Episodes
Angie Velasquez Thorton | Handling Criticism & Accountability in Christian Public Ministry
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Angie Velasquez Thornton to discuss the challenges of handling criticism, fostering accountability, and maintaining unity in Christian public ministry. As...
Announcement- Join Me in Germany: 2025 Reformation Tour
In this special announcement, Dr. James Spencer shares details about the upcoming German Reformation Tour , running from October 30 to November 9, 2025. Explore the theological and political heritage of Germany with stops in ...
Abraham's Learning Curve: The Near-Sacrifice of Isaac
What does true obedience look like? In this episode of PREPPED, accompany James Spencer, PhD, as we journey through the challenging narrative of Genesis 22, where Abraham faces the ultimate test: the command to sacrifice his ...
Abraham's Learning Curve: Hagar and Ismael
Today on PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, as we unpack the complexities of Abraham’s journey, exploring how moments of tension, trust, and obedience shaped his legacy. From Abraham’s decision to father a child with Hagar to ...
Jon Hietbrink, Eric Rafferty, and Linson Daniel | Reviving Mission: Discovering God’s Movement in Everyday Life
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with authors Linson Daniel, Jon Hietbrink, and Eric Rafferty to discuss their new book, Reviving Mission: Awakening to the Everyday Movement of God . Togethe...
So Only God Gets the Glory: Abram, the King of Sodom, and a Paradigm for Christian Decision-Making
Could a single act of courage redefine the course of faith and history? In this episode of PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, as he unpacks the remarkable narrative of Genesis 14, where Abram’s bold rescue of his nephew Lot re...
Ed Uszynsky | Race and Christian Discernment in a New Political Space
How should Christians think about race and justice five years after George Floyd? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer welcomes back Ed Uszynski, author of Untangling Critical Race Theory , to explore the...
Ian Harber | Walking Through Deconstruction: A Guide for the Church
Deconstruction is often misunderstood—some see it as a step toward renewal, while others fear it as a path to apostasy. But what if we’re missing the deeper reality? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer t...
Abraham's Learning Curve: Sister-Wife Narratives (Egypt and Abimelech)
Uncover the intricate dance between faith and fear as we explore Abram's journey into Egypt, in today’s episode of PREPPED. By unpacking the events of Genesis 12:10-20, where Abram’s decision to present Sarai as his sister, J...
The Myth of Meritocracy? Moving beyond the Poles of Merit and Woke
In this episode of Thinking Christian , James Spencer and Nate Giarratano take a deep dive into the complexities of meritocracy, systemic sin, and hiring practices. Using personal stories and broader cultural conversations—sp...
Enter Abram: God's Call of Abram as the Solution to the Problem of Independence
Today, on PREPPED, we’re exploring what happens when human ambition clashes with divine purpose. Listen in as James Spencer, PhD, contrasts the Tower of Babel narrative with God’s call to Abram, revealing two opposing paths—s...
Jesse Covington, Bryan T. McGraw, and Micah Watson | Hopeful Realism: Natural Law, Politics & Christian Public Engagement
Can Christians faithfully engage in politics without compromising their convictions? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Jesse Covington, Dr. Brian T. McGraw, and Dr. Micah Watson, co-au...
Truth, Justice, and the Challenge of Christian Journalism
In this episode of Thinking Christian , James and Nate explore the razor-thin line Christian journalism walks between accountability and bearing false witness. Prompted by a controversy at the NRB convention, they discuss the...
Ray Chang | Discipleship & the Future of the Church
he church is at a crossroads. With rising disaffiliation and declining trust, how can we re-engage the next generation? How do we stop the drift and disciple effectively in today's world? In this episode of Thinking Christian...
Christians and Technology, Part 3: Technology and Self-Sufficiency—Reflecting on Dependence
How often do we let technology trick us into believing we're self-sufficient, drifting away from our dependence on God? In this episode of PREPPED, join our host, James Spencer. PhD, as we dig into this deep and sometimes unc...
Arianna Molloy | Healthy Calling: Breaking Free from Workaholism and Finding True Rest
Is your work-life balance out of sync? Do you struggle with burnout, workaholism, or feeling like your job defines you? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Ariana Malloy , communication pr...
Christians and Technology, Part 2: Misunderstanding Progress
True progress isn't just about the latest tech or societal milestones; it's about aligning with a higher purpose. Today, on PREPPED, join host James Spencer, PhD, as he challenges the conventional definitions of success, expl...
Christians and Technology, Part 1: Just Because We Can, Doesn't Mean We Should
Can technological advancement pull us away from our divine purpose? In this episode of PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, is exploring how technology shapes our spiritual journey, using the Tower of Babel as a framework to examine ...
Shane Wood | What Does It Mean to Be Human? Technology, AI, and the Image of God
As AI and digital technology become more embedded in our daily lives, what does it really mean to be human? Are we losing our sense of identity, community, and embodied faith? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James...
Unrestrained and Unguided: A Fresh Take on the Tower of Babel
Could it be possible that the Tower of Babel story isn’t really about the tower itself at all? Today on PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, is challenging the conventional interpretations of Genesis 11, revealing that the real lesso...
Mark Naufel | AI, Faith, the Future of Learning and Tools for Homeschooling
Technology and faith often seem like opposing forces, but what happens when a Christian innovator steps into the artificial intelligence space with a mission to transform education? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr....
Sons of God, Daughters of Men, and Nephilim
What if Genesis 6:1-4 holds the key to understanding humanity’s ancient struggle against divine order? In this episode of PREPPED, join us as James Spencer, PhD, unpacks one of the most enigmatic passages in Scripture, explor...
Chase Cappo | Christian AI vs. Secular AI: How Faith-Based AI is Transforming Ministry
Will artificial intelligence shape the future of Christian discipleship, ministry, and outreach? Chase Capo , leader in AI relationship development for Glue , joins Dr. James Spencer on Thinking Christian to explore how faith...
The Biblical Flood
Was the biblical flood truly global, or have we misunderstood its scope? In this episode of PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, in taking a fresh look at Genesis 6–9, challenging our traditional interpretations, and exploring t...