Theology on Mission

Theology on Mission
  • 4.7 (121)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY
Theology on Mission

For those longing to connect theology and mission, we are talking about God and everything else. Broadcasting from NORTHERN SEMINARY, in partnership with Missio Alliance, David Fitch and Mike Moore bring their experiences as pastors and professors to bear on issues of mission and church. Pull up a chair or take them and their guests with you around town.

  1. JAN 27

    S10: E9 Bridging the Divide: How to Have Transformative Conversations with Dan White Jr.

    What if the way forward in our polarized world begins at the table?  In this compelling episode, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down with Dan White Jr., author of Love Over Fear, to discuss the art of engaging in difficult conversations. They explore how compassion, curiosity, and a theology of the table can heal divisions in our churches, neighborhoods, and beyond. 🎙️ In This Episode: Dan White Jr. shares how the Kineo Center equips weary leaders to find healing. The four transformative practices for depolarized conversations. Stories of profound breakthroughs during “depolarization dinners.” How Jesus’ table practices challenge the powers of polarization and invite kingdom living. 📌 Highlights: [00:05:00] Dan introduces the Kineo Center as a space for healing weary leaders. [00:12:34] The Power of Conversation in Polarized Times [00:17:00] The origins of Love Over Fear: lessons from a politically divided church. [00:29:00] Four practices for depolarized conversations, including compassionate curiosity and subversive stories. [00:29:33] Techniques for Depolarization [00:41:00] A theology of the table: how Jesus confounds the powers of polarization. 💡 Takeaway: The practice of kingdom living starts at the table, where power shifts from winning arguments to mutual transformation. In a polarized world, Christians are called to disrupt division and embody Christ's love through listening, storytelling, and trust in God’s presence. 📖 Additional Reflection: How can you use the table as a space for transformation and reconciliation in your community?

    46 min

  2. 12/09/2024

    S10: E8 The Violent Take It by Force with Matthew Taylor

    What happens when revivalist faith meets political power?   In this episode of Theology on Mission, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down with scholar Matthew D. Taylor to uncover the startling rise of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)—a movement reshaping the landscape of evangelical Christianity and American politics. Taylor reveals how this influential network of apostles and prophets has grown from obscure beginnings to a force wielding colossal sway, intertwining charismatic zeal with far-right rhetoric. From the Seven Mountains Mandate to the dramatic spiritual warfare on January 6, this conversation peels back the layers on how NAR’s vision of Christian supremacy is impacting both the church and democracy. Brace yourself for a deep dive into the movement's roots, its rapid ascent, and what it means for the future of faith and public life. Timestamps:  01:49 Introducing Northern Seminary's New President 04:17 Meet Our Esteemed Guest: Dr. Matthew Taylor 05:49 The Violent Take It By Force: Book Overview 07:50 The New Apostolic Reformation and January 6th 09:24 C. Peter Wagner: The Man Behind the Movement 12:23 Signs, Wonders, and Church Growth 17:51 Strategic Level Spiritual Warfare 20:19 Theological Implications and Controversies 23:11 The Rise of Pragmatic Theology 24:11 From Fringe to Mainstream: The Evolution of NAR 26:16 The Seven Mountain Mandate 27:32 Sarah Palin and the NAR's Political Ambitions 28:10 Donald Trump: The Anointed One 30:57 The Theology of Christian Trumpism 32:02 The January 6th Insurrection 34:35 Theological Reflections and Critiques 38:11 Christian Supremacy vs. Democracy 44:44 Cultural Resentment and Conservative Christians 48:54 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

