In this episode of Local Theologians, Travis Montgomery is joined by Dean, founding and lead pastor of City Church in Tallahassee, Florida, to discuss the influence of longtime pastor and evangelist Dr. James Merritt. As part of a season focused on Christian character and faithful examples, Dean reflects on a mentoring relationship that began when he was nineteen years old and has continued throughout his ministry. He highlights two qualities that especially define Merritt’s example: a serious commitment to finishing the Christian life well and an extraordinary passion for personal evangelism.

Their conversation explores mentorship, hospitality, preaching, discipleship, spiritual disciplines, marriage, accountability, and the importance of keeping evangelistic zeal at the heart of Christian formation. Dean shares how Merritt’s public ministry has been matched by personal investment in younger leaders and a consistent desire to introduce people to Christ. Travis and Dean also encourage listeners not only to seek mentors but to become mentors themselves, and to pursue a form of discipleship that produces faithful missionaries rather than merely more knowledgeable Christians.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

James Merritt, Christian character, evangelism, mentorship, discipleship, finishing well, pastoral ministry, preaching, spiritual formation, personal evangelism, Christian leadership, accountability, marriage, faithfulness, Luke 10:2, Luke 15, Touching Lives, City Church Tallahassee

Takeaways

• Christian character still matters, especially the lifelong pursuit of finishing well.

• Personal evangelism should remain central to ministry regardless of platform, experience, or theological education.

• Mentorship often begins with simple hospitality, availability, and a willingness to give someone your time.

• Public ministry is strengthened when it is matched by faithful personal relationships and private devotion to Christ.

• Long-term faithfulness requires intentional spiritual disciplines, accountability, and a growing love for Christ.

• Faithfulness in marriage and family life is an essential part of finishing ministry well.

• Christians should not only look for mentors but also intentionally invest in and mentor others.

• Discipleship should deepen biblical knowledge while also increasing zeal to reach people with the gospel.

• Evangelism can take different forms and personalities, but every Christian is called to care about the lost and enter the harvest.

• Growth in preaching, evangelism, discipleship, and character requires both prayer and intentional practice.

In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Samuel Parkison, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Philosophy at Midwestern Seminary, to discuss the life and influence of G. K. Chesterton. As part of a season focused on character and faithful examples, Sam reflects on Chesterton’s enduring legacy as a Christian thinker, journalist, and apologist whose writings continue to inspire believers to see the world with wonder, gratitude, and joy. Drawing from Chesterton’s essays, biographies, and theological reflections, Sam highlights the qualities that have most shaped his own life and ministry.

Their conversation explores the virtue of gratitude, the importance of cultivating joy in ordinary life, and the uniquely Christian ability to delight in God’s creation. Sam explains how Chesterton’s writings helped him appreciate the “thisness” of reality, encouraging believers to see everyday experiences as gifts from God rather than taking them for granted. Along the way, Travis and Sam discuss theological education, ministry overseas, Christian imagination, the Beatific Vision, and the formative influence of authors such as C. S. Lewis and G. K. Chesterton. The episode offers practical encouragement for Christians seeking to grow in gratitude, deepen their love for God’s world, and pursue theological study as an act of worship.

High school students who are interested in studying classic literature, history, theology, and philosophy with Dr. Parkison should consider the Veritas Honors Program at Spurgeon College, a Christ-Centered campus in Kansas City: spurgeoncollege.com/veritas

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

Samuel Parkison, G. K. Chesterton, gratitude, joy, Christian imagination, theological education, C. S. Lewis, Christian character, Beatific Vision, apologetics, discipleship, church history, theology, spiritual formation, wonder, delight, Christian living, Global Campus

Takeaways

• Gratitude helps believers recognize every good thing as a gift from God.

• Christian joy grows when we learn not to take ordinary realities for granted.

• The world is filled with signs of God’s goodness that invite wonder and worship.

• Reading great Christian thinkers can deepen both theological conviction and spiritual affection.

