Mortification Of Spin

This week, the Gang loiters outside a mega-church conference, enticed by the big-band jams vibrating through the concrete to their high-tops. They've decided to forego the meeting this time because they've gotten "swept away" in conversation about the experience they could be having in there. They raise important questions about the content of today's evangelical Christian praise music: What is it teaching us? Should sound theology stop when we sing? Do we shut our minds off in praise, or should the words encourage active engagement with the word of God? Does Todd think the whole point is to make us feel happy? Seems today's trend is sentimentalism. But what of liturgy and proclaiming biblical truths and actual Scripture? Our hosts have plenty to say about it! Plus, find out if Carl is a Closet Psalmist, when the last time Todd wore a choir robe, and if Aimee has looked upon the wine lately.If you have enjoyed this week's Mortification of Spin then you will like this free audio download, Singing Psalms - An A

How high should standards be for a pastor and his ministry? Do we rate his success in congregation size, fame, or by how white his teeth are? Standards can be unrealistic and unbiblical when a new pastor comes on the scene, and comparisons can foster a culture of critique and criticism. Bad pastors are a reality. However, the church has a common crisis at hand: are we firing, disrespecting, even "bullying" otherwise competent men who don't live up to our superficial standards? But what if there is a real problem with your pastor? How do you deal with it? If you are on either side of this scenario, tune in as our in-house reverends, Carl and Todd, share helpful resources and advice for both congregant and pastor. As for Aimee, she's packin' heat to keep these boys in their place – one nun-chuck for Todd and one for Carl. If you have enjoyed this weeks Bully Pulpit then you will like this free audio download God's Sovereignty and the Call of the Pastor by Eric Redmond  from The Alliance of Confessing Evangelica

Join us at The Dripping Blade Pub, where Paul Levy sips a Welsh cider awaiting the MoS Crew. Levy is the minister of International Presbyterian Church in West London, and he is also Carl Trueman's only friend. Once at the bar, they discuss Francis Schaeffer, L’Abri, and how “a God of love could allow the Welsh.” Levy gets right down to it: he discusses the denominational differences and obstacles of the Church across "The Pond" and why Americans are so enthralled by accents. The Crew talks strategy for pastoral ministry, sermon prep, and pastoral care that spans a variety of nationalities and geographical locales. The big question of the hour: What does Paul think of men who leave the UK to preach in America?If you have enjoyed this weeks Mortification of Spin then you will like this free audio download Church Discipline vs. Evangelism? by Mark Dever from The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. You can redeem your free gift at Reformed Resources.

We live in a culture of "no regrets"… but shouldn't we have some? Even one? The Spinners certainly do and are willing to air out their scarlet letters for a little confession of Spin. Truth is, we've all made mistakes, but could the ones most recently made on the evangelical stage have been prevented? What does today's Church lack that it would embrace false teachers and follow misguided doctrine so blindly? No doubt, Carl, Aimee, & Todd have some ideas. Tune in as they ponder recent events and where the Church needs to pay closer attention to its associations.If you have enjoyed this week's Bully Pulpit then you will like this free audio download Faith and Repentance by Sinclair Ferguson from The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. You can redeem your free gift at Reformed Resources.

What do zip lines, blonde hair, and free-range chickens have in common with pastoral ministry? Is Carl going to be next year's super-star pastor after his latest tome, Your Worst Life Now? Pastors have a high and difficult calling in their ministry, and whether you pastor 8 or 8,000, congregants have expectations and you have biblical duties. So how do you discern which to prioritize and what boundaries to guard jealously? Does going bald and staying bitter really improve preaching? Grab a front-row seat to a day in the life of Carl & Todd. And per usual, Aimee's sharp-edged questions keep the boys on their toes and you guessing!If you enjoyed this week's Mortification of Spin you will like this free audio download, Faithful and Relevant Pastoral Ministry by Terry Johnson, from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. You can find your free gift at Reformed Resources.

Addressing the resignation of high-profile pastor Mark Driscoll, the team discusses a relevant question: Can a pastor be restored to ministry? They offer biblical options to a dismal scenario churches face all too often. As usual, they don't hold back from exposing the underlying issues at hand and the ultimate hope amidst them. What if a pastor seemingly values his reputation over protecting the flock? Hear the gang answer how they'd deal with "bad-boy" pastors and their thoughts on what forgiveness looks like for them.For listening to this Mortification of Spin: Bully Pulpit, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give you a free MP3 from Ed Welch entitled, "Peer Pressure and Pastoring." Go to ReformedResources.org to download your free MP3!

