Shows
Live from the Siburt InstituteAre Young Adults Really Done with Faith?: Falon Barton and Rachel CollinsJennifer Schroeder talks with Falon Barton and Rachel Collins about their experiences in ministry with emerging adults, their research of the "dones," and how these two conversations converge to shape how we think of young adult ministry and the church. Their insight provides church leaders with innovative ways to walk alongside emerging adults as they build or rebuild their spiritual lives.
Barton and Collins published two articles on their research in Volume 11 Issue 1 of Discernment. Read the articles here: digitalcommons.acu.edu/discernment/vol11/iss1/
2025-06-2545 minLive from the Siburt InstituteEllen Di Giosia: Cooperative Baptist FellowshipMyles Werntz talks with Ellen Di Giosia about her role as the Coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) of Texas. They help the audience get acquainted with what CBF is and how they can utilize its resources. Ellen shared the future goals of CBF and how you can partner with them either in Texas or in your home state.
2025-04-3029 minLive from the Siburt InstituteHeather Gorman and Mark Nelson: Lunchroom TheologyCarson Reed talks with Heather Gorman and Mark Nelson about their new book, Lunchroom Theology: Pushing Tables Together in a Fractured World. In this podcast, Heather and Mark discuss the theological and sociological origins of the polarization we’re experiencing and then examine how Jesus and the earliest Christians help us think faithfully and creatively about how to push tables together in our fractured world.
This podcast is a part of our Intersection Webinars. You can listen here or head to our YouTube channel to watch the full webinar recording.
2025-04-161h 02Live from the Siburt InstituteSamjung Kang-Hamilton and Mark Hamilton: Being Formed by the BibleIn this podcast, Carson Reed talks with Samjung Kang-Hamilton and Mark Hamilton about their new book, Story, Ritual, Prophecy, and Wisdom, as well as offer insight and practical wisdom to the ways that narratives, practices, and forthright speech give rise to healthy, living communities of faith that demonstrate wisdom.
This podcast is a part of our Intersection Webinars. You can listen here or head to our YouTube channel to watch the full webinar recording.
2025-02-261h 03Live from the Siburt InstituteA Journey Through Deconstruction and ReconstructionIn this episode, Myles Werntz and Ian Harber have a vulnerable conversation about his personal faith journey. Ian discusses his home life growing up, the many losses he has faced, and how the grief in his life affected his walk with God. Through his deconstruction and reconstruction process, Ian Harber discusses his experience with faith deconstruction and how he navigated through this hardship.
2025-02-1940 minLive from the Siburt InstituteDan Bouchelle: Learning from the Global ChurchDr. Carson Reed talks with Dr. Dan Bouchelle in the January Intersection webinar. Dan discusses his work with the Mission Resource Network and how we might we learn from brothers and sisters in other parts of the world.
This podcast is a part of our Intersection Webinars. You can listen here or head to our YouTube channel to watch the full webinar recording.
2025-01-2258 minLive from the Siburt InstituteRichard Beck: The Shape of JoyMyles Werntz talks with Richard Beck about his book, "The Shape of Joy." In this episode, Richard delves into the concepts of joy and self-esteem and their intersection with ministry.
2025-01-0238 minLive from the Siburt InstituteBrad East: Moving from Milk to Meat: Catechesis for a Digital GenerationJoin the conversation with Brad East as he discusses ways to minister to those who have left the church, the half-churched. In our generation of living online, Dr. East guides us through the difficulties of sharing the gospel to the Digital Generation.
This podcast is a part of our Intersection Webinars. You can listen here or head to our YouTube channel to watch the full webinar recording.
2024-12-111h 01Live from the Siburt InstituteSteve Bezner: Embodying the Culture of the Sermon on the MountMyles Werntz and Steve Bezner discuss the topics within Dr. Bezner’s newest book, Jesus is Too American. In this conversation, Steve talks about his journey of leading his Houston church through a sermon series that calls us to lean more into Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount and embody the culture that Jesus calls us to.
