The Table Podcast

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How can material remains uncovered from the ancient world illuminate the biblical text and affirm the historical reliability of Scripture? Milyce Pipkin and Darrell L. Bock are joined by professor Paul D. Weaver and archaeologist Titus Kennedy to discuss key archaeological discoveries—from the Tel Dan Stele and the Nabonidus Cylinder to ancient inscriptions in Egypt and Cyprus—and explore how digging into the dirt bridges the gap between material culture and biblical studies. Join them as they examine the distinction between proving and affirming faith, unpack the meticulous process of archaeological excavation, and discover how material finds enrich our understanding of the Bible’s cultural world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a youth-obsessed culture driven by anti-aging industries and a desire to move death offscreen, how can Christians embrace getting older as a sacred gift, privilege, and call to deeper spiritual maturity? In her final hosted episode, Kasey Olander is joined by Jen Wilkin alongside Bill Hendricks to explore a biblical theology of aging, the physical and emotional realities of decline, and the impending end-of-life care crisis facing the church. Join them as they discuss why all of life is caregiving, how numbering our days cultivates a heart of wisdom, and what it looks like to age with purpose and hope in Christ. As we reflect on the passage of time, we are also celebrating Kasey’s time with us as she brings her signature warmth to the mic one last time. There will always be a seat for her at The Table, and we are so grateful for the profound conversations she has guided before she heads off to her next season.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does progressive dispensationalism resolve the tension between God’s enduring promises to ethnic Israel and the multinational reality of the Church, and where does it part ways with George Eldon Ladd’s historic premillennialism? In this second part of their discussion on eschatology and kingdom theology, Darrell Bock is joined by Craig Blaising (Senior Professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) to evaluate early church chiliasm, critique the hermeneutics of replacement theology and re-signification, and respond to common covenantal objections regarding the land, national structures, and the timing of the rapture. Join them as they explore how the eschatological kingdom brings holistic redemption to both individuals and nations, celebrating the deep reconciliation and shalom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does progressive dispensationalism differ from traditional dispensationalism and historic premillennialism, and how does it reshape our understanding of Israel, the Church, and the kingdom of God? Darrell Bock is joined by Craig Blaising (Senior Professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) to unpack the development of dispensational thought, the critique of the “parenthesis” view of the Church, and the biblical vision of a multinational Messianic kingdom. Join them as they explore how kingdom theology bridges biblical covenants, preserves ethnic and national  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can visual art, historical symbolism, and architecture effectively communicate deep theological truths in an increasingly visual culture? In this episode, Kymberli Cook is joined by Sandra Glahn (Professor of Media Arts and Worship at Dallas Theological Seminary) to explore the rich history of Christian visual art—from early catacomb frescoes and Byzantine icons to medieval cathedral storytelling. Join them as they discuss how contemporary Christians can harness beauty and imagery for meaningful ministry today.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Where is artificial intelligence taking our culture, and how can Christians navigate its rapid rise in healthcare, work, and daily life? Join Bill Hendricks as he sits down with palliative care physician and researcher Dr. Andre Cipta to explore how he integrates whole-person care, spirituality, and AI-enhanced extended reality into medical practice and physician training. Discover how believers can approach emerging technologies with biblical discernment, moving past fear to use AI as a redemptive tool that fosters genuine empathy and loves others well.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an increasingly polarized and outrage-driven culture, how can Christians practice genuine empathy, active listening, and perspective-taking without compromising biblical truth and moral conviction? Darrell Bock sits down with Tim Muehlhoff and Sean McDowell to address the current debate surrounding empathy, polarization, and the vital role of communication theory in Christian engagement. Join them as they explore how overcoming agenda anxiety, empathy, and leading with Christlike grace and hope can build meaningful and relational bridges in a divided world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can churches, ministries, and nonprofits successfully navigate leadership transitions without falling victim to ego, mission drift, or organizational failure? Bill Hendricks is joined by Steve Woodworth (founder of Masterworks) and Peter Greer (CEO of HOPE International) to discuss why nearly half of successions stumble and how intentional planning can protect an organization’s mission. Join them as they examine the importance of building an internal leadership pipeline and the essential posture of humility required to pass the baton well.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do local churches fracture over secondary and cultural gray areas rather than rallying around core gospel truth? Darrell Bock is joined by Craig Schill where they discuss the gray areas in the church today and the critical distinction between cardinal, clear, and gray theological issues. Join them as they explore how embracing adiaphora, extending gracious freedom, and cultivating unity across diverse perspectives demonstrates the authentic power of the gospel in a polarized world.    00:00  Unity in the Church and Cultural Polarization  02:21  From Human Resources to Pastoral Ministry and DTS  03:22  The Challenge of Triage  05:13  The Genesis of Gray Church: Surveying Causes of Church Discord  07:07  Defining Gray Issues: Beyond Cardinal and Clear Teachings  09:30  New Testament Precedent: Dietary Laws, Romans 14–15, and Jew-Gentile Unity  13:02  How Unity Proves the Gospel Works  15:39  Pastoral Pressures and the Splits Over Secondary Issues  17:40  Recovering the Reformation Concept of Adiaphora  20:31  Distinguishing Cardinal Doctrines, Clear Commands, and Gray Areas  22:50  The Danger of Elevating Gray Areas   24:56  Historical Creeds, Statements of Faith, and the Big Four Church Conflicts  26:37  Practical Advice for Congregations and Pastors: Offering Grace and Options  29:09  The Core Center of Fellowship and the Gray Issues  31:11  Unity Under the Cross as the Test of Christianity  33:49  Elevating Adiaphora: Caring More About Fewer Things  36:58  Truth with Distinction: Navigating Differences Within Scripture  39:04  Diversity in Heaven, Creation Mandate, and Gender Collaboration  42:16  Moving Beyond Tribal Competition to Family in Christ  43:27  How To Cultivate a Culture of Unity  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices