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Dr. Neil Shenvi joins The Shepherd’s Study to talk about his new book with Pat Sawyer, Post Woke: Asserting a Biblical Vision of Race, Gender, and Sexuality. Shenvi traces how critical theory moved from the academy into the mainstream through BLM, #MeToo, social media, and real cultural wounds—and why it functions like a rival religion.In this conversation he covers:What “woke,” critical theory, critical race theory, and intersectionality actually meanThe four-part structure shared by critical theories: the social binary, redefined “oppression,” lived experience / standpoint epistemology, and “social justice” as dismantling normsWhy terms like justice, oppression, equity, anti-racism, and DEI get equivocatedA biblical view of race (one human race; ethnicity is real, U.S. racial buckets are socially constructed), sex and gender (two sexes; social expressions vary by culture but are rooted in creation), and sexuality (sex reserved for marriage between a man and a woman)Practical help for parents, pastors, workplaces, pronoun requests, Thanksgiving tables, and college-bound kidsWhy the gospel—not culture-war outrage—must stay central, and why these times are not unprecedentedShenvi’s counsel throughout: define terms, go to primary sources, tell the truth in love, and keep Jesus and the cross as what you’re known for.LinksPost Woke: https://postwokebook.com/ or https://www.amazon.com/Post-Woke-Asserting-Biblical-Sexuality/dp/0736992839Critical Dilemma (the longer, more scholarly companion): available wherever books are soldNeil Shenvi: https://shenviapologetics.com/X/Twitter: https://x.com/NeilShenviPat Sawyer: https://patsawyer.org/ · X: @RealPatSawyerHarvest House / Harvest Apologetics: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/post-woke-9780736992831/

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In this episode of The Shepherd’s Study, Dr. Bookman discusses the doctrine of biblical inerrancy—why it is under greater pressure today than during the classic debates of the 1970s and 1980s.Bookman traces the history of the modern inerrancy controversy, beginning with the Evangelical Theological Society’s simple doctrinal affirmation and the high-profile debates that led to the production of the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy. He contrasts the earlier clear divide between inerrantists and errantists with the present situation, in which many who still claim the label “inerrantist” embrace approaches that functionally allow historical errors.Key topics and resources discussed include:Bookman argues that event revelation (historical narrative) is essential to knowing God, that a priori commitment to inerrancy has historically driven careful resolution of apparent difficulties, and that a “nuanced” or “mature” inerrancy that permits invented details ultimately undermines the reliability of Scripture. He closes with a call for a clearer, more vocal defense of classical biblical inerrancy within the evangelical academy and church.

In this episode of The Shepherd’s Study, we sit down with Dr. Thomas Pittman, Associate Professor of Leadership and Research and Vice President of Academics at Shepherd’s Theological Seminary. Dr. Pittman discusses his new book on biblical leadership and the crisis facing the American church—celebrity pastors, the “pastor as CEO” model, seeker-sensitive pragmatism, declining numbers, pastoral attrition, and widespread distrust of clergy. He argues that these problems stem from a loss of confidence in the sufficiency of Scripture and offers a return to biblical principles: responsibility, servant leadership modeled by Christ, elder qualifications, faithfulness over numerical success, shepherding over managing, plurality of leadership, and true discipleship.Whether you’re a pastor, elder, or Christian man seeking to lead well in the home or church, this conversation points us back to the only reliable foundation for godly leadership—the Word of God.

In this older recording, Dr. Miller sits down with Dr. Chuck Quarles (Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) to dig deep into the Sermon on the Mount. Drawing from Quarles’ extensive work on Matthew—including his commentary on the Sermon—they explore why Matthew places this discourse so early, who the original audience was, and how the Beatitudes describe the process of salvation and the transforming work of the new covenant.They tackle key interpretive questions: What does it mean that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees? How should we understand “salt of the earth”? Did Jesus abolish or fulfill the Law? How do commands like “turn the other cheek,” love of enemies, and “judge not” actually function? And what does the Sermon teach about the already/not-yet kingdom and authentic discipleship?A rich conversation on why the Sermon on the Mount is not an impossible ethic for a future age, but the normal (though imperfect) way of life for every true disciple of Jesus today.Book: Sermon on the Mount: Restoring Christ’s Message to the Modern Church by Charles L. QuarlesWebsite: GospelofMatthew.net

