Three Guys Theologizing (3GT)

Kyle and Barry welcome Pastor Bryan Schneider of Sharon RPC to this episode of 3GT. Pastor Bryan has developed a helpful app, one aimed at assisting shepherds in tending Christ’s flock. He joins the guys to discuss and share TendFlock with 3GT listeners!

Kyle and Barry introduce Pastor Bryan Schneider of Sharon RPC. The gents get right to the business of discussing Bryan’s app, TendFlock. Bryan explains the genesis of TendFlock, and how The Shepherd Leader, by Dr. Timothy Witmer, played a role in the development of this project. The gents chat about the shortcomings of human memory, and how this app safeguards against those gaps. How TendFlock shares information among the session, and aides in the labor of shepherding elders through shared burdens, is discussed. Bryan highlights the ability of the app to generate workflows for recurring life events within a congregation. Kyle asks their guest to walk listeners through the way TendFlock fits in with the flow of an ordinary church week. Bryan explains the steps of getting started with TendFlock. How the app partitions information and protects privacy is covered, followed by some conversation about the SMS service built into the application. Kyle asks, “How do we keep TendFlock from turning pastoral care into data management?” Barry speaks to the importance of corporate shepherding. Bryan shares his target audience for the app, and covers some other features. The guys talk about how TendFlock is friendly to many different types of elder-led churches, and comes ready to use with specific, denominational templates and tools. The monthly cost for the app and an endorsement from Dr. Timothy Witmer round out this episode. As always, feel free to email [email protected] with your questions or comments!

Are you an elder looking for a tool to assist you in the work of tending Christ’s sheep? Is your session interested in learning about a low-cost, high-quality product that can streamline the administrative load of ministry? Then tune in to this episode of 3GT!

The guys return this week with a very special guest, Dr. Matthew Everhard! In this episode, the gents interview Matt about the newly released Jonathan Edwards Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers. Matt served as the General Editor for this project.

The guys open with some banter about their footprint in Guam and the start of the school year at RPTS. Barry introduces the topic, the Jonathan Edwards Study Bible (JESB)! Matt answers why we needed another Study Bible. He shares how we got the JESB. Matt explains the overall work and lists some others who were involved in this project. Dr. Everhard speaks about the selection of materials, the division of labor, costs, man-hours, and a host of other items. The guys discuss the images included in the JE Study Bible, and how Edwards’ theology was shaped from Scripture and the natural world. Matt shockingly shares that he doesn’t always agree with Edwards! Redactions and Edwards’ postmillennialism are discussed. Kyle asks if Edwards provided sufficient material for a commentary on the whole Bible, and if this particular edition leans verse-by-verse, or passage by passage. Matt explains how every note is keyed to the WJE. Edwards’ “Blank Bible,” his Notes on Scripture, sermons, letters, major and minor treatises, and unpublished work, were all drawn upon for this volume. Matt shares “Easter eggs” hidden in the JESB. The guys talk about the reception of the JESB, followed by discourse on the target audience. Matt answers charged questions like, “Is this a Reformed Study Bible?” and, “Was Jonathan Edwards Reformed?” A fun fact about Edwards is shared. Enter to win a copy of the JESB by emailing [email protected] by September 28th. Be sure to include the fun fact to enter the giveaway!

Are you a fan of Study Bibles? Do you like Jonathan Edwards? Have you ever heard of Matthew Everhard? Well, do we have a show for you, dear listener! Tune in this week to learn about the latest addition to the wonderful world of study Bibles—the JESB!

The three [old] guys are back after a month-long hiatus! In this episode, Kyle, Scott, and Barry take up the listener-submitted topic of dealing with the excommunicated. That is, how should church members treat those who have been sent out from their midst?

The guys give updates, along with a hopeful report! Kyle and Barry share definitions of excommunication and levels of discipline in the church. Kyle brings up deficits in the knowledge of the church, specifically with accountability and membership. The three friends speak about why we excommunicate and the point of excommunication. Kyle addresses government under Christ. Barry speaks about the necessity of protecting the flock of God and glorifying Him. Goals of discipline are reviewed. Kyle shares five reasons for discipline. The men consider how Christians should interact with excommunicated people, along with responsibilities of the session. The importance of wisdom is covered, followed by shortcomings in how the church deals with sin. Barry and Kyle elaborate on loving those both inside and outside the church. The conversation moves to the topic of separation from God and his people as an act of mercy (Jude 23). Helpful explanations of liberty of conscience and individual judgment follow. The episode closes with practical advice for listeners. Email [email protected] with your questions, comments, and episode suggestions!

Have you ever wrestled with this topic of excommunication? Do you know anyone who has been excommunicated? Is interacting with them a challenging matter? Tune in this week for encouragement and faithful teaching on this important and weighty subject!

The three guys return this week with a special, highly offensive episode! Kyle, Scotty, and Bear (Barr? Bare? Bair?) discuss how Christians can faithfully respond with the truth of God’s love to a grievance culture that is increasingly easy to offend.

