MINI-SERIES: Tim, Joel and Stu chat Theology-Strategy-Practice for internal ministry training, based off Soul Revival's which is called Berea. They explore why teaching how to think—rather than what to think—is essential for Christian discipleship. They begin by unpacking Apple’s controversial Crush ad for the iPad Pro, which sparked backlash for its destruction of cultural artefacts. The discussion moves beyond the ad itself to the broader issue of cultural erasure—how progressive movements often attempt to reset culture by dismissing the past. Historically, new ideas were met with skepticism, but in today’s world, rapid cultural shifts are often embraced without question. Has Apple, once the disruptor, now become just another institution enforcing its own version of progress? And how do we prevent against the institutionalisation of ideas in the church? From there, the conversation shifts to the importance of internal training ministries within churches. Why should churches invest in spaces where people can wrestle with ideas rather than simply be told what to believe? This leads to the story of Berea, a ministry that began in Stu’s house over 20 years ago. Inspired by the Jesus Movement of the 1960s, social movements out of Berkeley, and the intellectual community of L'Abri in Switzerland, Berea was built on the idea of setting aside time to ask, What does it look like to be a Christian today? and How should that shape ministry? The hosts then explore the core idea of Berea—focusing on how to think biblically while remaining grounded in Christian convictions. They discuss how bureaucracies often spread ideas while losing sight of founding principles, a problem that applies just as much to ministry as it does to government. Instead of institutionalising church practices, what if discipleship was built around relationships with God and each other? What if, rather than relying on structured courses and programs, churches created spaces where Christians could sit, read, and think deeply about Scripture? By reclaiming the pre-industrial revolution model of learning through apprenticeship, Berea has helped many rethink their theological convictions—sometimes even leading them to leave Soul Revival in love. Finally, they reflect on the ongoing nature of spiritual growth. Christians are called to continually expand their thoughts, affections, and feelings toward God. Learning doesn’t stop—it’s a lifelong pursuit. 00:00 Intro and CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Apple's iPad Pro ad: Crushed18:47 Why even have an internal training ministry?20:42 The genesis of Berea43:06 How to think, not what to think01:28:00 We are called to never stop growing DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODECrush! | iPad Pro | AppleSocial media minimum age legislation passedThe Coming Revolution in Youth Ministry, by Mark Senter IIIThe Great Evangelical Disaster, by Francis Schaeffer CONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shop Check out what else Soul Revival is up to here
