Join us for 2026 CPT National Conference in Oak Park, IL on October 19-21! This year's theme is Finding Church: Ecclesial Identity in a Time of Cultural Crisis. Register by September 15 for the best rate.

In this week's episode, we welcome Dr. Walter Strickland II, associate professor of systematic and contextual theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and pastor of Imago Dei Church, to discuss his work on ecclesiology and the contributions of African American Christian traditions to the broader church. Drawing from his own journey across different church traditions and years of theological study, Walter reflects on how the African American church has cultivated a distinctive vision of Christian faith shaped by both deep piety and faithful protest.

The conversation explores how the African American ecclesial tradition can help the American church navigate cultural crisis through practices of lament, perseverance, discipleship, and engagement with the world. Walter highlights the importance of learning from Christians who have lived faithfully on the margins and considers how African American Christian formation can strengthen the church's witness in a time of increasing cultural uncertainty.

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In this summer replay episode, Joel Lawrence and Matt Kim talk with pastor, lawyer, and theologian K. Edward Copeland about how the gospel shapes the church’s engagement with today’s social and political tensions. Ed shares his unique journey—from overcoming a childhood speech impediment to decades of ministry and justice work—and offers a compelling vision of the gospel as God’s reconciling work for people, systems, and the whole cosmos. Drawing on the African American preaching tradition and the posture of exile, he explains how preaching can form Christians who discern cultural idols, process societal events theologically, and live faithfully amid fractured times. The result is a conversation full of wisdom, hope, and clarity for pastors and congregations navigating the complexities of modern life.

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This summer replay episode features a conversation with Joey Sherrard about his new book The Augustinian Pastor, exploring how the life and theology of Augustine can shape modern pastoral ministry. Drawing from his own journey—especially rediscovering Augustine during COVID—Sherrard highlights how Augustine’s work as a hands-on pastor was itself the outworking of and context in which he did his theological reflection. Key themes include the importance of pastoral friendship, the ongoing struggle with pride and sin, and the cultivation of humility through dependence on God. Pastors should see their ordinary work not as a barrier to theological depth, but as the very place where rich, enduring theology is formed.

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In this episode of the CPT Podcast, we welcome Dr. Matt O’Reilly, lead pastor of Christ Church, Birmingham, and a leader in the Global Methodist Church, to talk about what it means to be an ecclesial theologian. O’Reilly describes the ecclesial theologian as a pastor who provides theological leadership from within the local church. Rather than simply translating academic theology for laypeople, ecclesial theologians engage in constructive theology that shapes every aspect of church life—from preaching and discipleship to finances, property, staffing, and mission.  

The conversation explores O’Reilly’s leadership in the emerging Global Methodist Church, including his role in drafting unified Articles of Faith and chairing the Doctrine and Sacraments Committee for the denomination’s General Conference in Johannesburg. O’Reilly argues that theological study is not a distraction from pastoral ministry but an essential part of it—one that can deepen a pastor’s leadership, renew the mind, and become an act of worship.

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In this Summer Replay episode, CPT Fellow Matt Erickson reflects on his journey into pastoral ministry and the experiences that led him to write The Pastor as Gardener: A Renewed Vision for Ministry. Drawing on biblical images of planting, tending, and growth, Matt offers a vision of pastoral ministry rooted in patience, community, and dependence on God rather than performance or control. The conversation explores how pastors can cultivate a deep life with God, empower others for ministry, and faithfully plant for fruit they may not live to see.

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In this special bonus episode, Joel Lawrence, Rae Paul, and Steve Williamson preview the 2026 CPT Conference, Finding Church: Ecclesial Identity in a Time of Cultural Crisis. They discuss the vision behind this year’s theme, the conference’s unique blend of theology, worship, and community, and what attendees can expect from this gathering for pastors, ministry leaders, and all who love the church. 

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In this Summer Replay episode, Nicole Martin, president of Christianity Today, reflects on the vital role of preaching in shaping the church's theological vision. She discusses why faithful preaching must center on God rather than ourselves, the importance of surrender in sermon preparation, and how the cross—not performance or success—forms both pastors and congregations. The conversation offers a compelling vision of preaching that proclaims God's Word with humility, courage, and trust in his grace.

 Nicole also discusses themes from her book, Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender, which challenges leaders to embrace Christlike leadership through sacrifice rather than performance or worldly success. 

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In this short bonus episode, Joel Lawrence and Steve Williamson introduce the Center for Pastor Theologians' two new one-year cohorts, exploring how they equip pastors and ministry leaders through theological formation, rich discussion, and practical reflection on the church, pastoral identity, and the theology of work. 

Join a 2026 CPT One-Year Cohort (Apply by Sep. 18)

In this Summer Replay episode of the Preaching and the Pastor Theologian series, Joel Lawrence and Matt Kim sit down with Jim Samra, senior pastor of Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to explore the vital connection between a pastor's inner life and faithful preaching. Drawing from 1 Timothy 4:16, Samra reflects on what it means to "keep careful watch" over both life and doctrine, arguing that preaching flows not simply from sound preparation but from a deep, ongoing relationship with God. He shares practical rhythms of prayer, fasting, accountability, and sermon preparation that have shaped his ministry over two decades, emphasizing the preacher's role as a conduit through whom God speaks to his people. 

The conversation also examines how pastors can cultivate churches that are attentive to God's voice, the role of spiritual gifts in ministry, and the importance of addressing past wounds and unhealthy patterns that can hinder a congregation's spiritual life. Samra offers thoughtful reflections on pastoral leadership, holiness, and the Spirit's work in preaching, encouraging pastors to pursue lives that faithfully embody the message they proclaim. 

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In this short, bonus episode of the CPT Podcast, we talk with Matthew Kim about a preaching resource that has profoundly shaped his ministry—Preaching as Reminding: Stirring Memory in an Age of Forgetfulness by Jeff Arthurs. Kim explains how the book reframes preaching as the faithful task of reminding people of what God has already said, rather than striving for novelty or cleverness. He also shares a practical sermon preparation habit—writing each sermon with one specific person in mind—which helps him communicate clearly to both mature believers and newcomers while trusting the Holy Spirit to apply God's Word to the entire congregation. 

Join a 2026 CPT One-Year Cohort (Apply by Sep. 18)