ministry friendships, and the challenges of sustaining a lifetime of faithful service. Through practical wisdom and theological reflection, the panel encourages believers to pursue Christlikeness before platform, emphasizing that ministry effectiveness flows from personal holiness, faithful discipleship, and a deep dependence upon Christ.  About the Podcast  Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.  Keywords  character, calling, ministry, Christian leadership, discipleship, pastoral ministry, church leadership, repentance, humility, spiritual growth, church hurt, burnout, mentorship, Jared Bumpers, Todd Chipman, Rustin Umstattd, Travis Montgomery, Christian formation  Takeaways  Christian character is more important than ministry platform, gifting, or influence.  Faithful ministry requires integrity between public leadership and private life.  Repentance, humility, and confession are essential marks of Christian maturity.  Competence matters in ministry, but character ultimately sustains long-term faithfulness.  The wider the gap between gifting and character, the greater the potential damage of failure.  Godly mentors help shape Christian character through both teaching and example.  Healthy ministry prioritizes loving people over maintaining programs or organizational success.  Pastors and ministry leaders should actively seek accountability, observation, and honest feedback.  Church hurt requires patience, wise care, and environments where healing can take place.  Rest, healthy boundaries, and trust in God are essential safeguards against burnout.

  6. Aug 24

    Asking Questions Like Mark Dever: A Conversation About Authority, Discipleship, and Faithful Leadership with Jonathan Leeman

    In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Jonathan Leeman, president of 9Marks and co-host of the Pastors Talk podcast, to discuss the life and ministry of Pastor Mark Dever. As part of a season focused on character and faithful examples, Jonathan reflects on the influence Mark has had on his own life and ministry, highlighting the qualities that have shaped generations of pastors, church leaders, and disciples. Drawing from decades of friendship, discipleship, and ministry partnership, Jonathan offers a personal look at the character traits that have defined Mark’s leadership.  Their conversation centers on authority, humility, discipleship, and faithful stewardship. Jonathan explains how Mark’s willingness to give away responsibility, invest deeply in others, and cultivate future leaders reflects a Christlike understanding of authority as service rather than control. Along the way, they discuss mentoring relationships, hospitality, asking thoughtful questions, healthy church leadership, and the responsibility of Christians to help others grow in faithfulness. The episode provides practical encouragement for pastors, ministry leaders, and church members seeking to lead and serve others for the glory of God.  About the Podcast  Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.  Keywords  Jonathan Leeman, Mark Dever, 9Marks, discipleship, authority, stewardship, Christian leadership, church leadership, mentorship, hospitality, pastoral ministry, healthy churches, disciple making, ecclesiology, humility, leadership development, faithfulness  Takeaways  Godly authority is exercised through service, stewardship, and the flourishing of others.  Healthy leaders intentionally equip, empower, and develop future leaders.  Discipleship often happens through ordinary relationships and everyday conversations.  Hospitality plays a vital role in Christian growth and spiritual formation.  Asking thoughtful questions can be one of the most effective tools for mentoring others.  Faithful leadership requires both conviction and humility.  Grace and forgiveness create an environment where people can grow and mature.  Christians should seek mentors who model faithfulness in both public ministry and private life.  Healthy churches are strengthened when responsibility is shared rather than centralized.  Jesus provides the ultimate model of authority used for the good of others.

  7. Aug 17

    Becoming Complete in Love | A Conversation on the Cardinal Virtues

    In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery and Dr. Joseph Lanier conclude their series on virtue and Christian formation by exploring the four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Together they examine why these virtues have served as foundational categories for Christian ethics throughout church history and how they help believers put faith, hope, and love into practice in everyday life.  Their conversation covers prudence as right reason for right action, justice as rightly ordering relationships with God and neighbor, fortitude as faithful endurance amid suffering and difficulty, and temperance as the proper ordering of bodily desires. Drawing from Scripture, pastoral ministry, and the Christian tradition, Travis and Joseph show how these virtues cultivate maturity, wisdom, and Christlike character while helping believers navigate the ordinary challenges of discipleship.  About the Podcast  Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.  Keywords  prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, cardinal virtues, Christian formation, discipleship, Christian ethics, virtue, Joseph Lanier, Travis Montgomery, Every Perfect Gift, providence, suffering, wisdom, Christian character, sanctification  Takeaways  The cardinal virtues summarize key dimensions of Christian moral life and help put love into practice.  Prudence is right reason directed toward right action and wise Christian living.  Christian wisdom requires understanding reality as God has made it and living accordingly.  Justice involves consistently giving God and neighbor what is rightly due to them.  True justice resists self-vindication and entrusts ultimate judgment to God.  Fortitude enables believers to endure suffering, trials, and hardship with confidence in God’s providence.  Christian courage is neither recklessness nor passivity but faithful perseverance.  Temperance is more than self-denial; it is rightly ordering desires around the enjoyment of God.  Lasting contentment is found not in created things but in communion with the Creator.  The virtues help form believers into mature disciples who increasingly reflect the character of Christ.

  8. Aug 10

    Faith, Hope, and Love: A Conversation on the Theological Virtues with Joseph Lanier

    In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery interviews Dr. Joseph Lanier—Associate Pastor at Fairview Baptist Church, adjunct theology professor at Midwestern Seminary, and co-author of Every Perfect Gift: Classical Virtues for Christian Formation—about the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. Building on their previous discussion of virtue and Christian formation, Joseph and Travis explore why these virtues have occupied a central place in Christian theology and discipleship throughout church history.  Their conversation covers the nature of saving faith, the Christian hope of glory, the assurance believers have in Christ, and the relationship between love of God and love of neighbor. They discuss how faith, hope, and love are rooted in God Himself, how these virtues shape everyday Christian living, and why ordinary acts of faithfulness are significant expressions of spiritual maturity. Through Scripture, theology, and pastoral reflection, Travis and Joseph offer a vision of discipleship centered on trusting God, longing for His promises, and loving both God and neighbor well.  About the Podcast  Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.  Keywords  faith, hope, love, theological virtues, Christian formation, discipleship, spiritual growth, assurance, perseverance of the saints, union with Christ, sanctification, love of neighbor, Christian theology, Joseph Lanier, Travis Montgomery, Every Perfect Gift  Takeaways  The theological virtues are rooted in God and direct believers toward communion with Him.  Faith involves entrusting oneself completely to God and His promises.  Christians grow in faith while continuing to depend upon God’s grace amid ongoing struggles with doubt and unbelief.  Christian hope is centered on the future promise of seeing God and sharing in His glory.  Hope enables believers to endure suffering, receive God’s gifts with gratitude, and avoid placing ultimate confidence in earthly circumstances.  Love stands at the center of the Christian life and gives direction to both faith and hope.  Love of God naturally leads to love of neighbor and practical acts of service.  Ordinary acts of faithfulness are meaningful expressions of faith, hope, and love.  Christian assurance rests not in personal performance but in God’s faithfulness to complete His work in His people.  Theological virtues provide a framework for Christian discipleship that is both deeply biblical and practically transformative.

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About

A podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus, hosted by Travis Montgomery. The Global Campus offers fully online, highly contextualized, biblically sound degrees in theology, ministry, philosophy, business, communications, and more from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College. Learn more at mbts.edu/global.

Information

  • Creator
    MBTS Global Campus
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © MBTS Global Campus
  • Show Website
    Local Theologians

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