• G. K. Chesterton challenged modern assumptions by emphasizing the beauty and mystery of creation.

• Theological study is a stewardship that should be approached with gratitude and seriousness.

• Christians can learn from faithful thinkers even when they disagree on important issues.

• Joy and intellectual rigor are not opposing values but can thrive together.

• God often uses mentors, authors, and teachers to shape believers across generations.

• Christian maturity involves tracing every good gift back to its ultimate source in God Himself.

In this episode of Local Theologians, Travis Montgomery is joined by Kyle Worley, pastor of Mosaic Church, co-host of the Knowing Faith podcast, and co-author of The First Five: Beating the Odds and Thriving as a Ministry Leader, written with his father. As part of a season focused on character and faithful examples, Kyle reflects on the life and ministry of his father, Dr. Joseph Worley, whose decades of pastoral leadership have profoundly shaped his understanding of faithfulness, ministry, and Christian character. Through personal stories and ministry experiences, Kyle highlights the impact of consistent obedience, servant leadership, and a deep trust in God.

Their conversation explores the relationship between character and leadership, the importance of faithful mentors, and the challenge of balancing patience with holy ambition in ministry. Kyle shares lessons learned from watching his father lead through seasons of difficulty, invest in evangelism, disciple future leaders, and remain steadfast in vocational ministry for decades. The episode offers practical wisdom for pastors, ministry leaders, and Christians seeking to cultivate faithfulness, perseverance, and long-term fruitfulness in service to Christ.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

Kyle Worley, Joseph Worley, faithfulness, mentorship, ministry leadership, discipleship, evangelism, pastoral ministry, Christian character, holy ambition, patience, leadership development, Knowing Faith, The First Five, pastoral leadership, vocational ministry, Proverbs 3

Takeaways

• Faithfulness is demonstrated through long-term obedience and trust in God.

• Christian leaders should strive for consistency between public ministry and private life.

• Mentors often shape character more through their example than through their advice.

• Pastoral endurance is strengthened by a commitment to evangelism and disciple-making.

• Difficult seasons often reveal and deepen Christian character.

• Leadership requires both patient perseverance and holy ambition.

• Healthy ministry leaders intentionally invest in developing future leaders.

• Strong mentors listen carefully, pray faithfully, and guide others with wisdom.

• Ministry effectiveness grows from faithfulness rather than the pursuit of recognition.

• Building a network of trusted mentors can help leaders navigate different seasons of ministry.

In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Phil Newton, director of pastoral care and mentoring for the Pillar Network, longtime pastor, and author of numerous books on pastoral ministry and spiritual formation. In this episode, Phil reflects on the life and ministry of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the renowned Welsh preacher, physician, and pastor of Westminster Chapel. Drawing from years of studying Lloyd-Jones’s sermons, writings, and biography, Phil highlights the qualities that made him one of the most influential Christian leaders of the twentieth century.

Their conversation centers on Lloyd-Jones’s deep dependence on the Holy Spirit, unwavering commitment to expositional preaching, and passion for the glory of God. Phil explains how Lloyd-Jones combined exceptional intellectual gifts with profound spiritual humility, recognizing that lasting transformation comes not through human ability but through the power of God working through His Word. Along the way, Travis and Phil discuss revival, faithful ministry, sermon preparation, biblical exposition, and the centrality of Scripture in Christian leadership. The episode offers practical encouragement for pastors, ministry leaders, and everyday believers seeking to cultivate a deeper dependence on God and a greater commitment to His truth.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

Phil Newton, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, expositional preaching, dependence on God, Holy Spirit, revival, pastoral ministry, preaching, Christian leadership, Westminster Chapel, church history, discipleship, spiritual formation, Ephesians, Romans, biblical exposition, faithfulness, ministry

Takeaways

• Lasting spiritual transformation depends on the power of God rather than human ability.

• Deep spirituality is characterized by dependence upon the Holy Spirit and a commitment to prayer.

