The Forum Podcast

What does it mean to lead from a place of weakness? In this episode of the Forum Podcast, Calvin Theological Seminary President Jul Medenblik sits down with author and pastor Dr. Mandy Smith to explore what it truly means to be a vulnerable, human leader in ministry. Drawing from her book The Vulnerable Pastor: How Human Limitations Empower Our Ministry, Smith reflects on the leadership crisis that reshaped her understanding of calling and opened up a deeper vision of dependence on God. Together, they discuss the difference between good and bad vulnerability, the temptation for pastors to become idols rather than models of dependence, and the practical wisdom needed to discern what to share, with whom, and when. They also reflect on how human limitations can become places of freedom, and why those on the margins may have the most to teach the church about strength in weakness. Whether you are a seminary student, a seasoned pastor, or someone wrestling with what faithful leadership looks like, this conversation offers a challenging and hope-filled vision of ministry shaped not by self-sufficiency, but by grace.

In this episode of the Forum Podcast, Phillip Palacios, Director of Communications, sits down with Dr. Karin Maag, Director of the Meeter Center for Calvin Studies and Adjunct Professor of the History of Christianity, and Dr. Ronald Feenstra, Professor of Systematic Theology, to discuss a new edited volume they have co-edited together. Their conversation explores how the project began as a series of faculty discussions around a central question: what does Calvin Theological Seminary mean when it says it is Reformed? What started as internal reflection gradually became a collaborative collection of essays from across the faculty, offering readers a thoughtful and accessible window into the seminary’s theological identity. Along the way, Maag and Feenstra reflect on key emphases of the Reformed tradition, including the sovereignty of God, covenantal thought, confessional identity, and God’s redemptive work in all creation. They also discuss how the project helped faculty better understand one another’s teaching and created a stronger sense of coherence around student formation. As Calvin Seminary enters its 150th year, this volume serves as a timely snapshot of the seminary’s identity, commitments, and vision. It is a rich conversation for alumni, prospective students, pastors, church leaders, and anyone interested in Reformed theological education.

In this episode of the Forum Podcast, Jonah Gollihugh, Communications Team Member and MDiv ’16 alum, sits down with Dr. Neil Martin, ThM ’13 alum, pastor, former design professional, and scholar, for a remarkable conversation about faith, suffering, vocation, and an unconventional path to ministry. Martin reflects on growing up in the UK with no Christian background, coming to faith through a small village church, and studying engineering at Cambridge while wrestling with big questions about God and Scripture. He also shares how a sudden health crisis in his twenties reshaped the course of his life, driving him deep into Scripture and theological study during a long season of illness. The conversation explores how Martin’s background in design unexpectedly led to his work on the 2011 NIV update, including the use of computational lexicography to navigate questions of contemporary language in Bible translation. He also discusses his time at Calvin Seminary, his doctoral work at Oxford on Galatians, and the way his life now brings together pastoral ministry, mentoring students, and academic scholarship. It is a thoughtful and encouraging conversation about God’s faithfulness, the formation that can happen through suffering, and the surprising ways vocation unfolds in service to the church.  

Why does Christian formation matter as much as knowledge and skill? In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Jeff Sajdak, Dean of Students, joins Phillip Palacios to reflect on spiritual formation, community, and what it means to be shaped in Christ for ministry at Calvin Theological Seminary. Drawing on years of pastoral experience and student formation work, Jeff explores the difference between formation and malformation, the dangers of ill-formed leadership, and why Christlike character is essential for faithful ministry. The conversation highlights how formation happens not only through academics and vocational training, but through shared practices of worship, prayer, Scripture, and life together in community. Recorded during Calvin Theological Seminary’s 150th anniversary, this episode connects formation to the church’s confession, especially the communion of saints, and to the Reformed conviction that all of life belongs to God. Listeners are invited to consider how theological education forms leaders whose lives bear the fruit of the Spirit. The Forum Podcast is a production of Calvin Theological Seminary.

