Theological Table Talk

The Center for Christian Studies
  • 5.0 (5)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Welcome to Theological Table Talk, the podcast for the Center for Christian Studies. The mission of CCS is to help Christians better understand, practice, and pass on their faith, to train teachers of teachers (2 Tim. 2:2). Theological Table Talk is a gathering around the table to discuss a variety of topics relevant to Christian faith and practice.

  1. Episode 21: With Carl Trueman on the Uses of Creeds and Confessions

    12/05/2025

    Episode 21: With Carl Trueman on the Uses of Creeds and Confessions

    Carl Trueman joins Keith and Todd to discuss the good and not so good uses of creeds and confessions in churches. They also explore how churches should give attention to the three pillars of creed (beliefs), code (ethics), and cult (worship). Show notes: Carl Trueman, Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity (Crossway, 2024), https://www.crossway.org/books/crisis-of-confidence-hcj/. Bruno Dyck and Arran Caza, “An Exploratory Study of Corpo- rate Singing and Organizational Culture,” Journal of Management, Spirituality & Religion 18, no.2 (2021): 74–99, https://doi.org/10.51327/MDON6306. Join CCS' winter class, "Being Human: Human Being in the Image of God," at https://www.christian-studies.org/ccslive.

    51 min

  2. 10/31/2025

    Episode 20: A Conversation with Matthew B. Crawford and Matteo Moran

    Matthew B. Crawford and Matteo Moran join Keith and Todd for a wide-ranging discussion of everything from challenges facing young men to why we drive.

    1h 7m
  3. Episode 19: Spiritual Discernment and Decision-Making

    10/07/2025

    Episode 19: Spiritual Discernment and Decision-Making

    How should a congregation's leadership go about making decisions? What does it mean to do this in a "spiritual" way? In this episode, Keith and Todd are joined by Mark Powell, lead minister at Donelson Church of Christ in Nashville and Fellow of the Center for Christian Studies, who discusses important principles and practical tips for wise and spiritual leadership. Check out the following resources: Journal of Christian Studies 2/3 (Sept. 2023), on Ministry and Ordination. Ruth Haley Barton, “Finding God’s Will Together,” in Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, expanded ed. (Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 2018): 191-208. Mark E. Powell, "Discernment," in Centered in God: The Trinity and Christian Spirituality (Abilene: Abilene Christian University Press, 2014): 187-197.

    1h 3m
  4. Episode 18: Recovering Congregational Singing, with Darryl Tippens and Gregory Straughn

    07/02/2025

    Episode 18: Recovering Congregational Singing, with Darryl Tippens and Gregory Straughn

    Darryl Tippens (emeritus, Abilene Christian University and Pepperdine University) and Gregory Straughn (Abilene Christian University) join Keith and Todd to discuss the state of congregational singing, how it has become increasingly performative, and some positive suggestions for remedy. Show notes: The conversation referred, among other things, to: "⁠The Summons⁠," by John L. Bell John Bell song books can be found at ⁠GIA music⁠ Taize music can be found ⁠here⁠ ⁠Hymnary.org⁠ (with search tools) ⁠Calvin Institute of Christian Worship⁠ Wendell Berry, ⁠Another Day: Sabbath Poems, 2013-2023⁠ After the episode, Darryl shared another John Bell hymn, "⁠We Cannot Measure How You Heal⁠"

    1h 2m
  5. Episode 17: Congregational Singing and Song Selection

    06/12/2025

    Episode 17: Congregational Singing and Song Selection

    In this episode, Keith and Todd are joined a second time by hymnal editor (and attorney) John Wiegand to discuss the practice of congregational singing. They first follow up on the previous episode about projecting songs, and then they talk about criteria for song selection in a Lord's Day assembly, and conclude by naming some favorite old and new songs that are appropriate to sing in conjunction with the Lord's Supper. Get a copy of the Journal of Christian Studies 3/1 (2024): The Theology and Practice of Singing. Check out our podcast episode on the 9 greatest church songs. John Wiegand's four broad categories (and Stanglin's minor tweaks) for song selection in a worship assembly: 1) Praise directed to God 2) Self-examination/confession and reflective 3) Fellowship/koinonia and reconciliation 4) Charge/commission and blessing Songs in conjunction with the Lord's Supper, with links to some familiar or unfamiliar arrangements, mentioned by: Todd Hall: By Christ Redeemed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ewuto1rvr6Y Nearer, Still Nearer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJhDcNKr1g4 On Zion's Glorious Summit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSiV_8Sl-aU Exalted https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l10BD0vstgM Keith Stanglin: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. This is a different tune than in most churches. O Sacred Head. Word variations reflect various translations of Bernard's verses. 'Tis Midnight and on Olive's Brow. This is the typical a cappella arrangement. Here, O My Lord, I See Thee. This is missing many of Bonar's original verses. John Wiegand: How Deep the Father's Love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIeQ5gtaAKM Come Share the Lord https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcyL_8mD2Fw Bread of the World LYRICS: https://hymnary.org/text/bread_of_the_world_in_mercy_broken I Come with Joy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXVgg-fkpUs

    1h 4m
  6. Episode 16: Singing and Projecting Songs in Today's Churches

    06/10/2025

    Episode 16: Singing and Projecting Songs in Today's Churches

    Description: Keith and Todd talk with John Wiegand (editor of the wonderful hymnal, Praise for the Lord) about hymns in Churches of Christ and the pros and contras (and unintended consequences) of abandoning books for projecting songs on slides. If you think we missed any and want to add to the list, leave a comment and let us know. Show Notes: See Journal of Christian Studies 3/1 (2024), "Theology and Practice of Singing."

    1 hr
  7. Episode 15:Restorationism, Sectarianism, and Ecumenism in Churches of Christ

    04/15/2025

    Episode 15:Restorationism, Sectarianism, and Ecumenism in Churches of Christ

    In this episode, Todd and Keith talk with F. LaGard Smith and Scott Adair about Restorationism, baptism, and other related issues in Churches of Christ. Subscribe to receive the forthcoming Journal of Christian Studies issue (May, 2025), on sectarianism and ecumenism, with contributions by Smith, Adair, and others.

    1h 9m
  8. Episode 14: Leading Churches in these Challenging Times

    04/06/2024

    Episode 14: Leading Churches in these Challenging Times

    Show notes: Check out the blog post about our most recent teacher training and leaders' retreat: https://www.christian-studies.org/post/equipping-for-lasting-leadership Lynn Anderson, They Smell Like Sheep: Spiritual Leadership for the 21st Century https://a.co/d/e9YtrtK Peter Scazzero, The Emotionally Healthy Leader: How Transforming Your Inner Life Will Deeply Transform Your Church, Team, and the World https://a.co/d/5sk4k53 Hope Network, Resources for Elders/Shepherds, Navigating the Storm: Resources of HOPE for Church Leaders https://hopenetworkministries.org/navigating-the-storm/

    59 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Theological Table Talk, the podcast for the Center for Christian Studies. The mission of CCS is to help Christians better understand, practice, and pass on their faith, to train teachers of teachers (2 Tim. 2:2). Theological Table Talk is a gathering around the table to discuss a variety of topics relevant to Christian faith and practice.

Information

  • Creator
    The Center for Christian Studies
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    21