Seminary

Episode 45

Episode 45

“Worship, Discipleship, and Holy Spirituality” w/ Dr. Emmett Price

“In the American church, we conflate worship and music… *everything* that we do should bring glory to God as our living worship.”

Dr. Emmett Price III is a leading expert on African American Music, Christian Worship and the Black Christian Experience, and leads the Institute for the Study of the Black Christian Experience at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

In this interview on the Praise Hands Podcast, Dr. Price switches seamlessly between his academic, pastoral, and musical hats, addressing the following:
• What Our Educational Models Can Learn From Jesus
• The Redemptive Song of Black America
• The Church’s Responsibility To Lead Cross-Culturally

Episode 44

Episode 44

“Jesus, Justice, and America” w/ Shane Claiborne

“What would it look like for love, not fear, to shape our policies?”

As an activist, author, and speaker, Shane Claiborne has shaped a generation’s view of Jesus and social change. His radical activism has led him to Iraq and Afghanistan (for anti-war efforts), jail (for homeless advocacy), Calcutta (for work with Mother Teresa), and to Washington DC, where today’s interview took place a few steps from The White House.

In this episode highlighting the 2020 Presidential Election, Shane shares:
• Why the death penalty is incompatible with Christian teaching
• How the American church has neglected the teachings of Jesus
• How restorative justice and forgiveness can fix the US prison system

EPISODE 41

EPISODE 41

“Why There’s Still Hope Beyond 2020” w/ Dr. Esau McCaulley

“What’s happened in 2020 can’t unresurrect Jesus.”

Dr. Esau McCaulley is an author, priest, and New Testament scholar whose work has been featured in outlets such the New York Times, Christianity Today, and the Washington Post. He completed his doctoral studies under the direction of N.T. Wright, and recently released his book “Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope”.

In this second episode of Season 4, Esau and Robby chat about:
• Why voting can be a profoundly Christian act
• How Christianity addresses the brokenness of the world
• Why we must articulate Christian beliefs in public conversations

EPISODE 40

EPISODE 40

“Worship Beyond Nationalism” w/ Dr. Rob Hewell

“The Christian faith is a narrative. Which narrative is shaping what I do every day?” Dr. Rob Hewell

Dr. Rob Hewell is the Professor of Worship and Director of Online Learning Initiatives for Ouachita Baptist University, and the author of the provocative and timely book “Worship Beyond Nationalism”.

In this opening episode of Praise Hands Podcast Season 4, Dr. Hewell and Robby Valderrama speak frankly about:
•The inherently political nature of Christian worship
•The priority of the Kingdom of God over earthly allegiances
•The tension of unity in the church and partisan convictions

EPISODE 36

EPISODE 36

“The Spirit Poured Out On All Flesh” w/ Dr. Amos Yong

“We’re still learning how to live a message of the Gospel that doesn’t favor any one color over another.” - Dr. Amos Yong

Dr. Amos Yong is a theologian and professor currently serving as the Dean of the School of Theology and the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Seminary. He is also the author of numerous books on Pentecostal theology, race, and ethics, including “Who Is the Holy Spirit? A Walk with the Apostles.

In this interview on the Praise Hands Podcast, Dr. Yong examines crucial contemporary issues through Biblical exegesis and his own background as an Asian American, addressing the following:
• A Biblical examination of Christ and the Holy Spirit
• The conflicted racial history of Pentecostalism
• How Christianity can overcome limitations of Western constructs

EPISODE 33

EPISODE 33

“COVID-19: Four Questions Every Church Leader Must Ask” w/ Mark DeYmaz and Luke Dooley

“You can’t take a wait and see attitude with your church finances. The time to pivot is now.” Mark DeYmaz

Mark DeYmaz and Luke Dooley are the creators of the Church Economics Accelerator, which helps ministry leaders leverage church assets to bless their communities and generate sustainable income. They’ve been helping churches prepare for a scenario like COVID-19 for years, and you’ll want to share this episode with every church leader you know.

In this timely episode, hear Mark and Luke discuss how churches can:
• Reduce their tithe dependency through creative thinking
• Minimize job loss in their communities in light of COVID-19
• Position themselves to lead well in shifting economic landscapes

EPISODE 22

EPISODE 22

“Cultural Competency, Shame, And Generosity” w/ DJ Chuang

“The American church is beginning to listen to the Spirit of God working through the global church.” DJ Chuang

As the author of the books “MultiAsian.Church” and “Erasing Shame”, DJ Chuang is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the Asian-American church, mental health, and radical generosity.

Hear DJ and Robby discuss the following:
• The Asian-American-Led Multiethnic Church Movement
• Facilitating Conversations About Shame And Mental Health
• Overcoming Church Consumerism Through Generous Giving