The Grimké Podcast

Any half-hearted New Testament reader learns that Christians ought to expect to grow and mature throughout life. However, many churches are in a state of arrested development—they continually reinforce environments that keep folks dumb, busy, and morally stunted. This week, the profs discuss factors contributing to our dearth of spiritual formation along with helpful remedies to encourage Christian maturity.SKIP AHEAD.(00:00) Coming Up...(00:39) Arrested Development and Immature Christianity(03:51) Growing Up Isn't Optional(09:02) Weak Spiritual Fathers, Weak Spiritual Sons(13:03) Promo: Christianity Tomorrow Men’s Conference(13:48) More Biblical Support(17:10) Atomism, Preferences, and Juvenile Communities(24:29) Intellectual and Moral Immaturity(32:24) Forgetting the How and Why of Training Disciples(39:39) Expectations: Real Christians Grow(42:24) Growing Into—Not Beyond—the Basics(48:49) Relational Dependence Is Maturation(51:41) The Gospel Doesn’t Excuse Staying Dumb (54:01) “Ditch Your Diapers”(59:21) Pastors Teach Maturation in Every Area of LifeMORE FROM GRIMKÉ.✦ Grimké Seminary — Training Pastors and Planters in, by, and for the Churchhttps://grimkeseminary.org✦ Grimké College — Practical Biblical Studies for Every Christianhttps://grimkecollege.org✦ Grimké Europe — For the Church in Europe, Hosted in Liverpool, UKhttps://grimkeeurope.orgIN THIS VIDEO.✦ Bryan Laughlin — Chancellor & CEO (Grimké)https://grimkeseminary.org/bryan-laughlin✦ Dr. Doug Logan Jr. — President (Grimké)https://grimkeseminary.org/doug-logan✦ Joe Holland — Dean (Grimké College)https://grimkeseminary.org/joe-holland✦ Dr. Doug Ponder — Academic Dean (Grimké Seminary)https://grimkeseminary.org/doug-ponderSUPPORT GRIMKÉ.✦ Want to support the work of Grimké Seminary? Learn more here:https://grimkeseminary.org/giveFOLLOW US.✦ X https://x.com/grimkeseminary✦ Instagram https://instagram.com/grimkeseminary✦ Facebook https://facebook.com/grimkeseminary

Conversations about the relationship of law and gospel are as old as the church. The Reformed tradition has always championed that pastors must know, love, and utilize God’s law in their preaching and teaching. This week, the profs discuss natural law, the recent “moral clap-back” of our culture, the necessary link between law and gospel, and the intrinsic goodness of “the perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25).SKIP AHEAD.(00:00) Coming Up...(00:55) The “Vibe Shift” toward Natural Law(10:05) Christianity Tomorrow Men’s Conference Promo(10:50) Pagans and Natural Law(14:04) Insane Culture Is Bumping into Reality(16:52) Why Are Christians Reticent to Celebrate the Recovery?(22:17) Natural Law and Opportunities for the Gospel(29:42) “What We Can’t Not Know” about the Law(34:29) You Can’t Preach Gospel without Law(37:52) Misappropriating Keller and Making a Mess of the Law(44:17) Comprehensive Law, Comprehensive Application(49:05) The Perfect Law of Liberty?(54:45) Moral Law, Natural Law, and “The Three Uses”(58:56) Misunderstanding Law and Gospel(59:03) — All Law, No Gospel(01:00:37) — All Gospel, No Law(01:04:06) — Therapeutic Law and Gospel(01:07:42) — Woke Law and Gospel(01:09:36) Pastor, Don't Separate What God Put TogetherMORE FROM GRIMKÉ.✦ Grimké Seminary — Training Pastors and Planters in, by, and for the Churchhttps://grimkeseminary.org✦ Grimké College — Practical Biblical Studies for Every Christianhttps://grimkecollege.org✦ Grimké Europe — For the Church in Europe, Hosted in Liverpool, UKhttps://grimkeeurope.orgIN THIS VIDEO.✦ Bryan Laughlin — Chancellor & CEO (Grimké)https://grimkeseminary.org/bryan-laughlin✦ Joe Holland — Dean (Grimké College)https://grimkeseminary.org/joe-holland✦ Dr. Doug Logan Jr. — President (Grimké)https://grimkeseminary.org/doug-logan✦ Dr. Doug Ponder — Academic Dean (Grimké Seminary)https://grimkeseminary.org/doug-ponderSUPPORT GRIMKÉ.✦ Want to support the work of Grimké Seminary? Learn more here:https://grimkeseminary.org/giveFOLLOW US.✦ X https://x.com/grimkeseminary✦ Instagram https://instagram.com/grimkeseminary✦ Facebook https://facebook.com/grimkeseminary