What does it mean to confess “We believe” if our lives are not being shaped by Christ? In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Cory Willson, Professor of Missiology, World Christianity, and Public Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary, joins Phillip Palacios for a conversation on the Nicene Creed, Christian mission, and the relationship between doctrine and lived faith. Recorded during Calvin Theological Seminary’s 150th anniversary, the discussion explores how the Nicene Creed arose from the church’s real-life struggles to live faithfully in the world, and why its theological clarity still matters today. Cory reflects on the danger of “dead orthodoxy,” the call to a dialogue of love with culture, and how Reformed theology equips the church for faithful witness in diverse global contexts. This episode invites listeners to consider how ancient confession becomes present-day discipleship, and why theology must always bear fruit in the life of the church. The Forum Podcast is a production of Calvin Theological Seminary.

Why does the Nicene Creed still matter 1,700 years later? In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Sam Ha, Theological Librarian and Curator of the Meeter Center for Calvin Studies, joins Phillip Palacios to reflect on the enduring significance of the Nicene Creed and its place in the life of the church today. Recorded in the context of Calvin Theological Seminary’s 150th anniversary, the conversation explores how ancient creeds and Reformed confessions continue to shape Christian belief, worship, and practice. Sam draws connections between the Nicene Creed, the Heidelberg Catechism, and John Calvin’s conviction that theology must be lived, pastoral, and responsive to the needs of the world. Touching on themes of suffering, unity, pilgrimage, and hope, this episode invites listeners to see the creed not as a relic of the past, but as a living confession—one that anchors faith, fosters unity across cultures, and calls the church to faithful witness today. The Forum Podcast is a production of Calvin Theological Seminary.

In this insightful episode of the Forum Podcast from Calvin Theological Seminary, current ThM student Leah Jolly talks with Dr. Madison Pierce, Associate Professor of New Testament at Western Theological Seminary, whose scholarship centers on Hebrews, the Catholic Epistles, and Scripture’s use of Scripture. Dr. Pierce shares how her early love for teaching and Scripture led her from small group Bible studies to advanced research on divine speech and the Trinity in Hebrews. Along with Leah and Dr. Pierce, you'll explore how careful reading of Scripture—especially the “muted voices” of the New Testament—can deepen your faith and address common assumptions about law, grace, and the nature of God’s ongoing revelation. Join them for a conversation that blends personal story, theological insight, and a passion for helping the church read the Bible more faithfully. In this episode: How Dr. Pierce’s vocation as a teacher began in her teens What drew her to the Book of Hebrews—and why we shouldn’t be afraid of it The beauty of Scripture as a conversation among the Father, Son, and Spirit Why lifelong learning matters for pastors and teachers Insights from her books Muted Voices of the New Testament and Reading the Later New Testament as Christian Scripture

In this episode of the Forum Podcast from Calvin Theological Seminary, current ThM student Leah Jolly sits down with Dr. Karin Maag, longtime editor of the Calvin Theological Journal (CTJ), to discuss the journal’s 60-year legacy of advancing Reformed scholarship and mentoring new voices in theology. Founded in 1966, CTJ continues to offer a unique blend of biblical, theological, and historical research—serving scholars, pastors, and students around the world. Dr. Maag shares insights into her decade as editor, her vision for the journal’s future, and why thoughtful, charitable scholarship still matters in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world. In this conversation: -The story behind the Calvin Theological Journal and its enduring mission -How CTJ bridges scholarship and the church through sermons and research -Why Calvin Seminary continues to publish a print journal in a digital age -Encouragement for emerging writers and theologians -A behind-the-scenes look at editing, mentoring, and shaping academic writing

In this powerful episode of the Forum Podcast from Calvin Theological Seminary, current ThM student Leah Jolly sits down with Shawn England, a current MTS student and graduate of the Calvin Prison Initiative (CPI). Once serving a 35-year prison sentence, Shawn encountered Christ behind bars—and through the Calvin Prison Initiative, he discovered not only an education but a calling. Today, he’s studying theology at Calvin Seminary and working to extend the same life-changing opportunities to others in Michigan’s prison system. Join this inspiring conversation as Shawn shares: -How God’s providence opened the door for the Calvin Prison Initiative -His personal transformation from incarceration to ministry -The role of education in true rehabilitation and human formation -Why the Church’s presence in prisons matters now more than ever -His hopes for the next generation of CPI students and theological educators

