Grace Upon Grace: Ministry Minded

Lost Boys and Living Hope with Marc Sims

Bradley Gray — Fri, 01 May 2026 09:02:29 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Marc Sims to have an honest conversation about the current crises facing young men, the reality of living with depression in the Christian life, and how the gospel of Christ is the word of hope that speaks into all of that. In our darkest moments — personally, collectively, spiritually — God in Christ finds us and frees us from sin, suffering, and the grave.

Marc serves as the teaching elder of Quinault Baptist Church in Kennewick, Washington, where he lives with his wife, Hillary, and their three sons. He has published essays in outlets such as The Gospel Coalition, Mere Orthodoxy, and 9Marks, and is currently writing a book on sex, masculinity, and virtue, soon to be published by Baker Books. You can follow him on Facebook and Substack.

Resources:
“The Depressed Christian,” Marc Sims
“On Death Threats and Book Deals,” Marc Sims
“Be A Man, Not Andrew Tate,” Marc Sims
“Caring Enough to Stay: What Pastors Can Learn from the Good Shepherd,” Marc Sims
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray

Sponsor:
You can support Ministry Minded by buying some coffee from Fresh Roasted Coffee, a locally owned and operated coffee house in the heart of Central Pennsylvania that produces the freshest coffee and delivers it at peak drinkability. Use the offer code “GRACE10” at checkout to get a discount on your next order. Buy some coffee today!

Credits:
Intro music: It Just Makes Me Happy
Composer: DJ Quads, soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads
License: Creative Commons (BY-NC 3.0), creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/
Music powered by BreakingCopyright: breakingcopyright.com

Why Preaching Still Matters with Michael Cooper

Bradley Gray — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:01:18 GMT

In this episode, I’m joined by pastor, author, and professor Michael Cooper to talk about preaching, theological retrieval, and the rich history of Baptist homiletics. Through the lens of the post-Reformation Baptist preacher, Benjamin Keach, Michael and I examine how the preaching event isn’t merely a person giving a talk, but a divine act wherein God speaks through human abassadors.

Michael serves as the pastor of Grace Community Church in Mabank, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Kailie, and their two daughters. Michael holds a PhD from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also serves as an Adjunct Professor. You can follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

Resources:
The Word of This Salvation in the Mouths of Christ’s Ministers: Retrieving a Theology of Preaching as Reflected in the Sermons and Writings of Benjamin Keach (1640–1704), Michael R. Cooper, Jr.
The Art of Prophesying and the Calling of the Ministry, William Perkins
“The Great Ordinance: Retrieving a Theology of Preaching from Benjamin Keach,” Michael R. Cooper, Jr.
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray

Why the Church Should Laugh More with Tommy Woodard

Bradley Gray — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:01:18 GMT

In this episode, I’m delighted to welcome pastor, actor, and comedian Tommy Woodard to the show to talk about how faith and comedy overlap, and the role humor plays in the Christian life. Far from being a religion of stoic robots, Christians ought to be known for their laughter. Together, Tommy and I talk about comedy as a vehicle for grace and authenticity, and processing sorrow and loss, and ultimately why the church should laugh more.

Tommy is the lead pastor of New Church in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he lives with his wife and children. Besides pastoring, Tommy is also the founder of the 231 Collective, which was formerly The Skit Guys, where he endeavors to create sacred, excellent, joy-filled stories designed to make people laugh, think, and see God’s love in new ways. He’s also produced and acted in several faith-based projects, including Family Camp and The Forge. You can follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

Resources:
231 Worship
God’s Chisel Remastered, The Skit Guys
The Skit Guys Archive, YouTube
“Should We Be Laughing Right Now?,” article by yours truly
“Laughing with Moses All the Way to the Promised Land,” article by yours truly
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray

Grief and Glory in Light of the New Heaven and New Earth with Jordan Moody

Bradley Gray — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:01:52 GMT

In this episode, I’m joined once again by my friend and fellow pastor Jordan Moody to talk about his new book about heaven and eternity, and the hope that heaven offers to those who are walking through grief and loss. Far from being some Pollyanna escapist’s hope, heaven fills believers with purpose and hope, both now and for the future.

