Our Church Speaks
A podcast exploring the saints and stories of the church from every era and place.
Episodes
Episode 78 - Modernism (Church History 101 Part 11)
Ben and Dan trace church history through recent centuries, discussing how the rise of secularism led to both challenges and opportunities for the Christian church. NEW: Preorder our new book ("Our Church Year"), due for release in 2027. Art by Ben Lansing. Order art prints and learn more about Our Church Speaks at www.ourchurchspeaks.com.
Episode 77 - Revivals (Church History 101 - Part 10)
Continuing their survey of church history, Ben and Dan discuss the Great Awakening of the 18th century and the many revivals and spiritual movements it inspired.Note: Episode from earlier today is being republished, due to audio issues.www.ourchurchspeaks.com
Episode 79 - Global Realignment (Church History 101 Part 12)
In our final episode of Church History 101, we discuss the dynamics of the global church in the 21st century and the direction that global Christianity may take in the future.NEW: Preorder our new book ("Our Church Year"), due for release in 2027. Art by Ben Lansing. Order art prints and learn more about Our Church Speaks at www.ourchurchspeaks.com.
Episode 76 - Reformation (Church History 101 Part 9)
Ben and Dan continue the story of church history with an overview of the Reformation era and its major players. NEW: Preorder our new book ("Our Church Year"), due for release in 2027. Art by Ben Lansing. Order art prints and learn more about Our Church Speaks at www.ourchurchspeaks.com.
Episode 75 - Medieval Crisis (Church History 101 Part 8)
Was the Reformation necessary, or were the reformers' concerns unfounded? Ben and Dan tackle some of the more difficult aspects of 11th- to 15th-century Medieval Western Europe, demonstrating the events and circumstances that stoked the fire for the Reformation. NEW: Preorder our new book ("Our Church Year"), due for release in 2027. Art by Ben Lansing. Order art prints and learn more about Our Ch
Episode 74 - Schism (Church History 101 Part 7)
How did the church go from a united family to divided into multiple communions and denominations? The story starts with the age of Schism, as a growing rift between Eastern and Western Christians takes hold, culminating in the year 1054. Ben and Dan discuss this painful chapter of church history and what its implications are for today.Please like, share, and subscribe. It's a huge help! More about
Episode 47 - Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer (with special guest Orlando Palmer - "IAMSON")
Ben welcomes special guest, musician and songwriter Orlando Palmer (IAMSON) to discuss the life and legacy of the 18th century composer and Lutheran saint, Johann Sebastian Bach. Along the way, Orlando reflects on his own experience growing up in a musical family and how the faith and hymnody of earlier generations continues to bear fruit in his life and creativity. You can listen to IAMSON's musi
Episode 7 - Absalom Jones, First African American Priest
Recorded the week of July 4, this episode focuses on Absalom Jones, an American revolutionary-war era minister and one of the first African Americans ordained in the United States. Ben and Dan discuss the historical context of the American revolutionary war and how it created the world in which Absalom Jones served as a minister. The conversation meditates on the purpose of freedom and the respons
Episode 73 - Monastics (Church History 101 Part 6)
Ben and Dan discuss the importance of the monastic movement to the course of church history and to their own lives and devotional practices. | More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com. Please rate, review, and share our podcast - it means a lot to us!
Episode 72 - The Church Councils (Church History 101 Part 5)
Continuing their survey of church history, Ben and Dan discuss the ecumenical church councils, what they accomplished, and which myths and urban legends about them need to be corrected. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com. Please rate, review, and share our podcast - it means a lot to us!
Episode 36 - The Nicene Creed (Part 2)
This episode marks the conclusion of Season 2 of the Our Church Speaks podcast. The show will return in August, 2025 with Season 3. 2025 marks the 1700 year anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the drafting of the Nicene Creed. In Part 2 of this discussion, Ben and Dan continue their analysis of the Nicene Creed, following the creed line by line and drawing out observations about this monument
Bonus Episode - Myths about the Council of Nicaea (thanks to the Church History for Chumps podcast)
Ben has had a few health struggles in the past month (including temporarily losing his voice), so we're posting another bonus episode featuring Ben as a guest on the Church History for Chumps podcast (originally released November, 2024). In this episode we tackle misconceptions about the Council of Nicaea and what it accomplished and how to correct popular misinformation with verifiable history. B
Episode 12 - Martin of Porres, Friar of Peru
Ben and Dan explore the story of the South American Saint Martin of Porres, who overcame prejudice and hardship through a life of faith that was fed by his profound discipline of prayer. ----------- Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place", support this project on Patreon, get prints / calendars, and more at www.ou
Episode 0 - Our Church Speaks Podcast Trailer
Our Church Speaks: A podcast of saints from every era and place. Hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta introduce themselves, their upcoming book (published by InterVarsity Press), and the overall "Our Church Speaks" project.
Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place" (IVP, 2024), support this project on Patreon, get pri
Episode 27 - Mary of Egypt, Hermit
Ben and Dan discuss the wild and miraculous story of Mary of Egypt, a woman who intended to run far from God but found herself in his loving embrace and became a cherished mother of the ancient church.
Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about this podcast, the Our Church Speaks art and history series, and the Our Church Speaks devotional (printed by InterVarsity Press) at ourchurchspeaks.com
Supp
Episode 42 - Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest & Martyr of Korea
Ben and Dan talk about Andrew Kim Taegon, the first ordained Korean priest and a martyr for the faith. Along the way they discuss the legacy of Korean Christianity, as a whole, and reflect on the importance of keeping the witness of the church in our perspective as we labor in our individual corner of the kingdom of God. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our C
Episode 50 - Macrina the Younger, Church Mother & Teacher of the Faith
Dan and Ben discuss the life and work of Macrina the Younger, an early church mother who inherited the apostle's teaching and defended the faith through her prayer and service. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please co
Episode 8 - Valentine, Cyril and Methodius
Ben and Dan chat about the Roman priest Valentine and the Eastern European missionaries Cyril and Methodius and they discuss why these three saints are often associated with each other and why their unique witness reveals what true love is. Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place", support this project on Patreon,
Episode 33 - John of Damascus, Teacher of the Faith
Ben and Dan discuss the Syrian Church Father, John of Damascus and his impact on the church's theology of religious art and images. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating our p
Episode 6 - Josephine Bakhita, Prophetic Witness
“I am definitively loved and whatever happens to me, I am awaited by this love. And so my life is good.” - Josephine Bakhita (c. 1867-1947), Monastic & Prophetic Witness
Ben and Dan talk about the profound faith of the African saint, Josephine Bakhita, and the hope and trust that she placed in Jesus Christ after a life of heartbreak and trauma. They reflect on what Jesus means when he calls
Episode 35 - The Nicene Creed (Part 1)
2025 marks the 1700 year anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the drafting of the Nicene Creed. To mark this significant milestone in church history, Ben and Dan discuss the Nicene Creed, detailing its historical and theological framework. Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place" (IVP, 2024), support this proje
Episode 52 - Olga & Vladimir, Patrons of the Church in Russia & Ukraine
Ben and Dan tell the story of Olga, a merciless pagan queen of the Dark Ages who was transformed by the profound mercy of Jesus Christ, and her grandson, Vladimir, who was forever changed by Olga's faith. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to he
Episode 59 - What is Lent?
Ben and Dan chat between Ash Wednesday services about Lent, it's history, and why Christians should consider participating in this ancient practice of fasting, pentitence, and worship. // More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience
Episode 54 - Benedict & Scholastica, Monastic Leaders
In this final episode of season 3 of the Our Church Speaks podcast, Ben and Dan discuss the life and work of Benedict and Scholastica, founders of the monastic Benedictine order. Along the way, they reflect on the importance of a rule of life and the necessity of submission to a way of life deeper than our individual, spiritual preferences. Season 4 of the Our Church Speaks episode will return in
Episode 60 - Sadhu Sundar Singh (Part 1)
Ben and Dan discuss the remarkable life of Indian Saint Sadhu Sundar Singh. In part 1 of our conversation, we talk about his early life and his journey to faith as he is brought to point of despair as a teenager and miraculously saved by Jesus. // More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would
Episode 66 - Saints & Scrupulosity (OCS Q&A part 3)
In this final episode of season 4, Ben and Dan tackle several additional questions submitted by listeners. // More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, please consider rating our podcast and leaving a review.
