In this episode of the Thinking Christian podcast, Dr. James Spencer talks with J.R. Briggs—founder of Kairos Partnerships and author of The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership, and Deeper Faith. Together they explore why the questions we ask of God, ourselves, and others shape the quality of our lives, leadership, and discipleship.

J.R. shares how his own experience of isolation in ministry led him to ask three haunting questions—“Who pastors the pastor? Who shepherds the shepherd? Who leads the leader?”—and how those questions birthed Kairos Partnerships to serve overwhelmed and lonely Christian leaders. He and James unpack:

• Why leaders should be “chief question askers,” not just answer-givers

• How good questions build trust, connection, and healthier teams

• The difference between questions for information and questions for connection

• How Jesus used over 300 questions in the Gospels—and what that means for our discipleship

• Four essentials of asking great questions: curiosity, wisdom, humility, and courage

• Practical ways to stay curious in tense or antagonistic conversations

• Why the Book of Daniel and practice-oriented discipleship are crucial for the church today

If you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or follower of Jesus who wants stronger relationships, healthier leadership, and deeper faith, this conversation will help you learn the art of asking better questions.

You can purchase The Art of Asking Better Questions at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) 

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To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

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In this episode of Thinking Christian, I sit down with Pieter Valk—founder and director of Equip and a founding brother of an ecumenical monastery in Nashville—to talk about what it really means to follow Jesus as single men and women in the church. Pieter shares how his ministry equips churches and parents to care well for people who experience same-sex attraction or gender incongruence while embracing a historic Christian sexual ethic.

We explore the biblical vision for vocational singleness versus the default of “common singleness,” how marriage and singleness can actually reinforce one another, and why the church often feels ill-equipped to walk with LGBT+ Christians. Pieter also explains mixed-orientation marriage, challenges reductions of marriage to a “sexual outlet,” and helps reframe both marriage and singleness as vocations ordered toward spiritual fruitfulness.

We close by reflecting on the political battles around sexuality and gender, how those debates have often distorted Christian witness, and what it might look like for the church to lead with discipleship, clarity, and hope instead of just echoing partisan talking points. If you’re a pastor, parent, or disciple trying to think more faithfully about sexuality, singleness, and manhood, this conversation will give you categories, language, and practical direction to move forward.

Find out more about Pieter and his ministry at https://www.pieterlvalk.com.

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To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

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James sits down with Denise Lester, founder of Rended Heart (Kansas City, MO), to explore what sexual exploitation looks like today—and how her ministry stands in the 30-day gap between crisis and long-term recovery. Denise shares her journey from NYC to KC, early work with Exodus Cry, street and club outreach, and why most trafficking now hides offline and online. They discuss highways I-35/I-70, drug dependency, the legal hurdles of proving force, fraud, or coercion, how porn and grooming shape demand, and the slow, relational work of trust, detox, documents, and dignity. A powerful story of a child’s rescue and adoption shows hope in action—and Denise offers concrete ways listeners can help.

To learn more about Rended Heart visit www.rendedheart.org.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Quotable

• “I’m not here to rescue you—I’m here to support you if you’re ready to walk out.”

• “You can leave anytime; we won’t hold you—but count the cost of what you’re surrendering.”

Chapter Markers

• 00:28 — Denise’s journey & launch of Rended Heart

• 03:35 — Street/club outreach & the shift online

• 05:28 — The 30-day gap and why exits stall

• 07:53 — Hospitals, law enforcement, interstate cases, immigration

• 11:42 — A child rescued: court orders, sheriff retrieval, adoption

• 15:30 — KC’s geography (I-35/I-70), drugs, grooming, and porn’s role

• 20:08 — Legal hurdles: proving force/fraud/coercion for adults

• 23:06 — Trust, phones, and the hard work of starting over

• 37:20 — Volunteers, housing, and how you can help

Links

• Rended Heart: rendedheart.org

• Contact: 816-343-4558

Note: If you suspect exploitation, contact local law enforcement or the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) or text “HELP” to 233733.

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In this episode of Thinking Christian, James Spencer talks with David Green, CEO of Hobby Lobby, and Bill High, CEO of Legacy Stone, about their new book Legacy Life: Leading Your Family to Make a Difference for Eternity.

Together they explore what it really means to live a legacy life—one rooted not in wealth or success, but in faithfulness, purpose, and generational discipleship.

• Reframing legacy as something you set in motion, not just leave behind
• Rethinking retirement as a season of renewed ministry
• Building family mission, vision, and values to strengthen future generations
• Embracing brokenness and redemption as part of every family story
• Why intentionality is essential to sustaining a godly legacy

If you care about family, faith, and finishing well, this conversation will inspire you to lead your loved ones toward eternal impact—not just earthly success.

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To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

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In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer engages with Dr. Carmen Imes about her book 'Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters.' They explore the themes of identity, vocation, and belonging within the context of the church, discussing the significance of ecclesia and its roots in the Old Testament. The conversation emphasizes the continuity of God's people from the Old Testament to the New Testament, the importance of community in faith, and the call for believers to actively participate in the church despite its imperfections. Dr. Imes invites listeners to recognize their role in the church and the blessings that come from being part of a community of faith.

Read more from Carmen Joy Imes on Substack or view her YouTube channel. 

