The Forum Podcast

The Old Testament, Calvin, and the Reformed Tradition | Yudha Thianto

How did John Calvin employ the Old Testament in his preaching and instruction?
Dr. Yudha Thianto, Chief Academic Officer and Professor of the History of Christianity and Reformed Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary, published "The Old Testament, Calvin, and the Reformed Tradition" with Brill Publishers in 2024. This work reflects his lifelong passion for Reformed theology, rooted in his Christian upbringing in Indonesia and is Based on papers from the 2019 meeting of the Calvin Studies Society. From an early age, Thianto was drawn to teaching, a calling he pursued through his education, ultimately earning a PhD from Calvin Seminary and teaching for over two decades at Trinity Christian College before joining Calvin Seminary.
In this conversation led by Master of Divinity student Leah Jolly, Thianto hopes this volume will encourage pastors and scholars to deepen their study of the Old Testament, emphasizing its significance in Christian life. Looking ahead, he continues his research on metrical psalm singing in the Dutch East Indies while maintaining his dedication to teaching and mentoring students worldwide.

The Future of Latino Theological Education | Justo Gonzalez and Mariano Avila

Justo Gonzalez is one of the world's leading theologians and prominent voices in calling the global church to recognize the presence and perspectives of Latino and Latina Christians. We hosted and his wife, Katherine, who's also a distinguished scholar, for a conversation with Mariano Avila, professor emeritus of New Testament at Calvin Seminary and the retired director of our Certificate in Latino Ministry.
Before the discussion between Mariano and Justo, Mariano joins Calvin Seminary chief operating Officer Margaret Mwenda for a brief introduction of Justo Gonzalez.
We are encouraged to listen to the role of Latino/a communities in the United States and the challenge presented to theological institutions, churches, and communities.

Wars of the Lord: Part 2 | Matt Tuininga

Dr. Matthew Tuininga, Professor of Ethics and the History of Christianity, joins us for part two of our discussion of his latest book, "The Wars of the Lord: The Puritan Conquest of America's First People" with Oxford University Press. In this episode, Dr. Tuininga highlights the Puritan’s mentality of being agents of God’s will to the Native Americans, the tragedies of the wars between the two groups, and how Christians today can engage in conversations about history, understanding the events of the past on their own terms.

Wars of the Lord: Part 1 | Matthew Tuininga

Reading and studying history not only enriches our knowledge, but gives us a deeper humility as we seek to understand the nuances and complexities of a story. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Matthew Tuininga, Professor of Ethics and the History of Christianity, in anticipation of a new book. This new book is entitled "The Wars of the Lord: The Puritan Conquest of America's First People" and is published by Oxford University Press.
How does an ethicist and historian write a book that focuses on both the political and religious aspects of a complex period of history? During this interview by MDiv Student, Leah Jolly, Tuininga discusses his personal story and describes his writing process. He seeks to teach listeners the value of humility as they study history.

Legacy of the Reformation | Karin Maag

What can we learn from events that took place 500 years ago? Karin Maag and Lyle Bierma led a pilgrimage of sorts to windward Germany, and more to follow the footsteps of Martin Luther.
They help these historical sites come alive with their knowledge about the events that happened and the legacy that still resounds. Karin Maag is the Director of the Center of Calvin Studies at Calvin University and Seminary. Lyle Bierma is professor emeritus of Church History and Systematic Theology at Calvin Seminary. They joined, together with Jul Medenblik, President of Calvin Seminary, to share their insights on what happened 500 years ago and what it means for us today.

Where Have All of the Pastors Gone? | Jul Medenblik

In this video, Calvin Theological Seminary president, Jul Medenblik explores the pressing question, "Where have all the pastors gone?" Communication Director, Phillip Palacios, and Jul discuss the challenges of encouraging new leaders into ministry, the evolving role of pastors, and the importance of proactive discipleship within churches. Highlighting Calvin Seminary's global reach and reformed identity, Jul shares inspiring stories of alumni making a difference worldwide. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the future of ministry and the hope found in raising faithful leaders.

Where Are The Pastors? | Susan LaClear

In this insightful interview, Susan LaClear, the candidacy director for the Christian Reformed Church, shares her journey into ministry, from her unexpected start as a music minister to becoming a commissioned pastor and guiding others into ministry. She discusses the evolving landscape of church leadership, emphasizing the importance of local leaders and creative pathways like the commissioned pastor role. Susan also highlights the need for ongoing training and a culture of continual learning within the church. Watch the full interview to learn about her vision for the future of church leadership and the opportunities for emerging pastors.

Danjuma Gibson and Lifelong Learning: Trauma, Leadership, and Steps Forward

In this episode, Danjuma Gibson speaks on shared trauma. He starts by offering a definition of trauma and continues to speak on the shared experience of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Dr. Danjuma Gibson is the Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling at Calvin Theological Seminary. Aaron Einfeld, Director of Lifelong Learning, joins in the conversation to discuss working on traumatic experiences. Gibson and Einfeld offer a perspective of leading while going through traumatic situations. 

Mary Hulst - Practical Wisdom for Preaching

For pastors who prepare and preach sermons week after week and year after year. You might expect the process to eventually become routine. Rev. Mary Hulst says it never does and it never should. Each week brings a new text, a new purpose, a new challenge, and a new calling to speak gospel truth to a world designed by dissonant messages.
In her book, "A Little Handbook for Preachers: Ten Practical Ways to a Better Sermon by Sunday" Hulst describes the challenge and gives guidance to preachers on how to meet it. Hulst writes “What keeps me at it? Week after week is what keeps all of us at it. We believe that God Almighty, Lord of heaven and earth, actually uses people like us to proclaim the mysteries of faith. And we are thrilled and humbled at this calling.”
Hulst was one of the first female graduates of Calvin Seminary, and one of our first female professors. She is currently chaplain at Calvin University. Laura De Young, 2017 Calvin Seminary alum and Pastor of Preaching and Worship at Community Christian Reformed Church in Kitchener, Ontario, spoke with Mary about the craft and calling of preaching.

Richard Mouw - Loving Your Neighbor Today

Who is my neighbor? The question is as old as a time of Jesus, and the answer continues to be the same. But what does this look like today? How can we love those who might not know how to love? How do we love neighbors of other faiths? Neighbors of other races? Neighbors suffering from dementia or trauma.
Calvin Seminary hosted a conference to explore these questions and to listen to Christ's call to love all our neighbors. Our featured speaker was Richard Mouw. Mouw is a former professor of philosophy at Calvin College and the president emeritus of Fuller Theological Seminary. Mouw speaks with conviction, clarity, and humor in this opening keynote address called "Engaging Our Neighbors."