The Forum Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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."

In this episode we talk with N.T. Wright. Few living theologians have made as much of an impact on the global church as N.T. Wright. Wright's work is grounded in centuries of theology, and yet his writing and speaking freshly connects with people today.
N.T. Wright challenges the church to recover the fulness of the gospel message and resurrection hope. We were honored to host Wright in 2017 for the Stob Lectures and January Series at Calvin University and Calvin Seminary. While he was here, he joined us for a conversation with John Witvliet, Professor of Worship at Calvin Seminary and Director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.
In this excerpt of that conversation, Wright discusses his vision for the kingdom of God on earth and the vital witness of the church.

We learn a bit about Dr. Danny Daley, how his journey impacts his studies, and his recent release "Ideal Disciples," which unpacks the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew. He has some insights that enhance the reading of this famous passage.