2024-11-2631 minLive from the Siburt InstituteSuzie Macaluso: Who are These People? Researching Churches of Christ TodayListen to the conversation with Suzie Macaluso about the Church Research Council. Christianity is in decline in the United States today, and so many changes are occurring in our culture as well. However, researchers are at work seeking to learn about what is happening in Churches of Christ. In this Intersection webinar, Dr. Suzie Macaluso will give an overview of cultural and sociological trends as well as tell us about this new research group that is forming to learn about congregations in Churches of Christ in terms of demographics, practices, and other sociological factors.
This podcast is...2024-11-1359 minLive from the Siburt InstituteKatie Frugé and Irene Gallegos: Helping Churches Foster a Moral ImaginationMyles Werntz talks with Katie Frugé and Irene Gallegos about their work in public advocacy and in helping churches find ways to express a "social witness" through involvement with moral issues in the world, especially hunger and poverty. Both Dr. Frugé and Dr. Gallegos are members of the Christian Life Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
2024-10-3040 minLive from the Siburt InstituteJosh Ross: Navigating an Election Season without Losing Your WitnessTune in to this timely discussion with Josh Ross about his new book, Coreology: Six Principles for Navigating an Election Season without Losing Your Witness. As we know, it can take hours, weeks, months, maybe even years for people to trust the witness of a Jesus-follower. And yet, we can lose that witness in a moment: with one social media post, a negative encounter, or an insensitive comment. Dozens of voices in our culture are fighting for our attention, affection, and allegiance, and for us Kingdom people, any form of drifting from our core confession of Jesus Christ’s ki...2024-10-1656 minLive from the Siburt InstituteStephen Bullivant: Churches of Christ and the Rise of the NonesOur discussion with Dr. Stephen Bullivant continues as we pivot from the broader religious landscape into Churches of Christ. We will begin with Dr. Bullivant's perspective and intrigue on Churches of Christ and their pioneering of restoration. Then move into how the rise of the "nones" is playing out within Churches of Christ. Since Churches of Christ are not unaffected by the rise of the nones and secularization, how have churches in our context responded to this reality?
This podcast is a recording of our Intersection Teleconference from September 2024. You can watch the conference on our website a...2024-10-021h 02Live from the Siburt InstituteHelen Paynter: Reading the Bible in a Violent WorldMyles Werntz and Helen Paynter discuss her new book on the Bible and violence, and what it means for ministers to lead people well into a violent world. The Reverend Dr. Paynter is Director of Theological Education, Tutor in Biblical Studies, and Executive Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College in the United Kingdom.
2024-09-2528 minLive from the Siburt InstituteAnna Carter Florence: Igniting a Love of ScriptureDavid Kneip and Anna Carter Florence talk about her work as a preacher and professor of homiletics and her upcoming visit to ACU's Summit gathering. Topics include the shared love of Scripture among the Churches of Christ and the Presbyterian churches, the importance and opportunities found in reading Scripture in community, connections that the theatre has with preaching, and her newest book A is for Alabaster: 52 Reflections on the Stories of Scripture.
2024-09-1732 minLive from the Siburt InstituteTravis Akins: Planting and Building a ChurchDavid Kneip and Travis Akins discuss aspects of planting a congregation and building a new church building. The conversation grows out of Travis's current experience as the minister of a new church in Oklahoma. Topics include the process of planting a church and then building a building, obstacles and unexpected blessings along the way, and spiritual resources that helped support the minister and the church.2024-09-1140 minLive from the Siburt InstituteCandace Nicolds: Caring for an Online CongregationDavid Kneip and Candace Nicolds talk about the opportunities and challenges that have come from individuals joining congregations through the live-streaming of worship services. They discuss Candace's work at the Brookline Church of Christ (Boston, MA), conversations among leadership, and theological implications of pastoral care for online congregants.
2024-08-2944 minLive from the Siburt InstituteHenry Zonio: The Importance of a Multicultural Perspective in Children’s Ministry - Part TwoJennifer Schroeder talks with Henry Zonio about why it is so important that our children's ministry resources reflect the diversity of God's kingdom and the impact on our children when they don't. Henry, a leading scholar in this area, pairs sociology with Christian education to help churches and faith based organizations think more intentionally about the work they are doing. This is the second of a two-part conversation. Listen to our next podcast for the entire session!