Jordan is the lead pastor of Hope Fellowship Church in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, where he lives with his wife, Jamie, and their four kids. He’s the author of Heaven & Earth: Awakening Hope for Eternity with God. You can follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

Resources:
Heaven & Earth: Awakening Hope for Eternity with God, Jordan Moody
Jesus and the Tree: A Holy Week Study, Jordan Moody
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray

Vanity, Vapor, and God’s Gift of Joy with Josiah Ott

Bradley Gray — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:01:30 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow pastor Josiah Ott to talk about what it means to be a young pastor and how preaching and studying the book of Ecclesiastes changed his life. The turbulence of our days isn’t anything to slough off. But what keeps pastors and churches grounded is the Word of God and the deep current of joy that courses through its pages and promises.

Josiah is the lead pastor of Grace Chapel in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife and their three kids. He’s the author of From Vanity to Joy: How Ecclesiastes Changed My Life & Could Change Yours Too. You can follow him on Substack, Facebook, and Instagram.

Resources:
From Vanity to Joy: How Ecclesiastes Changed My Life & Could Change Yours Too, Josiah Ott
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray

Sponsor:
You can support Ministry Minded by buying some coffee from Fresh Roasted Coffee, a locally owned and operated coffee house in the heart of Central Pennsylvania that produces the freshest coffee and delivers it at peak drinkability. Use the offer code “GRACE10” at checkout to get a discount on your next order. Buy some coffee today!

Lightbulb Moments in Marriage with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Bradley Gray — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:01:26 GMT

In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by author, speaker, and founder of Love and Respect Ministries, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, to talk about some lightbulb moments that comprehensively change our views of love, marriage, and relationships. Drawing on Scripture and decades of counseling experience and research, Dr. Eggerichs shows how couples can move from presumption and conflict to understanding and grace.

Dr. Eggerichs is an internationally known public speaker on the topic of male-female relationships. He has authored many books, including the national bestseller Love & Respect, which is a Platinum and Book of the Year award winner, selling over two million copies. He is also the Founder and President of Love and Respect Ministries, along with his wife, Sarah, who serves as Vice President. Married since 1973, they live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and have three adult children.

Resources:
Lightbulb Moments in Marriage: 12 Biblical Perspectives for Successful and Satisfied Couples, Emerson Eggerichs
Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs, Emerson Eggerichs
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray

Status, Social Perfectionism, and How the Gospel Frees You to Try with Griffin Gooch

Bradley Gray — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:02:46 GMT

In this episode, I’m joined once again by writer, professor, and fellow Substack-er, Griffin Gooch, to talk about navigating expectations as young leaders, the crippling effects of social perfectionism, the paralyzing fear of failure, and how the gospel relieves all those pressures. It’s Jesus’s good news that frees believers from status-driven achievement, giving them grace and courage to try, fail, and grow.

Griffin is currently working on a PhD in theology from the University of Aberdeen. He is also an adjunct professor at Northpoint College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Apart from his Substack, Griffin’s writing has been featured in other outlets, such as Christianity Today, Mere Orthodoxy, Inkwell, and Ekstasis. Griffin and his wife, Tiffany, live in Kalamazoo, Michigan. You can follow him on Instagram.

Resources:
“Your Ethics Might Be Making You a Terrible Person,” Griffin Gooch
“The Art and Science of Reading Deeper,” Griffin Gooch
“We Haven’t Lost Our Attention Spans Yet,” Griffin Gooch
Do Not Lose Heart: An Assault on Apathy, Griffin Gooch
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray

Church Hurt, Pastoral Burnout, and Hopeful Ministry with Pilgrim Benham

Bradley Gray — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:01:47 GMT

In this episode, I’m joined by pastor, author, and professor Pilgrim Benham to talk candidly about the grief and grace that’s found in pastoral ministry. We discuss the necessity of pastoral rest, how to navigate seasons of confusion and hurt in the church, and why ministry is a lifelong lesson in the sufficiency of grace.