Seasons change, but the temptation to chase “what works” in ministry is alive and well. This week, we aim to trace the history of pragmatism in the modern church to help pastors avoid today’s common pitfalls.SKIP AHEAD.(00:00) Coming Up...(00:52) What is Pragmatism, Really?(10:36) Christianity Tomorrow Men’s Conference Promo(11:21) Satellite Campuses and Pastors on Screens(14:55) Proto: Altar Calls, Manipulation, and Charles Finney(20:43) First-Wave: “Saddleback Sam” and Seeker-Centered McChurches(30:05) Second-Wave: Cultural Engagement, Winsomeness, and the Third Way(38:18) A Quick Summary(40:05) The New Pragmatism: Boldness as Strategy(47:05) Ever-Itching Ears and the Gospel That Always “Works”MORE FROM GRIMKÉ.✦ Grimké Seminary — Training Pastors and Planters in, by, and for the Churchhttps://grimkeseminary.org✦ Grimké College — Practical Biblical Studies for Every Christianhttps://grimkecollege.org✦ Grimké Europe — For the Church in Europe, Hosted in Liverpool, UKhttps://grimkeeurope.orgIN THIS VIDEO.✦ Bryan Laughlin — Chancellor & CEO (Grimké)https://grimkeseminary.org/bryan-laughlin✦ Dr. Doug Logan Jr. — President (Grimké)https://grimkeseminary.org/doug-logan✦ Joe Holland — Dean (Grimké College)https://grimkeseminary.org/joe-holland✦ Dr. Doug Ponder — Academic Dean (Grimké Seminary)https://grimkeseminary.org/doug-ponderSUPPORT GRIMKÉ.✦ Want to support the work of Grimké Seminary? Learn more here:https://grimkeseminary.org/giveFOLLOW US.✦ YouTube https://youtube.com/@grimkeofficial✦ X https://x.com/grimkeseminary✦ Instagram https://instagram.com/grimkeseminary✦ Facebook https://facebook.com/grimkeseminary

You don't have to be a language geek to realize how important words are to everyday life, especially inside the church. This week, the profs discuss the worldview battle over words and who controls the dictionary. In the second half, they model how pastors ought to carefully use and/or critique sneaky words that are common in the church today.
 
SKIP AHEAD.
(00:00) Coming Up...
(00:46) Introduction: Dictionaries Have Agendas
(05:44) Promo: Christianity Tomorrow Men’s Conference
(06:29) Who Defines Proper Usage?
(11:17) “Word Fussers and Who-Whomers”
(14:01) Words Conforming to Reality
(16:28) Words Are Central to Discipleship
(23:41) When Churches Struggle to Define Terms
(28:59) Time-sensitive: Words Change
(31:00) How to Use (and Not Use) Words Like:
(31:23) “Journey”
(42:12) —Sidebar: Using Words Not in the Bible—
(45:01) “Conservative”
(53:16) “Spiritual Abuse”
(01:00:31) “Harsh”
(01:03:24) “Brokenness”
(01:09:26) “Dogmatic”
 
MORE FROM GRIMKÉ.
✦ Grimké Seminary — Training Pastors and Planters in, by, and for the Church
https://grimkeseminary.org
✦ Grimké College — Practical Biblical Studies for Every Christian
https://grimkecollege.org
✦ Grimké Europe — For the Church in Europe, Hosted in Liverpool, UK
https://grimkeeurope.org
 