2024-08-0828 minLive from the Siburt InstituteHenry Zonio: The Importance of a Multicultural Perspective in Children’s Ministry - Part OneJennifer Schroeder talks with Henry Zonio about why it is so important that our children's ministry resources reflect the diversity of God's kingdom and the impact on our children when they don't. Henry, a leading scholar in this area, pairs sociology with Christian education to help churches and faith based organizations think more intentionally about the work they are doing. This is the first of a two-part conversation. Listen to our next podcast for the entire session!
2024-08-0833 minLive from the Siburt InstituteRivers Rich: Searching for a Minister (A New Minister's Perspective)David Kneip and Rivers Rich discuss ministry searches from the perspective of a minister who was just hired on staff at a church. Rivers talks about his experience of searching for a minister position after he graduated from ACU. He gives a unique point of view for both those who are on a search committee and those looking for a position.
2024-07-2432 minLive from the Siburt InstituteRobert Oglesby: Searching for a Minister (A Consultant's Perspective)David Kneip and Robert Oglesby discuss ministry searches, specifically focusing on Robert's work with churches and leader groups. Robert shares about the ways that he helps churches navigate the current shortage of ministers, shares stories of searches gone well and poorly, and provides tips for churches to conduct their searches more wisely and effectively.
2024-07-1034 minLive from the Siburt InstituteTraci Smith and David Csinos: Family Faith PracticesJennifer Schroeder talks with Traci Smith and David Csinos about how to incorporate intentional faith practices within families, why it is so important even at a very young age, and how churches and ministry leaders can better support their families in this pursuit. Traci and Dave are active scholars and leaders in the field of children's ministry and draw on both their experience and their research to encourage families and churches.
2024-06-2633 minLive from the Siburt InstituteOlivia Nabb: Searching for a Minister (A Candidate's Perspective)David Kneip and Olivia Nabb discuss ministry search processes. Olivia is a recent graduate of ACU's Graduate School of Theology, and at the time of recording, she had been interviewing with several churches but had not yet found a position. She provides important insights for church leaders as they seek to do their searches well, specifically from the often-unheard perspective of a candidate.
2024-06-1229 minLive from the Siburt InstituteWarren McNeill and Josh Stephens: Searching for a Minister (A Committee's Perspective)David Kneip talks with Josh Stephens and Warren McNeill, two members of a recent search committee at the Monterey Church of Christ in Lubbock, about the process of searching for a minister. They discuss ways to do a search well, practices to avoid, and the importance of depending on God throughout the process. During the podcast, Warren and Josh talk a lot about ways that the Siburt Institute has helped them; you can find information about Siburt's consulting services at https://www.siburtinstitute.org/consulting.
2024-05-2948 minLive from the Siburt InstituteMissy Taylor: Entering Ministry in MidlifeDavid Kneip and Missy Taylor discuss her story of entering ministry in middle age, with the goal of encouraging those volunteering in churches who may be sensing a call into ministry.
2024-05-1537 minLive from the Siburt InstituteAnna Moser and Sierra Gustafson: Sabbaticals in MinistryDavid Kneip talks with Sierra Gustafson and Anna Moser, two children's ministers in Churches of Christ, about the importance of sabbaticals in ministry. They discuss preparing for and entering into sabbaticals, exiting sabbaticals and re-entering ministry, and the challenges of conversations with leaders and ministry partners. Resources discussed in the podcast include the Siburt Institute's guide for sabbaticals, which can be found at https://www.siburtinstitute.org/downloads, as well as John Mark Comer's book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (available at https://waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/600096/the-ruthless-elimination-of-hurry-by-john-mark-comer-foreword-by-john-ortberg/), and Ruth Haley Barton's Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest: From Sabbath to Sabbatica...2024-04-1247 minLive from the Siburt InstituteAmy McLaughlin-Sheasby: What Ministers Need to Know About TraumaDavid Kneip and Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby talk about the very current topic of trauma, how prevalent it is in our world and our churches, and things ministers need to know and can do to help.
