Best Midwest Church of Christ Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 6: I’m Better Than This 44:50

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5d ago44:50

44:50

Sometimes life’s choices lead us down roads that leave us empty, broken, and far from where we belong. In Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of the Prodigal Son—a reminder that even when we’ve hit rock bottom, there’s always a way back. This episode explores the moment of awakening when we realize, “I’m better than this.” It’s a call to repentance, res…

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Episode 5: I Am Justified 37:22

20d ago37:22

37:22

In Christ, justification isn’t just a theological term—it’s our reality. In this powerful episode, Minister John “Pooh” Malone journeys through Romans 5 to uncover the depth of what it means to be made right with God. From peace that steadies us in trials to the hope that will not disappoint, this message reminds us that our standing before God is …

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Episode 4: Commitment to Growth 45:53

25d ago45:53

45:53

Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intention, discipline, and a deep commitment to becoming more like Christ. In this episode, Minister John “Pooh” Malone unpacks 2 Peter 1 and reflect on what it means to truly grow in faith, virtue, knowledge, and love. Whether you’re new to the journey or a seasoned believer, this message is a t…

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Abraham The Father of Faith 21:10

28d ago21:10

21:10

Join us for another heavenly time in the Word of God, as our returning host April converses with our special guest, Pastor Jared (a long time Instructor of Bible courses), to talk about the faith of the Abraham. Abram is the one who God chose to use to deliver a special promise, Abraham is the man who was faithful to his mission. What can we learn …

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True Faith in God & The Bible 18:04

1M ago18:04

18:04

The Team is back with another precious moment and meditation in the Word. April links up with passionate speaker and scholar of the Bible Lakeah C. What is true faith? What is the faith that God acknowledges? Can it come up in a search engine or is the answer more like a narrow road we should walk. Listen to this wonderful conversation that is soug…

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Episode 3: Bring Me Mark 46:01

1M ago46:01

46:01

In the final chapter of his life, the Apostle Paul pens a letter full of urgency, reflection, and deep emotion. Among his last requests is a simple yet profound plea: “Bring me Mark.” In this episode, we unpack 2 Timothy 4 and explore the beauty of second chances, the pain of abandonment, and the hope found in restoration. Whether you’ve felt forgo…

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Episode 2: I Need Answers 55:15

2M ago55:15

55:15

When life seems unfair and God feels silent, where do we turn? In this powerful episode, we dive into the raw and honest cries of the prophet Habakkuk. Through chapters 1 and 2, Minister John “Pooh” Malone explores what it means to bring our confusion, anger, and questions directly to God—and how He responds. This episode is for anyone who has ever…

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Episode 1: Fighting Through the Pain 45:38

2M ago45:38

45:38

Life has a way of weighing us down—quietly, steadily, and sometimes all at once. In those moments when the struggle feels too heavy and surrender seems like the only way out, how do we hold on? In this powerful episode, Minister John “Pooh” Malone offers both practical wisdom and spiritual insight to remind us that giving up isn’t the answer—fighti…

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Pursuit of Happiness 26:27

2M ago26:27

26:27

Grace & Peace to all. The team is back with a special episode as we approach a fun holiday in the summer time. What is the road to happiness? What does it mean to us as God's children and what does the Bible tell us about achieving it? Join us alongside hosts April & Matthieu as we are helped by Instructor Dhuri, who is passionate about the Word. L…

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Spiritual Gardening 19:24

3M ago19:24

19:24

By the grace of God, we have another amazing episode with our incredible hosts, April and Matthieu. This time they have a special guest, Instructor Nathanael, who has a Master's degree in Horticulture and takes us to a unique and spiritual teaching about Spiritual Gardening in the Bible. Based on Romans 1:20, where we can begin to understand that G…

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More on the Midwest and Midlife with Kevin, Collin, and Justin 1:09:19