Buy the book: Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)

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📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Series of Books
02:54 Exploring the Theme of Identity, Vocation, and Belonging
06:05 Understanding Ecclesia and the Church's Roots
08:55 Continuity of God's People: Old Testament to New Testament
12:02 The Family Language in the New Testament
15:10 The Multicultural Family of God
17:57 The Exodus: From Serving Pharaoh to Serving God
24:19 The Call to Faithfulness Over Success
30:10 Incorporating the Outsider: A Familial Metaphor
33:27 The Church's Role in Community and Conflict
39:11 Sacrifice and Service in the Church
41:55 An Invitation to Engage with the Church

Keywords

church, community, belonging, identity, vocation, ecclesia, Old Testament, New Testament, God's family, faith

Takeaways

The church is a community that reflects God's character.
Belonging to the church requires active participation and commitment.
The theme of identity, vocation, and belonging is central to understanding faith.
Ecclesia has roots in the Old Testament, emphasizing community gathering.
The church is not just a place for individual growth but a family.
God's people have always included a diverse, multicultural community.
The New Testament emphasizes unity among believers despite differences.
Faithfulness is more important than success in the Christian life.
Church hurt should not deter us from engaging with the community.
The church is called to reflect God's love and grace to the world.

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Dr. James Spencer sits down with Beth Felker Jones (Professor of Theology, Northern Seminary) to talk about her new IVP book Why I Am Protestant. Beth lays out how Protestant distinctives—especially Scripture as the norming norm—fit within a broader, lowercase-c catholic Christian unity rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. They dig into the ecumenical creeds, the messiness of the church, recovering historic practices (like corporate confession), how to live with rival interpretations without losing charity, Augustine’s influence on grace and the church, and practical ways congregations can re-center on the Word. Beth’s closing charge: don’t be embarrassed by evangelism—claim the work of making disciples.

Read more from Beth Felker Jones at: https://bethfelkerjones.substack.com/

Buy the book: Why I am Protestant at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

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Dr. James Spencer welcomes Gregory R. Lanier (RTS Orlando, NT) and William A. Ross (RTS Charlotte, OT), co-editors of The Authority of the Septuagint: Biblical, Historical & Theological Approaches (IVP Academic). What is the Septuagint (LXX)? Why is it a library of Greek translations rather than one book? How did NT authors access Scripture—and why do their citations sometimes match Greek more than Hebrew? We unpack a three-fold framework for authority (normative Hebrew text, derived authority of translations, interpretive value of the LXX), the translation spectrum within the LXX, patristic and Reformation debates, Dead Sea Scrolls, and why Hebrews relies so much on the LXX. Plus: practical study tips and which English LXX to use. Book link and IVP 20% discount code in the show notes.

Buy the book: The Authority of the Septuagint at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

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In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer engages with Dr. Greg Quiggle and Dr. Jerry Root to discuss an upcoming study tour focused on the English Reformation and the works of C.S. Lewis. The conversation delves into the complexities of the English Reformation, exploring its political and theological dimensions, and how these historical events resonate with contemporary issues. The discussion also highlights C.S. Lewis's contributions to Christian thought and the importance of dialogue in understanding faith. The episode concludes with a reflection on the distinction between reality and truth, emphasizing the need for accurate thinking in a world filled with diverse perspectives.

Find out more about the tour with Drs. Root and Quiggle here. 

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To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

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Takeaways:

• The English Reformation was influenced by both political and theological factors.
• Henry VIII's marital decisions significantly impacted the formation of the Church of England.
• C.S. Lewis aimed to present a Christianity centered in Christ, transcending denominational boundaries.
• Dialogue and engagement are crucial for understanding differing theological perspectives.
• The concept of Christendom made it difficult to accept multiple theological views within a single political unit.
• Lewis's work emphasizes the importance of truth and reality in understanding faith.
• The Enlightenment shifted the church's political power, leading to a more moral and spiritual role.
• Wesley's social activism changed the perception of Christianity in the British Isles.
• The distinction between reality and truth is essential for robust thinking and dialogue.
• Understanding the historical context of the Reformation helps illuminate contemporary faith discussions.

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Dr. James Spencer welcomes Georgette Beck—author of Junk to Jewels: A Journey from Brokenness and Despair to Beauty and Delight and founder of the Bella Healing Hearts Foundation. Georgette shares her path from low self-worth, early marriage, and divorce to God’s steady restoration as a single mom and, later, in a blended family. We talk generational patterns (genograms), lament that turns to praise, the “limbo” years, and how community, counseling, Scripture, and small groups became lifelines. Georgette explains why her nonprofit focuses on single parents, practical aid, and scholarships, and why her call to the church is simple: connect, open your home, and show up for the one. 

Fiind out more about Georgette and her ministry at https://www.georgettebeck.com.

Purchase her book at www.amazon.com.

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

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James talks with Debbie D’Souza (co-writer/co-director) about the new film The Dragon’s Prophecy—why the project accelerated after Oct 7th, how Revelation 12’s “dragon” frames Israel’s story, what recent archaeology (City of David’s Pilgrimage Road, Pool of Siloam, Tel Dan, etc.) says about the Bible’s historicity, and why the filmmakers went on location near Gaza and at the Nova site. 

To get tickets to The Dragon's Prophecy, visit: www.thedragonsprophecyfilm.com. You can also find information about the upcoming opportunities to stream the movie at home on the site. 

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🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

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