Local Theologians
A podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus, hosted by Travis Montgomery. The show discusses theology and ministry topics from a biblically sound perspective. It also highlights the fully online degree programs offered by Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College, which cover areas like theology, ministry, philosophy, business, and communications. Listeners are encouraged to learn more at mbts.edu/global.
Episodes
A Living Legacy | A Conversataion on Fatherly Wisdom and Pastoral Leadership with Kyle Worley
In this episode of Local Theologians, Travis Montgomery is joined by Kyle Worley, pastor of Mosaic Church, co-host of the Knowing Faith podcast, and co-author of The First Five: Beating the Odds and Thriving as a Ministry Leader, written with his father. As part of a season focused on character and faithful examples, Kyle reflects on the life and ministry of his father, Dr. Joseph Worley, whose de
Depending on God Like Martin Lloyd-Jones | A Conversation with Phil Newton
In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Phil Newton, director of pastoral care and mentoring for the Pillar Network, longtime pastor, and author of numerous books on pastoral ministry and spiritual formation. In this episode, Phil reflects on the life and ministry of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the renowned Welsh preacher, physician, and pastor of Westminster Chape
Mentorship Makes the Difference | A Conversation with Michael McEwen
In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Michael McEwen, publisher of B&H Academic, pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, and author of The Devil Reads Nietzsche: A Public Theology for the Post-Christian Age (B&H Academic). Together they discuss the influence of faithful mentors and reflect on the professors, pastors, and teachers who helped shape Mich
The Death of Religion? Not Exactly. | A Conversation with Thomas Kidd
In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Thomas Kidd, Research Professor of Church History at Midwestern Seminary and co-author of The Death of Religion? Nones, Others, and the Flourishing of Faith. Drawing from historical research and contemporary sociological data, Dr. Kidd challenges common narratives about the decline of Christianity in America. Together the
Charles Spurgeon and Pastoral Faithfulness | A Conversation with Geoff Chang
In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Geoff Chang, Associate Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Midwestern Seminary and Curator of the Spurgeon Library. Together they discuss the life and ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, exploring why the nineteenth-century pastor continues to influence pastors, church leaders, and Christians around th
Bloom Where You're Planted | Learning from Wendell Berry's Novels with Jason Kees
In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Jason Kees to discuss character through the lens of literary characters, particularly those found in the novels of Wendell Berry. Drawing from Berry's fictional community of Port William, Jason reflects on the themes of community, faithfulness, calling, and the ordinary rhythms of life that shape Christian character.
Calling and Competency in Ministry: A Panel with Jared Bumpers, Todd Chipman, and Rustin Umstattd
In this special Local Theologians panel discussion during Midwestern Seminary’s Summer Session intensive classes, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Jared Bumpers, Dr. Todd Chipman, and Dr. Rustin Umstattd to explore the relationship between character, calling, and ministry. Drawing from personal experience, pastoral ministry, and biblical wisdom, the panel reflects on the mentors and examples
Asking Questions Like Mark Dever: A Conversation About Authority, Discipleship, and Faithful Leadership with Jonathan Leeman
In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery is joined by Dr. Jonathan Leeman, president of 9Marks and co-host of the Pastors Talk podcast, to discuss the life and ministry of Pastor Mark Dever. As part of a season focused on character and faithful examples, Jonathan reflects on the influence Mark has had on his own life and ministry, highlighting the qualities that have shaped gene
Becoming Complete in Love | A Conversation on the Cardinal Virtues
In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery and Dr. Joseph Lanier conclude their series on virtue and Christian formation by exploring the four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Together they examine why these virtues have served as foundational categories for Christian ethics throughout church history and how they help believers put faith, hope, and l
Faith, Hope, and Love: A Conversation on the Theological Virtues with Joseph Lanier
In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery interviews Dr. Joseph Lanier—Associate Pastor at Fairview Baptist Church, adjunct theology professor at Midwestern Seminary, and co-author of Every Perfect Gift: Classical Virtues for Christian Formation—about the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. Building on their previous discussion of virtue and Christian formation, Joseph
Seven Virtues for Spiritual Formation: Basic Equipment for Discipleship | Joseph Lanier
In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Dr. Joseph Lanier about the role of virtue in Christian formation and discipleship. Drawing from themes explored in their new book, Every Perfect Gift: Classical Virtues for Christian Formation (B&H Academic, 2026), they discuss how the historic framework of the theological and cardinal virtues provides Christians with a ti
Remotely Spiritual: Nourishing Your Soul in a Digital Age | with Matt Boswell, Mark Clifton, and Jeff Medders
This panel explores how Christians can pursue genuine spiritual formation in a digital age. Travis Montgomery of Midwestern Seminary’s Global Campus interviews pastor-professors Matt Boswell, Mark Clifton, and Jeff Medders. The discussion emphasizes that while digital tools can serve the church, they must never replace embodied, local church life. The panelists encourage thoughtful, disciplined, a
Family and Ministry | A Summer Session Panel
In this panel at Midwestern Seminary's Summer Session intensive week, Dr. Travis Montgomery moderates a conversation with Andrew Cole, Dr. Ken Parker, and Dr. Todd Chipman on the challenges and joys of balancing family life with theological study and ministry. Drawing from decades of pastoral experience and current life in ministry, the panelists reflect on the biblical call to prioritize both the
Culture Shifts. Scripture Doesn't. | A Study Story with Nick Harsh
Yes, we should be students of culture. But we should commit ourselves to the unchanging truths of Scripture even more. In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with ministry leader Nick Harsh about the enduring relevance of Scripture in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. Reflecting on his study of thinkers like Carl Truman alongside classic pastoral works like Baxter’s
Preaching With Love | A Study Story with Robert Smith, Jr.
In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. about the essential connection between theological study, faithful preaching, and genuine pastoral love. Dr. Smith emphasizes that effective preaching requires more than careful exegesis—it calls for a life shaped and transformed by the text and a deep love for the people being served. Drawing on decades o
A Theology of the Mundane | A Study Story with Andrew Cole
Theological education is not only for teaching or leadership but for seeing God’s work in all things. In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery speaks with Andrew Cole about the theological value of ordinary, everyday life. Andrew reflects on how theological study—particularly in the area of vocation and providence—reshaped his understanding of ministry and Christian living. Inst
Spiritual Disciplines: Right Motives, Many Methods | A Forum with Don Whitney
In this Global Campus Forum episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery speaks with Dr. Don Whitney about the nature, purpose, and practice of the biblical spiritual disciplines. Dr. Whitney defines spiritual disciplines as practices found in Scripture that help believers grow in Christlikeness and experience God. The conversation explores the tension between legalism and neglect, the importance of distinguish
Pharaoh's Name Doesn't Matter: The Bible as Inspired History | A Study Story with Tyler Sykora
In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery sits down with Dr. Tyler Sykora to discuss one of the most important questions in biblical interpretation: Are we more interested in the background details of Scripture than what God Himself gives us in the text? Tyler shares how his study of hermeneutics reshaped the way he reads Scripture, helping him see the Bible as inspired history t
One Church, One Service? | The Beauty of Multigenerational Worship A Study Story with Michael Nelson
In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Dr. Michael Nelson—pastor of First Baptist Church Grandview and assistant professor at Midwestern Seminary—about how the study of ecclesiology profoundly shaped his ministry. Michael shares how wrestling with questions of church health, unity, and dysfunction led him to study the biblical theology of the church’s gathering. Dra
Creating a Great Awakening Culture | A Study Story with John Inman
In this episode of Local Theologians, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Dr. John Inman—Instructional Designer and Adjunct Professor of Church History at Midwestern Seminary’s Global Campus—about the formative role of culture and community in the first Great Awakening and subsequent revivals. Drawing from Scripture and church history, John reflects on how revival is rarely the product of ‘heroes’ al
Formal Study vs. Spiritual Formation? | A Study Story with Russ Meek
In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery chats with Dr. Russ Meek—Adjunct Professor of Old Testament and Hermeneutics at Midwestern Seminary’s Global Campus and Senior Academic Editor at Kregel Publications—to explore a common tension: formal theological study versus spiritual formation. Russ shares how, contrary to common warnings, serious academic engagement with Scripture has deepened rather than
Beyond Quiet Times and Lectures: Pursuing Bible Literacy | A Forum with Jen Wilkin
In this Global Campus Forum, Dr. Travis Montgomery hosts Jen Wilkin—author, Bible teacher, and co‑host of the Knowing Faith podcast—for an in‑depth conversation about Bible literacy and what it truly means to know Scripture well. Jen distinguishes between Bible literacy and Bible fluency, challenges devotional and quiet‑time paradigms that prioritize feelings over understanding, and calls Christia
The Universal Church and Your Church | A Study Story with Mason Ballard
In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Dr. Mason Ballard—Lead Pastor of Resurrection Church in Charleston, WV—about the doctrine of catholicity (little‑c) and how recovering a sense of the church’s universality across time and space has transformed his ministry. Mason explains how Baptist convictions harmonize with the historic Christian confession of ‘one holy, catholic, and apostolic
Should Church Be a Seminary? | A Forum with JT English
In this Global Campus Forum, Dr. Travis Montgomery interviews Dr. JT English—Lead Pastor of Storyline Church, co-founder of Training the Church, co-host of the Knowing Faith podcast, and author of *Deep Discipleship*—about the growing movement of church-based theological education. JT shares his story of coming to faith, discovering theological formation in seminary rather than the local church, a
The Blessing of Being Humbled | A Study Story with Jared Kathcart
In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Dr. Jared Kathcart—Assistant Professor of Christian Education at Midwestern Seminary—about the surprising and sanctifying role humility has played in his theological formation and ministry. Jared shares how early confidence gave way to deeply humbling moments in youth ministry, how the Dunning–Kruger effect reveals our spiritual blind spots, and wh
Who Needs Philosophy and Apologetics? | A Forum With Thor Madsen
In this Global Campus Forum, Dr. Travis Montgomery sits down with Dr. Thor Madsen—Dean of Doctoral Studies, longtime professor of philosophy, ethics, and New Testament at Midwestern Seminary—to explore why Christians should study philosophy and apologetics. Dr. Madsen traces his own academic journey, explains the tools these disciplines give to believers, and shows how philosophical precision and
Every Christian a Missionary? | A Study Story with Zach Salsbury
In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Zach Salsbury—Assistant Professor of Christian Studies and Dean of Students at Midwestern Seminary—about the dignity of ‘ordinary work.’ Zach shares his own story of wrestling with calling, early pressure to pursue foreign missions, and the liberating theological insight that God’s kingdom encompasses all of life. Together they discuss vocation, mo
Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? | A Conversation with Thomas Kidd
In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery interviews Dr. Thomas Kidd—research professor of church history at Midwestern Seminary and leading historian of early America—on the perennial question: Was America founded as a Christian nation? Drawing on decades of scholarship, Dr. Kidd explains how Christian ideas shaped the founding, why the legal structure of the United States avoids a national church,
The Old Testament Is for Christians | A Forum with Jason DeRouchie
In this Global Campus Forum, Dr. Travis Montgomery interviews Dr. Jason DeRouchie—Research Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Seminary—on why the Old Testament is Christian Scripture and how believers today can understand and enjoy it. Drawing from decades of scholarship and pastoral ministry, Dr. DeRouchie explains why many Christians struggle with the Old Testament, h
Pragmatism vs. Prudence in the Church | A Study Story with Taylor DiRoberto
In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Dr. Taylor DiRoberto—Pastor of Preaching and Leadership at Northside Fellowship and Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at Spurgeon College—about how studying ecclesiology (the doctrine of the church) has shaped his life, convictions, and ministry. Taylor shares how a single week in a systematic theology class opened the door to a lifelong pas
Church Planters Need Theology | A Serve Story with Jeff Medders
In this Serve Story episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Dr. Jeff Medders—Director of Theology and Content for Send Network (NAMB), Visiting Professor of Christian Studies at Midwestern Seminary, and General Editor and Fellow of the Spurgeon Center. Together they discuss why church planters need robust theology, how Send Network prepares and assesses planters, and the importance of faithful,
Don't Miss the Bible's Story | A Study Story with Rustin Umstattd
In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Dr. Rustin Umstattd, Professor of Theology and Ministry at Midwestern Seminary and pastor at Northland Church in Kansas City, about the importance of understanding the Bible as a unified story. Rustin explains how seeing Scripture as an unfolding narrative—from Genesis to Revelation—transformed both his theological study and pastoral ministry. Toge
Friendship in Ministry | A Panel at MBTS Winter Week 2026
In January 2026, students of Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus gathered for an intensive week of class, worship, and fellowship. In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery gathers the professors teaching Winter Week classes—Colton Strother, Ken Parker, Dale Johnson, Wes Pastor, and Todd Chipman—for a conversation on friendship in ministry. They share their experiences of calling, mentoring, semi
Two Testaments for Healthy Churches | A Study Story with Kris Raven
SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Kris Raven, pastor of Lakeshore Baptist Church and MBTS doctoral student focusing on the New Testament use of the Old Testament. Kris shares how biblical authors intentionally draw from the Old Testament to shape Christian theology and practice, and how understanding these connections strengthens preaching, discipleship, and the health of lo
How (Not) to Speak Into Suffering | A Forum with Nancy Guthrie
In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Nancy Guthrie, author and Bible teacher, about how to wisely and compassionately speak into suffering. Nancy shares her personal story of loss, the lessons she learned about faith and grief, and practical advice for comforting others without causing harm. The conversation explores common mistakes Christians make, how biblical theology shapes our un