3M ago1:09:19

1:09:19

The triumvirate comes back together to wrap up another season of LBE. Along with the obligatory sports chatter, the three guys talk at length about the first Midwest Pope (and why they are not Catholics) and about life in middle age (and why they are not too depressed). There are, of course, many book recommendations as well. CHAPTERS 0:00 Sponsors…

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Heart of a Parent 19:34

4M ago19:34

19:34

What does it mean to parent with the heart of God? In this deeply insightful episode, hosts April and Matthieu are joined by a special guest—renowned for lectures on deeper biblical understanding—to explore the sacred calling of spiritual parenting. Through Scripture and lived wisdom, they unpack how God’s guidance shapes not only our children but …

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Renewing my Spirit 17:00

4M ago17:00

17:00

We understand the importance and value of physical and even mental well-being. But how about spiritual well-being? What does it mean to take care of my spirit and why do I want to be spiritually renewed/strong? Psalm 51:10, 1 Timothy 4:8 Follow us on our Instagram and Facebook and send a DM for any Bible questions or email us if you have any inquir…

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The Biblical View of Abortion with Tom Pennington 1:01:30

4M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

What does the Bible say about life in the womb? When does life begin? What about personhood? What has the church taught about abortion over the centuries? How should we respond to familiar slogans like “My body, my choice”? In this important episode, Kevin talks with Tom Pennington, Pastor at Countryside Bible Church in Southlake, Texas, about his …

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Nicene Orthodoxy with Blair Smith 1:05:00

4M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Kevin welcomes his good friend—neighbor, church colleague, and seminary colleague (soon to be boss!)—Blair Smith to the podcast. As a systematic theology professor, Blair’s expertise is on Trinitarian theology, in particular in the crucial fourth and fifth centuries. Listen in as Kevn and Blair look at the theology and the history behind the Counci…

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My Covenant With God 24:47

4M ago24:47

24:47

What does it truly mean to be in covenant with God? In this episode, April and Matthieu explore the beauty, responsibility, and faithfulness found in God’s promises—inviting you to reflect on your own commitment to walk in His Word. 🌿✨ #TheFaithfulExchange #MyCovenantWithGod #BiblePodcast Follow us on our Instagram and Facebook and send a DM for an…

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Pastoral Theology with Jonathan Master 36:24

4M ago36:24

36:24

First published in 1877, Thomas Murphy’s Pastoral Theology: The Pastor in the Various Duties of His Office is one of the absolute best books of its kind. Murphy’s treatise is inspiring, challenging, comprehensive, opinionated, practical, and spiritual in the deepest sense of the word. Listen as Kevin and Jonathan Master, president at Greenville Pre…

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The 4 Fields Of The Heart 15:15

5M ago15:15

15:15

In this heart-stirring episode, hosts April and Matthieu dive into the parable of the sower, exploring the 4 types of soil—and what they reveal about the condition of our hearts. Drawing from Luke 8:5-8 and Mark 4:13, they unpack how God’s Word is received, resisted, or rooted in our lives. Tune in for a Bible-based conversation that challenges, en…

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Foolish to the World, Wise in Christ 17:18

5M ago17:18

17:18

In this special April Fools’ Day episode, hosts Matthieu, April, and Tanette explore what it means to be a "fool" in the eyes of the world—and in the wisdom of God. Through passages like 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 1:45, and Isaiah 55:8-9, they discuss how God’s ways often challenge human understanding and why true wisdom comes from faith. Tune in …

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A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation with Matthew Bingham 1:13:09

5M ago1:13:09

1:13:09

It is often believed, by friends and critics alike, that the Reformed tradition, though perhaps good on formal doctrine, is impoverished when it comes to spiritual formation. The charge is that the Reformed approach to piety is all about head knowledge, about learning things as brains on sticks. Other Christians may be less critical but simply assu…

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On Tyndale House, the Old Testament, and the Promises and Pitfalls of Biblical Scholarship with Peter Williams and Will Ross 38:00