    51 min

  3. 11/18/2024

    S10: E7 Prophets Beyond Activism with Julia O’Brien

    What is the deepest emphasis of the prophets in the Bible?   Prophets beyond Activism insightfully challenges the common progressive narrative that the prophets of ancient Israel were primarily concerned with social justice. Instead it daringly offers more life-giving ways of engaging the prophetic books for the causes of justice. The assumption that the prophets of ancient Israel were primarily concerned with social justice so permeates the thinking and the discourse of progressive Christianity that it might be considered an interpretive orthodoxy. For example, progressives characterize prophets as those who speak truth to power and “prophetic preaching” as social critique. Yet, they often do so without explanation or consideration of alternative views. Timestamps:   01:54 Introducing Dr. Julia O'Brien 03:05 Prophets as Activists Orthodoxy 09:06 Biblical Ventriloquism and Social Justice 13:46 Challenges of Interpreting Prophetic Texts 20:14 The Role of Prophets in Modern Social Justice 45:37 Concluding Thoughts and Final Remarks

    50 min

  4. 11/06/2024

    S10: E6 Reflecting on Election Results and the Next Four Years (Live Podcast)

    Mike Moore and David Fitch, discuss the post-election landscape following Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. They delve into their reactions to the election outcome, explore the broader implications for the church, politics, and society, and consider how the church should engage in politics moving forward. The conversation includes reflections on the failure of the church to address key societal issues, the challenges faced under the new administration, and calls for the church to become a space of reconciliation and healing. They emphasize the importance of community engagement and the role of the church in addressing cultural and political divides. Timestamps: 00:47 Initial Reactions to the 2024 Election 01:39 Personal Reflections and Context 04:21 Theological and Sociological Implications 05:44 Church's Role in Politics 18:01 Cultural Resentment and Antagonism 25:51 Call to Action for the Church 32:18 Practical Steps for Community Engagement 33:09 Addressing Critiques of Local Church Efforts 34:01 The Role of the Church in Politics 35:36 Post-Christendom Reflections 36:59 The Church's Alignment with Political Power 38:20 Fragmented Christendom in the U.S. 40:57 The Church's Role in Social Movements 49:28 Post-Election Reflections and Challenges 55:20 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    1h 1m

  5. 10/29/2024

    S10: E5 Prodigal Gospel: Getting Lost and Found Again in the Good News with Jonny Morrison

    The good news is bigger and better than we imagined.  Is the gospel good news for us today? Many Christians—especially young Christians stepping into a world and a church devastated by division, scandal, and abuse—are asking this question and deciding it simply isn’t. For many, it seems like our faith has little to offer the world around us. Our gospel has become too small—it looks nothing like the Jesus who embodies good news in the flesh.   How do we recover this gospel? When we turn to the parable of the prodigal son—a story of elaborate parties, upside-down kingdoms, and reunited families—we can hear in Jesus’ own words a clear presentation of what he is doing, of a truth that is bigger and better than we’ve imagined. In these pages, author and pastor Jonny Morrison invites us on a journey to help us find ourselves and Jesus in the welcoming arms of this familiar parable, zooming out to show how this story shapes the entire story of Scripture. Along the way we discover the radically inclusive power of the gospel that upends religions, disrupts empires, heals the wounded, and empowers the marginalized. This is, after all, Jesus’ news to tell, and when we truly listen to him tell it, we can be found again in the surprising, disarming, challenging gospel that is truly good news. Timestamps: 02:18 Johnny Morrison's Background 03:57 Discussing Prodigal Gospel 05:12 The Gospel and Its Implications 13:41 Challenges in Communicating the Gospel 15:25 The Need for an Entry Point 16:17 Metaphors for Articulating the Gospel 16:46 The Prodigal Son as a Gospel Metaphor 19:03 Personal Stories and the Gospel 23:34 Challenges and Reservations 26:10 Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations

    34 min

  6. 10/21/2024

    S10: E4 The Journey of 'The Narrow Path' Exploring Spiritual Formation with Rich Villodas