How to Sneak Past Dragons: Engaging the Imagination in Apologetics | A Study Story with Sam Whittaker
SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Sam Whittaker, Teaching Pastor at South Valley Community Church and instructor at Midwestern Seminary’s Global Campus, about the role of imagination in theology and apologetics. Sam shares how his discovery of imaginative apologetics transformed his approach to ministry and study. Drawing on insights from C. S. Lewis, Tolkien, and others, Sa
Song of Songs: Charles Spurgeon's Favorite Book? | A Study Story with Jeff Medders
SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Dr. Jeff Medders, Director of Theology and Content for Send Network and Visiting Professor at Midwestern Seminary, about the surprising benefit of studying the Song of Songs. Jeff shares how his PhD research on this often-overlooked book has transformed his understanding of Christ’s love and enriched his ministry. They discuss Spurgeon’s Chr
Your Body Matters to God | A Study Story with Christy Allen
SummaryIn this episode, Travis Montgomery talks with Christy Allen, assistant professor of ministry to women at Midwestern Seminary, about the theology of the body and why embodiment matters for Christian life and ministry. Christy shares how studying Christology and the significance of Jesus taking on flesh transformed her understanding of the human body and its role in discipleship. From creatio
Is Everyone A Theologian? | A Forum with Ronni Kurtz
SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery hosts Dr. Ronni Kurtz, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at Midwestern Seminary, for a conversation on the question: Is everyone a theologian? Together, they explore why theological reflection matters for every Christian, the relationship between intellect and affections, and the importance of cultivating a theological imagination in a world f
Yes, You Should Study Historical Backgrounds | A Study Story with Todd Chipman
SummaryIn this episode, Travis Montgomery sits down with Dr. Todd Chipman, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Dean of Graduate Studies at Midwestern Seminary, as well as pastor of The Master’s Community Church. Together, they explore the surprising benefits of historical study for life and ministry. Dr. Chipman shares how his deep engagement with biblical backgrounds and historical contex
Embodiment Matters in Online Education | A Panel with Matt Boswell, Robyn Lowrie, and Andrew Cole
SummaryThis conversation with Global Campus professor Matt Boswell, Robyn Lowrie, and Andrew Cole explores the significance of embodiment in online education, particularly in theological contexts. Panelists discuss their personal experiences as online students and instructors, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and local church engagement. They also highlight the challenges and o
But Are They Converted? | A Study Story with Wes Pastor
In this conversation, Travis Montgomery interviews Wes Pastor, a seasoned church planter and pastor, about the importance of understanding true conversion in ministry. Wes shares his journey from a nominal faith to a deeper understanding of conversion, influenced by Jonathan Edwards's writings. They discuss the practical implications of this understanding in preaching, counseling, and church m
Interpreting Scripture with the Ancients | A Forum with Patrick Schreiner
SummaryIn this conversation, Travis Montgomery and Patrick Schreiner delve into the intricacies of hermeneutics, the study of biblical interpretation. They discuss the importance of understanding the historical context of Scripture, the role of community in interpretation, and the relevance of ancient hermeneutical approaches like allegory. Dr. Schreiner emphasizes the need for a Christ-centered r
A Theology of Listening | Study Stories with Jeff Dodge
For 'Study Stories,' Travis asks a pastor, teacher, or ministry leader, 'What one thing in your theological study has been surprisingly beneficial to your Christian life and ministry?'In this conversation, Travis Montgomery and Jeff Dodge of Veritas Church and Veritas School of Theology explore the profound impact of listening in ministry and theology. Jeff shares insights from his
Is Authority Good? | A Forum with Jonathan Leeman
This conversation explores the dynamics of authority within the church, emphasizing its God-given nature and the importance of good authority for community flourishing. Dr. Jonathan Leeman, President of 9Marks, discusses the role of elders, the necessity of congregational autonomy, and the balance between authority and submission. The dialogue also addresses the potential for authority to be abuse
Introducing Local Theologians
Welcome to Local Theologians, a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Subscribe and follow for forums and interviews with pastors, professors, Bible teachers, and more. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.
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