6M ago38:00

38:00

Recently, Peter Williams, Principal at Tyndale House in Cambridge, preached at Christ Covenant Church for its missions week. At the end of the evening service, Kevin sat down with Peter and fellow Cambridge-alum Will Ross, who teaches Old Testament at RTS Charlotte, for a discussion about the importance of Tyndale House and its mission to foster fa…

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Preaching and Pastoral Ministry with John Piper 1:16:04

6M ago1:16:04

1:16:04

In this wide-ranging interview, recorded live at Christ Covenant Church in conjunction with the Coram Deo Pastors Workshop, Kevin asks John about everything from preaching style, to the influence of his parents, to growing up in the South, to his strengths and weaknesses as a pastor. You’ll hear lots of stories, pastoral wisdom, and personal transp…

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The Most Influential Family in America with Obbie Tyler Todd 1:12:44

7M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

Before the Bushes or Clintons, before the Kennedy or Kardashians, there were the Beechers—a sprawling family of preachers, suffragists, abolitionists, and moral crusaders that defined (and exemplified) America as much as any single family in the nineteenth century. Join Kevin as he interviews Obbie Tyler Todd, a pastor and professor, about his new …

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A Special Episode from the Doctrine Matters Podcast by Crossway 14:59

7M ago14:59

14:59

Listen to a special episode of Life and Books and Everything promoting Crossway's new Podcast, Doctrine Matters.

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The Person and Work of Christ with Brandon Crowe 1:05:01

7M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Kevin welcomes to the podcast Brandon Crowe, a native Alabamian, an SEC fan, a Teaching Elder in the PCA, and a professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary. Believe it or not, there is only question about football, and it comes at the very end. The rest of the time is spent trying to explain things like the hypostatic union, the …

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A Very Special Episode with Justin Taylor and Collin Hansen 1:09:06

7M ago1:09:06

1:09:06

There has been some concern that Justin and Collin have been kept out of the “very special guest” designation. In order to make up for past offenses, this episode, with two very special guests, is being hailed as a very special episode. The three amigos start out by talking about football (of course) and a new cultural openness to Christianity. The…

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A Life of Hope and Hurdles with Andre Levrone and Sydney McLaughlin Levrone 1:06:17

8M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

How can you shine as a Christian in the world of professional sports—when sometimes your dreams come true and often they don’t? What does it take to be an elite athlete (and why is it a great profession for sleep enthusiasts)? You’ll want to listen to this special episode of LBE as Kevin asks Andre, a former NFL player, and Sydney—an Olympic champi…

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It’s Christmastime with Justin Taylor and Collin Hansen 56:11

8M ago56:11

56:11

We’ve all been waiting, and it’s finally here: the annual Christmas LBE. Listen in as the three amigos talk about Christmas movies, favorite books, which LBE member is the most like Jerry Seinfeld, and, of course, the airing of many grievances. Chapters: 0:00 Sponsors & Intro 5:50 The Vibe Shift 20:10 Let’s Talk About Christmas 30:02 Sponsor Break …

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What Is the Mission of the Church? with Brian DeVries 1:02:23

9M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

Mission is one of those words that Christians use all the time. So are words like “missions” and missionaries.” But what do they mean? Is “mission” even the best word to use to describe what Christians should be doing in the world? In today’s episode, Kevin talks with fellow Michigander, Brian DeVries, about his new book You Will Be My Witnesses. B…

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Evaluating the Thought of Cornelius Van Til with Keith Mathison and James Anderson 1:19:32

9M ago1:19:32

1:19:32

It is hard to exaggerate the influence of Cornelius Van Til (1895–1987) in conservative Reformed circles over the past hundred years. And yet, there continues to be much discussion about what Van Til believed and how he meant for his apologetic ideas to be put into practice. Kevin welcomes Keith Mathison, from Reformation Bible College, to discuss …

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The Life and Ministry of R.C. Sproul with Stephen Nichols 49:51