In this inspiring episode of the Forum Podcast from Calvin Theological Seminary, we sit down with Dr. Charles Oh, 2025 Doctor of Ministry graduate, whose groundbreaking research explores the spiritual vitality of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) living and working in religiously restrictive countries. Drawing from years of missionary experience in the Philippines and interviews conducted in the Middle East, Dr. Oh shares moving stories of faith, perseverance, and community among Filipino workers who worship quietly yet powerfully in places where religious expression is limited. Join hosts Rev. Jeff Sajdak and Dr. Geoff Vandermolen as they discuss: -What inspired Dr. Oh’s research on “forgotten” overseas workers -The surprising realities of faith life in restrictive nations -How churches can remember and support those they send -The deeper spiritual lessons of resilience, prayer, and calling

In this Lifelong Learning episode, Dr. Aaron Einfeld, Director of Lifelong Learning at Calvin Theological Seminary, speaks with leadership coach and church consultant Tom Clegg, Clegg Consulting Group, about the transformative role of coaching in Christian ministry. Together, they explore how coaching — unlike traditional mentoring or teaching — equips leaders to grow through intentional reflection, deep listening, and Spirit-led discovery. Tom shares wisdom from decades of experience walking alongside pastors and organizational leaders, illustrating how coaching uncovers barriers, reframes identity, and cultivates sustainable leadership. This conversation is a practical and theological invitation to slow down, listen well, and lead with authenticity. 🔹 Learn more about Calvin Seminary's coaching-based Empower program 🔹 Discover how coaching fosters resilience in anxious ministry environments 🔹 Hear stories of real leaders transformed through gospel-centered coaching

Dr. Mary Vanden Berg, Emerita of Systematic Theology, talks with Dr. Aaron Einfeld, Director of Lifelong Learning at Calvin Theological Seminary, about the often-avoided realities of death, suffering, and grief—and why Christian formation must include them. From lament psalms to funeral liturgies, from the daily prayer of “into your hands I commit my spirit” to the spiritual weight of complicated grief, they explore how honest engagement with mortality can deepen hope in Christ and reshape how we live. A sobering yet hopeful episode for pastors, students, and anyone facing the painful edges of life. Topics include: Medicalized suffering The role of lament Spiritual formation How the church can better walk with people in pain Whether you’re a pastor, caregiver, or curious listener, this conversation invites you into a richer theology of life, death, and what it means to hope in Christ.

In this stirring episode, Dr. Constantine R. Campbell—New Testament scholar, jazz musician, and author—returns to the Forum Podcast with Dr. Aaron Einfeld, Director of Lifelong Learning at Calvin Theological Seminary, to explore how personal crisis, ministry burnout, and spiritual deconstruction can become doorways to deeper grace and renewed faith. Drawing from his own story of vocational collapse, emotional healing, and the long road back to the pulpit, Dr. Campbell offers a vulnerable and wise reflection on the state of the American church. Along the way, he considers: Why the church must embrace humility or face collapse What it means to be spiritually reconstructed after burnout How jazz offers a surprising model for freedom within formation Why churches must become safe places for doubt and honesty What early church history teaches us about empire and renewal A moving, timely conversation for anyone disillusioned, burned out, or yearning for a faith that still breathes.

Dr. Constantine R. Campbell, Professor and Research Director at the Australian University College, joins Dr. Aaron Einfeld, Director of Lifelong Learning at Calvin Theological Seminary, for a profound Lifelong Learning conversation on theology, jazz, and the crisis within American evangelicalism. A professional jazz saxophonist and New Testament scholar, Dr. Campbell speaks candidly about reconciling his faith and artistry, critiques the political entanglements of modern evangelicalism, and shares a moving personal account of grace following divorce. This episode features: The theological value of artistic creation Why internalized knowledge matters—for musicians and theologians The communal nature of both jazz and theology How tribalism harms the church’s mission Reflections from his book Jesus vs. Evangelicals A rich, challenging, and hopeful conversation for those yearning for depth in faith and freedom in expression.

