Tag: Jesus

Why Apprenticeship is the Truest Form of Discipleship – with Heath Hardesty

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What does it really mean to be an apprentice of Jesus in a fragmented world?

In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, Pastor Heath Hardesty shares how his years as an apprentice plumber shaped his vision for discipleship and following Jesus.

Heath is originally from Longmont, Colorado, where I pastor, and he now serves as Lead Pastor of Valley Community Church (VCC) in Pleasanton, California.

Prior to moving to California, when Heath lived in Longmont, he worked as a plumber, training as an apprentice under his father, a master plumber. From his time as a plumbing apprentice, Heath has seen many parallels between apprenticeship and being a disciple of Jesus.

Heath is the author of a new book, which releases October 14, 2025, titled, All Things Together: How Apprenticeship to Jesus Is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Why apprenticeship is a better paradigm for following Jesus than “just” discipleship classes
• The four pillars of apprenticeship: union, abiding, obeying, and imaging
• How sin fragments our lives and how Jesus reintegrates us
• Practical spiritual practices for ordinary Tuesdays
• Why following Jesus is a fully embodied way of life—not just information in our heads

Whether you are feeling spiritually stagnant or longing for a more integrated faith, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

Follow Theology for the People on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theologyforthepeople

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Why Apprenticeship is the Truest Form of Discipleship – with Heath Hardesty – Theology for the People

What does it really mean to be an apprentice of Jesus in a fragmented world? In this episode of Theology for the People, Pastor Heath Hardesty shares how his years as an apprentice plumber shaped his vision for discipleship and following Jesus.Heath is the Lead Pastor of Valley Community Church (VCC) in Pleasanton, California, and the author of the recent book, All Things Together: How Apprenticeship to Jesus Is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World.In this episode, we discuss:Why apprenticeship is a better paradigm for following Jesus than “just” discipleship classesThe four pillars of apprenticeship: union, abiding, obeying, and imagingHow sin fragments our lives and how Jesus reintegrates usPractical spiritual practices for ordinary TuesdaysWhy following Jesus is a fully embodied way of life—not just information in our headsWhether you’re feeling spiritually stagnant or longing for a more integrated faith, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.📖 All Things Together releases October 14 and is available wherever books are sold.

I have recently started posting more on the Theology for the People YouTube channel. You can watch this interview on video here:

The Gospel in the Midst of Grief: Lessons from Widowhood – with Susan VandePol

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What does faithful, biblical care for widows look like, and why does the Bible say that it is at the heart of “pure religion”?

In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Susan VandePol. Susan became a widow when her husband—a Los Angeles City firefighter—died following a line-of-duty exposure. Out of her own grief the Lord led her to create practical protocols for fire departments and churches, and to host deeply healing widows’ retreats.

In this conversation we cover:

  • Why you don’t “stop” being a widow—even after remarriage
  • How Scripture frames widowhood (the “quartet of the vulnerable,” James 1:27, Luke 18)
  • “Pruning” grief: letting God move grief toward health and fruit
  • Presence over platitudes: what helps, what harms
  • A simple, sustainable church protocol (care that intentionally extends to two years)
  • How ministering to widows purifies the whole church

Resources mentioned:

About Susan VandePol:

Widow, author, and founder of Matters of Life and Breath, Susan equips churches and first-responder communities to care wisely and biblically for widows. She and her husband (a trauma specialist) also serve internationally with grief and trauma care.

Follow Theology for the People on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theologyforthepeople

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

The Gospel in the Midst of Grief: Lessons from Widowhood – with Susan VandePol – Theology for the People

