Am I Called

Introducing A Titan of Practical Theology, Richard Baxter!

Todd Augustine returns to discuss Richard Baxter’s ministry in greater detail. Todd served as Pastor of Congregational Life at College Church, Wheaton. IL and now lives in Naples where he is the Pastor of Covenant Church–a PCA Presbyterian congregation.

In this episode, Dave and Todd dive into Baxter’s practical outworking of the theology he held to so dearly. We will hear how Baxter–and the Puritans at large–trusted not in their own words of wisdom, but in the Word of God that gave forth true transformation.

This is a fascinating look into God’s work through the ministers of old and we hope it encourages you to persevere and hold fast to God’s Word in these modern times.

Why Every Church Leader Should Know the Puritans and Pastor Richard Baxter!

On this new episode, Dave sits down with Todd Augustine to talk about the amazing ministry of Puritan Richard Baxter. Todd served as Pastor of Congregational Life at College Church, Wheaton. IL and now lives in Naples where he is the Pastor of Covenant Church–a PCA Presbyterian congregation. 

The discussion begins with Todd’s story, his unlikely transition into ministry, and how he discovered the writings of the Puritans. From there, Todd explains his in-depth study of Richard Baxter–and how contemporary leaders can apply the advice of the Puritans to their modern-day context.

 

Dave and Jamin provide insight and answers to this question through presenting particular events where growth and humility can be displayed.  As they wrap up, they give a beautifull reminder that “humility nourishes your soul."

What does it look like to for an acclaimed hip-hop artist to become a pastor and make much of Jesus? 

On today’s episode, Dave and Jamin are joined by Trip Lee. Trip Lee is a hip-hop artist with Reach Records, an author, and a pastor at Cornerstone Church in Atlanta, GA.

Trip starts off by discussing his upbringing and how the Lord brought him to where he is as both an artist and a pastor. From there, Dave, Jamin, and Trip speak on discipleship in the local church, church planting, and some surprising thoughts on areas of suffering that reminds us that the Lord doesn’t simply supply us with strength, but that he IS our strength.

Disclaimer: We apologize for some of the rough audio quality of this interview. There were some technical difficulties in picking up Trip’s audio channel. However, we are grateful for the awesome team at Resonate Recordings for rescuing us and saving the episode.

What do music, writing, preaching, and social media have in common?

 

Dave and Jamin are joined on this episode by Ronnie Martin. Ronnie is a pastor, church planter, and author (“Stop Your Complaining”, "Finding God in the Dark", and “The Bridezilla of Christ’’), but before that, Ronnie spent his time as a touring musician in the band known as Joy Electric. 

 

The conversation begins with Ronnie explaining his journey from music into ministry and then leads to how creativity can be useful in music, ministry, writing, and in the use of social media.

 

For more on his transition from music to ministry, please read the following article: Called Out of the Music Industry Into Pastoral Ministry.

 

Is a pastor unsuccessful if he moves on to another position?

Dave and Jamin are joined on this episode by JR Vassar. JR is a former planter in New York City who now pastors Church at the Cross in Grapevine, TX. Once the pastor of a thriving church with two campuses, JR felt called to step down from his position as Lead Pastor and move for the health of his family. 

Following this background story, Dave, Jamin, and JR leap into discussing some specific situations in the world of church planting and pastoring. Topics discussed include:

• The effects of transitioning from one pastorate to another position elsewhere
• How the Gospel can be revealed at a greater level amidst uncertainty in transitioning
• The Biblical idea of ‘’success’’ within ministry
• When it’s NOT okay to leave one position for another

There is a lot packed into this episode and we pray that you find it beneficial in your planting and pastoring aspirations.

What is the Holy Spirit’s role in preaching and how did Charles Spurgeon experience the Spirit? On today’s episode, Dave and Jamin have the wonderful opportunity of speaking with Zack Eswine. Zack is the Pastor of Riverside Church in Webster Groves, MO as well as the Director of Homiletics at Covenant Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books including “The Imperfect Pastor”, “Spurgeon’s Sorrows”, and “Sensing Jesus.”

They begin by discussing Zack’s doctoral work on Charles H. Spurgeon and then quickly move into an engaging conversation on the Holy Spirit’s role in preaching and how the Spirit has shaped Zack’s life and preaching during his years in the pulpit.

For more information, please visit The Pastor’s Abbey at zackeswine.com.

 

For individuals in ministry, or who aspire to ministry, there can be a variety of temptations and stumbling blocks that they may find themselves facing throughout their journey. On this episode, Dave and Stephen discuss the common areas of struggle for leaders and pastors, both young and old, and provide insight on how to avoid those potential pitfalls.

On this episode, Dave Harvey and Stephen Altrogge are joined by Dr. Dan Allender. Dr. Allender is the Professor of Counseling Psychology at The Seattle School as well as the author of To Be Told, Leading With a Limp, and Healing the Wounded Heart. Topics discussed include leadership, counseling for sexual abuse, and living in joy because of Christ’s work.

 

If you’ve never heard an interview with Dan Allender, you are in for an unusual experience. He is insightful, humorous, wise, and yet says exactly what he thinks in a ‘no-holds-barred’ manner. You don’t want to miss this one!

 

Disclaimer: Due to the nature of the topics discussed, we recommend that children not be present while listening to this interview.

 

For more on Dan Allender, please visit theallendercenter.org

When a pastor decides it is time to leave his current church, there are a variety of temptations and problems that he can be faced with. On this episode, Dave Harvey and Stephen Altrogge sit down to discuss what they feel is the best way to leave so that the pastor is considering the church and leaders, the congregation is respected, and God is honored.