Episode 58 - Moses the Ethiopian, Monastic Leader & Martyr
Ben and Dan chat about the African desert father and martyr, Moses the Ethiopian and his inspiring story of redemption. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating our podcast and leaving a review. You can s
Episode 23 - Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs of Africa
Ben and Dan talk about the early African martyrs, Perpetua and Felicity whose story is recorded in the earliest known Christian writing by a female author. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about Our Church Speaks and how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. Support this podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks
Episode 39 - Mother Teresa, Renewer of Society
Ben and Dan discuss the life and witness of Mother Teresa, a saint whose name is so well known that the details of her life are often obscured by pop culture mischaracterizations. // More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Ple
Episode 44 - William Tyndale, Priest, Reformer, and Translator of the Bible, Martyr (Part 1)
Ben and Dan launch the first part of a two part discussion about the life and times of William Tyndale, the great reformer and translator of the Bible. They begin with the wider historical context of the reformation and then talk about Tyndale's vision for the Bible's translation and why so many of the powers of Tyndale's day opposed this vision. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church
Episode 24 - Harriet Tubman, Prophetic Witness
Ben and Dan talk about Harriet Tubman, a prophetic witness in the American church and the liberator of many African American slaves. Ben and Dan take a significant portion of the episode parsing out what Scripture says about slavery and how it compares to the corrupt teachings that were commonly taught by ministers in Harriet Tubman's childhood. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. Follow Our Church Speak
Episode 63 - The Martyrs of Sudan (with Kristen Barredo from the ARDF)
In this special episode of the Our Church Speaks podcast, Ben welcomes Kristen Barredo, Executive Director of the ARDF (the Anglican Relief & Development Fund) to discuss the current humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the needs of the church in this war-torn region. Learn more about the ARDF at www.ardf.org and donate to their relief efforts. // More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our
Episode 32 - Julian of Norwich, Anchoress
Ben and Dan discuss Julian of Norwich, an English woman who lived during the dark days of the Black Death and who had profound visions of the eternal, never-ending lovingkindess of Jesus. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this c
Episode 43 - Francis of Assisi, Deacon & Reformer of the Church
Ben and Dan chat about Francis of Assisi and the implications of his teachings about poverty, simplicity, humility, and creation care. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating ou
Episode 5 - Paul Miki, Martyr of Japan
Ben and Dan talk about the introduction of Christianity in Japan in the 16th century. They specifically focus on the life of the evangelist Paul Miki, a Japanese Christian who lived and died for Christ in Japan and preached his final sermon from his own cross before an audience of his fellow Japanese citizens.
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Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated
Episode 38 - Augustine & Monica (Part 2)
Hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta launch season 3 of the Our Church Speaks podcast with an in-depth look at the lives of two significant African saints - Augustine and Monica. In part two of this discussion, Ben and Dan talk about Augustine's conversion and his many contributions to Christian theology and Christian literature. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and
Episode 34 - Joan of Arc, Visionary
In this episode, Ben and Dan chat about the incredible story of Joan of Arc, a teenage girl given a profound mission by God to liberate her people from oppression. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audien
Episode 65 - What is a patron saint? (Q&A episode with Ben and Dan - Part 2)
Ben and Dan tackle more questions submitted by the audience, including "What do you think about prayers to the saints?" and "Who is your patron saint?" // More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, please consider rating our podcast and leaving a review.
Episode 55 - Part 1 of Martin Luther King, Jr., Renewer of Society (with special guest Dr. Mika Edmondson)
Ben invites the Rev. Dr. Mika Edmondson onto the podcast for our discussion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy. Mika Edmondson is the pastor of Koinonia Church in Nashville, TN. He earned a PhD in systematic theology from Calvin Seminary and wrote The Power of Unearned Suffering, a book about Martin Luther King Jr.’s theology of suffering. In this episode, we discuss MLK's life and th
BONUS Episode - An interview with Ben Lansing, founder of Our Church Speaks (thanks to the Church History for Chumps Podcast)
In this bonus episode of Our Church Speaks, we're sharing an episode from the podcast Church History for Chumps and their interview of Ben Lansing. In this episode, Ben shares some of his background and the vision behind why he started Our Church Speaks. Be sure to subscribe to the Church History for Chumps podcast and follow them on Instagram @churchhistory4chumps More about the Our Church Speaks
Episode 9 - Janani Luwum, Martyr of Uganda
Ben and Dan talk about the courage of the 20th century African martyr, Janani Luwum and what it means to submit to governing authorities while living in the freedom of the Gospel. ----------- Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place", support this project on Patreon, get prints / calendars, and more at www.ourchurch
Episode 31 - Athanasius of Alexandria, Bishop & Teacher of the Faith
Ben and Dan have a conversation about Athanasius of Alexandria, one of church history's greatest theologians of the Trinity and his role at the Council of Nicaea. They then talk about the significance of the Nicaea and mark its 1700 year anniversary in 2025. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited
Episode 19 - The Church Liturgical Calendar (Part 1)
Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta are back with Season 2 of the "Our Church Speaks" podcast. To kick off the season, Ben and Dan talk about what the church calendar is and why it is relevant to Christians today. In part one of this conversation, Ben and Dan discuss Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about Our Church Speaks and how to order the Our Church Speaks devot
Episode 62 - Justin Martyr, Teacher of the Faith
Ben and Dan discuss the life of Justin Martyr, an aspiring Greek philosopher who became a defender of Christian beliefs in the early church. // More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating our podcast and lea
Episode 48 - Esther John, Missionary & Martyr
Ben and Dan tell the story of Esther John, a 20th century Pakistani Christian convert, evangelist, and martyr. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating our podcast and leaving a
Episode 61 - Sadhu Sundar Singh (Part 2)
Ben and Dan continue the story of Sadhu Sundar Singh, the remarkable Indian evangelist who traveled to many regions in Tibet, Nepal, India, and Pakistan sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. // More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audi
Episode 28 - Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Pastor & Martyr
Ben and Dan discuss the Lutheran pastor and martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his profound witness for Christ in the darkness of Nazi Germany. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. Follow Our Church Speaks on Instagram. More info about Our Church Speaks, how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional, and how to contact the podcast with feedback at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. Support this podcast at https://buym
Episode 21 - Polycarp of Smyrna
Hosts Ben and Dan talk about the inspiring witness of Polycarp of Smyrna, who studied at the feet of John of the Apostle. Their conversation covers the significance and content of Polycarp's epistle to the Philippians and his profound confidence in Christ exhibited at his martyrdom. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about Our Church Speaks and how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional at
Episode 30 - Catherine of Siena, Reformer of the Church
Ben and Dan talk about the 14th century Italian prophetic witness of Catherine of Siena, who was empowered through a life of prayer to speak truth to the most powerful figures of her day. Cover art by Ben Lansing. Learn more about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. If you've benefited from this podcast, consider supporting the hosts at https://
Episode 41 - Hildegard of Bingen, Abbess, Composer, Scientist, and Visionary
Ben and Dan explore the remarkable life of the medieval nun Hildegard of Bingen who contributed to the life of the church and society through her music, her theology, her scientific exploration, and her faith. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much
Episode 46 - Teresa of Avila, Teacher of the Faith
Ben and Dan talk about the Spanish teacher of the faith, Teresa of the Faith and the role and purpose of Christian Spiritual direction. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating o
Episode 29 - Kateri Tekakwitha, Prophetic Witness
Ben and Dan discuss the Mohawk saint Keteri Tekakwitha, her conversion to Christianity through Jesuit missionaries, and her remarkable life as an intercessor in prayer for her people. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. Follow Our Church Speaks on Instagram. More info about Our Church Speaks, how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional, and how to contact the podcast with feedback at www.ourchurchspeak
Episode 40 - Lucian Tapedi, Martyr of Papua New Guinea
Ben and Dan consider the life of the World War II-era Papuan martyr Lucian Tapedi, whose courageous dedication to a specific people and place cost him his life and changed the history of Papua New Guinea forever.
Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so mu
Episode 14 - Hilda, Abbess of Whitby
Hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta talk about Hilda of Whitby, an inspiring 7th century saint who served as a monastic leader at a critical time in the history of the church in England. Ben and Dan trace the story of the English church to the earliest centuries of church history and reflect on the growing need for a revival of abbesses, abbots, monastic communities, and church mothers in our own d
Episode 18 - Nino of Georgia
In this season finale episode, Ben and Dan discuss one additional Advent-themed saint - Nino, the Enlightener of Georgia. A contemporary of Saint Nicholas and Saint Lucy, Nino is a lesser known saint with a story of profound courage inspired by love. Our Church Speaks will resume with season 2 in February, 2025. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Cover art by Ben Lansing. The Our Church Speaks Dev
Episode 53 - Pandita Mary Ramabai, Translator of the Scriptures & Renewer of Society
Ben and Dan tell the remarkable story of the Indian writer, activist, and Bible translator Pandita Mary Ramabai.
Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating our podcast, leaving a revi
Episode 37 - Augustine & Monica (Part 1)
Hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta launch season 3 of the Our Church Speaks podcast with an in-depth look at the lives of two significant African saints - Augustine and Monica. Together, Ben and Dan track the spiritual wanderings of Augustine's young life and his reflect on his mother's faithful prayers for her son's salvation. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and
Episode 22 - Art, beauty, and the Christian imagination (with special guest Dr. Lanta Davis)
Dan and Ben welcome special guest Dr. Lanta Davis to discuss the role Christian art has played in Christian spiritual formation and our need for truthful Christian images and beauty in our modern world. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More information about Dr. Davis' book, "Becoming by Beholding" can be found at her website www.lantadavis.com // More information about Our Church Speaks and the Our Chur
Episode 16 - Nicholas ("Santa Claus"), Bishop of Myra
Good news: Santa is real! Hosts Ben and Dan discuss the true story of Saint Nicholas ("Santa Claus") and how his care for the poor and helpless coexisted with his passion for precise Trinitarian theology. Ben and Dan discuss Nicholas' life and times, his legacy to the church, and traditions associated with his memory. Cover art by Ben Lansing. Order the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devo
Episode 3 - Mary Slessor, Missionary in West Africa
"Lord, the task is impossible for me, but not for thee. Lead the way and I will follow." - Mary Slessor (1848-1915), Missionary in West AfricaBen and Dan discuss the inspiring life of Mary Slessor. Born to an impoverished family in Scotland and raised in the textile mills of the industrial revolution, Slessor was called to serve in complex and dangerous circumstances in Nigeria. Ben and Dan's con
Episode 49 - Olaudah Equiano & William Wilberforce
Ben and Dan recount the remarkable stories of Olaudah Equiano, William Wilberforce, and the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, including the influence of the first Great Awakening on this remarkable evangelical social reform movement. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podc
Episode 15 - C.S. Lewis, Teacher of the Faith (with special guest Daniel Payne)
In this episode, Ben Lansing (Creator of Our Church Speaks) welcomes classical education teacher and podcaster Daniel Payne to discuss the life and work of celebrated Christian author C.S. Lewis. Daniel a teacher at Veritas School in Richmond, Virginia and is the host of the Lamp-post Listener, which you can learn more about at https://www.lamppostlistener.com. Cover art by Ben Lansing. Order the
Episode 26 - Oscar Romero (with special guest David Bailey)
Ben and Dan welcome special guest David Bailey, a public theologian from Richmond, Virginia. Together, they discuss the life and witness of Latin American bishop and martyr Oscar Romero. | Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about David Bailey and his ministry at https://arrabon.com/ | More info about Our Church Speaks and how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. |
Episode 56 - Part 2 of Martin Luther King, Jr. Renewer of Society (with Dr. Mika Edmondson)
The Rev. Dr. Mika Edmondson joins us on the podcast for a discussion about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy. Mika Edmondson is the pastor of Koinonia Church in Nashville, TN. He earned a PhD in systematic theology from Calvin Seminary and wrote The Power of Unearned Suffering, a book about Martin Luther King Jr.’s theology of suffering. You can learn more about Dr. Edmondson at https:/
Episode 2 - Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishop of Constantinople
“As a fish cannot swim without water, and as a bird cannot fly without air, so a Christian cannot advance a single step without Christ.” - Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390), Bishop and Teacher
Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta discuss the ancient theologian, Gregory of Nazianzus. Ben shares Gregory's story and Dan explains why Gregory's theology of the Trinity is profoundly relevant to Christians in the 2
Episode 13 - Herman of Alaska, Missionary & Monk
In this episode, hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta discuss the remarkable Russian saint, Herman of Alaska, his ministry to the subarctic Aleut people, and his significance as a Christian example of embodied, incarnational service. // Art by Ben Lansing. Order the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place" by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (published b
Episode 71 - The Early Martyrs (Church History 101 Part 4)
Ben and Dan continue their survey of church history with an overview of the age of the early martyrs, starting with the persecution under Roman Emperor Nero in the AD 60s and continuing through the Great Persecution under Emperor Diocletian in the early 300s. | More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com. Please rate, review, and share our podcast
Episode 17 - Lucy, Martyr of Syracuse
Hosts Ben and Dan discuss the Advent-themed saint, Lucy of Syracuse who lived and died during the Great Persucution of Emperor Diocletian and gave her life for her faith in Jesus Christ. Ben and Dan talk about Lucy's life and why her memory is so associated with the power of the light, even amidst growing darkness. Cover art by Ben Lansing. Order the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotio
Episode 57 - Alcuin of York, Deacon & Abbot
In this episode, hosts Ben and Dan discuss the significance of the 8th century deacon and scholar, Alcuin of York and his articulation of the faith to the powers of his day.
More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please con
Episode 20 - The Church Liturgical Calendar (Part 2)
Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta are back with Season 2 of the "Our Church Speaks" podcast. To kick off the season, Ben and Dad talk about what the church calendar is and why it is relevant to Christians today. In part two of this conversation, Ben and Dan discuss Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and Ordinary Time. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about Our Church Speaks and how to order the Our Church
Episode 11 - SPECIAL book launch episode
Ben and Dan's book launches this week! "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place" (published by InterVarsity Press) will be officially released October 29, 2024. You can get your copy at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. To celebrate the book's release, Ben and Dan discuss "On the Reading of Old Books," a short essay by C.S. Lewis that has inspired much of the Our C
Episode 4 - Thomas Aquinas, Teacher of the Faith
Ben and Dan discuss the life and work of Thomas Aquinas, one of the Western church's most significant theologians. Once considered a "dumb ox" by his fellow students, Thomas' deep love for Christ inspired him to apply his profound intellect to contemplating and articulating the mysteries of the faith and the glory of God.
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Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: A
Episode 25 - Patrick, Missionary to Ireland
Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Saint Patrick is about so much more than green beer and leprechauns - Dan and Ben talk about the real Saint Patrick and his incredible story of God's in Patrick's life, faith, and missionary work. // Follow Our Church Speaks on Instagram. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about Our Church Speaks, how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional, and how to contact the pod
Episode 69 - The Resurrection (Church History 101 Part 2)
Ben and Dan begin the story of the church by discussing the historical context of Jesus' life and ministry and underscoring why it is important to understand the resurrection of Jesus as an historical event. | More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com. Please rate, review, and share our podcast - it means a lot to us!
Episode 10 - The Martyrs of China
Ben and Dan talk about Chinese Christianity, its history from ancient times to today, and the incredible witness of three 19th century Chinese women who helped to expand the Chinese church at the cusp of a wave of modern evangelization.
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ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place", support this project on Patreon, get prints / cale
Episode 45 - William Tyndale, Priest, Reformer, Translator of the Bible, and Martyr (Part 2)
In part two of our discussion of William Tyndale's life and martyrdom, Ben and Dan discuss life of Tyndale and the wider context of his day, including the motivations of Henry VIII's opposition to both Rome Catholicism and Tyndale's reformational vision. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from
Episode 68 - Intro to Church History (Church History 101 - Part 1)
Ben and Dan launch a summer series where they survey the history of the church, starting with Jesus and charting the church's story up to the 21st century. In this episode, they lay the groundwork for studying church history, including a 20 minute summary of the incredible 2,000 year narrative. | More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com. Please
Episode 67 - Journey with a Giant - Walking with the Saints (featuring Lori Melton)
Ben welcomes author and spiritual director Lori G. Melton. Melton invites her readers into a year-long spiritual journey designed to strengthen and deepen their faith as they learn from a spiritual giant in her debut book, Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God (WaterBrook; 11/11/25). You can learn more about Lori Melton and her book at https:/
Episode 64 - What is a saint? How are saints canonized? (Q&A episode with Ben & Dan - Part 1)
Ben and Dan take your questions about church history, the saints, the Our Church Speaks project, and more. "What is a Saint?" and "How are saints canonized?" are a couple questions discussed in this episode. // More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this cont
Episode 70 - The Apostles (Church History 101 Part 3)
Ben and Dan continue their survey of church history, this time picking up the story with the early martyrs and their incredible witness for Jesus Christ amid a hostile pagan empire. | More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com. Please rate, review, and share our podcast - it means a lot to us!
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