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Season 3

May 22, 2025

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...

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May 19, 2025

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...

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May 15, 2025

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...

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May 5, 2025

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...

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May 1, 2025

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...

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April 28, 2025

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...

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April 25, 2025

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 ...

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April 24, 2025

Discipled Men: Rethinking Masculinity Through the Lens of Christ

In this episode, James Spencer and Nate Girarratano kick off a series on biblical manhood by asking a foundational question: What does it really mean to be a man under the authority of Christ? Too often, discipleship is confu...

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April 22, 2025

Gregg Quiggle | False Religion, the Barmen Declaration, and the Fight for the Church’s Soul

In this episode of Thinking Christian , I’m joined by Dr. Greg Quiggle for a deep dive into one of the most important yet often overlooked documents of the 20th century—the Barmen Declaration. Against the backdrop of Germany’...

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April 21, 2025

Beth Allison Barr | From Pulpit to Parsonage: Gender, Ordination, and the Pastor’s Wife

Historian and author Beth Allison Barr joins Thinking Christian to discuss her latest book, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry . We explore the medieval redefinitions of...

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April 17, 2025

David and Brandon Lindell | Lionhearted Manhood: Leading with Strength, Submitting with Heart

In this episode of Thinking Christian , James Spencer is joined by David and Brandon Lindell—pastors at James River Church and authors of Lionhearted: A Man’s Guide to Life . Together, they tackle the complexities of Christia...

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April 15, 2025

Gregg Quiggle | Martin Luther’s Legacy and the Chaos of Freedom: Reformation, Reform, and the Rise of the Individual

Was the Reformation a spark for spiritual renewal—or the start of theological chaos? In this episode of Thinking Christian , I’m joined by Dr. Greg Quiggle to explore the sites and significance of the German Reformation in an...

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April 14, 2025

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 ...

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April 14, 2025

Danny Adams | Faith, Laughter, and Cultural Conversations

What does it take to bring faith-based comedy to life while navigating the ever-changing entertainment industry? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with entertainer and comedian Danny Adams to ...

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April 7, 2025

Keeney Dickenson | Spurgeon, Prayer, and the Power of Preaching

In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Keeney Dickenson, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Crockett, Texas, and author of Spurgeon: The Prayer-Powered Pulpit of the Prince of Preachers...

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April 3, 2025

Jeffrey Barbeau | C.S. Lewis, The Last Romantic & Faith in a Post-Christian World

What made C.S. Lewis such a compelling thinker and writer? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Barbeau, professor of theology at Wheaton College and author of The Last Romantic: ...

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March 31, 2025

Justin and Trisha Davis | Breaking Free from the Messy Middle: One Choice Away from Change

Are you feeling stuck in patterns of hurt, shame, or relational brokenness? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Justin and Trish Davis, authors of One Choice Away from Change and founders of...

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March 28, 2025

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...

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March 24, 2025

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...

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March 20, 2025

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...

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March 17, 2025

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...

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March 14, 2025

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...

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March 13, 2025

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...

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March 11, 2025

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...

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