Pastor Erwin Lutzer joins the conversation to discuss his book Hitler’s Cross and the companion volume When a Nation Forgets God. Drawing on his German heritage, Reformation tours, and extensive research, Lutzer explores how the church in Nazi Germany compromised with Hitler—through liberalism, nationalism, propaganda, and the co-opting of Christian symbols—and why those same pressures still threaten believers today.From the fusion of church and state, the power of cultural “streams,” the battle over parental authority, and the necessity of a law above the law, this episode unpacks hard historical lessons that call Christians to faithfulness rather than self-righteous judgment. Lutzer also highlights the courage of those who resisted, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Niemöller, and challenges listeners with a searching question: What price are we willing to pay to remain true to the gospel?Link to Lutzer's book: https://a.co/d/03FHsWpf

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Paul Hartog, professor of theology at Faith Baptist Theological Seminary and specialist in second-century Christianity and patristics, to explore the reality of persecution and martyrdom in the early church.Hartog unpacks why Christians were targeted in the Roman Empire—from their exclusive monotheism and refusal to participate in pagan civic life to the specific (and strange-to-modern-ears) charges of atheism, cannibalism, and incest. He examines the nature of persecution (mostly local and sporadic rather than constant empire-wide campaigns), key martyr texts like the Martyrdom of Polycarp, the Martyrs of Lyons and Vienne, and the story of Perpetua and Felicitas, and the rich themes that run through them: imitation of Christ, spiritual warfare, athletic and soldier imagery, God’s sovereignty, and suffering as a divine gift.We also discuss voluntary martyrdom, the debates over “episcopal flight,” and how the early Christians cultivated endurance and joy even in the face of death. Finally, Hartog draws practical lessons for the church today—encouraging solidarity with persecuted believers around the world and a mindset of faithful perseverance in every season.

What IS true Christian apologetics according to the Bible? Pastor Cliff McManis joins The Shepherd's Study to challenge popular approaches that rely on philosophy, natural theology, and arguments like the cosmological or ontological proofs (think William Lane Craig, RC Sproul, Norman Geisler). Instead, he calls for redeeming apologetics by returning to Scripture-centered defense: using the Bible to defend the gospel and hope in Christ — just as Jesus and the apostles did. This powerful discussion covers: Why most seminary apologetics classes leave pastors disappointedThe problem with "natural theology" and philosophical mastery requirements1 Peter 3:15 in context: exalt Christ, share your hope!How epistemology, Romans 1, and satanic blindness change everythingPractical tips: focus on Jesus/gospel, avoid winning arguments, be gentleWhy every Christian (yes, even grandma!) is qualified to defend the faithCliff's book: Redeeming Apologetics: Restoring Biblical Supremacy in Defending the Christian FaithGet it here → https://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-Apologetics-Restoring-Supremacy-Defending/dp/1952221153 0:00 – Intro & Cliff's background3:45 – Defining apologetics biblically vs. philosophically12:20 – Critiquing quotes from Ram, Groothuis, Pearcey, Craig25:10 – Jesus & apostles used special revelation, not natural theology38:50 – 1 Peter 3:15 unpacked: hope in Christ, not theism48:00 – Epistemology, Romans 1, & satanic blindness1:05:00 – Practical mistakes Christians make & how to fix them1:15:30 – Recommended resources & final plea: proclaim the gospel!

In this powerful episode of the Shepherd’s Study, Dr. Joel Beeke (chancellor of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and author of over 100 books) shares why family worship is the single most important thing a parent will ever do for their children — and why it has become a forgotten discipline in our generation. Drawing from his own upbringing, decades of pastoral ministry, worldwide teaching, and even a life-threatening encounter with the mafia, Dr. Beeke passionately explains the biblical mandate and historic practice of daily family worship (prayer, Scripture reading, instruction, and singing). He gives clear, practical steps for families to begin — whether you have toddlers or teenagers — and shares how the Family Worship Bible Guide and new children’s series have helped tens of thousands of families finally succeed at this vital practice. You’ll hear moving stories (including John Paton and the cannibals) that show how consistent family worship has shaped generations of faithful believers. If you’ve ever felt intimidated, too busy, or unsure how to lead your family spiritually, this episode will both convict and equip you to start tonight. “This may be the most important thing you’ll ever do for your children.” – Dr. Joel Beeke Perfect for parents, pastors, and anyone who longs to see the next generation love and fear the Lord. Purchase his book here: https://heritagebooks.org/products/family-worship-beeke.html?srsltid=AfmBOopBEr0-VoDNyhRBcExOyqN66JI8bjsguPuvDt6MVMMjyVFlMllu

