This first episode kicks off well by asking, “why another podcast? Does the world need another Christian podcast?” Kenneth and Matthew have the sense to ask the question that’s on everyone’s mind. And the answer: it’s for Reformation Christian Fellowship Church (RCF757.org) predominantly— for sound doctrine (orthodoxy) and right practice (orthopraxy) — but for other Christians in other churches as well. It’s wonderfully tactical in addressing those things the local church (RCF in this case) is dealing with. When your church’s discipleship model puts God’s Word at the center of all things, with sermons focused on verse by verse expositional preaching of books of the Bible, it may be awhile before the preacher gets to content that addresses a particular issue the church is facing. Topical teaching during the RCF Academy time (think Sunday school) requires time to prepare and time to insert into the queue of other courses; it can’t be as reactive to the needs of the congregation. Likewise, small groups that are synchronized by reading and discussing the same Christian book are working from a plan laid out for an entire year; also not practical to upend for a church issue. So I think this is welcome addition to the RCF discipleship wheel. I was a little concerned about adding another program, but the paid pastoral staff are taking it on, and they’re limiting it to 45 minutes once a month. And the return in spiritual maturity in our people’s lives as they listen and practice what’s taught will be, hopefully, bountiful. Enjoy our grand experiment before the world to where you can see, “How is God dealing with RCF?” and in so doing, ask yourself, “How is God dealing with me?” I pray that it’s all to His glory. Listen month after month and see.
Lastly, I forgot to mention the format! It’s a lot like Pastors Talk by Mark Dever and Jonathan Leeman, with Matthew as Jonathan (asking the questions) and Kenneth as Mark (answering the questions). The conversation is very natural and easy to listen to. It is a little like the first season of Star Trek Next Generation— subdued and scientific with a little humor. But I think that will change with time as they are more comfortable with each other and the podcast, just as STNG improved with time as the writers and actors developed the characters. Again, give it go, and stay for the long haul.