Aimee's outnumbered in the city that never sleeps… and it keeps getting balder! But wait, it seems Carl and Todd aren't the only balding stars of this show. Come along as they hit the streets with pastor and author Tim Keller to discuss his new book, Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City. How are Christians to engage their cultural surroundings and make a true, lasting impact for Christ? If you're a pilot, how do you go about your high-in-the-sky vocation to the glory of God? Do you pass out tracks to passengers ushered off your plane? It's that unceasing question of Christ and Culture. Listen in as the gang talks to Tim to see if the Transformationalist approach is the answer. By the way, what does Keller, (the bald but not-so-bitter), mean by a "wisdom-contest-counter-contrast community"? More importantly, can Aimee hold her own amongst so much baldness? Let's hope her street-smarts are up to snuff!This week the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer Tim Kelle

What do humanism and creedless Christianity have in common? And what's the need for a creed anyway? The gang throw out their two cents and discuss an article about Bart Campolo, who recently renounced his Christian faith and declared himself an agnostic humanist. Serious blind spots and weaknesses in luke-warm, doctrine-lite theology are exposed on this week's episode, where we find that ethics without doctrine and without Christ simply cannot answer the question of evil, among other universal dilemmas. It's a touchy topic, but thankfully our sensitive, smooth-talking Todd "Barry White" Pruitt sets the tone and keeps it cool.If you have enjoyed this Bully Pulpit, then you will benefit from Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms by Kenneth Jones. Visit Reformed Resources for your free audio download! Barry & Todd: Separated at Birth?

Dr. David VanDrunen, professor of systematic theology and Christian ethics at Westminster Seminary Calfornia, is outside Georgetown Tobacco where Carl, Aimee, and Todd are wondering what all the fuss is about with two kingdoms theology. The way Christians relate to the culture is an increasingly relevant topic during today's tumultuous political milieu, and the smoke is rising! Aside from how we vote, this doctrine determines how we answer questions like: Should a minister of the gospel stand in protest outside an abortion clinic? Is the Church responsible for shaping civil law or developing political strategies? And most importantly: Should Aimee go to Christian yoga and Todd join a Christian pipe-smoking club? Hear David's astute answers on these questions while sharing his thoughts on our role as Christian citizens amidst a culture turned against God. You can enter to win a free copy of David VanDrunen's book Living in God's Two Kingdoms here. You can also purchase the book on ReformedResource.org! 

Martin Luther - a man of mystery and many talents. Aside from writing lists, he was quite the letter writer, too, and with Reformation season around the corner, the Gang's discussion of Luther's woeing and woes is timely. Listen in as they share of his influence on their own lives and suggest which of Luther's works you should add to your shelf. If you have enjoyed this week's Bully Pulpit you might enjoy Luther's Theology of the Cross by Michael Horton as a free audio-download. You can get your gift at Reformed Resources.  

Pull up a chair, light some candles, and prepare to be authentic and vulnerable. We have a spot at the table for you and Carl, Todd, and Aimee are here to teach us about discipleship. Join the “movement” today to hear about the ordinary means of grace, the importance of the church vs. the parachurch, and what to do about church discipline. Grab your utensils and let’s dig in.  The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to thank you for listening to Mortification of Spin. Enjoy this FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD from ReformedResources.org, "God's Word and Christian Discipleship" by Jerry Bridges. 

This week, the gang flips through the pages of Daniel Block's book, For the Glory of God: Recovering a Biblical Theology of Worship. The team concurs: Block's ideas on today's fundamental elements of worship, such as singing and prayer, are thought-provoking and worth a read. The gang discusses what true worship is - does Old Testament ritual practice have a place in worship or are we just spinning our wheels? In usual fashion, they offer their two cents on today's catchy contemporary jingles juxtaposed to the rich psalms and hymns of old. If you have enjoyed this weeks Bully Pulpit you will benefit from For the Glory of God by Daniel Block, a free book giveaway. Enter to win here.You can also purchase the book on Reformed Resources.

This week the gang's in deep water discussing the holy sacrament of baptism - How should we treat it? Who should administer it? Why does it even matter? They reveal key exegetical defenses, share helpful resources for those on the fence, and tell what convinced them to hang up their own credobaptist views for paedobaptist ones. Come on down to the river... the water’s fine!  If you have benefited from this week's Mortification of Spin you will enjoy The Westminster Doctrine of Baptism and Current Reformed Trajectories by Sinclair Ferguson, a free audio-download from The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals.