In this compelling episode of The Forum Podcast, host Dr. Aaron Einfeld, Director of Lifelong Learning at Calvin Theological Seminary, sits down with licensed therapist Kurt Visker to explore the nature of anxiety, the role of counseling, and how individuals can build resilience in challenging seasons of life. Kurt shares insights from years of clinical experience, including how counseling helps people move from fear to confidence, and why facing discomfort is essential to growth. Together, they discuss what resilience really means, how it develops over time, and how it applies to everyday struggles—from parenting and performance anxiety to grief and vocational identity. Special attention is given to the unique pressures pastors face and the need for authenticity and self-awareness in ministry leadership. Whether you're navigating personal hardship, wrestling with anxiety, or supporting others in their journey, this episode offers grounded wisdom and practical tools for emotional and spiritual health.

Change is hard—even when we want it. In this Forum Podcast episode, Alida van Dijk, Executive Director of Community Counselling Centre of London Ontario and therapist, joins Aaron Einfeld, Director of Lifelong Learning at Calvin Theological Seminary, to explore why personal and organizational change is often slow, complex, and emotionally charged. Drawing from her work at Community Counselling London and her experience in Calvin Theological Seminary’s Adaptive Leadership cohort, Alida shares insights on: - The “immunity to change” framework by Keegan & Lahey - How competing commitments and fear hold us back - What therapy teaches us about human resistance to change - Why church and nonprofit leaders must start with personal transformation - How to move from awareness to action with small, persistent steps For leaders, therapists, pastors, and changemakers, this is an honest, encouraging, and practical conversation about doing the hard work of leading change—from the inside out.

What happens after seminary? And how do ministry leaders keep growing in the midst of challenge, change, and burnout? In this episode, Calvin Theological Seminary’s Dr. Aaron Einfeld, Director of Lifelong Learning at Calvin Theological Seminary, and Wendy Fisher, Associate Director of Lifelong Learning, join Leah Jolly, ThM Student, to share how the Lifelong Learning program equips pastors and Christian leaders for long-term spiritual and vocational health. With practical insights from adaptive leadership training, formation-based retreats, and their own upcoming podcast season, they unpack what it really means to be a lifelong learner in ministry.   🌱 Topics include: Supporting ministry leaders beyond graduation Preventing burnout and navigating anxiety Replenishing the soul of the leader Embracing change as a path to spiritual growth Building a culture of learning in the local church   Whether you're in full-time ministry or just starting seminary, this episode will help you reflect, recalibrate, and reconnect with your calling.

In this episode of the Forum Podcast, Dr. Dorothy Jenkins discusses her dissertation exploring the ministry journeys of Black women in pastoral ministry. Drawing from interviews with women pastors, Dr. Jenkins identifies faith, support, and opportunity as essential factors for breaking through barriers in ministry. She shares with Doctor of Ministry's program director, Jeff Sajdak: Her personal call to ministry and educational journey Challenges faced by Black women preachers, including marginalization and lack of opportunities The importance of mentorship, community, and prophetic affirmation Her prophetic word to the church: “Show grace and unify – it’s not about us, it’s about God.” Encouragement to women considering seminary or doctoral studies to “do it and grow deeper in God’s Word and work.” ➡️ Listen and be inspired by these powerful stories of resilience, calling, and faith.

In this episode of the Forum Podcast, Dr. Cory Willson, Professor of Missiology, World Christianity, and Public Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary, shares his powerful journey of faith – from growing up in a small evangelical church in California to becoming a leading academic voice. He opens up about how losing his place on the college soccer team led him into a season of darkness that deepened his faith and ministry calling. Dr. Willson reflects on his mentors, including Richard Mouw and Doug McConnell, who shaped his theological and missiological vision. He unpacks the heart behind his book Work and Worship, exploring how the work we do throughout the week deeply connects with Sunday worship and discipleship. Cory also discusses the importance of lament in the Christian life and how churches can better integrate it into worship. He shares about his work with the Institute for Mission, Church, and Culture, equipping believers to live out their priestly calling in the world. Finally, he offers a glimpse into his upcoming book that will focus on discipleship in daily life. If you’ve ever wondered how your faith, work, and worship integrate, this conversation will both encourage and challenge you.

When's the last time you checked your smartphone? Does the mere mention of your phone make you reach for your pocket? If your use of your smartphone borders on addiction, you're not alone. Calvin Seminary held what we called a "Smartphone Retreat", a week-long series of exercises and practices designed to help us answer the questions “how much and how well do we use our smartphones?” and “what are the positive and negative effects they have on us?” Jeff Sajdak, Dean of Students, and Aaron Einfeld, Director of Lifelong Learning, planned and facilitated the week. Our then Educational Technologist, Nathan Bierma, talked to them about why they started the smartphone retreat, based off a TedTalk by Manoush Zomorodi and her book "Bored and Brilliant", and what they learned.

How can the church speak into a time of bitter partisan divisions? How can we be a redeeming presence in politics? How can the insights of John Calvin guide us even today? Dr. Matthew Tuininga, Professor of Moral Theology and the History of Christianity at Calvin Seminary, asked these questions in his new book, Calvin's Political Theology and the Public Engagement of the Church: Christ's Two Kingdoms (Law and Christianity). Tuininga spoke with Kevin den Dulk, the then director of the Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics at Calvin University. Let us listen in to that conversation.

It is estimated that 50 million people around the world suffer from dementia. Individuals with dementia lose the sense of who they are, as their cognitive and behavioral functioning diminishes. Their loved ones who care for them are faced with a slow and agonizing decline which takes a physical, emotional, and financial toll on them. How can we show the love of Christ in the midst of this loss? How can we view life and death in a way that might go against North American culture? Mary Vanden Berg, Professor Emerita of Systematic Theology at Calvin Seminary, addressed these questions at our first Loving Your Neighbor Today Conference.

Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt is a renowned church historian, theologian, and professor at Wheaton College, specializing in the history of Christianity from the Reformation through the Enlightenment. In this episode of The Forum Podcast, she joins host Leah Jolly, MDiv student at Calvin Seminary, to discuss the legacy of Mary Magdalene and how historical misconceptions have shaped our understanding of her role in the church. Dr. McNutt unpacks why reclaiming the true biblical narrative of Mary matters, especially for women in the church today. They also explore broader themes of church history, biblical interpretation, and what the past can teach us about faith in the modern world. Don’t miss this deep and thought-provoking discussion on Scripture, theology, and the role of women in the church.

The Museum of African American History and Culture and the Holocaust Museum are devoted to telling stories that risk being forgotten or overlooked or even ignored. They also deal with stories of trauma, loss, and profound grief. Dr. Danjuma Gibson took a class to Washington, D.C., to see these museums and wrestle with questions about oppression and suffering in a class entitled Pastoral Theology at the margins. Gibson is Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling at Calvin Seminary. He sat down with Geoff Vandermolen, Director of Vocational Formation and Co-Director of the Doctorate of Ministry program at Calvin Seminary. Together, they reflect on these experiences and their impact on those who participated.

In this episode, Leah Jolly, MDiv and ThM student at Calvin Seminary, sits down with Dr. Karin Maag to discuss Maag's reception of the honorary doctorate from Theological University of Utrecht. Maag is the director of the Center for Calvin Studies and adjunct professor of History of Christianity and she also serves as co-director of the Master of Theology program. This honorary doctorate recognizes her contributions to the field of Calvin and Reformation studies, especially through her work in the center for Calvin's Studies. In this interview, we learn more about her life, her entrance into the field of Calvin studies, and the ways her career has led to this honorary doctorate.

Dr. Amy Peeler, a biblical scholar and ordained priest, joins The Forum Podcast for a fascinating conversation on theology, Scripture, and how we talk about God. As a professor at Wheaton College, Dr. Peeler has spent years studying the book of Hebrews, exploring its themes of inheritance, sonship, and divine language. In this episode, led by Dr. Danny Daley, Associate Professor in New Testament at Calvin Seminary, she discusses how the New Testament dramatically shifts the language of God’s fatherhood and what that means for believers today. They also dive into her book, Women and the Gender of God, which examines how Scripture portrays both the fatherhood of God and the role of women in the biblical narrative. Through careful exegesis and theological reflection, Dr. Peeler challenges misconceptions and invites listeners to think more deeply about the ways we speak about God. Whether you’re interested in biblical studies, theology, or the role of women in church history, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into the richness of the biblical text.

The story of Scripture is rooted in the land of Israel and Palestine. Tracing the paths of biblical history gives new depths and dimensions to our reading of Scripture. But today, Israel and Palestine lie at the center of intense conflict. Gary Burge has spent a career studying, writing about, and traveling to the Holy Land. Burge was Professor of Biblical Studies for over two decades at Wheaton College, and is an Adjunct Professor of New Testament at Calvin Seminary.   He continues to bring students to the Holy Land to experience it for themselves. Gary and Calvin Seminary President Jul Medenblik spoke together on the topic of the Holy Land.

How did John Calvin employ the Old Testament in his preaching and instruction? Dr. Yudha Thianto, Chief Academic Officer and Professor of the History of Christianity and Reformed Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary, published "The Old Testament, Calvin, and the Reformed Tradition" with Brill Publishers in 2024. This work reflects his lifelong passion for Reformed theology, rooted in his Christian upbringing in Indonesia and is Based on papers from the 2019 meeting of the Calvin Studies Society. From an early age, Thianto was drawn to teaching, a calling he pursued through his education, ultimately earning a PhD from Calvin Seminary and teaching for over two decades at Trinity Christian College before joining Calvin Seminary. In this conversation led by Master of Divinity student Leah Jolly, Thianto hopes this volume will encourage pastors and scholars to deepen their study of the Old Testament, emphasizing its significance in Christian life. Looking ahead, he continues his research on metrical psalm singing in the Dutch East Indies while maintaining his dedication to teaching and mentoring students worldwide.

Justo Gonzalez is one of the world's leading theologians and prominent voices in calling the global church to recognize the presence and perspectives of Latino and Latina Christians. We hosted and his wife, Katherine, who's also a distinguished scholar, for a conversation with Mariano Avila, professor emeritus of New Testament at Calvin Seminary and the retired director of our Certificate in Latino Ministry. Before the discussion between Mariano and Justo, Mariano joins Calvin Seminary chief operating Officer Margaret Mwenda for a brief introduction of Justo Gonzalez. We are encouraged to listen to the role of Latino/a communities in the United States and the challenge presented to theological institutions, churches, and communities.

Dr. Matthew Tuininga, Professor of Ethics and the History of Christianity, joins us for part two of our discussion of his latest book, "The Wars of the Lord: The Puritan Conquest of America's First People" with Oxford University Press. In this episode, Dr. Tuininga highlights the Puritan’s mentality of being agents of God’s will to the Native Americans, the tragedies of the wars between the two groups, and how Christians today can engage in conversations about history, understanding the events of the past on their own terms.

Reading and studying history not only enriches our knowledge, but gives us a deeper humility as we seek to understand the nuances and complexities of a story. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Matthew Tuininga, Professor of Ethics and the History of Christianity, in anticipation of a new book. This new book is entitled "The Wars of the Lord: The Puritan Conquest of America's First People" and is published by Oxford University Press. How does an ethicist and historian write a book that focuses on both the political and religious aspects of a complex period of history? During this interview by MDiv Student, Leah Jolly, Tuininga discusses his personal story and describes his writing process. He seeks to teach listeners the value of humility as they study history.

