Three Guys Theologizing (3GT)

Yes, you can read that title more than one way! But the way it is meant is that pastors have a variety of gifts and abilities they bring to the ministry. That was the intended theme of this episode of 3GT. But wow, how things go off the rails right from the start! Granddad jokes. Monkey references. Hurt thumbs. Cardigans and cats. Finally Scott the host brings things back together and the guys get to the subject at hand.

For congregations and the pastors that serve them must recognize there are all kinds of pastors. Ministers can have different giftedness in areas such as preaching, shepherding, administration, etc. Consequently, pastors should not put false guilt on themselves by comparing themselves to others more gifted and churches need to be careful not to do the same. The guys discuss learning to identify, appreciate, and cultivate the gifts pastors have without burdening them with undue expectations.

This episode is for pastors and congregations alike! So tune in once again to 3GT and, if you want to bypass the guys’ shenanigans, then go straight to the 4:30 mark!

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As this very episode demonstrates with Scott away, it can be difficult to get parishioners to gather in small groups during the week. So armed with a question from a listener, Kyle and Barry discuss what the other six days beyond the Lord’s Day should look like for a congregation.

Each of them share the mid-week practices of their own congregations. Then they discuss how to prioritize and plan for activities such as fellowship, prayer, and Bible study. The guys talk about needs of both formal and informal gathering as believers. They consider the three areas of doctoral convictions, congregational giftedness, and community needs then use them to answer this question: How do these areas fit together in making decisions regarding ministry Monday through Saturday? They then offer further biblical principles that should help govern the body life of a local church.

If you want some help about what the other six days of congregational life should look like, then tune in to this week’s episode of Three Guys Theologizing!

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On this episode of Three Guys Theologizing, blogger and author Tim Challies joins the guys to discuss his newest book. Yet this is no ordinary book review. For in his book Seasons of Sorrow, Tim chronicles and shares reflections after the sudden death of his son, Nick. A beautifully written book, Seasons of Sorrow follows the Challies’ family’s journey through the first year of mourning the loss of their son and brother, using themes from each of the four seasons to highlight lessons the Lord taught them along the way.

In this interview, Tim first explains what happened on the day his son collapsed at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, in November 2020. He shares about the special young man that Nick was and the relationship that they enjoyed. From there, the guys explore with Tim a number of topics found in this book, such as the need to grieve, the sovereignty of God in suffering, the place and use of the Scriptures in a trial, and the yearning for heaven.

This is an episode you will not want to miss and a book you will want to be sure to have! To purchase your own copy, go here.

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After talking about Scott getting his picture with babies and encouraging Kyle to read his own T-shirt, the 3GTers get down to business. Ligonier ministries just came out with their 2022 State of Theology Report on the evangelical church, and the news is not good.

For church folk sure do believe strange doctrines. They think that God changes. They believe man is basically good. Too many think that gender is a choice. And on and on it goes. The guys analyze and discuss these results, and then suggest how the church should respond in these dark times.

Nothing like the state of theology to get these three guys theologizing. So be sure to tune in to this week’s episode!

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Picking apples always seems to get guys in trouble. At least, that’s the message Kyle and Scott deliver to Barry. Late to record once again, like Adam Barry appears to blame his wife and their time in an apple orchard for his tardiness. Then the truth comes out that he wasted time picking the wrong apples. Finally, the guys manage to get on track and address the true topic of this episode, which is a bountiful harvest of a spiritual nature.

For the 3GTers discuss the topic of revival and reformation. They distinguish between the two while maintaining the relationship and need of both. As they converse, they also highlight the difference between a God-wrought revival and the man-made variety made popular by the likes of Charles Finney. From there, they go on to encourage God-given ways the church can be seeking the Spirit’s revival that avoid manipulation. They conclude with urging the church in this direction.

So tune in to this episode and consider ways that you can participate in the Lord’s harvest!

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Scott starts this episode with gusto and even receives a compliment from Kyle. But as he continues on, the normal order is quickly restored as Kyle gets his digs in.

For this week’s 3GT offering is on the church’s use of social media , and Scott needs a little help. He asks for the different types of digital platforms and Kyle gives him the run down. As the discussion moves to justification for the church to use such programs, Biblical and historical rationale is offered. The guys then talk about the plusses and minuses of app usage by the church. They warn about the dangers they have observed as the church and its personalities live on social media, and even the need in some places to “pluck out the (digital) eye.” Yet they stop short of offering a Luddite approach to this issue and theologize about how to use God’s gift of technological tools to His glory.

So, yes, open your favorite podcast app and tune into another rousing episode of Three Guys Theologizing!

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No, it’s supposed to be a C not a T. For the guys on 3GT are talking about PCSD – Post-Covid Stress Disorder.

For like the aftershocks of an earthquake, the aftermath of Covid has impacted the church. Fractures have developed. Sheep have strayed. People are hesitant. So how does the church respond? The guys discuss the hard work and praying that is needed to help the church recover.

So if you need a little balm to treat your PCSD, turn into this episode of 3GT!

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With the prof away, the boys play! For the pastor and parishioner throw out some big words and then get down to business.

Irenical Animadversions is a book written by the Dutch theologian Herrman Witsius. Addressing a historical theological controversy regarding God’s law, the title means “conciliatory or peaceful critiques.” The book is Witsius’ teaching on how to maintain a peaceful spirit in the midst of disagreements in the church. Kyle and Scott use the theme of this book to address this topic.

They discuss the biblical need to address this subject, offering numerous examples in Scripture. Controversies are unavoidable in the church, even for the most godly of saints – perhaps especially so! The guys then talk about the need to distinguish between needed and unnecessary disputes in order to avoid an argumentative spirit. They then raise principles from God’s Word that teach how to work through matters and even how to maintain at time a “sanctified disagreement.”

If you are not in heaven yet, then this episode is for you! So join along this latest episode from 3GT!

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With the guys “Kyle-less” once again, the parishioner and professor tackle a subject the solo pastor may not have wanted to discuss. What about congregations having more than one pastor?

For Scott’s congregation is headed that way, and he decides to have a conversation with Barry about it. For starters, they identify the principles of “two or three witnesses” and “two is better than one.” From there, they look at the Biblical examples of Jesus sending out His disciples in pairs, the traveling mission teams in Acts, and places where congregations had more than one minister.

After establishing the Scriptural foundation for multiple pastors, they then delve into the practical. When should a congregation consider adding another pastor? How does a “plurality of pastors” relate to the “plurality of elders” in Presbyterianism? How do you avoid clericalism? What are some guidelines to make better ensure this situation works? And to make sure a certain pastor’s feelings are not hurt, they also discuss the legitimacy of singular pastorates as well.

This episode is chock full of considerations and advice. So join in the conversation at 3GT!

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One of 3GT’s favorite guests is back! Gordon Keddie joins the guys as he discusses the new release of William McEwen’s The Glory and Fullness of Jesus Christ: In the Most Remarkable Types, Figures, and Allegories of the Old Testament.

Gordon begins by recounting the life – sadly shortened by illness – of this young Scottish minister of the eighteenth century. He then describes how he became familiar with McEwen and his work, relates the importance of McEwen in the history of the church, and explains how the modern reader could benefit from reading him. From there, Gordon shares some of the highlights of this book, pointing out the in-depth, balanced, and devotional typological treatment by McEwen on many key Old Testament passages. The interview concludes with a discussion on some of the proper principles needed in interpreting typology.

If you want to see more of Jesus in the Scriptures, then this book is for you! Be sure to listen carefully to this episode so you can enter to win a free copy of the book!

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