Join a provocative conversation with Rachel Miller, News Editor for The Aquila Report and blogger, as she enlightens us about the patriarchy movement, its driving forces, and its many dangers that have gone under the radar in reformed circles. It's all talk about headship, gender roles, and the Duggars. Listen to the team tackle sinister elements of the movement and how to approach it from a pastoral perspective. They laugh, they pry, they get serious. If you have enjoyed this week's Bully Pulpit you will like the free audio download Loving Husbands, Happy Wives by James Boice from The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. You can recieve your free gift at Reformed Resources.

Gallantly riding in from the White Horse Inn, our guest, Michael Horton -- author and fellow podcaster -- shares his thoughts on reformed theology and how he came upon it garbed in silk and laden with puka shells. Join the usual Spin Team as they discuss some of the nuts and bolts of the reformed faith, ponder how to "get the Gospel right" and discover Dr. James Boice's fascinating role in Horton's 'journey' to reformed theology. This week the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer Michael Horton's new book Calvin on the Christian Life as a free giveaway.. Enter to win!

Dating? Courtship? What do those words mean? Do they even matter in today's hook-up culture? What is the best option? Always ready to ruffle some feathers, the gang takes this subject head-on and, in usual Spin fashion, doesn't pull any punches. Their discussion centers around the Duggar family's world of courting rules and regulations. Though Aimee & Todd are the only hosts with daughters, Carl tries hard to throw in his two cents: "Just have sons." Listen in to this casual conversation as the crew destroys the spin once again.If you have enjoyed this week's Bully Pulpit then you will benefit from The First Great Christian Insitution by James Boice, a free audio download from The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals.

This just in: "Polite Society" has banished Carl, Aimee, and Todd to live on Leper Island! While exploring the island they found another outcast,  one who was marooned long ago - Phil Johnson. Phil, of the self-proclaimed Pyromaniacs, chats with the gang about starting fires with Frank "The Turk" and "Dispy" Dan Phillips, Charles Spurgeon's prolific preaching, the cult of celebrity pastors, and proper forms of worship. The conversation moves from levity to depth, with all the pomp, circumstance, and pizazz you've come to expect from the spinners. Listen as the crew mortify the spin as only they can. This week The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away a free audio-download, Spurgeon the Warrior by Phil Johnson. You can get your free gift at Reformed Resources.

Today our Reformed trifecta considers hopping on the ol' evangelical bandwagon. The gang highlights some understated dangers of churches whose leadership present an alluring faux intimacy and show lack of integrity. They also give loyalty to said leaders and their man-made standards over loyalty to God's standards. With the continued kerfuffle surrounding some well-known pastors, the gang raises an important question: Why don't we speak up before things blow up?  Join today's conversation to heed what well-known pastor, blogger, professor, and all-around big-time Christian celebrity, Carl Trueman, and two other people, have to say on this hot topic.If you have benefit from this weeks Bully Pulpit  you will enjoy Seven Elements of Successful Shepherding by Timothy Witmer as a free digital download from The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. Find your free gift at Reformed Resources

Everyone's favorite Welsh theologian returns, and Pelagius has nothing on Derek Thomas! Drop in to hear the Spinners talk with Derek about a whole slew of topics. Principally, they ask him about sin in the lives of pastors. Is it truly "authentic" to be vaguely vulnerable from the pulpit? How do pastor's keep themselves accountable? Hear some of Derek's wisdom on these concerns, and experience the musical delights of karaoke, Welsh style.  This week's free MP3 download is a sermon by Derek Thomas entitled, "The Word of God and Sanctification," from the 2013 Princeton Conference on Reformed Theology.

This installment of Mortification of Spin: Bully Pulpit sees the crew discussing a pervasive cultural sensation - The Fifty Shades of Grey book series. Since the release of the movie's first trailer, the Internet is abuzz with talk of the series; some of the hype is even streaming from Christians. The hosts cut to the chase: this is not harmless entertainment, it is pornography, and its effects alter a person's attitude and behavior towards sexuality, ourselves, and others on a fundamental level. As Christians, we must flee from sexual immorality, whether it comes in images or the written word. Listen in to hear what all the spin is about… maybe the issue isn't so grey after all.Don't forget about your free MP3 download, "Pagan Sexuality" by Peter Jones!