IN THIS VIDEO.
✦ Bryan Laughlin — Chancellor & CEO (Grimké)
https://grimkeseminary.org/bryan-laughlin
✦ Joe Holland — Dean (Grimké College)
https://grimkeseminary.org/joe-holland
✦ Dr. Doug Ponder — Academic Dean (Grimké Seminary)
https://grimkeseminary.org/doug-ponder
 
SUPPORT GRIMKÉ.
✦ Want to support the work of Grimké Seminary? Learn more here:
https://grimkeseminary.org/give
 
FOLLOW US.
✦ X https://x.com/grimkeseminary
✦ Instagram https://instagram.com/grimkeseminary
✦ Facebook https://facebook.com/grimkeseminary

Dr. Ray Evans has faithfully pastored for forty years in Bedford, UK. Dr. Evans is a recognized expert in leadership and how churches grow, now offering counsel to countless pastors through the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC). This week, Professor Bryan Laughlin and Dean Steve Robinson chat with Dr. Evans over coffee about his fascinating story of life and ministry. SKIP AHEAD.(00:00) Coming Up...(00:44) Faith From a Book(07:01) 2025 Men’s Conference Promo: Christianity Tomorrow (07:41) Never Been to Church(10:14) University, Geography, Science, and Love(16:20) Trusting God in Window Washing and Finding Work(26:59) Thrown into Church Planting(28:57) The Undertaker and My First Convert(33:43) Pastoring in a Working-Class Town(36:45) Learning the Dynamics of Church Growth(42:36) The Power of Effective Leadership(52:00) Succession Planning: Passing the Torch in Ministry(58:25) Where Are the Next Faithful Men?(1:04:30) The Best Job in the WorldMORE FROM GRIMKÉ.✦ Grimké Seminary — Training Pastors and Planters in, by, and for the Churchhttps://grimkeseminary.org✦ Grimké College — Practical Biblical Studies for Every Christianhttps://grimkecollege.org✦ Grimké Europe — For the Church in Europe, Hosted in Liverpool, UKhttps://grimkeeurope.orgIN THIS VIDEO.✦ Dr. Ray Evans — Church Leadership Consultant (FIEC)https://fiec.org.uk/people/ray-evans✦ Bryan Laughlin — Chancellor & CEO (Grimké)https://grimkeseminary.org/bryan-laughlin/✦ Steve Robinson — Dean (Grimké Europe)https://grimkeeurope.org/facultySUPPORT GRIMKÉ.✦ Want to support the work of Grimké Seminary? Learn more here:https://grimkeseminary.org/giveFOLLOW US.✦ X https://x.com/grimkeseminary✦ Instagram https://instagram.com/grimkeseminary✦ Facebook https://facebook.com/grimkeseminary

What does it take to see a church filled with new life? This week, the profs meet in Liverpool, UK, to talk about church revitalization. We discuss how to assess church culture, handle conflict, build new (and dismantle existing) church programs and practices, and more.
Want to help us reach more pastors and churches? Be sure to Like 👍🏼 this episode and Subscribe 🔔 to the channel.
SKIP AHEAD.(00:00) Coming Up...(00:37) What is Church Revitalization?(05:53) Revitalizing A Brethren Assembly(12:38) When Churches Realize They Need Help(19:47) When Young Folks Think They Know Everything(25:57) Patience Is a Virtue...and Fermentation (31:21) The 5 C’s of Church Revitalization(32:03) I. Conviction: What Does the Bible Say?(33:09) II. Culture: What Does That Look Like?(35:35) How Do You Say “No” to the Church?(41:20) III.Constructs: What Do We Need to Put in Place?(48:23) Warring Against Institutional Protection(53:30) IV. Conflict: Sacred Cows and Growing Pains(01:00:54) Two Examples of Conflicts and Change(01:04:23) V. Building Trust with Existing Churches(01:09:23) Continuously: Always Revitalizing
MORE FROM GRIMKÉ.✦ Grimké Seminary — Training Pastors and Planters in, by, and for the Churchhttps://grimkeseminary.org✦ Grimké College — Practical Biblical Studies for Every Christianhttps://grimkecollege.org✦ Grimké Europe — For the Church in Europe, Hosted in Liverpool, UKhttps://grimkeeurope.org
IN THIS VIDEO.✦ Dr. Andrew J. Newell — Professor of Historical Theology and Culture (Grimké)https://grimkeseminary.org/andrew-newell✦ Steve Robinson — Dean (Grimké Europe)https://grimkeeurope.org/faculty✦ Bryan Laughlin — Chancellor & CEO (Grimké)https://grimkeseminary.org/bryan-laughlin
SUPPORT GRIMKÉ.✦ Want to support the work of Grimké Seminary? Learn more here:https://grimkeseminary.org/give/
FOLLOW US.✦ YouTube https://youtube.com/@grimkeofficial✦ X https://twitter.com/grimkeseminary✦ Instagram https://instagram.com/grimkeseminary✦ Facebook https://facebook.com/grimkeseminary

We’re often surprised when confessionally complementarian pastors change their minds about women in the pastorate. However, major theological shifts happen over time following long periods of cultural slide. This week, the profs discuss how to spot the warning signs and strengthen your church’s defenses against egalitarianism (evangelical feminism).SKIP AHEAD.(00:00) Coming Up...(00:52) Introductions and an Egalitarian Exposé(04:57) 2025 Men’s Conference Promo: Christianity Tomorrow (05:43) Sentimentality over the Scriptures(06:59) “Egalitarian” and “Complementarian” and the Bible(14:03) Is Complementarity on a Spectrum?(20:36) Church Confession V. Cultural Drift(28:32) Why Can't She Pastor? The Reasons(34:56) Male Pastors Must Speak to Men and Women(39:34) “...But What about Deborah?”(43:53) The Offense of Biblical Clarity(47:27) “...But Don't We Need Women in the Room?”(58:06) Biblical Men and Juvenile Men’s Ministries(01:02:40) Don't Fight Egalitarianism with Loud Women(01:06:29) Plucking Egalitarian Weeds in Your ChurchMORE FROM GRIMKÉ.✦ Grimké Seminary — Training Pastors and Planters in, by, and for the Churchhttps://grimkeseminary.org✦ Grimké College — Practical Biblical Studies for Every Christianhttps://grimkecollege.org✦ Grimké Europe — For the Church in Europe, Hosted in Liverpool, UKhttps://grimkeeurope.orgIN THIS VIDEO.✦ Bryan Laughlin — Chancellor & CEO (Grimké)https://grimkeseminary.org/bryan-laughlin✦ Dr. Doug Logan Jr. — President (Grimké)https://grimkeseminary.org/doug-logan✦ Joe Holland — Dean (Grimké College)https://grimkeseminary.org/joe-holland✦ Dr. Doug Ponder — Academic Dean (Grimké Seminary)https://grimkeseminary.org/doug-ponderSUPPORT GRIMKÉ.✦ Want to support the work of Grimké Seminary? Learn more here:https://grimkeseminary.org/giveFOLLOW US.✦ X https://x.com/grimkeseminary✦ Instagram https://instagram.com/grimkeseminary✦ Facebook https://facebook.com/grimkeseminary

This week, Professors Laughlin and Ponder discuss the realities of pastoral ministry in the UK with Steve Robinson, Dean of Grimké Europe. Despite declining church attendance and cultural influence in the UK, many churches continue to reach men and women with the gospel. How do they do it? Together, we explore new missional strategies, cultural assumptions, and partnerships.
SKIP AHEAD.(00:00) Coming Up...(00:41) The State of the Church in the UK(04:00) FIEC Cooperation against Waning Religion(06:20) An Unreached People Group(09:19) Examples of Interdependent Ministry(16:21) Post-Christian: The Good News is Brand New(17:52) New Assumptions for Modern UK Ministry(24:28) Challenges Training Pastors(27:06) Living Distinct Christian Lives(32:05) The Lord Builds His Church in the UKMORE FROM GRIMKÉ.✦ Grimké Seminary — Training Pastors and Planters in, by, and for the Churchhttps://grimkeseminary.org✦ Grimké College — Practical Biblical Studies for Every Christianhttps://grimkecollege.org✦ Grimké Europe — For the Church in Europe, Hosted in Liverpool, UKhttps://grimkeeurope.orgIN THIS VIDEO.✦ Bryan Laughlin — Chancellor & CEO (Grimké)https://grimkeseminary.org/bryan-laughlin✦ Steve Robinson — Dean (Grimké Europe)https://grimkeeurope/faculty✦ Dr. Doug Ponder — Academic Dean (Grimké Seminary)https://grimkeseminary.org/doug-ponderSUPPORT GRIMKÉ.✦ Want to support the work of Grimké Seminary? Learn more here:https://grimkeseminary.org/giveFOLLOW US.✦ X https://x.com/grimkeseminary✦ Instagram https://instagram.com/grimkeseminary✦ Facebook https://facebook.com/grimkeseminary