2024-03-2845 minLive from the Siburt InstituteSteve Hare: Talking about Bodies in ChurchDavid Kneip and Steve Hare discuss why it's important for churches to talk about bodies, sex, and desire. Not a "how-to," this episode encourages church leaders to be proactive in helping their congregants build solid theology around the body.
2024-03-1337 minLive from the Siburt InstituteDana Kennamer: Children's Spirituality and Spiritual FormationJennifer Schroeder and Dana Kennamer discuss the spirituality of children and key elements that are essential in fostering the spiritual formation of children in churches.
2024-02-2836 minLive from the Siburt InstituteJosh Kingcade: Year One as a PreacherDavid Kneip and Josh Kingcade discuss Josh's first year as a preacher after many years in other kinds of ministry. The podcast includes reflections on and recommendations for church leaders involved in ministry transitions.
2024-02-1431 minLive from the Siburt InstituteCheryl Russell: Dialogical PreachingJennifer Schroeder and Cheryl Russell discuss the transformative nature of dialogical preaching, where the pulpit becomes a meaningful dialogue between the minister, the congregation, and the message. Explore with Cheryl how dialogical preaching can inspire, challenge, and unite churches and listen as she talks about her church's experience with it.2024-01-3133 minLive from the Siburt InstituteKaley Ihfe: Ministering to Ministers’ WivesDavid Kneip and Kaley Ihfe talk about the challenges that face ministry wives, as well as some ways that the Lavish HOPE ministry is seeking to support, nourish, and refresh them.
2023-12-2037 minLive from the Siburt InstituteAlan Howell: Missions in the Modern WorldDavid Kneip and Alan Howell from Mission Resource Network talk about the changing face of missions in our world, along with resources that MRN has to offer churches and missions workers.
2023-12-0640 minLive from the Siburt InstituteCatherine Spiller: Disability, Ministry, and Full Worship ParticipationDavid Kneip and Catherine Spiller talk about challenges that churches face in ministering to individuals with disabilities, as well as opportunities for facilitating full participation in worship on the part of all congregants, especially those dealing with disability.2023-11-2026 minLive from the Siburt InstituteStacey Losher: Residency as Ministry ApprenticeshipDavid Kneip and Stacey Losher talk about ways that ministry residency can help congregations equip, grow, and send out new ministers, as a response to the challenges churches are having in finding individuals to hire.
2023-11-0827 minLive from the Siburt InstituteLaura Callarman and Ian Shelburne: Intentional Community and Regenerative CultureDavid Kneip, Laura Callarman, and Ian Shelburne talk about the Eden Center for Regenerative Culture and Spirit-led opportunities for intentional community.
2023-10-2542 minLive from the Siburt InstituteCasey Lankford: Contemplative Ministers’ InitiativeDavid Kneip and Casey Lankford talk about the ongoing work of the Contemplative Ministers' Initiative, from the perspective of a current member. This is the fourth and final podcast in a series about the Contemplative Ministers' Initiative.
2023-10-1126 minLive from the Siburt InstituteJosh Jackson: Contemplative Ministers’ InitiativeDavid Kneip and Josh Jackson talk about the ongoing work of the Contemplative Ministers' Initiative, from the perspective of a former member. This is the third podcast in a four-part series about the Contemplative Ministers' Initiative.
2023-09-2732 minLive from the Siburt InstituteHouston Heflin: Contemplative Ministers’ InitiativeDavid Kneip and Houston Heflin talk about the ongoing work of the Contemplative Ministers' Initiative, from the perspective of the current director. This is the second podcast in a four-part series about the Contemplative Ministers' Initiative.
2023-09-1419 minLive from the Siburt InstituteRandy Harris: Contemplative Ministers’ InitiativeDavid Kneip and Randy Harris talk about the Contemplative Ministers' Initiative and its founding as part of a series on CMI.
2023-08-2924 minLive from the Siburt InstituteHolly Catterton Allen: The Importance of Intergenerationality in the ChurchJennifer Schroeder and Holly Allen talk about her passion for intergenerationality and her new book, Intergenerational Christian Formation: Bringing the Whole Church Together in Ministry, Community, and Worship.