Pilgrim lives in Bradenton, Florida, where he lives with his wife and children. He currently serves as the Dean of Students for Calvary Chapel Bible College. You can follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Substack.

Resources:
The Unnecessary Pastor: Rediscovering the Call, Eugene Peterson
Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: A Conversation in Spiritual Theology, Eugene Peterson
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray

On Advent, the Church, and Longing for Christ in the Psalms with Raphael Mnkandhla and Trevor Route

Bradley Gray — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:01:10 GMT

In this episode, I’m joined by pastors Raphael Mnkandhla and Trevor Route for a delightful conversation about pastoral ministry, the necessity for community, and the meaning of Advent. Among other things, we talk about the need for brotherhood among pastors and why the Christian life isn’t meant to be an isolated endeavor. We also discuss how the Psalms give the church a language for the Advent season and how the incarnation, shared worship, and the rhythms of the Christian calendar renew hope, strengthen weary faith, and remind us that Christ has come, and will come again.

Raphael pastors City Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he lives and serves with his wife Heidi and their six children. You can follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Substack.

Trevor also serves on staff at City Church, where he lives with his wife, Kelsey. You can follow him on Facebook.

Resources:
Cur Deus Homo, St. Anselm
On the Incarnation, St. Athanasius
Gospel Wakefulness, Jared C. Wilson
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray

Troubled Consciences and the Comfort of Grace with Jonathan A. Linebaugh

Bradley Gray — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:00:28 GMT

In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by author, theologian, and scholar Jonathan A. Linebaugh to talk about his new book The Well That Washes What It Shows, which explores the heart of the Christian message through the lens of the law and the gospel. We also chat about the unity of academic theology and pastoral ministry, the Reformer Thomas Cranmer, and how Scripture’s deepest truths meet troubled consciences with the comfort of grace.

Jono serves as the Anglican Chair of Divinity and professor of New Testament and Christian theology at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University. He is also the author or editor of several books, including The New Perspective on Grace, The Word of the Cross, God’s Two Words, and The Well That Washes What It Shows, all of which you can find on Amazon.

Resources:
The Well That Washes What It Shows: An Invitation to Holy Scripture, Jonathan A. Linebaugh
The Word of the Cross: Reading Paul, Jonathan A. Linebaugh
God’s Two Words: Law and Gospel in the Lutheran and Reformed Traditions, Jonathan A. Linebaugh
“The Gracious Heart of the Sermon on the Mount,” an article by yours truly
“Two Words That Make Us Whole,” an article by yours truly
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray

Living as a Sinner-Saint with Luke Kjolhaug

Bradley Gray — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:00:05 GMT

In this episode, I get to chat with author and pastor Luke Kjolhaug about his book Sinner Saint and why the sinner-saint paradigm, commonly known as simul iustus et peccator, is so formative for understanding the life of faith. We explore how this dynamic shapes preaching, pastoral care, sanctification, and our daily Christian lives.

Luke is the pastor of Elim Lutheran Church in Osakis, Minnesota, where he lives with his wife, Bethannie, and their two daughters. He holds degrees from Wheaton College and Lutheran Brethren Seminary. You can connect with him on Facebook and Instagram.

Resources:
Sinner Saint: A Surprising Primer for the Christian Life, Luke Kjolhaug
“A Sermon is Not a Ted Talk,” Luke Kjolhaug
“Sin and the Christian Life with Luke Kjolhaug,” Outside Ourselves with Kelsi Klembara
The Righteousness of Faith According to Luther, Hans J. Iwand
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray

Reclaiming Gospel Clarity with Brad Kafer

Bradley Gray — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:01:17 GMT

In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Brad Kafter to discuss the crucial distinction between God’s law and God’s gospel, and the fallout when those two words get confused. We explore how the law-gospel paradigm is foundational for the Christian life, informing what the church preaches, how it worships, and where its members go to find assurance.

Brad lives in Wausau, Wisconsin, with his wife, Bethany, and their five children. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree from Reformed Theological Seminary. You can connect with him on Facebook.

Resources:
The Reclamation Podcast, Brad Kafer and Michael Lewis
Commentary on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians (1535), Martin Luther
A Treatise on the Law and Gospel, John Colquhoun
Learning God’s Two Words: A Brief Catechism on the Law and the Gospel, Jay Wipf
God’s Two Words: Law and Gospel in the Lutheran and Reformed Traditions, Jonathan Linebaugh
Law and Gospel: A Theology for Sinners (and Saints), William McDavid, Ethan Richardson, and David Zahl
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray

Moral Failure, Ministry Fallout, and the Gospel with Eric Attinger

Bradley Gray — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:02:19 GMT

In this episode, Pastor Eric and I tackle the timely and difficult subject of the fallout when ministry leaders fall into public sin. We discuss how the church should respond to such moral failures in light of the words of God’s law and God’s gospel, ministering to all involved with discernment, compassion, and grace. We also explore the tension between these public scandals and the responsibility of the local church, the danger of knee-jerk reactions on social media, and the question of whether a fallen leader’s past teachings remain valid.

Eric is on staff with me at Stonington Baptist Church in Paxinos, Pennsylvania, where he lives and serves with his wife, Jade, and their son, Rosco. You can connect with him on Facebook.

Resources:
“What Can Wash Away My Sin?” an article by yours truly
“Trimmed & Burning Bible Study: 2 Samuel, Part 9 (2 Sam. 11:1-27),” Eric Attinger
“Trimmed & Burning Bible Study: 2 Samuel, Part 10 (2 Sam. 12:1–31),” Eric Attinger
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray

Sponsor:
You can support Ministry Minded by buying some coffee from Fresh Roasted Coffee, a locally owned and operated coffee house in the heart of Central Pennsylvania that produces the freshest coffee and delivers it at peak drinkability. Use offer code “GRACE10” at checkout to get a discount on your next order. Buy some coffee today!

Writing, Status, and Storytelling with Griffin Gooch

Bradley Gray — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:01:13 GMT

In this episode, I’m thrilled to chat with essayist and fellow Substack-er Griffin Gooch! Throughout this episode, we explore the intersections of theology, writing, and storytelling. We also talk about the subtle ways social status and comparison shape the way we live our lives as Christians, even when we think they don’t. Whether you’re an aspiring writer wrestling with your latest draft, a pastor preparing for another sermon, or just someone who’s trying to live authentically amid the constant barrage of virtue signaling and curated identities, this conversation is for you.

Griffin is currently working on a PhD in theology from the University of Aberdeen. He is also an adjunct professor at Northpoint College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Apart from his Substack, Griffin’s writing has been featured in other outlets, such as Christianity Today, Mere Orthodoxy, and Ekstasis. Griffin and his wife, Tiffany, live in Kalamazoo, Michigan. You can follow him on Instagram.

Resources:
“The Witch Trials of John Mark Comer,” Griffin Gooch

Do Not Lose Heart: An Assault on Apathy, Griffin Gooch
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction, William Zinsser
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life, George Saunders
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Anne Lamott
Write Useful Books: A modern approach to designing and refining recommendable nonfiction, Rob Fitzpatrick
Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less, Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz
The Art and Business of Online Writing: How to Beat the Game of Capturing and Keeping Attention, Nicolas Cole
“You need theology,” an article by yours truly
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray

Sponsor:
You can support Ministry Minded by buying some coffee from Fresh Roasted Coffee, a locally owned and operated coffee house in the heart of Central Pennsylvania that produces the freshest coffee and delivers it at peak drinkability. Use offer code “GRACE10” at checkout to get a discount on your next order. Buy some coffee today!

Christian Liberty, Church Life, and the Joy of Knowing God with Jason Alligood

Bradley Gray — Fri, 23 May 2025 09:00:42 GMT

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jason Alligood about the value of studying theology both in the academy and for the church. We aim to show how theology is the life-giving discipline of knowing God that equips the church for faithful Christian living. We also discuss Christian liberty, how those in the church can disagree well, and the importance of theological retrieval for the health of the church.

Jason Alligood is an assistant professor of theology at Cedarville University and an adjunct professor at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to that, Jason served in the local church in various capacities for twenty-seven years, the last of which was as the teaching pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Peoria, Illinois. Jason and his wife, Amber, currently reside in Dayton, Ohio. You can connect with him on Facebook and Instagram.

Resources:
Raised in Splendor: The Hope of Glorification for a Secular Age, Jason B. Alligood
“Retrieving Christian Liberty,” Mortification of Spin podcast
“Being a Pastor Isn’t ‘Just a Job’,” Jared C. Wilson
“You need theology,” an article by yours truly
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray
Grace: So Much More Than You Know and So Much Better Than You Think, Bradley Gray

Sponsor:
You can support Ministry Minded by buying some coffee from Fresh Roasted Coffee, a locally owned and operated coffee house in the heart of Central Pennsylvania that produces the freshest coffee and delivers it at peak drinkability. Use offer code “GRACE10” at checkout to get a discount on your next order. Buy some coffee today!

How to Spot the Difference Between the Holy Spirit and the Circus of Deliverance Ministries with Eric Attinger

Bradley Gray — Fri, 09 May 2025 09:01:32 GMT

In this episode, Pastor Eric and I discuss the rise of deliverance ministries and how Christians can discern spiritual warfare through a biblical lens. Looking at Acts 16 and Paul’s encounter with the demon-possessed girl in Philippi, we explore the dangers of both denying and sensationalizing demonic activity, showing how many modern ministries stray from Scripture and exploit fear for profit. True deliverance, of course, never points anywhere but to Christ alone.

Eric is on staff with me at Stonington Baptist Church in Paxinos, Pennsylvania, where he lives and serves with his wife, Jade, and their son, Rosco. You can connect with him on Facebook.

Resources:
Trimmed & Burning, Eric Attinger’s teaching ministry
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray
Grace: So Much More Than You Know and So Much Better Than You Think, Bradley Gray

Sponsor:
You can support Ministry Minded by buying some coffee from Fresh Roasted Coffee, a locally owned and operated coffee house in the heart of Central Pennsylvania that produces the freshest coffee and delivers it at peak drinkability. Use offer code “GRACE10” at checkout to get a discount on your next order. Buy some coffee today!

The Lopsided Relief of Grace with David Zahl

Bradley Gray — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:00:59 GMT

In this episode, I get to chat with David Zahl about his brand new book, The Big Relief, which explores what makes the message of grace so essential not only to the Christian faith but also to the human experience. In a world that is fraught with weariness, brokenness, and the incessant pressure to perform, the gospel of grace is the counterintuitive announcement of the gift of relief. Dave and I unpack this message and what it means to believe and share a gospel that is inherently lopsided.

David Zahl is the founder and director of Mockingbird Ministries and a cohost of The Mockingcast. He and his family live in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he also serves on the staff of Christ Episcopal Church. You can connect with him on Facebook and Instagram.

Resources:
The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World, David Zahl
Low Anthropology: The Unlikely Key to a Gracious View of Others (and Yourself), David Zahl
Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What to Do about It, David Zahl
“One Noun & Five Adjectives: Refreshing Our Vocabulary of Grace,” David Zahl at the 2024 Mockingbird Tyler, TX conference
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray
Grace: So Much More Than You Know and So Much Better Than You Think, Bradley Gray

Sponsor:
You can support Ministry Minded by buying some coffee from Fresh Roasted Coffee, a locally owned and operated coffee house in the heart of Central Pennsylvania that produces the freshest coffee and delivers it at peak drinkability. Use offer code “GRACE10” at checkout to get a discount on your next order. Buy some coffee today!

Keeping Your Bible Open and Unfurling the Deep Things of God with Philip Nation

Bradley Gray — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:01:14 GMT

In this episode, I chat with Philip Nation about how Bible publishers can promote more engagement with Scripture and help stem the tide of biblical illiteracy in churches, and some of the current challenges facing church leaders. Philip also shares his heart for encouraging and shepherding pastors in a cultural climate that is rapidly changing and offers some insight into the unique benefits of Thomas Nelson’s The OPEN Bible.