The guys define grievance culture. Kyle asks, “What do we mean when we say that we’re offended? Is it a sin to hurt someone’s feelings?” Barry distinguishes between sins and offences, segueing to the rightful use of authority. Scott talks about enthroning feelings above God’s law, leading to a conversation about elevating subjective feelings to objective accusations. Barry remarks on social media and the church. Kyle prompts the gents to explain why people are easily offended and asks if hurt feelings can be weaponized toward manipulative ends. The guys discern when to overlook an offense and give counsel for ministering to the easily offended. What to do when we’re sinned against (or offended), and the responsibilities of offended persons are considered. Counseling people to think biblically about offense is taken up, followed by words from Kyle on the wisdom in winsomeness. The episode concludes with a helpful, practical example…sort of. Please email [email protected] with your questions and comments!

Are you easily offended? Do you wonder why “hurt feelings” have so much power? Have you offended a brother or a sister? Do you need help navigating the landscape of our grievance culture? Tune in to this episode for answers to these questions, and more!

The three guys return this week to do a little theologizing about the tremendous importance of encouraging your pastor and your session! Barry, Kyle, and Scott unpack this subject with practical and uplifting wisdom, rooted firmly in the Word of God.

After a little chatter about summer weather, and a brief interlude from the Shepherd Detective, the guys get down to the business of today’s topic: How you can encourage your session and your pastor! Barry asks, “Why is it important for a congregation to encourage their elders and their pastor?” Kyle points out biblical and confessional mandates to encourage shepherds. Scott speaks to the burdens of clergy. Barry invites Scott and Kyle to discuss how obedience is part of the answer. Kyle defines what it means to obey your elders and explains ministerial authority. The gents explain how to support your leadership, but not blindly. Other ways to strengthen and show love to leadership in the church are covered. Kyle exegetes Col. 4:17 on the subject. Scott shares ways for laity to ease the burden of ministry. Barry and Kyle share how a preacher can respond to encouragement. How a congregation can be verbally and visually hungry for the Word is discussed. Barry asks, “How is prayer a part of encouraging your pastor?” Kyle motivates listeners to have a Word-enriched prayer life. He gives pragmatic and practical advice for inspiring shepherds. Barry addresses the encouragement in seeking counsel from your elders. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments!

Are you regularly encouraged by your elders? Does your soul benefit from being uplifted by the ministry of the Word? Do you profit from the labors of your session? Have you wondered how you might encourage those who so often lift you up? Tune in!

The three guys are back this week with a discourse about planting your roots. Lest there be any confusion, this isn’t an episode about gardening. Rather, it’s an important conversation about investing yourself in the people of God in every season of life.

The gents kick things off with modified Minnesotan and North Carolinian accents. Scott introduces the topic of the episode. He asks about the necessity, benefit, and difficulty of putting down roots wherever we go in life. Barry and Kyle speak about their experiences planting roots (or not) in their own transient seasons. Kyle and Barry cover how important it is for young Christians (and all others) to remain grounded in these shifting and flexible periods. Barry recommends Uprooted: A Guide for Homesick Christians by Rebecca VanDoodewaard. The hosts speak about Scripture’s own counsel regarding times to uproot, and times to plant. Kyle warns listeners about being tempted by transience. Scott inquires, “How do we make the most of these transient years, specifically in the church? How do we encourage people to ‘plug in’ where they are for the time that they have? What does this look like for the churches with transient members?” Kyle talks about seasons of life where it is most difficult to remain rooted. 3 John and the sending of transient members “in a manner worthy of God” is discussed. Barry talks about “the handoff” among churches and establishing mentors for those who are being sent out. The conversation moves to encouraging people who are not transient to still establish deep roots in both congregation and community. Barry talks about the importance of investing in your place and studying your communities. Kyle responds with the biblical demand to invest in other people and reminds listeners that being salt and light starts in the home. Barry explores how our virtual world presents challenges to being rooted in reality and also gives words of wisdom about being rooted in later years of life. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments!

Have you ever found it challenging to stay connected to a place and people? Have you wondered why this happens? Are you looking for ways to counter this “uprootedness”? Tune in this week for some practical counsel on how to plant your roots!

The three guys return this week for a fulfilling conversation about empty philosophies. (Though the discourse itself is far from empty!) Kyle, ever and always unafraid of the IRS, hosts this edifying episode from his very sophisticated parsonage library.

The guys celebrate Scott’s victory in the primary election! Kyle introduces the main topic, “In a world filled with lies; how do we guard against being deceived (Col. 2)?” In this episode, the guys consider this question and also how to train and instruct people (particularly in the church) to not be taken captive by these vain philosophies. Kyle asks Barry and Scott to identify the major empty philosophies present in our own culture. He follows up, asking why it is important for Christians to be able to identify these prevailing falsehoods and empty philosophies. The guys then examine the ways in which these falsehoods sneak into the church. Moreover, the gents expose some vain philosophies presently enjoying prominence in conservative, confessional churches. Kyle asks, “How do you train the church (and yourself) to avoid being taken captive by falsehood?” Avenues that Satan primarily uses to communicate falsehood in these days are then considered. Finally, the hosts show listeners where to find Wisdom to combat the vanities of this present, evil age. Please email [email protected] with any questions or comments you have about this episode!