In this compelling episode of The Shepherd's Study, host Peter Goeman sits down with Rosaria Butterfield, a former tenured professor, lesbian activist, and now pastor’s wife, homeschool mom, and author. Rosaria shares her powerful testimony of transformation and dives into the cultural shifts that have led to today’s anti-Christian age. Rosaria unpacks the spiritual and societal challenges facing Christians today in response to LGBTQ ideology. With bold insights and practical wisdom, she calls believers to stand firm in biblical truth, reject cultural lies, and engage their communities with gospel-centered hospitality. Whether you're a parent, pastor, or young Christian, this episode offers encouragement to live courageously for Christ in a world at war with truth.All of Rosaria's books can be purchased from Amazon and other book sellers.DONATE TO THE SHEPHERD'S STUDY PODCAST►https://shepherds.edu/giving

Join host Peter Goeman on The Shepherd's Study, the podcast of Shepherds Theological Seminary, for an insightful conversation with Stephen Davey, president of STS and pastor of The Shepherds Church in Cary, North Carolina. In this episode, Stephen shares his journey as a missionary kid, church planter, and long-time pastor, reflecting on 39 years of ministry. From the challenges of planting a church with no prior pastoral experience to navigating power struggles and personal attacks, Stephen offers candid insights into the trials and temptations faced in pastoral ministry. He discusses the importance of guarding the church’s doctrine, the value of expository preaching, and how his perspective on ministry has evolved over the decades. With humor and wisdom, Stephen also previews the upcoming Shepherds 360 conference, emphasizing perseverance in ministry. This episode is a must-listen for pastors, seminary students, and anyone seeking to endure faithfully in ministry.Register for the Shepherds360 conference: https://www.shepherds360.org/ DONATE TO THE SHEPHERD'S STUDY PODCAST►https://shepherds.edu/giving

In this episode of The Shepherd’s Study, host Tim Miller sits down with Danny Gardner, pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Westminster, Colorado, and a DMin graduate of Shepherd’s Theological Seminary. Danny shares his personal journey through a challenging pastoral transition, offering valuable lessons from his experience and research for his upcoming book on the topic. From the importance of humility and patience to the pitfalls of identity crises and financial unpreparedness, Danny provides practical wisdom for both outgoing and incoming pastors. Drawing from biblical examples and his own story, he explores how to prepare a church for leadership transitions while keeping Christ at the center. Join us for an insightful conversation on fostering healthy, God-honoring pastoral successions.

In this episode of the Shepherd's Study Podcast, host Tim Miller sits down with Dr. Chuck Lawless, senior professor of evangelism and missions, dean of doctoral studies, and vice president of spiritual formation at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. They dive into the critical topic of spiritual warfare, exploring its biblical foundations, practical implications, and the importance of equipping believers to stand firm in God’s armor. Dr. Lawless shares his personal journey into studying spiritual warfare, offers insights on the balance between acknowledging the enemy and focusing on God’s sovereignty, and emphasizes the role of discipleship in preparing Christians for the battle. From Genesis to Revelation, they trace the storyline of spiritual warfare and discuss how the church can effectively engage in this ongoing conflict through preaching the gospel and living in obedience to Christ.Books by Dr. Chuck Lawless on Spiritual Warfare:Spiritual Warfare in the Storyline of Scripture: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach (co-authored with Dr. William F. Cook III)Spiritual Warfare: Biblical Truth for Victory (co-authored with Dr. William F. Cook III)

In this engaging episode of the Shepherd's Study Podcast, host Tim Miller sits down with Dr. Scott Pace (@ScottPace), Provost, Dean of Graduate Studies, and Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (@SEBTS), to discuss his book, Answering God's Call, published by B&H Publishing (@BHpub). Dr. Pace shares insights from his journey in discerning God's will, offering practical wisdom for navigating life’s big decisions—whether choosing a career path or seeking God’s purpose in everyday choices. Drawing from his book, they explore the difference between God’s general and specific call, common misconceptions about His will, and the role of Scripture, community, and faith in decision-making. With personal stories and biblical insights, this episode equips listeners to pursue God’s plan with confidence and grace.Get the book here: https://a.co/d/gjwrgjU

In this episode of The Shepherd's Study, host Dr. Tim Miller welcomes back pastor Grant Castleberry to discuss his new book, The Honor of God (Ligonier Ministries). Exploring the biblical theme of God’s weightiness—or kavod—Castleberry unpacks how God’s holiness demands our reverence and shapes every aspect of life. They delve into what it means to live for God’s honor, the consequences of shame when we fail, and the transformative power of Christ’s atonement. The conversation also addresses practical ways pastors can write while in ministry and how churches can cultivate worship that reflects God’s transcendence. Join us for an inspiring discussion that calls believers to live with purpose, grounded in the glory of God.