More Than Theology

Bible colleges from all over the world recently converged on Ethiopia to share ideas about theological education. What were the lessons from the BTN Conference? In this conversation, Richard speaks with fellow conference attendees, Michael Hanson and Ian Payne, about what they gleaned from the event. They discuss the vibrancy of a youthful national church, the value of a culturally embedded faith, and the joys of drinking too much Ethiopian coffee.

Check out the Pathways and GC3 blogs for more stories and photos. Get a copy of Dr Payne's book here. 

Are we taking longer to become adults than we used to? 🤔

Yes, say sociologists. Young people today are typically getting married, having kids, starting a career, and buying a house—the traditional milestones of adult life—much later than their grandparents. Sociologists are calling this new stage of life "emerging adulthood". 

In this episode, Richard talks with Dr. Sam Bloore about this phenomenon and what it means for young people, their parents, and the church leaders who shepherd them.🙌

Hospitality is much more than an industry—it’s an important part of the life of faith modelled by Jesus. In this episode, Richard talks with Kyla Scrimgeour, who recently completed a master’s degree examining the role of hospitality in the gospels. Jesus played both host and guest, and thus leaves us an example to follow in our own lives.

Dr Richard Goodwin joins Tim Wilson on Newstalk ZB for a 10-minute conversation about nativity movies — and why the nativity story is far bigger and grittier than the Christmas card version. 

What happens when national identity trumps Christian identity? Richard talks Christian Nationalism with Old Testament scholar Michael Rhodes, both in the context of Michael’s native America and his adopted New Zealand. Drawing upon scripture, Michael explains how believers should think about their national identity in light of the Kingdom and the King.

Two centuries ago, a handful of Christ-followers had a radical idea: meeting together as believers without denominational trappings. This movement, which eventually became known as the Open Brethren, subsequently spread all over the world—including to Aotearoa NZ. Rosie talks to Dr. Ian Payne and Dr. Richard Goodwin about their recent trip to the birthplace of this 200-year-old movement (Dublin), what they learnt while celebrating its bicentenary, and what the lessons are for us today.

#PathwaysBibleCollege #OpenBrethren #MoreThanTheology

In anticipation of our upcoming faith-and-film event, ICON, we’re digging back into our archives. In this episode, Pathways' Academic Dean, Grace Chamberlain, chats with our own Dr. Richard Goodwin about his recent book, Seeing Is Believing, and how the Spirit of God can speak to us in surprising ways—even through movies.

⛪ What is church for? It sounds like a straightforward question, but because our understanding of church (ecclesiology) is usually taught only implicitly, not explicitly, it’s one that is actually surprisingly complex. Richard interviews a panel of guests—Jeremy Suisted, Sophia Sinclair, and Nick Goodwin—about the reasons for church. And if this whets your appetite for more, then you might like to head along to CCCNZ’s ecclesiology workshop, (Re)Assembly: History and Hopes: https://www.cccnz.nz/events/

Many Christians long for a closer personal relationship with Jesus, yet often struggle to know how to foster genuine spiritual growth. In this episode, Rosie interviews Sam Harvey about transformative spiritual practices modelled by Jesus himself. Sam shares practical insights on how to nurture a richer prayer life - without the burden of just ’trying harder’. Sam pastors at Bay Vineyard Church in Napier and is National Director of 24-7 Prayer NZ. For resources and to find out more, visit https://www.24-7prayer.nz/

Modern society often ties productivity to success. But what if spiritual formation is less about efficiency and more about the patient cultivation of a flourishing garden? In this episode, Rosie sits down with Dr Maja Whitaker (Academic Dean at Laidlaw College and ordained Pastor) to explore the challenge of practicing contemplative spirituality in our fast-paced world - and what to do when a traditional, structured approach feels out of reach.