Creating Space

In this episode of Creating Space, Scott Lackey interviews Professor Joshua McNall - to explore the meaning and significance of the atonement. Dr. McNall shares what first sparked his interest in studying the cross and why the question “Why the atonement?” remains so central to Christian theology. We discuss his “mosaic” approach, which suggests that the various historical atonement theories are best understood not as competing explanations but as complementary pieces that together form a fuller picture of Christ's saving work. Throughout the conversation, we consider how themes like victory, sacrifice, reconciliation, and justice can fit together within a single, richer vision of the cross. We also talk about what has continued to develop in McNall's thinking since the book's publication and what areas of atonement theology he hopes to explore further.

Resources:

The Mosaic of Atonement by Joshua McNall

How Jesus Saves by Joshua McNall

Are you open to seeing the world differently? What if that new way of seeing could actually set you free? In this bonus episode of Creating Space, I reflect on several transformative moments from Eugene Peterson's memoir, The Pastor. Moments that reshaped how I think about ministry, success, and the role of a pastor.

Resources:

The Pastor by Eugene Peterson

In this special bonus episode of Creating Space, Scott interviews Sarah Cowan Johnson about her award-winning book, Teach Your Children Well, which won the Christianity Today Book Award in Marriage and Family. Drawing on more than 20 years of ministry experience, Sarah shares what led her to write this guide to family discipleship and how she navigated the concerns that often come with addressing parenting and faith. Sarah graciously unpacks research highlighting the powerful spiritual influence of parents and offers practical encouragement for cultivating communal spiritual practices at home. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to lead your family toward deeper formation into Christ-likeness, this conversation is for you.

Resources:

Teach Your Children Well by Sarah Cowen Johnson

Check out Sarah's Website.

In this bonus episode of Creating Space, Scott Lackey reflects on how John Ortberg's book Steps has deeply shaped his current spiritual journey. Focusing on the first three steps:

1. I Can't

2. Jesus Can

3. Let Him

Scott shares how embracing weakness has become a pathway to freedom rather than frustration. This episode is a candid invitation to surrender, trust, and discover healing in the places we once tried to hide. This question will encourage you to acknowledge your weakness.

Resources:

Steps by John Ortberg

On this episode of Creating Space, Scott Lackey interviews Eugene Polupan, pastor at Anthem Church in the Pacific Northwest, member of the Church Formation team at Practicing the Way, and author with NavPress, to discuss his forthcoming book, Fighting like Jesus: Confronting Fear, Control, and Anger with Peace One Conflict at a Time. In our conversation, we unpack the connection between formation and conflict, asking who we are truly fighting, what we are fighting for, and why the way we fight matters. Eugene challenges the reactive patterns of fear and control and instead invites us into the alternative path of Jesus. We also talk personally about what God has been teaching him in this season of research and writing, and what has surprised and convicted him along the way. This episode creates space to reconsider conflict, not as something to avoid or win, but as an opportunity to become more like Christ.

In this month's episode of Creating Space, we explore some of the most important questions about church leadership. Are pastors, elders, and deacons truly called by God? We also dive into whether it is Biblically appropriate for congregations to question a leader's decisions and authority. Finally, we unpack the Biblical qualifications for those who serve in leadership roles within the church. Join us as we navigate Scripture and practical wisdom better to understand God's design for leadership in His church.

Book Recommendations:

A Church called TOV by Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer

Pivot by Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer

Celebrities for Jesus by Katelyn Beatty

When Narcissism Comes to Church by Chuck DeGroat

Renovation of the Church by Kent Carlson & Mike Lueken

Strengthening the Soul of your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton

The Making of a Leader by Robert Clinton

Redeeming Power by Diane Langberg

In the season 3 premiere of Creating Space, Scott Lackey sits down with Dr. Carmen Joy Imes, associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University and author of several books, including Bearing God's Name and Being God's Image, to explore her latest work, Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters. Dr. Imes brings her scholarly expertise and relatable insight to unpack what it means to belong to God's family, why community is central to the Christian life, and how to walk through church hurt.

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Book Recommendations:

Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes

Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes

Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes

On this episode of Creating Space, we are joined by Michael J. Gorman—an internationally-recognized New Testament scholar who holds the Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore and author of major works such as Romans: A Theological and Pastoral Commentary and Cruciformity: Paul's Narrative Spirituality of the Cross.

Dr. Gorman introduces his latest volume, 1 Corinthians: A Theological, Pastoral, and Missional Commentary, which reads Paul's letter to the Corinthian church through the lens of unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity—inviting contemporary churches to embody those four marks of the church as deeply rooted in Christ and the cross.

Whether you're a pastor, student, or lay reader wanting to deepen your reading of 1 Corinthians, this discussion offers thoughtful theological, pastoral, and practical entry-points into the letter's enduring challenge and hope.

Recommended Reading:

1 Corinthians: A Theological, Pastoral and Missional Commentary by Michael Gorman

Cruciformity by Michael Gorman

Inhabiting the Cruciform God by Michael Gorman

On this month's episode of Creating Space, Scott Lackey is joined by Dr. Mark Thiessen Nation to explore his book Discipleship in a World Full of Nazis. Together, they dive into the life, ministry, and legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, examining how his faith and courageous witness continue to challenge and inspire Christians today. This compelling conversation invites listeners to consider what true discipleship looks like in the face of cultural pressures.

Dr. Mark Thiessen Nation is Professor Emeritus of Theology at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics from Fuller Theological Seminary, along with advanced degrees in peace studies, theology, and religion. A leading scholar on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Anabaptist tradition, and Christian ethics, he has authored and co-authored numerous books, including works on discipleship and nonviolence. His teaching and writing have shaped conversations around the church's call to faithful witness in a complex world.

Book recommendations:

Discipleship in a World Full of Nazis by Mark Thiessen Nation

Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

In this episode of Creating Space, we welcome Dr. Rodney Reeves, a seasoned scholar and pastor, to discuss his influential book, Spirituality According to Paul: Imitating the Apostle of Christ. Dr. Reeves holds a PhD from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has taught New Testament studies at institutions such as Northern Seminary, Southwest Baptist University, and Williams Baptist University. Currently, he serves as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas. In our conversation, Dr. Reeves delves into how Paul's teachings offer a transformative vision for Christian spirituality, emphasizing a cross-shaped life.

Additional resources

Spirituality According to Paul by Rodney Reeves

Spirituality According to John by Rodney Reeves