What does faithful, biblical care for widows look like, and why does the Bible say that it is at the heart of "pure religion"?Susan VandePol became a widow when her husband—a Los Angeles City firefighter—died following a line-of-duty exposure. Out of her own grief the Lord led her to create practical protocols for fire departments and churches, and to host deeply healing widows’ retreats.In this conversation we cover:• Why you don’t “stop” being a widow—even after remarriage• How Scripture frames widowhood (the “quartet of the vulnerable,” James 1:27, Luke 18)• “Pruning” grief: letting God move grief toward health and fruit• Presence over platitudes: what helps, what harms• A simple, sustainable church protocol (care that intentionally extends to two years)• How ministering to widows purifies the whole churchResources mentioned:• Church Protocol for Widow Care – Matters of Life and Breath (download free)• Fire Department Widow Protocol – Matters of Life and Breath (free)• Widows’ Retreat (West Michigan, Oct 17–19) – registration details via the Matters of Life and Breath websiteAbout Susan VandePolWidow, author, and founder of Matters of Life and Breath, Susan equips churches and first-responder communities to care wisely and biblically for widows. She and her husband (a trauma specialist) also serve internationally with grief and trauma care.⏩ If this helped you, please share it with a friend and subscribe for more conversations that bring theology to the people!

I have recently started posting more on the Theology for the People YouTube channel. You can watch this interview on video here:

Lord, Have Mercy

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Yesterday, I was deeply grieved to hear the news of the killing of Charlie Kirk and the shooting at Evergreen High School here in Colorado.

Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk rose in fame because of his advocacy for conservative social and economic issues. In recent years, he also became an outspoken Christian. Ever since the pandemic, his focus on faith in Jesus as the ultimate answer became even more pronounced. He was also a father and a husband.

One thing I always appreciated about Charlie was the way that he welcomed polite and calm dialogue with people who had opposing views. Even if someone disagrees with another person’s political positions or opinions on things like gender and identity, that does not warrant murdering them and leaving their children fatherless.

Evergreen High School

I grew up in Jefferson County, which means that I played baseball at Evergreen High School. A good friend and fellow pastor is on staff there, and his daughter is a student.

When I heard about the shooting at Evergreen High School (a JeffCo Public School), it reminded me of April 20, 1999 – a day I will never forget: I was a sophomore in high school, also in a JeffCo Public School, when the shooting at Columbine High School (another JeffCo Public School) took place. There were people I knew at the school that day, and it shaped my final two years of high school in a major way – as it did our country, and the world.

Thankfully my friend and his daughter were not harmed, but the sense of unease that one gets after experiencing something like this lasts well beyond the event.

Pray

  • Please pray for our country, and for the hurting and frustrated individuals who are considering hurting others.
  • Please pray for healing and peace in the hearts and minds of those who witnessed or were affected by these tragic events.
  • Join me in praying what Jesus taught us:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

The Conversion of the Vikings: The “Monomyth” and Finding Bridges to the Gospel for Missionary Encounters

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In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Pastor Stephen Pomeroy. Stephen is a pastor at White Fields Community Church, and he is the host of the Viking Legacy and Lore podcast.

Together, we explore the fascinating story of the conversion of the Vikings to Christianity. Stephen shares how his personal heritage sparked an interest in Viking history and mythology, and how he approaches it from a Christian perspective.

Together we discuss:
• What the Viking Age was and how it ended
• The political and spiritual dynamics behind Viking conversion to Christianity
• The concept of the monomyth and how stories across cultures point to the true story of Jesus
• Parallels between Norse mythology and biblical truth
• Lessons for engaging neo-paganism and modern spiritual seekers

This conversation blends history, theology, and mission — showing how God’s truth reaches across cultures and centuries.

📌 Subscribe for more episodes of Theology for the People where we bring theological conversations down to earth in a way that is understandable, practical, and engaging.

Books mentioned in this episode:

For more on the “monomyth,” and the conversion of C.S. Lewis, check out these articles:

Follow Theology for the People on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theologyforthepeople

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

The Conversion of the Vikings: Finding Bridges to the Gospel for Missionary Encounters – Theology for the People

In this episode of Theology for the People, Pastor Nick Cady is joined by Pastor Stephen Pomeroy from White Fields Community Church to explore the fascinating story of the conversion of the Vikings.Stephen, who also hosts the Viking Legacy and Lore podcast, shares how his personal heritage sparked an interest in Viking history and mythology, and how he approaches it from a Christian perspective. Together we discuss:What the Viking Age was and how it endedThe political and spiritual dynamics behind Viking conversion to ChristianityThe concept of the monomyth and how stories across cultures point to the true story of JesusParallels between Norse mythology and biblical truthLessons for engaging neo-paganism and modern spiritual seekersThis conversation blends history, theology, and mission — showing how God’s truth reaches across cultures and centuries.📌 Subscribe for more episodes of Theology for the People where we bring theological conversations down to earth in a way that is understandable, practical, and engaging.Visit TheologyforthePeople.com for more helpful articles and many topics related to Theology.