2023-08-1655 minLive from the Siburt InstituteChris Flanders: Honor, Shame, and Congregational MinistryShelby Coble and Chris Flanders talk about the persistent notions of honor and shame, even in our Western culture, and how those matter for church ministry.
2023-08-0141 minLive from the Siburt InstituteSuzie Macaluso: Sociology, Religion, and MinistryDavid Kneip and Suzie Macaluso talk about ways that the sociology of religion can help ministers and church leaders serve their churches and lead more effectively.
2023-07-1433 minLive from the Siburt InstituteRoyce Money: Remembering Charles SiburtDavid Kneip and Royce Money talk about Charles Siburt's ministry and legacy, as well as the founding of the Siburt Institute.
2023-06-2431 minLive from the Siburt InstituteBrad East: Theology, Technology, and MinistryDavid Kneip and Brad East talk about the benefits of theology and the challenges of technology for ministers
2023-06-0634 minLive from the Siburt InstituteWes Crawford: Conversations about Race in the ChurchDavid Kneip and Wes Crawford talk about Carl Spain's historic 1960 speech as well as how churches can move forward in race relations
2023-05-1139 minLive from the Siburt InstituteCarson Reed: Ministers in Short SupplyDavid Kneip and Carson Reed talk about the minister shortage facing churches today. They offer opinions on what is adding to this shortage and ways churches can address this issue.
2023-04-2830 minLive from the Siburt InstituteDudley Chancey & Robert Oglesby: Challenges of Youth MinistryAshley Lankford, Robert Oglesby, and Dudley Chancey talk about contemporary challenges in youth ministry. Robert teaches in ACU’s Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry, and he serves as the director of the Center for Youth and Family Ministry. Dudley is a professor of youth and family ministry at Oklahoma Christian University, and he directs OCU’s Intergenerational Faith Center.
2023-03-3029 minLive from the Siburt InstituteBeth Robinson: Anxiety and AdolescentsAshley Lankford and Beth Robinson discuss the current challenges ministers and mental-health professionals face in helping adolescents deal with anxiety. Beth is a long time counselor, writer, and professor who now teaches at Colorado Christian University.
2023-03-3020 minLive from the Siburt InstituteAmanda Box: Conflict Communication in Church Leadership (Part 2)Ashley Lankford and Amanda Box continue their conversation about conflict, communication, and church leadership. Make sure to listen to Part 1 as well!
2023-03-3026 minLive from the Siburt InstituteAmanda Box: Conflict Communication in Church Leadership (Part 1)Ashley Lankford and Amanda Box discuss the challenges of communicating in times of conflict. Amanda is a long time teacher and minister who is the self-proclaimed communication evangelist at Box Communication, Incorporated.
2023-03-3025 minLive from the Siburt InstituteDaniel Rodriguez: Rethinking Hispanic MinistryJennifer Schroeder and Daniel Rodriguez discuss Hispanic ministries in churches and beyond, including the consideration of new models and perspectives. Daniel is a professor of religion and hispanic studies and one of the deans in Pepperdine University’s Seaver College.
2023-03-3023 minLive from the Siburt InstituteShannon Rains & Jennifer Schroeder: The Importance of Children’s MinistryAshley Lankford, Jennifer Schroeder and Shannon Rains discuss the value and importance of ministry to children.
2023-03-3026 min
Faith in the FoldsThe Crisis in Church Ministry with Carson Reed In May of 2022, Dr. Carson Reed (Siburt Institute for Church Ministry, Abilene Christian University) penned a short but important article highlighting a growing problem facing many churches in America today: the shortage of ministers working in congregational settings. Today I sit down with Carson to ask him how this trend began, what can be done about it at the congregational level, and how can churches and Christian colleges work together to address this dire issue. #church #ministry #Americanchurch “Ministers in Short Supply”: https://www.mosaicsite.org/main/2022/5/24/ministers-in-short-supply Dr. Carson Reed’s faculty page...2022-08-121h 06