Whole & Holy: Navigating Faith in a Fragmented World

Most teenagers aren’t rejecting the Bible—they’re just bored or disconnected from it. Dr. Graham Stanton joins Justin Polsley to unpack why “just getting teens to read” misses the point. Together they explore what happens when youth leaders move beyond information transfer toward relational, dialogical, and theologically grounded engagement with Scripture. The conversation reframes what spiritual formation looks like in a culture of expressive individualism—and how the next generation can rediscover the wonder of God’s Word.About the GuestDr. Graham Stanton is a practical theologian and longtime youth ministry educator who has spent his career helping the church think deeply about how young people grow in faith. He founded and led Youthworks College in Sydney, where he taught theology and spiritual formation, and now directs the Youth Ministry Futures Project, a research initiative exploring how faith takes root in changing cultural contexts.Graham’s doctoral work examined how teenagers actually engage with the Bible, blending theology, psychology, and educational theory to uncover why some approaches ignite lasting faith while others fall flat. He currently serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Youth and Theology and continues to invest in local youth ministry at St Jude’s Anglican Church in Parkville, Australia.His book: Wide Awake in God’s World is a MUST READ!!!Mentioned in this episode:* Youthscape’s Research: Translating God* Youth Pastor Theologian* Australian Research: Your Story Get full access to Whole & Holy at wholenholy.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Al Tizon discusses missiology, the mission of the church, and the intersection of the gospel and mission. He emphasizes the importance of reconciliation in the church and the need to embrace diversity. He also explores the concept of false and half gospels and advocates for a holistic understanding of the gospel. Finally, he offers insights on how youth ministries can engage in mission in a meaningful way.TakeawaysMissiology is the study of the mission of the church as it engages with the cultures of the world.The mission of the church is to bear witness to the whole gospel, which includes the redemption of the whole creation and everyone in it.Reconciliation is a key aspect of the mission of the church, both within the church itself and in the world.The church should prioritize unity and embrace diversity, rather than seeking uniformity.Youth ministries can engage in mission by bearing witness to God's justice, love, peace, mercy, and forgiveness. Get full access to Whole & Holy at wholenholy.substack.com/subscribe

Professor Dan Treier wrote a big book about Jesus. In this podcast, Dan thoroughly explains key things about Jesus. Dr. Treier talks about why Jesus had to be fully God and fully human. He says if Jesus wasn't really God, worshipping him would be wrong. And if Jesus wasn't fully human, he couldn't make all of human life right again. The episode explores how Jesus is the "mediator" between God and humans. As God himself who became human, Jesus unites God and humans. Dan gives tips for teaching young people the Bible's true story of who Jesus is, rather than made-up versions. Knowing the real Jesus can change your life! Get full access to Whole & Holy at wholenholy.substack.com/subscribe

Zero Cost Way To Support Me :)Dr. Gareth Crispin and Dr. Robin Barfield discuss the top-down and bottom-up approaches to children's ministry and the growing tension between the two. They explore the philosophical and sociological factors that have led to the shift from top-down to bottom-up approaches. They also delve into the theological anthropology of James Loder and how it informs their understanding of ministry. The conversation highlights the importance of engaging both the mind and the heart in faith formation and the need for Christian adults to walk alongside children and young people on their spiritual journey. The conversation explores different approaches to youth ministry and the importance of encouraging speculative questions. It also discusses the role of crisis of faith in the development of emerging adults' faith. The conversation highlights the unique context of youth ministry in the UK and the shift towards intergenerational church.Takeaways* There is a shift from top-down to bottom-up approaches in children's ministry, influenced by philosophical and sociological changes.* The top-down approach focuses on transmitting knowledge and objective truth, while the bottom-up approach emphasizes the agency and subjectivity of the individual.* The middle path in children's ministry involves a dialogical process between God and the individual, where both divine revelation and personal experience are valued.* Faith formation should involve engaging the mind, heart, soul, and strength of children and young people, helping them encounter God and respond to His revelation.* Christian adults in ministry should walk alongside children and young people as fellow pilgrims, sharing their own encounters with God and providing guidance and support. Encouraging speculative questions can help children and youth engage in deeper conversations and develop their own understanding of faith.* Experiencing a crisis of faith in youth can lead to a stronger and more personal faith in adulthood.* Youth ministry in the UK is evolving, with some churches adopting new approaches that prioritize intergenerational engagement.* Intergenerational church provides a space for young people to ask questions and participate in a community that includes people of all ages.00:00 - 01:11 Introduction 01:12 Introduction and Background03:12 Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches to Children's Ministry10:03 The Shift from Top-Down to Bottom-Up Approaches 19:08 The Growing Tension between Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches26:18 The Theological Anthropology of James Loder30:45 The Middle Path and the Task of Faith Formation38:29 Looking Ahead in Children's Ministry40:27 Encouraging Speculative Questions41:26 Crisis of Faith in Youth 42:37 Youth Ministry in the UK43:52 Intergenerational Church Get full access to Whole & Holy at wholenholy.substack.com/subscribe

Support for free by subscribing to my SubstackDr. Collin Cornell discusses the mission of God and challenges the traditional view of God's mission as solely reparative. He emphasizes God's desire to draw near to creation and dwell with it. Dr. Cornell also explores the relationship between God's mission and Israel, highlighting the importance of understanding Israel's purpose beyond being purely instrumental. He discusses the role of the church in God's mission and the significance of encountering God in the church. Finally, he applies these concepts to youth ministry, emphasizing the importance of treating young people with curiosity, delight, and genuine interest.Takeaways The mission of God is not solely reparative but also involves God's desire to draw near to creation and dwell with it. Understanding Israel's purpose beyond being purely instrumental is crucial in reevaluating the traditional view of God's mission. The church plays a special role in God's mission and should be seen as a place where people can encounter God's presence. In youth ministry, it is important to approach young people with curiosity, delight, and genuine interest rather than trying to fix or control them.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:02 Dr. Cornell's Background10:31 The History of Missiology15:24 God's Desire to Dwell with Creation25:18 Israel's Role in God's Mission28:11 The Church's Mission and the Mission of God32:44 Applying Mission in Youth Ministry37:27 Conclusion Get full access to Whole & Holy at wholenholy.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Felipe Do Vale discusses his book 'Gender as Love: A Theological Account of Human Identity, Embodied Desire, and Our Social Worlds.' He explains his interest in the topic of gender and how it has evolved over the years. Dr. Do Vale argues for a theological approach to gender, bridging the gap between those who focus on gender and those who focus on theology. He proposes that gender is an identity formed by our loves and that a Christian theology of human love provides a way to understand and evaluate gendered goods in our world. He also discusses the application of his theological framework in ministry and everyday life. In this conversation, Dr. Fellipe do Vale discusses the importance of engaging with gender identity and the role of love in understanding it. He emphasizes the need for pastors to have mental and emotional intelligence and to ask questions that delve into a person's love and sense of belonging. Dr. do Vale also explores the influence of social media on gender identity and highlights the interconnectedness of various aspects of a person's life. He encourages pastors to engage people on the level of their loves and to prioritize simple practices of human care. Finally, he discusses the importance of balancing critical scholarship with faith.TakeawaysGender is an important topic that requires a theological approach.A Christian theology of human love provides a way to understand and evaluate gendered goods in our world.Gender is an identity formed by our loves, and we have a responsibility to love rightly.The descriptive and normative tasks of understanding gender should be kept together.The theological framework proposed by Dr. Do Vale can be applied in ministry and everyday life. Engaging with individuals' gender identity requires understanding their loves and sense of belonging.Pastors should prioritize mental and emotional intelligence in their ministry.Social media can tap into common objects of love and influence gender identity.Gender identity is interconnected with various aspects of a person's life.Engaging people on the level of their loves can reveal insights about their gender identity.Recovering simple practices of human care is crucial for creating a sense of belonging in church.Ministry should prioritize caring for the hearts of individuals.Balancing critical scholarship and faith can lead to a more holistic approach to understanding gender identity. Get full access to Whole & Holy at wholenholy.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryDr. Patrick Schreiner discusses the transfiguration of Jesus and its significance. He explains that the transfiguration is often overlooked in comparison to other events in Jesus' life, but it is an important event that reveals Jesus' glory and confirms his identity as the Son of God. The presence of Moses and Elijah represents the law and the prophets, affirming Jesus' role in fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies. The voice of God calling Jesus his beloved son echoes Old Testament passages and emphasizes Jesus' divine nature. The transfiguration provides hope and comfort to believers, reminding them of the future glory that awaits them.TakeawaysThe transfiguration of Jesus is an important event that reveals his glory and confirms his identity as the Son of God.The presence of Moses and Elijah represents the law and the prophets, affirming Jesus' role in fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.The voice of God calling Jesus his beloved son echoes Old Testament passages and emphasizes Jesus' divine nature.The transfiguration provides hope and comfort to believers, reminding them of the future glory that awaits them.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:17 The Transfiguration in the Gospels06:43 The Significance of the Transfiguration10:37 The Presence of Moses and Elijah18:32 The Voice of God22:45 Old Testament Allusions28:54 The Transfiguration and Everyday Believers Get full access to Whole & Holy at wholenholy.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryDr. Carmen Imes, Associate Professor of Old Testament at Biola University, discusses the concept of the image of God in her interview with Justin on the Reorthodox Theology podcast. She explains that the image of God is not tied to a specific human capacity, but rather to our physicality as human beings. Dr. Imes argues that every human, regardless of disability or other differences, is the image of God. She challenges the common belief that the image of God was lost or diminished after the fall, pointing to biblical evidence that affirms the continued presence of the image of God in humanity. Dr. Imes also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the image of God in others and treating every person with dignity and respect.Key Takeaways:- The image of God is not tied to a specific human capacity, but to our physicality as human beings.- Every human, regardless of disability or other differences, is the image of God.- The image of God was not lost or diminished after the fall, but our relationship with God was disrupted.- Recognizing the image of God in others is essential for treating every person with dignity and respect.​Quotes:- "It's more physical than what we've assumed, and it's therefore more limited in some ways than what we've assumed." - Dr. Carmen Imes- "Every human being, regardless of disability, is the image of God." - Dr. Carmen Imes- "Jesus is the image of God not because he's divine, but because he's human, and every human being is the image of God." - Dr. Carmen Imes Get full access to Whole & Holy at wholenholy.substack.com/subscribe

Join us for a thought-provoking episode as we dive into the fascinating world of Tertullian's view of Christology and its profound influence on the development of the Western Church. Our guest for this enlightening conversation is Dr. David Wilhite, a distinguished Professor of Christian Theology with a deep expertise in the subject matter.Dr. Wilhite, having obtained his PhD from The University of St. Andrews, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the life and works of Tertullian, a renowned early Christian theologian. Together, we explore Tertullian's unique perspective on the nature of Christ and how it contributed to shaping the theological landscape of the Western Church.Throughout this episode, we unravel the complexities of Tertullian's Christology, examining his theological concepts such as the divine nature of Christ, the Incarnation, and the relationship between God and humanity. We delve into Tertullian's influential writings, including his treatises on Christ's two natures, and how these ideas resonated with early Christians. Get full access to Whole & Holy at wholenholy.substack.com/subscribe

Rudolf K. Gaisie is a Research Fellow at the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture at Akropong-Akuapem, Ghana, and serves as Director of the Institute’s Centre for Early African Christianity (CEAC).He is brilliant! Get full access to Whole & Holy at wholenholy.substack.com/subscribe