    We live in a culture that wants it all. More is seen as better—whether it’s more money, social media fame, choices, or power. For those chasing this way of life, “narrow” seems negative. Who wants to narrow their options . . . or be seen as narrow-minded? Jesus’ way is subversive and narrow. Yet, there is no more meaningful way to live.   Mike and Fitch are joined by Rich Villodas, lead pastor of New Life Fellowship and author of 'The Narrow Path'. Rich shares insights from his book, which challenges cultural norms and highlights the paradox of the narrow yet spacious path defined by Jesus. The conversation delves into the integration of spiritual formation with justice, community care, and the multifaceted role of therapy within Christian life. There are unquestionable communal aspects of spiritual practices like Sabbath and lament. Gain practical guidance on navigating anger and fostering deep, healing relationships within faith communities. Rich’s personal experiences in a multi-ethnic congregation in Queens, NY, enrich the dialogue, making it a compelling listen for those looking to deepen their spiritual journey while resisting societal pressures. Get your copy of The Narrow Path: https://amzn.to/4hgUdlk Timestamps:  02:58 Rich Villodas on Singing in Sermons 04:05 Discussing 'The Narrow Path' 05:04 Countercultural Spiritual Formation 05:47 Unexpected Happiness and Therapy 14:19 Sabbath and Community 21:55 Understanding Anger and Resentment 23:18 Normalizing Anger in the Church 24:43 Formation and Community 25:18 Confession and Vulnerability 25:36 The Role of Community in Healing 27:52 Weekly Confession Practice 28:56 The Importance of Vulnerable Community 31:18 Exploring Emotions with Theology 33:01 Final Thoughts on Spiritual Practices 38:56 Challenges of Multi-Ethnic Ministry

    44 min

  7. 10/14/2024

    S10: E3 Does God's Power Redefine Leadership? Fitch & Crouch Discus Power Dynamics (Part 2 of 2)

    In this episode of Theology on Mission, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down again with Andy Crouch to dive deeper into the complexities of power in the Christian context. Building on themes from Crouch’s book Playing God, they explore the tension between creative and coercive power, framing the conversation around the story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet.  With lively debate and thoughtful reflection, Fitch and Crouch wrestle with authority in the church offering clarity and connection. The episode wraps up with a powerful call to reclaim God's presence and power in the church's practices. Timestamps: 01:45 Diving into Power Dynamics 05:12 Genesis vs. Jesus: Different Starting Points 11:18 The Role of the State and Power 24:10 Creative Leadership and Coercion 28:47 Understanding Mutual Submission 29:08 God's Power vs. Worldly Power 29:17 Legal Disputes Among Christians 30:56 Jesus' Power and Authority 32:22 Debating the Nature of Jesus' Power 34:48 Peter's Resistance and Jesus' Response 36:18 The Concept of Creative Power 42:48 The Role of the Church and Sacraments 46:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    50 min

  8. 10/05/2024

    S10: E2 Andy Crouch & David Fitch Talk Culture Making or Power Grabbing? ( Part 1 of 2)

    How does God want His people to deal with power?  Andy Crouch & David Fitch have nuanced ways in which they see God’s invitation to embrace and use power in the world.   The discussion explores topics such as coercive versus creative power, idolatry and injustice, and the pervasive influence of systems like Mammon in modern Christian thought. This candid conversation over the implications of using power in the name of God. From the Genesis narrative and historical stances on ecclesiastical power.  This deep dive aims to unpack the complexities of wielding power within Christendom, ultimately emphasizing a return to true worship and dependence on God as a solution. Timestamps:  01:36 Introducing Andy Crouch 02:28 Andy Crouch's Journey and Work 03:56 The Crisis in Evangelicalism 05:20 The Theology of Power 10:55 The Creative and Coercive Power 20:02 The Problem of Magic and Mammon 23:54 Introduction to Power Distortion 24:40 Summarizing the Issues of Power 25:23 The Two Powers and Their Origins 26:09 Critique of Andy Crouch's Views 27:02 The Problem with Blurring Powers 29:27 Andy Crouch's Response 34:26 The Role of Coercion in Power 39:00 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps

    41 min
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4.7
out of 5
121 Ratings

About

For those longing to connect theology and mission, we are talking about God and everything else. Broadcasting from NORTHERN SEMINARY, in partnership with Missio Alliance, David Fitch and Mike Moore bring their experiences as pastors and professors to bear on issues of mission and church. Pull up a chair or take them and their guests with you around town.

Information

  • Creator
    Theology on Mission
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    212
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Theology on Mission

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