9M ago49:51

49:51

Recently, Steve Nichols spoke at the Faithful Conference, an annual conference for Christ Covenant Church. After giving a lecture on R.C. Sproul, Steve sat down with Kevin to talk about his own life and what he learned writing the biography of Sproul. Listen in as Kevin asks Steve about Sproul’s influences, his strengths and weaknesses, his friends…

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Everyday Gospel with Paul Tripp 1:08:16

10M ago1:08:16

1:08:16

Most Christians in conservative churches are familiar with Paul Tripp’s books. He’s one of the most popular authors in the church today, with a knack for applying the gospel to all of life. His devotional New Morning Mercies has been a consistent bestseller. Now Tripp has a new devotional, Everyday Gospel, that serves as a gospel commentary on the …

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What Does It Mean to Be an Evangelical? With Andrew Atherstone and David Ceri Jones 1:05:06

10M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

A few months ago, a prominent American scholar, Matthew Avery Sutton, published an article arguing there is no “through line” from Christians of the past to today’s post-WWII evangelicals. In order to assess this argument, Kevin invited two scholars of the evangelical movement to join him: Andrew Atherstone from Oxford in England and David Ceri Jon…

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A Critical Look at Critical Theory with Carl Trueman 1:14:18

11M ago1:14:18

1:14:18

In his new book To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse, Carl Trueman argues that “Critical theory [sees] any notion of human nature as merely an ideological or social construct, a function of discourses of power.” Even though critical theory makes for dense reading, and is probably very little read by people in the pew, the idea…

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Westminster Divines, Spiritual Warfare, and the Neglected Practice of Hospitality with Chad Van Dixhoorn 1:14:45

11M ago1:14:45

1:14:45

It’s not everyday you get to hear from the world’s expert on the Westminster Assembly (and who among us does not wish to know more about the Westminster Assembly?!). So sit back and enjoy this freewheeling conversation as Kevin and Chad talk about a guy named John Arrowsmith, the importance of pastoral hospitality, issues of church and state, and h…

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Life, and Ministry, and Laughter with Jason Helopoulos 1:21:00

1y ago1:21:00

1:21:00

Listen as the two friends talk about the Land of Lincoln, about influential books and authors in their lives, and how the importance of friendship. You’ll get to learn more about Jason’s background, more about why he loves the PCA, and you’ll get to hear his great laugh. Chapters: 0:00 Intro & Sponsors 7:41 Hip-hop-Helopoulos 10:32 Administration a…

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Spiritual Cleaning 16:02

1y ago16:02

16:02

In this episode of *The Faithful Exchange*, Olesya and Cheyenne discuss the importance of "Spiritual Cleaning," comparing it to decluttering our homes but for the soul. Discover how biblical principles can help clear out spiritual clutter and bring God's peace into your life. Feeling weighed down? Tune in to learn how you can start your spiritual r…

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Reading, Writing, and the Olympics with Justin Taylor and Collin Hansen 1:08:14

1y ago1:08:14

1:08:14

After a summer hiatus, the fellas are back together to kick off a new season of LBE. If you always look forward to the sports banter with these three, then you will LOVE this episode. You get a deep dive on the Olympics, including what makes them so joyful, what other countries besides America to root for, and whether other countries use Americans …

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Introduction to Season 3 27:56

1y ago27:56

27:56

Welcome to Season 3 of "The Faithful Exchange" – a Christian podcast community dedicated to uniting Chicago's voices of faith. In our first episode, meet our new hosts as they share their journeys of faith and passion for spreading God’s word. This season, we’ll be diving deep into biblical topics, exploring how they apply to our daily lives, and d…

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The Airing of Gratitude with Justin Taylor and Collin Hansen 1:00:06

1y ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Kevin is joined once again by his friends—and by now, only somewhat special guests—Justin and Collin. Listen in as the three amigos talk about books, summer plans, and what they are grateful for. Once again, you’ll find that the guys hit that sweet spot that combines ephemeral chatter and over-long monologues. Books & Everything: Ask Pastor John: 7…

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The Blessing (and Danger) of Authority with Jonathan Leeman 1:00:36

1+ y ago1:00:36

1:00:36

We live in a day where authority is often rebuffed and where many people are quick to assume all authority is abusive authority. And yet, some authority is abusive. But the antidote to bad authority is not “no authority” but “good authority.” Kevin welcomes Jonathan Leeman, editorial director for 9Marks, into the virtual studio to talk about Jonath…

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A Conversation about Christianity and Football with Kirk Cousins 53:28

1+ y ago53:28

53:28

Kirk Cousins has been an NFL quarterback for 12 years. Before that he played at Michigan State (where he and Kevin met). Before that he was a barely-recruited teenager playing at Holland Christian. And before that, he was a kid in Chicago whose dad helped start Willow Creek (yes, that Willow Creek). If you want to know more of this story, and hear …

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Petrus Van Mastricht's Theoretical-Practical Theology with Todd Rester 1:16:10

1+ y ago1:16:10

1:16:10

What are you doing with your life? Todd Rester is using a big chunk of his life to translate a seventeenth-century Dutch theologian's magnum opus (all 1.7 million words of it) from Latin into English. Join Kevin and Todd as they take a deep dive into the world of Latin translation, systematic theology, and church history. Who was Petrus Van Mastric…

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The Pastor as Leader with John Currie 56:34

1+ y ago56:34

56:34

With everything the pastor must do—preach, pray, visit, raise money, organize meetings, write emails, study, write, marry, bury, and baptize—does he also need to be a leader? John Currie, in his new book The Pastor as Leader (Crossway), says yes. But don't fear, this is not about one more impossible task or another time burden for the pastor. Leade…

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Get Married with Brad Wilcox 1:07:10

1+ y ago1:07:10

1:07:10

For most of us, getting married and forging a strong family is the best way to build a prosperous, meaningful, and happy life. That's the message of Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization, the new book by University of Virginia professor Brad Wilcox. Listen in as Kevin and Brad talk explore why…

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Why did Jesus say 'Eloi Eloi' on the Cross? 8:29

1+ y ago8:29

8:29

Matthew 27:45-49 [45] From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. [46] About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). [47] When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” [48] Immediatel…

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The Just War Tradition 53:18

1+ y ago53:18

53:18

Have you ever wondered if King Arthur was justified in cutting off all four limbs of Monty Python’s Black Knight when he refused the king passage? If so, then you’ll want to listen to this episode of LBE with Eric Patterson. Eric is an author, an important leader in Washington, D.C. and an expert in the theology and history of the Just War Traditio…

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International Woman's Day {Special Guest: Vickie and Karen} 30:28

1+ y ago30:28

30:28

Follow us on our Instagram and Facebook and send a DM for any Bible questions or email us if you have any inquiries! All details included below: Instagram: @the_faithful_exchange Facebook: The Faithful Exchange: Uniting Chicago's Voices of Faith Email: [email protected] The Faithful Exchange

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Where Have All the Fundamentalists Gone? 1:09:45

1+ y ago1:09:45

1:09:45

With two smart British historians—one from Oxford (Andrew) and one from Aberystwyth (David)--and one curious American pastor (Kevin), you might say that this episode puts the "fun" back in fundamentalism. How did fundamentalism become a pejorative putdown? Are evangelicals and fundamentalists really all that different? What is a fundamentalist anyw…

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Our Ancient Faith: Lincoln, Democracy, and the American Experiment with Allen Guelzo 1:17:22

1+ y ago1:17:22

1:17:22

He must be one of Kevin's favorite historians and favorite guests, because Dr. Guelzo is back for an unprecedented third visit to the LBE book-cave. Although Dr. Guelzo's new book is about Abraham Lincoln, Kevin and Allen talk about much more than just Lincoln—everything from John Locke to Christian Nationalism to progressivism to a healthy does of…

Midwest Church Of Christ Podcasts