Episodes
Alex Kocman | Borders, Nations, and the Order of Love: A Christian Conversation about Immigration
In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer welcomes Alex Kocman—missions leader and co-host of the Missions Podcast —for a wide-ranging conversation on immigration, national identity, and how ...
Denise Daniels and Elaine Howard Ecklund | Is Your Job a Calling? Rethinking Faith at Work
What if the sacred-secular divide is more imagined than real? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund (Rice University) and business professor Denise Daniels ...
In Reality: The Biblical Teaching Office
In an age where charisma can eclipse character and trending ideas often overshadow timeless truth, how can we safeguard the integrity of Christian teaching? In this episode of PREPPED, accompany Dr. James Spencer on an explor...
Erin Moniz | Intimacy, Identity, and the Church: Reimagining Relationships Through the Gospel
What if our dating struggles, friendship breakdowns, and even church conflicts trace back not to technique—but to theology? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Erin Moniz—Anglican deacon, ...
Alan Noble | You Are Not Your Own: Resisting the Gospel of Radical Autonomy
What if the crushing weight of modern life isn't a bug in the system but a feature of a false belief? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Alan Noble to explore his compelling book, You A...
Chrystal Downing | More Than a Message: Dorothy Sayers, Film, and the Flesh of Christian Art
What do a detective novelist, a WWII radio drama, and a blockbuster film have in common? According to Dr. Crystal Downing — everything. In this episode of Thinking Christian , I’m joined by Dr. Crystal Downing, former co-dire...
Paul Hoffman | AI, the Imago Dei, and the Fight for Our Humanity
Is artificial intelligence just a tool — or are we slowly making it a partner in how we think, relate, and even worship? In this episode of Thinking Christian , I sit down with Dr. Paul Hoffman — pastor, theologian, and co-au...
AI, Adolescents, and the Apocalypse? Discerning the Digital Age Without Losing Your Soul
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Nate Giarratano to unpack the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, a controversial 10-year moratorium on state regulation, and what it means for Ch...
Laura Richter | Formation at the Top: Catholic Healthcare, Mission Integration, and the Shape of the Soul
What does it look like to lead not just with strategy, but with soul? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer speaks with Laura Richter, executive advisor to various healthcare systems, about the quiet revol...
In Reality: How Cultural Stories Hijack Biblical Interpretation
Are we letting culture shape our Christianity more than Christ? Today, on the PREPPED Podcast, host James Spencer, PhD, explores how cultural narratives—like individualism, consumerism, and political ideologies—can subtly dis...
Romney Ruder | Revival Behind Bars: Discipleship, Dignity, and Breaking Generational Chains
What if the next revival didn’t start in a church... but in a prison? In this episode of Thinking Christian , I sit down with Romney Ruder, President of Lifeline Global Ministries, to explore how God is transforming lives beh...
Ben Matthew | Anxiety, Faith, Fear, and Finding Peace in Christ
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with Dr. Ben Matthew, professor of clinical counseling, as they explore the complex topic of Christians and anxiety. This insightful discussion delves into biblical per...
In Reality: How Our Faith Becomes Untethered
Is your faith grounded in God’s Word—or shaped by cultural and personal preferences? In this episode of PREPPED, join us as host James Spencer, PhD, explores what it means to pursue a faith truly anchored in Scripture. As cul...
Kyle Norman | Finding Jesus When Faith is Hard
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with special guest Reverend Kyle Norman, author of Alive, Loved and Free: Finding Jesus When Faith Is Hard . In this heartfelt episode, Rev. Norman shares his personal ...
Shane Wood | Encountering Christ in Revelation
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with Dr. Shane J. Wood, author of Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation . Dive into a unique perspective on Revelation that moves beyon...
Christianity and Open-Mindedness
Can being open-minded actually lead us astray? Tune in to today’s episode of PREPPED, where host James Spencer, PhD, unpacks the balance between openness and conviction within Christian discipleship. Discover how true open-mi...
Restoring Fallen Leaders: Integrity, Platforms, and the Hidden Cost of Moral Failure
Why do so many ministry leaders fall—and how should the church respond when they do? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer and co-host Nate Giarratano tackle the complex terrain of restoring leaders who’ve...
Stanley K. Ridgley | DEI and the Challenges of Meritocracy
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Stanley K. Ridgely, author of "DEI Exposed," for a critical examination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Discover why Dr. Ridgely calls DEI...
PREPPED Highlights: Wisdom, Faith, and Spiritual Growth
Join us for a special episode of PREPPED as we look back at some of the most thought-provoking and insightful moments from our top five most popular episodes so far. These curated highlights feature deep theological insights,...
False Teaching and False Teachers
How can a teaching feel true and still lead you away from God? In this episode of PREPPED join James Spencer, PhD, as we dissect the subtle dangers of false teaching—particularly the kind that offers comfort at the expense of...
Biblical Discernment: How to Identify False Teaching in Today's Church
In this episode of the Thinking Christian Podcast, Dr. James Spencer and Nate Giarratano explore the critical difference between false prophets and false teachers in Scripture. Learn practical biblical discernment tools to ev...
Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave | Worship, Grief, and the Grace of God
This episode features Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave, who shares his remarkable 25-year journey in Christian music ministry. Mike reveals how God has consistently shown up in both celebratory milestones and devastating person...
Responding to God
What if the key to spiritual transformation lies not in our circumstances but in our responses to God? In this episode of PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, on an exploration of the power of response as a spiritual discipline....
Lisa Harper | Theology for the Tenderhearted
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer welcomes Bible teacher, author, and podcaster Lisa Harper for a rich, heartfelt conversation about her new book A Jesus-Shaped Life . Together, they explore how diving...