Philip Nation is the Vice-President/Publisher of Thomas Nelson Bibles. He has served as a pastor, church planter, and education minister in local churches. He frequently travels to speak in churches and at conferences. Philip earned a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has authored and edited numerous books and Bible studies. Philip is a University Fellow for Arizona Christian University and has been a professor at Union University and Houston Christian University. You can connect with him on Facebook, X/Twitter, and Threads.

Resources:
The OPEN Bible
The NET Bible, Full Notes Edition
The Forgotten Preface: Surprising Insights on the Translation Philosophy of the King James Translator, Joshua Barzon
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray
Grace: So Much More Than You Know and So Much Better Than You Think, Bradley Gray

Sponsor:
You can support Ministry Minded by buying some coffee from Fresh Roasted Coffee, a locally owned and operated coffee house in the heart of Central Pennsylvania that produces the freshest coffee and delivers it at peak drinkability. Use offer code “GRACE10” at checkout to get a discount on your next order. Buy some coffee today!

Faith in the Fast Lane and Using Social Media Thoughtfully with Eric Attinger

Bradley Gray — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 09:03:11 GMT

In this episode, Pastor Eric and I discuss how Christians can biblically and thoughtfully navigate the blistering speed of social media and the omnipresence of social media. Similar to stand-up comedians who are constantly mining their lives for material, unchecked social media use can quickly lead to distraction and inauthenticity. Our aim is to think theologically about how believers can engage with social media without over-consumption.

Eric is on staff with me at Stonington Baptist Church in Paxinos, Pennsylvania, where he lives and serves with his wife, Jade, and their son, Rosco. You can connect with him on Facebook.

Resources:
“The Best Part Of Quitting Comedy,” Peter James
“Quitting Comedy: Relief or Regret?” Peter James
“Push notification masochism,” an article by yours truly
“I’m not who I want to be,” an article by yours truly
The Remarkable Ordinary, Griffin Gooch
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray
Grace: So Much More Than You Know and So Much Better Than You Think, Bradley Gray

Sponsor:
You can support Ministry Minded by buying some coffee from Fresh Roasted Coffee, a locally owned and operated coffee house in the heart of Central Pennsylvania that produces the freshest coffee and delivers it at peak drinkability. Use offer code “GRACE10” at checkout to get a discount on your next order. Buy some coffee today!

Credits:
Intro music: “Night In Kyoto” by AVBE via Uppbeat. License code: NZW9CUKLWDL4PMYI.

Good Samaritans, Prodigal Sons, and the Need for Systematic Theologians with Eric Attinger

Bradley Gray — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 10:01:32 GMT

In this episode, Pastor Eric and I explore the reasons why systematic theology is so important for the church. Those who study systematic theology will deepen their faith and guard themselves against false teachers. From the prodigal son to the Good Samaritan, we endeavor to uncover Scripture’s deeper truths and challenge biblical illiteracy.

Eric is on staff with me at Stonington Baptist Church in Paxinos, Pennsylvania, where he lives and serves with his wife, Jade, and their son, Rosco. You can connect with him on Facebook.

Resources:
“Evangelical controversies and the LeBron problem,” an article by yours truly
“You need theology,” an article by yours truly
Christian Theology: An Introduction, Alister E. McGrath
Christian Theology, Millard J. Erickson
The Moody Handbook of Theology, Paul P. Enns
Stonington Baptist Church, sermons podcast
Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment, Bradley Gray
Grace: So Much More Than You Know and So Much Better Than You Think, Bradley Gray

Sponsor:
You can support Ministry Minded by buying some coffee from Fresh Roasted Coffee, a locally owned and operated coffee house in the heart of Central Pennsylvania that produces the freshest coffee and delivers it at peak drinkability. Use offer code “GRACE10” at checkout to get a discount on your next order. Buy some coffee today!

Credits:
Intro music: “Night In Kyoto” by AVBE via Uppbeat. License code: NZW9CUKLWDL4PMYI.