• Faithful preaching centers on explaining and applying God’s Word rather than promoting personal ideas.

• Christian leaders should pursue God’s glory rather than their own recognition or success.

• Expositional preaching helps God’s people understand and respond to the truth of Scripture.

• Intellectual gifts are most effective when joined with humility and spiritual dependence.

• Revival and spiritual awakening are ultimately works of God’s sovereign power.

• Scripture provides believers with both doctrinal truth and practical guidance for everyday living.

• Studying faithful Christians from church history can strengthen contemporary ministry and discipleship.

• Ministry effectiveness is measured by faithfulness to Christ and His Word rather than visible results.

In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Michael McEwen, publisher of B&H Academic, pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, and author of The Devil Reads Nietzsche: A Public Theology for the Post-Christian Age (B&H Academic). Together they discuss the influence of faithful mentors and reflect on the professors, pastors, and teachers who helped shape Michael’s spiritual, intellectual, and ministerial development. Drawing from his time in seminary, Michael shares how relationships with three professors helped cultivate a deeper love for Scripture, theology, philosophy, church history, and Christian discipleship.

Their conversation explores the importance of mentorship, hospitality, intellectual curiosity, and Christlike leadership. Travis and Michael discuss the biblical call to imitate faithful examples, the value of asking difficult questions, and the responsibility Christian leaders have to invest in the next generation. The episode also examines the role of theological education in forming both character and conviction, highlighting how faithful teachers can influence a lifetime of ministry and service.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

Michael McEwen, mentorship, discipleship, theological education, Christian formation, seminary, Christian leadership, hospitality, ministry, pastoral ministry, church history, philosophy, theology, The Devil Reads Nietzsche, Christian character

Takeaways

• Faithful mentors help shape both Christian character and theological conviction.

• The biblical call to imitate faithful examples remains central to discipleship and ministry.

• Great teachers welcome honest questions and invest personally in their students.

• Hospitality is an essential component of mentorship and Christian formation.

• Theological education extends beyond the classroom through mentorship and relationships.

• Christian leaders should cultivate patience, humility, and a willingness to guide others.

• Meaningful discipleship often develops through long-term investment rather than short-term influence.

• Students should take initiative in seeking wisdom from faithful teachers and mentors.

• Christian scholarship should ultimately serve the church and strengthen faithful witness.

• Following Christ includes helping others grow in knowledge, wisdom, and Christian maturity.

In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Thomas Kidd, Research Professor of Church History at Midwestern Seminary and co-author of The Death of Religion? Nones, Others, and the Flourishing of Faith. Drawing from historical research and contemporary sociological data, Dr. Kidd challenges common narratives about the decline of Christianity in America. Together they explore the rise of the religious “nones,” the overlooked growth of emerging Christian communities, and why reports of religion’s demise may be far more complicated than popular headlines suggest.

Their conversation examines trends in American religious affiliation, church participation, human flourishing, and the enduring role of local congregations in society. Travis and Thomas discuss the importance of looking beyond surface-level statistics, the value of longitudinal research, and the historical patterns that have shaped American Christianity for centuries. The episode offers encouragement to pastors, ministry leaders, and church members by highlighting the continued influence of faithful Christian communities and the vital role of the local church in cultivating hope, stability, and spiritual formation.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

Thomas Kidd, Byron Johnson, religion in America, Christianity, religious nones, church attendance, human flourishing, American church history, local church, discipleship, evangelism, faith and culture, Second Great Awakening, sociology of religion, pastoral ministry, Christian commitment, church planting

Takeaways

• Predictions about the death of religion in America often overlook important historical and demographic realities.

• The growth of religious “nones” does not necessarily indicate a corresponding rise in atheism or secularism.

• Many Americans who claim no religious affiliation still maintain spiritual beliefs and practices.

• Church switching and returning to faith communities are common patterns that are often missed in public discussions.

• Tens of thousands of churches and millions of worshipers may be underrepresented in standard religious surveys.