I have recently started posting more on the Theology for the People YouTube channel. You can watch this interview on video here:

When War Scatters the Church: Lessons from Ukraine – with Sharon Markey

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In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Sharon Markey — missionary, pastor’s wife, and author of the forthcoming book Finding Home Again.

Sharon shares her family’s story of serving in Ukraine for nearly two decades, planting churches in Kyiv, and how the war suddenly uprooted their lives.

We discuss:
• What it means to be a refugee and how displacement affects faith and identity
• The church’s role in caring for hurting and displaced people
• How Ukrainians are bringing gospel light into post-Christian Europe
• The reality of life in Ukraine today and how Christians can pray and help
• Sharon’s hope for her new book and how it can inspire compassion and faith

👉 Learn more about Sharon’s book at sharontmarkey.com
👉 Support their ministry: bridgeua.org

Follow Theology for the People on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theologyforthepeople

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

When War Scatters the Church: Lessons from Ukraine – with Sharon Markey – Theology for the People

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady talks with Sharon Markey — missionary, pastor’s wife, and author of the forthcoming book Finding Home Again. Sharon shares her family’s story of serving in Ukraine for nearly two decades, planting churches in Kyiv, and how the war suddenly uprooted their lives.We discuss:What it means to be a refugee and how displacement affects faith and identityThe church’s role in caring for hurting and displaced peopleHow Ukrainians are bringing gospel light into post-Christian EuropeThe reality of life in Ukraine today and how Christians can pray and helpSharon’s hope for her new book and how it can inspire compassion and faith👉 Learn more about Sharon’s book at sharontmarkey.com👉 Support their ministry: bridgeua.orgNew episodes release every Monday. Subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations!

I have recently started posting more on the Theology for the People YouTube channel. You can watch this interview on video here:

Why We Need to Think About Heaven More (Not Less) – with Matt McCollough

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In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with pastor and author Matt McCullough to discuss his new book Remember Heaven: Meditations on the World to Come for Life in the Meantime.

Building on the themes of his previous book, Remember Death, Matt explores how the biblical vision of heaven is meant to shape our lives here and now—not just as a future hope, but as a present motivation for rest, urgency, and faithful discipleship.

We talk about:

  • How our cultural views of heaven often miss the God-centered reality the Bible presents
  • Why remembering heaven matters in a distracted and comfort-driven world
  • How heaven gives us peace in anxiety, urgency in mission, and love in community
  • What the Bible actually says (and doesn’t say) about the afterlife
  • How the local church functions as a “colony of heaven” in the country of death

This is a hopeful, practical conversation that will encourage you to set your mind on things above and live today in light of eternity.

Follow Theology for the People on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theologyforthepeople

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Why We Need to Think About Heaven More (Not Less) – with Matt McCollough – Theology for the People

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady sits down with pastor and author Matt McCullough to discuss his new book Remember Heaven. Building on the themes of his previous book Remember Death, Matt explores how the biblical vision of heaven is meant to shape our lives here and now—not just as a future hope, but as a present motivation for rest, urgency, and faithful discipleship.Together they talk about:How our cultural views of heaven often miss the God-centered reality the Bible presentsWhy remembering heaven matters in a distracted and comfort-driven worldHow heaven gives us peace in anxiety, urgency in mission, and love in communityWhat the Bible actually says (and doesn’t say) about the afterlifeHow the local church functions as a “colony of heaven” in the country of deathThis is a hopeful, practical conversation that will encourage you to set your mind on things above and live today in light of eternity.📘 Remember Heaven is available now wherever books are sold.🔗 Learn more about Matt and his ministry at edgefieldnashville.org🔗 Visit TheologyforthePeople.com for articles and content

I have recently started posting more on the Theology for the People YouTube channel. You can watch this interview on video here:

Is Physical Fitness a Spiritual Discipline? – A Theology of Exercise: with David Mathis

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In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with David Mathis, author of A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul, to explore the spiritual significance of physical health.