What can we learn from events that took place 500 years ago? Karin Maag and Lyle Bierma led a pilgrimage of sorts to windward Germany, and more to follow the footsteps of Martin Luther. They help these historical sites come alive with their knowledge about the events that happened and the legacy that still resounds. Karin Maag is the Director of the Center of Calvin Studies at Calvin University and Seminary. Lyle Bierma is professor emeritus of Church History and Systematic Theology at Calvin Seminary. They joined, together with Jul Medenblik, President of Calvin Seminary, to share their insights on what happened 500 years ago and what it means for us today.

In this video, Calvin Theological Seminary president, Jul Medenblik explores the pressing question, "Where have all the pastors gone?" Communication Director, Phillip Palacios, and Jul discuss the challenges of encouraging new leaders into ministry, the evolving role of pastors, and the importance of proactive discipleship within churches. Highlighting Calvin Seminary's global reach and reformed identity, Jul shares inspiring stories of alumni making a difference worldwide. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the future of ministry and the hope found in raising faithful leaders.

In this insightful interview, Susan LaClear, the candidacy director for the Christian Reformed Church, shares her journey into ministry, from her unexpected start as a music minister to becoming a commissioned pastor and guiding others into ministry. She discusses the evolving landscape of church leadership, emphasizing the importance of local leaders and creative pathways like the commissioned pastor role. Susan also highlights the need for ongoing training and a culture of continual learning within the church. Watch the full interview to learn about her vision for the future of church leadership and the opportunities for emerging pastors.

In this episode, Danjuma Gibson speaks on shared trauma. He starts by offering a definition of trauma and continues to speak on the shared experience of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Dr. Danjuma Gibson is the Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling at Calvin Theological Seminary. Aaron Einfeld, Director of Lifelong Learning, joins in the conversation to discuss working on traumatic experiences. Gibson and Einfeld offer a perspective of leading while going through traumatic situations. 

For pastors who prepare and preach sermons week after week and year after year. You might expect the process to eventually become routine. Rev. Mary Hulst says it never does and it never should. Each week brings a new text, a new purpose, a new challenge, and a new calling to speak gospel truth to a world designed by dissonant messages. In her book, "A Little Handbook for Preachers: Ten Practical Ways to a Better Sermon by Sunday" Hulst describes the challenge and gives guidance to preachers on how to meet it. Hulst writes “What keeps me at it? Week after week is what keeps all of us at it. We believe that God Almighty, Lord of heaven and earth, actually uses people like us to proclaim the mysteries of faith. And we are thrilled and humbled at this calling.” Hulst was one of the first female graduates of Calvin Seminary, and one of our first female professors. She is currently chaplain at Calvin University. Laura De Young, 2017 Calvin Seminary alum and Pastor of Preaching and Worship at Community Christian Reformed Church in Kitchener, Ontario, spoke with Mary about the craft and calling of preaching.

Who is my neighbor? The question is as old as a time of Jesus, and the answer continues to be the same. But what does this look like today? How can we love those who might not know how to love? How do we love neighbors of other faiths? Neighbors of other races? Neighbors suffering from dementia or trauma. Calvin Seminary hosted a conference to explore these questions and to listen to Christ's call to love all our neighbors. Our featured speaker was Richard Mouw. Mouw is a former professor of philosophy at Calvin College and the president emeritus of Fuller Theological Seminary. Mouw speaks with conviction, clarity, and humor in this opening keynote address called "Engaging Our Neighbors."

In this episode we talk with N.T. Wright. Few living theologians have made as much of an impact on the global church as N.T. Wright. Wright's work is grounded in centuries of theology, and yet his writing and speaking freshly connects with people today. N.T. Wright challenges the church to recover the fulness of the gospel message and resurrection hope. We were honored to host Wright in 2017 for the Stob Lectures and January Series at Calvin University and Calvin Seminary. While he was here, he joined us for a conversation with John Witvliet, Professor of Worship at Calvin Seminary and Director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. In this excerpt of that conversation, Wright discusses his vision for the kingdom of God on earth and the vital witness of the church.

We learn a bit about Dr. Danny Daley, how his journey impacts his studies, and his recent release "Ideal Disciples," which unpacks the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew. He has some insights that enhance the reading of this famous passage.