• Longitudinal research provides a more accurate picture of faith and religious commitment over time.

• Religious participation is strongly associated with indicators of human flourishing and personal well-being.

• The local church offers meaningful community, support, and hope during seasons of suffering and uncertainty.

• American Christianity has repeatedly experienced periods of renewal despite predictions of decline.

• Pastors and ministry leaders can confidently call people to deeper commitment to Christ and His church.

In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Geoff Chang, Associate Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Midwestern Seminary and Curator of the Spurgeon Library. Together they discuss the life and ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, exploring why the nineteenth-century pastor continues to influence pastors, church leaders, and Christians around the world. Drawing from years of studying Spurgeon’s life, sermons, and pastoral ministry, Geoff highlights the qualities that made Spurgeon a faithful servant of Christ.

Their conversation examines the theme of faithfulness in ministry, particularly Spurgeon’s commitment to biblical conviction during seasons of both extraordinary success and intense opposition. Travis and Geoff reflect on Spurgeon’s pastoral care, church membership practices, preaching ministry, and unwavering devotion to Christ. The episode offers a compelling vision of stewardship, perseverance, and Christ-centered ministry that remains deeply relevant for believers today.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

Geoff Chang, Charles Spurgeon, faithfulness, pastoral ministry, church history, preaching, stewardship, discipleship, ecclesiology, Baptist history, Christ-centered preaching, perseverance, ministry leadership, Spurgeon Library, church membership, pastoral care

Takeaways

• Faithfulness is a defining characteristic of effective and enduring Christian ministry.

• Ministry success should never replace obedience to Christ and commitment to biblical convictions.

• Pastors are called to steward their responsibilities faithfully rather than pursue popularity or recognition.

• Church membership and pastoral care require intentional attention, even in seasons of growth and success.

• Christ-centered preaching remains one of the most important responsibilities of pastoral ministry.

• Christian leaders should measure success by faithfulness rather than numbers or influence.

• Historic examples can help modern believers understand and apply biblical principles.

• The life of Charles Spurgeon demonstrates perseverance through both fruitfulness and controversy.

• Faithful ministry often involves maintaining conviction when cultural and theological pressures arise.

• Jesus Christ provides the ultimate example of steadfast obedience and faithfulness to God’s mission.

In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Jason Kees to discuss character through the lens of literary characters, particularly those found in the novels of Wendell Berry. Drawing from Berry's fictional community of Port William, Jason reflects on the themes of community, faithfulness, calling, and the ordinary rhythms of life that shape Christian character.

Their conversation explores several of Berry's most memorable characters, including Jayber Crow, Hannah Coulter, and Andy Catlett. Together they discuss the value of asking honest questions, communicating truth with clarity, remaining rooted in community, and embracing God's providential calling. The episode offers a thoughtful reflection on how ordinary faithfulness, long-term commitment, and love for place can help Christians cultivate wisdom, humility, and perseverance in everyday life.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

Jason Kees, Travis Montgomery, Wendell Berry, Port William, Jayber Crow, Hannah Coulter, Andy Catlett, Christian character, community, calling, discipleship, faithfulness, Christian formation, vocation, mentorship, place, providence, perseverance, Christian living

Takeaways

• Christian character is often formed through ordinary acts of faithfulness rather than extraordinary achievements.

• Healthy communities help believers grow through long-term relationships, shared responsibilities, and mutual care.

• Believers should not be afraid to wrestle honestly with difficult questions while continuing to trust God.

• Faithfulness often requires pondering questions over time rather than demanding immediate answers.

• Clear communication helps make theological truth accessible and understandable for everyday people.

• God's calling is frequently expressed through service in specific places and among specific people.

• Long-term investment in a church or community can produce deep spiritual fruit.

• Prudence and humility help believers embrace God's providence even when alternative opportunities seem attractive.

• Stories can powerfully illustrate biblical virtues and help Christians imagine faithful living.

• Christians should seek to love and serve the people God has placed directly in front of them.