You live in a world filled with lies. Without help, you will be taken captive by them. Do you want to learn how to stand against the falsehoods peddled by the world? Do you want to help others do the same? Tune in this week to find answers and encouragement!

Scott and Barry return this week for a special episode! Occasionally, the guys will pivot to focus on what the Lord is doing in the lives of friends, loved ones, and co-hosts. This week, Scott enjoys sharing about himself and the work God has called him to do.

Barry makes a podcastorial retraction and talks about egalitarian practices in his household. The central figure for the episode reminds listeners what a prosecuting attorney is, and what they do. Scott explains the relationship between chocolate chip cookies and crimes. Barry asks how many cases Scott reviews, and how many come to trial. Scott talks about how cases are assigned. The guys talk about how Scott trains, equips, and enables his junior colleagues. Barry invites Scott to share the most satisfying aspects of his work, and the most discouraging. Next, Scott praises the excellence of his bride and shares how she bears up under the weight of his work. Barry asks about the election and the dynamics of campaigning. Scott responds by contrasting “running on merit” over against a “smear campaign.” He then speaks about serving in the Lord’s office as a minister of Christ’s justice. The guys clarify that Kyle is not Scott’s manager. Scott and Barry speak about employing the family in campaigning and evangelism. Barry inquires, “What other ways do you think about this role theologically, particularly when it feels heavy and discouraging? How do you process disappointment?” Scott talks about his calling and considers success versus faithfulness, and the necessity of depending on God’s strength in his means of grace. Barry closes with words of encouragement from Psalm 119:142 and asks listeners to pray for Scott. If you are interested in sponsoring 3GT, please email [email protected] for details on how to help!

Are you interested in learning more about Scott and his work? Do you ever wonder how your own labor can be viewed in the light of Christ? Tune in to this episode for an interesting and encouraging glimpse into the life and work of a prosecuting attorney!

Scott is actively on the campaign trail, so Barry and Kyle—who expresses open displeasure about being stuck with Barry—return this week to theologize about dating.

Kyle highlights the Christian’s responsibility to date only in the Lord. He asks Barry, “Is the Bible silent on dating?” Barry helps listeners start this conversation and covers discipling people in a relationship not explicitly spoken of in Scripture. Kyle and Barry consider the foundation for dating and talk about the Bible’s teaching on friendship, holiness, and the use of the body. Kyle asks Barry to describe the purpose of dating. The guys consider what frames the conversation around dating and marriage. Barry guides listeners to the manual for dating. Kyle asks Barry if marriage is the only reason for dating. He touches on intentionality in the Christian life. Barry navigates the friendship-to-dating phase. Kyle asks, “Is breaking up a sin?” The hosts consider dating with discernment. Barry counsels parents whose child may be pursuing the “wrong person.” They discuss the centrality of prayer and applications of the seventh commandment. “Roles” in the dating relationship are mentioned. Barry weighs parental guidance vs. control. Kyle asks, “What does it look like for a dating couple to honor Christ?” This question leads the guys to Hebrews 13:4. Finally, Barry coins the term “nuditity.” Please email [email protected]. with your questions and comments about this episode!

Are you a young person with questions about dating? Are you a parent who is seeking to help your child in this season of life? Is it “dating,” or is it “courtship?” Tune in to this week’s episode for some encouragement and edification on this important topic!

The three guys are back this week with an interesting and edifying conversation in the arena of homiletics. Specifically, the gents share their thoughts on the expository, or expositional, method of preaching God’s Word to his people.

Kyle and Barry discuss their favorite factory worker, lawyer, and politician. Kyle is outed for AI-generated campaign slogans. Barry introduces the main topic. He asks, “What is expository preaching?” Is “verse-by-verse” preaching the same thing? Barry invites Scott to share his thoughts on expository preaching. The gents discuss what it means to preach the whole counsel of God. Barry prompts Scott and Kyle to discuss the strengths of expository preaching. He asks why we use this method. An answer is supplied from the Directory for Public Worship. Kyle and Scott explain how expository preaching promotes familiarity with Scripture, provides a balanced diet from the Word, and helps preachers avoid “Christian mysticism.” The guys share thoughts on topical preaching. Barry directs the conversation to benefits for the preacher in using an expository method. Scott talks about the profits for the layman. Barry shares words from the Divines to preachers. Scott distinguishes between teaching and preaching. Barry asks about weaknesses in expository preaching. Kyle points out Jesus’ method, and touches on apostolic homiletics. The guys discuss the danger of exclusivity. Scott denotes benefits in circumstantial preaching. Barry and Kyle consider if every part of the Bible easily lends itself to expository preaching. Scott shares how this episode benefits the person in the pew. Final thoughts for listeners. Write to [email protected] with any questions or comments, especially if you’re listening in from Grant County!

In the Reformed church, much emphasis is placed on the public preaching of God’s Word, and rightly so! But have you ever wondered why your pastor might preach the Bible in a certain type of way? Tune in this week to learn why the method matters!