Ordinary servants in your church play a crucial role in helping people experience the love of Jesus. In this bonus conversation, Chancellor Laughlin speaks with Steve Robinson—Dean of Grimké Europe—to discuss Steve’s latest book, “Serve: Loving Your Church with Your Heart, Time, and Gifts.” The book is part of the “Love Your Church“ Series, based on a book of the same name by our very own Dr. Tony Merida—Founding Dean of Grimké Seminary.GET DEAN ROBINSON’S BOOK.Serve: Loving Your Church with Your Heart, Time, and Gifts by Steve Robinson✦ Available Now: https://a.co/d/1WEgCjpSKIP AHEAD.(00:00) Coming Up...(0:28) Serve: Love Your Church Series(2:05) Normal Service, Normal Folks(5:15) Living Sacrifices in Every Season(10:33) Blessings of Everyday Service(14:28) Serving and Seeing JesusMORE FROM GRIMKÉ.✦ Grimké Seminary — Training Pastors and Planters in, by, and for the Churchhttps://grimkeseminary.org✦ Grimké College — Practical Biblical Studies for Every Christianhttps://grimkecollege.org✦ Grimké Europe — For the Church in Europe, Hosted in Liverpool, UKhttps://grimkeeurope.orgIN THIS VIDEO.✦ Bryan Laughlin — Chancellor & CEO (Grimké)https://grimkeseminary.org/bryan-laughlin✦ Steve Robinson — Dean (Grimké Europe)https://grimkeeurope/facultySUPPORT GRIMKÉ.✦ Want to support the work of Grimké Seminary? Learn more here:https://grimkeseminary.org/giveFOLLOW US.✦ YouTube https://youtube.com/@grimkeofficial✦ X https://x.com/grimkeseminary✦ Instagram https://instagram.com/grimkeseminary✦ Facebook https://facebook.com/grimkeseminary

Steve Robinson is Dean of Grimké Europe and Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Church in Liverpool, UK. In this episode, Professor Laughlin interviews Steve Robinson about his life as a cop, an international evangelist, and a church planter in Liverpool.SKIP AHEAD.(00:00) Coming Up...(00:29) Introduction(01:10) A Cop Turned Evangelist(05:32) Steve’s Theological Awakening(09:26) Liverpool’s Need for Church Planting(11:43) Replanting Ramilies Road Church(21:22) Church Planting or Revitalization?(28:26) Into Liverpool: The Cornerstone Collective(34:52) Raising Urban Church Planters(40:26) Grimké Europe for Revitalization(46:16) The Dean’s Dreams for Grimké EuropeMORE FROM GRIMKÉ.✦ Grimké Seminary — Training Pastors and Planters in, by, and for the Churchhttps://grimkeseminary.org✦ Grimké College — Practical Biblical Studies for Every Christianhttps://grimkecollege.org✦ Grimké Europe — For the Church in Europe, Hosted in Liverpool, UKhttps://grimkeeurope.orgIN THIS VIDEO.✦ Bryan Laughlin — Chancellor & CEO (Grimké)https://grimkeseminary.org/bryan-laughlin✦ Steve Robinson — Dean (Grimké Europe)https://grimkeeurope/facultySUPPORT GRIMKÉ.✦ Want to support the work of Grimké Seminary? Learn more here:https://grimkeseminary.org/giveFOLLOW US.✦ YouTube https://youtube.com/@grimkeofficial✦ X https://x.com/grimkeseminary✦ Instagram https://instagram.com/grimkeseminary✦ Facebook https://facebook.com/grimkeseminary