Creating Space

In this episode of Creating Space, Scott Lackey sits down with Brandon Shields, Director of Church Formation at Practicing the Way. Brandon previously served for fifteen years as the founding pastor of Soma Church in Indianapolis before helping churches cultivate intentional pathways of apprenticeship to Jesus. Together, we explore what spiritual formation is, why it matters for the church today, the challenges churches face in developing discipleship pathways, and why following Jesus is meant to happen in community. If you're longing to become more like Jesus or wondering how the church can better form disciples, I think you'll find this conversation both practical and encouraging.

Today on Creating Space, I'm joined by Dr. Matthew J. Thomas, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology. Matthew received his doctorate from the University of Oxford and is an expert in Pauline theology and early Christian interpretation of Scripture. Together, we explore one of the biggest questions in the New Testament: Who is the true Israel? Working through Romans 9–11 and Matthew's article in the second edition of the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, we discuss Paul's understanding of Israel's identity.

In this episode of Creating Space, Scott Lackey interviews bestselling author Brant Hansen to discuss his book The Men We Need. Together, Scott and Brant explore fatherhood, anger, redemption, and the surprising freedom that comes from finding our identity in Christ rather than success or strength. Brant casts a compelling vision of men who protect instead of dominate, serve instead of demand, and embrace the way of Jesus in their homes and communities. Whether you're a husband, father, single man, or someone investing in the next generation, this conversation offers practical wisdom and gospel-centered hope.

On this episode of Creating Space, Scott is joined by Michael J. Gorman, internationally recognized New Testament scholar and Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary & University. We discuss his latest book, Paul and John in Harmony: A Theological and Historical Exploration, and explore the fascinating relationship between two of Christianity's most influential voices. Michael unpacks his provocative thesis that “John is not a Pauline Gospel; rather, Paul is a Johannine theologian,” highlighting shared themes of humility, participation, mutuality, identity, and transformation.

Matthew Levering is an American Roman Catholic theologian and author known for his extensive work in biblical, systematic, and moral theology. He earned degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, and Boston College, and currently serves as the James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology at Mundelein Seminary. He is the author or co-author of more than forty books, including Why I Am Roman Catholic.

In this episode of Creating Space, host Scott Lackey sits down with Levering to explore key themes from his book Why I Am Roman Catholic with a focus on building understanding between Catholic and Protestant traditions. Together, they discuss common misconceptions Protestants may have about Catholic doctrine. The conversation also engages Levering's reflections on both the beauty and difficulties of Roman Catholic life. This episode creates space for thoughtful, charitable dialogue aimed at fostering greater clarity, respect, and unity in Christ across historic Christian traditions.

Why I Am Roman Catholic by Matthew Levering

In this episode of Creating Space, Scott explores how the book of Romans can be read through the lens of spiritual formation and participation in the larger biblical narrative. Rather than approaching Romans merely as a theological system, a defense of justification by faith, or a roadmap for individual salvation, this episode presents Paul's letter as a pastoral and transformative call to become a Spirit-formed community shaped into the likeness of Jesus. Scott argues that Romans is fundamentally concerned with the formation of a rescued, restored, and resurrected people. Special attention is given to Romans 12:1-2 and the relationship between worship, repentance, the renewing of the mind, and life in the Spirit. The episode also traces the theme of transformation throughout the entire letter, showing how each chapter contributes to Paul's vision of a unified and cruciform community. Along the way, listeners are encouraged to read Romans within its first-century context while also allowing the text to function as a mirror through which the Spirit continues to shape the church today.

Resources:

Romans series at New Story Church - Scott Lackey

Reading Romans Backwards by Scot McKnight

Romans: A Theological and Pastoral Commentary by Michael Gorman

Romans: A Commentary by Beverly Roberts Gaventa

In this episode of Creating Space, Scott Lackey sits down with renowned New Testament scholar Dr. Beverly Roberts Gaventa to explore the book of Romans, Paul's vision of salvation, and the ongoing debates surrounding Pauline theology. Drawing from her influential works When in Romans and her recent New Testament Library commentary on Romans, Dr. Gaventa unpacks what it means to read Paul “apocalyptically” and why Romans continues to captivate scholars, pastors, and churches alike. Together, they discuss justification, Romans 9–11, the powers of Sin and Death, and how a more cosmic vision of salvation could reshape the church's mission today.

Romans: A Commentary by Dr. Beverly Roberts Gaventa

When in Romans by Dr. Beverly Roberts Gaventa

Have you experienced trauma? Do you know someone who is dealing with trauma?

Chances are, you can answer “yes” to one or both of those questions. Which raises another question: what does the Bible have to say about traumatic experiences?

In their newly released book, Traumatized Church, Scot McKnight and Adrienne Gibson explore how the apostle Paul wrestled with his own trauma in 2 Corinthians. In this episode of Creating Space, I had the opportunity to interview my friend Scot McKnight about this insightful and impactful book.

Amazon: Traumatized Church

In this episode of Creating Space, Scott Lackey interviews Dr. Teresa Morgan, McDonald Agape Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Yale Divinity School, to discuss her book Trust in Atonement. Dr. Morgan explores the often-overlooked connection between trust and the meaning of Christ's atoning work, drawing on biblical, historical, and theological insights. In our conversation, we examine how trust relates to major atonement theories such as Christus Victor, Penal Substitution, and Moral Influence, and how trust functions both as an attitude and an act within the life of the church. We also discuss the ways modern individualism has weakened communal trust in Christian theology and formation. Finally, Dr. Morgan reflects on the implications of understanding Jesus' death as an act of radical trust and how the resurrection narratives reveal not only Jesus' vindication but also the disciples' restoration from failure to renewed hope.

Resources:

Trust in Atonement by Teresa Morgan

What if the cross isn't primarily about Jesus saving us from God, but about God rescuing us from the powers that enslave creation? In this episode of Creating Space, Scott Lackey explores why he holds to a Christus Victor view of the atonement and how his understanding of the cross has shifted over time. Did Jesus absorb God's wrath, or did he enter the depths of sin and death to defeat the devil and liberate humanity? What if God's “wrath” is better understood as the removal of God's life-giving presence rather than divine violence? And how might seeing the cross as God's victorious rescue mission reshape the way we view God, salvation, and our calling to live as people set free from the powers of this present evil age?

The Mosaic of Atonement by Joshua McNall

How Jesus Saves by Joshua McNall

Trust in Atonement by Teresa Morgan

A Community Called Atonement by Scot McKnight

The Day the Revolution Began by N.T. Wright

God at War by Gregory A. Boyd

Satan and the Problem of Evil by Gregory A. Boyd

Is God to Blame? By Gregory A. Boyd

The Nature of the Atonement: Four Views