Welcome to The Church Resource – where we equip pastors, church leaders, and laypeople with tools to better understand, teach, and live out the Word of God.

In this episode, Lucas Pinckard is joined by Dr. Chris Respass to tackle a critical (and often debated) topic in ministry and biblical education: Is it necessary to know and study the original biblical languages—Hebrew and Greek—to faithfully preach and teach God's Word?

This conversation is as insightful as it is relatable, filled with laughs, honest stories from parenting and ministry, and a deep dive into the why behind seminary education and biblical language study. From discussing translation theories (formal vs. dynamic equivalence) to analyzing key differences in how major Bible translations handle iconic verses like John 3:16, this episode shows just how much depth and meaning can be gained when we understand the original context and vocabulary of Scripture.

You'll also hear about:

- The difference between a translation and a paraphrase (Message vs. Living Bible)

- Why even a basic knowledge of Greek or Hebrew can radically enhance your preaching

- Free and affordable tools to begin studying biblical languages

- Cautionary tales of “Greek snobs” in the pulpit—and why humility is key when handling Scripture

- How your translation’s intro pages (yes, those pages you skip) can unlock the translation theory behind the text

- Real-life examples of how knowing the original language changes the way you teach and apply the Bible (like in the story of Hannah and Samuel)

Dr. Respass and Lucas emphasize that biblical language study is a tool, not a flex. Like a screwdriver vs. a butter knife, knowing the original text helps you handle Scripture more accurately and confidently—not to show off, but to better serve your people.

Whether you’re a seasoned pastor, a Bible study leader, or a curious Christian who wants to go deeper, this episode will give you the perspective and practical tools to take your study to the next level. And if seminary isn’t in the cards for you, don’t worry—we’ve got options.

Welcome back to The Church Resource, where we talk all things helpful for churches, leaders, and laypeople alike. In this episode, Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass dive deep into a real and recurring issue in ministry: how to handle a disgruntled church member.

Conflict in church leadership isn't new — but understanding why a member is upset and how to respond with grace and wisdom is critical. This episode, titled "Getting to the Heart of the Issue," explores what's often going on beneath the surface of complaints. Spoiler alert: most of the time, the thing someone is mad about… isn't really the thing they're mad about.

Drawing on real-world ministry experience, conflict mediation insights, and pastoral care principles, Lucas and Dr. Respus unpack:

- Why church members may act out when they feel a loss of control or change in their spiritual environment.

- The importance of recognizing context — such as grief, trauma, or decades of history — behind someone's frustration.

- What it means to check your ego at the door when someone challenges you.

- How to truly listen, not just hear — and how this simple act can de-escalate most tense conversations.

- The value of building relationships with dissenters before conflict even arises.

- Why not every squeaky wheel needs grease — but every person needs grace.

You'll also hear about the concept of the "Holy Desenter" — those individuals who challenge leadership in ways that help the church stay balanced, self-aware, and Spirit-led. These aren't troublemakers; they're sometimes God's instruments for accountability and deeper reflection.

Ministry leaders will be encouraged to remember:

- That not every challenge is a threat.

- That shepherding includes listening, guiding, and even being corrected.

- And that when handled well, difficult conversations can lead to unity, trust, and maturity in the body of Christ.

As always, Lucas and Dr. Respass keep it real, humorous, and incredibly insightful — even sharing a few parenting analogies and three-year-old battles that somehow still apply to church life!

Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or active church member, this conversation will equip you with the mindset and tools to better navigate difficult conversations in your community.

Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Email us at: thechurchresource@gmail.com

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Welcome back to The Church Resource! In this episode, hosts Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass dig into one of the most common questions they get: What are the best online tools and resources for Bible study, preaching, and discipleship?

Whether you're a church leader, seminary student, or simply a curious believer, knowing where to send people for solid biblical insight matters. Lucas and Chris explore their personal go-to platforms like Bible Gateway, Bible Hub, Blue Letter Bible, and Logos, breaking down what makes each of them useful — and when they're most appropriate.

They also tackle an often-overlooked but critical issue: how to discern if a resource is trustworthy. It's not just about flashy websites or big names. Chris shares how he vets resources based on what they say about Jesus, who publishes them, and how much theological "spice" a person can handle. Because let's face it — not everyone's ready to chew on John Calvin or Greek dialects, and that's okay!

From seminary-level Greek studies to tools that explain the basics, the hosts emphasize the importance of matching the right content to the right person. They discuss how recommending the wrong type of resource at the wrong time (especially in deep books like Revelation) can lead to confusion, not clarity.

Plus, there's plenty of humor and humility as they reflect on their own early struggles — like misreading Aristotle or trying to grasp Paul's writings in Romans. (Shoutout to Peter for confirming Paul was deep!)

Whether you're looking for reliable commentaries, tools for Greek and Hebrew word studies, or websites for church growth stats and evangelism trends, this episode provides a practical and pastoral guide to navigating the world of online Christian content.

Got a resource you want us to review or a topic you'd love to hear more about? Email us at thechurchresource@gmail.com

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