This conversation looks at the theology of the body, and how caring for our bodies can actually deepen our discipleship, improve our service to others, and shape how we glorify God with our entire being.

We also explore cultural trends around fitness, how to avoid idolatry of the body, and how anyone — regardless of age or ability — can engage in God-honoring movement.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone who avoids the gym at all costs, this episode is a helpful and grace-filled look at how physical exercise fits into the Christian life.

Follow Theology for the People on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theologyforthepeople

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Is Physical Fitness a Spiritual Discipline? – A Theology of Exercise: with David Mathis – Theology for the People

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady speaks with David Mathis, author of A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul, to explore the spiritual significance of physical health. This conversation looks at the theology of the body, and how caring for our bodies can actually deepen our discipleship, improve our service to others, and shape how we glorify God with our entire being.We also explore cultural trends around fitness, how to avoid idolatry of the body, and how anyone — regardless of age or ability — can engage in God-honoring movement. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or someone who avoids the gym at all costs, this episode is a helpful and grace-filled look at how physical exercise fits into the Christian life.Visit TheologyforthePeople.com for articles and more content and make sure to subscribe to the channel and share the episode with someone who would benefit from it!

I have recently started posting more on the Theology for the People YouTube channel. You can watch this interview on video here:

The Evangelistic Legacy of Tim Keller – with Matt Smethurst

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What is the lasting legacy of the late Tim Keller? What enduring contributions did he make to the church and to theological discuss?

In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I am joined by Pastor Matt Smethurst to talk about his new book, Tim Keller on the Christian Life.

Matt shares about his ministry journey, why Tim Keller’s legacy is still so valuable for the church today, and what he discovered while sifting through Keller’s sermons, books, and endnotes. They discuss Keller’s approach to contextualization, evangelism, friendship, and what it means to taste and see that the Lord is good.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Keller’s work or just curious about his influence, this conversation will deepen your appreciation for how the gospel changes everything.

Show Notes:

  • Matt’s background in missions and church planting
  • Responding to recent critiques of Keller’s ministry
  • How Keller’s focus on gospel clarity shaped his preaching
  • What surprised Matt most in Keller’s work
  • Lessons for pastors, leaders, and everyday believers

📚 Check out Matt’s books:

Follow Theology for the People on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theologyforthepeople

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

The Evangelistic Legacy of Tim Keller – with Matt Smethurst – Theology for the People

In this episode host Nick Cady talks with Matt Smethurst about his new book Tim Keller on the Christian Life. Matt shares about his ministry journey, why Tim Keller’s legacy is still so valuable for the church today, and what he discovered while sifting through Keller’s sermons, books, and endnotes. They discuss Keller’s approach to contextualization, evangelism, friendship, and what it means to taste and see that the Lord is good. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Keller’s work or just curious about his influence, this conversation will deepen your appreciation for how the gospel changes everything.Show Notes:Matt’s background in missions and church plantingResponding to recent critiques of Keller’s ministryHow Keller’s focus on gospel clarity shaped his preachingWhat surprised Matt most in Keller’s workLessons for pastors, leaders, and everyday believers📚 Check out Matt’s books:Tim Keller on the Christian LifeBefore You Open Your BibleBefore You Share Your FaithDeacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the ChurchVisit theologyforthepeople.com for articles and more content.

I have recently started posting more on the Theology for the People YouTube channel. You can watch this interview on video here:

Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Discipleship in the Digital Age – with Brett McCracken

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What does it mean to follow Jesus in an age of constant distraction and digital overload?

In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I am joined by Brett McCracken — senior editor at The Gospel Coalition and editor of the new book Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Reclaiming Life in a Digital Age.

Drawing inspiration from Neil Postman’s classic Amusing Ourselves to Death, this conversation explores how modern technology is shaping our souls, eroding our attention, and forming a plausibility structure that makes it harder to believe in transcendent truth.

Brett and I discuss:

  • How social media is forming us spiritually
  • The dangers of disembodied discipleship
  • Why embodied church gatherings still matter
  • How the internet fosters epistemological chaos
  • Practical ways churches and families can reclaim real life in the digital age

I hope this episode will challenge and encourage you to think more deeply about how you engage with technology.

Follow Theology for the People on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theologyforthepeople

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Discipleship in the Digital Age – with Brett McCracken – Theology for the People

What does it mean to follow Jesus in an age of constant distraction and digital overload?In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady is joined by Brett McCracken — senior editor at The Gospel Coalition and editor of the new book Scrolling Ourselves to Death. Drawing inspiration from Neil Postman’s classic Amusing Ourselves to Death, this conversation explores how modern technology is shaping our souls, eroding our attention, and forming a plausibility structure that makes it harder to believe in transcendent truth.They discuss:How social media is forming us spirituallyThe dangers of disembodied discipleshipWhy embodied church gatherings still matterHow the internet fosters epistemological chaosPractical ways churches and families can reclaim real life in the digital ageWhether you’re a pastor, parent, or just a thoughtful Christian navigating life with a smartphone, this episode will challenge and encourage you to think more deeply about how you engage with technology.📘 Get the book Scrolling Ourselves to DeathVisit TheologyForThePeople.com

I have recently started posting more on the Theology for the People YouTube channel. You can watch this interview on video here:

How God’s Grace Meets Us at Rock Bottom: Ray Ortlund on Isaiah 57:15

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In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I am joined by pastor and author Ray Ortlund Jr. to talk about how God’s grace meets us in our lowest moments.

Ray  is the president of Renewal Ministries, and the pastor to pastors at Immanuel Church in Nashville. He is an Old Testament scholar, has taught as a professor, and was a contributor to the ESV Study Bible.

Expositing Isaiah 57:15 and drawing from his own personal experiences of betrayal, regret, loneliness, and loss, Ray explains how the gospel offers real hope for crushed and broken people.

Topics include:
• How to heal from betrayal
• What to do when you’re trapped by your own sin
• Why loneliness is a spiritual crisis
• How the doctrine of justification by faith brings healing
• What it means to die well — and live in light of resurrection

This conversation is filled with biblical encouragement for anyone struggling or walking alongside those who are.

Find Ray’s book here: Good News at Rock Bottom: Finding God When the Pain Goes Deep and Hope Seems Lost

Follow Theology for the People on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theologyforthepeople

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

How God's Grace Meets Us at Rock Bottom: Ray Ortlund on Isaiah 57:15 – Theology for the People

In this episode, Nick Cady is joined by pastor and author Ray Ortlund Jr. to talk about how God's grace meets us in our lowest moments.Ray  is the president of Renewal Ministries, and the pastor to pastors at Immanuel Church in Nashville. He is an Old Testament scholar, has taught as a professor, and was a contributor to the ESV Study Bible.Drawing from Isaiah 57:15 and Ray’s personal experiences of betrayal, regret, loneliness, and loss, they explore how the gospel offers real hope for crushed and broken people.Topics include:How to heal from betrayalWhat to do when you’re trapped by your own sinWhy loneliness is a spiritual crisisHow the doctrine of justification by faith brings healingWhat it means to die well — and live in light of resurrectionThis conversation is filled with biblical encouragement for anyone struggling or walking alongside those who are.Find Ray's book here: Good News at Rock Bottom: Finding God When the Pain Goes Deep and Hope Seems LostCheck out the Theology for the People website at theologyforthepeople.com

I have also started posting more on the Theology for the People YouTube channel. You can watch this interview on video here: