The Table Podcast
The Table Podcast is a weekly show discussing issues of God and culture to show the relevance of theology to everyday life. Brought to you by The Hendricks Center at Dallas Theological Seminary, the show features a variety of expert guests and is hosted by Dr. Darrell Bock, Bill Hendricks, Dr. Kymberli Cook, Kasey Olander, and Milyce Pipkin.
Winsomeness and Empathy for Our Age
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.
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Succeeding at Succession: When Churches and Ministries Change Leaders
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.
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Christian Unity in a Polarized World
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 Tria...
Profound Power of Poetry
Why does Scripture rely so heavily on poetry, metaphor, and song? Join host Kasey Olander as she sits down with singer-songwriter Jimmy Needham and ministry founder Christine Crawford to explore how poetry fosters embodied faith, deepens worship, and helps us process grief and trauma. Discover practical ways Christians can slow down, notice beauty, and engage the artistic heart of God in everyday life.
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Discerning God's Will for Your Life
Are you waiting for a sign from God before making your next big move? Join Kasey Olander as she sits down with Bill Hendricks and Jen Wilkin to explore the important topic of how to discern God’s will for your life. Discover how trusting God’s slow process of sanctification can finally relieve the pressure of perfect decision-making.
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The Table Podcast - Season 15 Trailer
Premiering August 25, Season 15 of The Table Podcast is tackling the biggest issues at the intersection of God and culture. Whether we are discussing the future of artificial general intelligence or uncovering the beauty of the Psalms, our goal remains the same: showing the relevance of theology to everyday life. Subscribe now and join the conversation!
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Seasons Announcement!
Darrell Bock shares an exciting update on the future of The Table Podcast! To help us better serve you, our listeners, and continue bringing you high-quality conversations, we are officially transitioning to a seasonal format.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us, and we look forward to bringing you brand new episodes this August!
Helpful Links:
Explore curated theme series and resources: https://hendrickscenter.dts.edu/podcast-series/
Follow DTS on social media for updates:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallasseminary?igsh=MTdtbDQyazZhM20xaQ==
X: https://x.com/D...
The Church, Evangelicals, and Israel
Is Evangelical support for Israel declining among the next generation? Darrell Bock joins polling experts and Mitch Glaser to reveal surprising new survey data on how modern Christians truly view Israel, and the end times. Discover why biblical theology, rather than politics, continues to drive the Church’s worldview in this episode of The Table Podcast.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:08 The 2025 Survey on Christian Attitudes Toward Israel
05:34 Surprising Data
07:59 The Theological Foundation: The Abrahamic Covenant
13:11 The Generational Divide
17:17 The Impact of Social Media & Echo Chambers
28:10 ...
Sundance 2026
In this episode of The Table Podcast, Darrell Bock sits down with Neil Coulter, Brian Chan, and Windrider’s Ryann Heim to reflect on the final Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT and its upcoming move to Boulder, CO. Join the conversation as we explore standout indie films from Sundance 2026 and discuss how the intersection of theology and film can turn movies into powerful machines for empathy, love, and cultural engagement.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:42 The Last Sundance in Park City
08:22 The Value of the Sundance Experience
13:39 Standout Films: Birdie
19:12 Standout Fi...
Engaging the Culture Through the Heart
Is telling a better story more effective than winning an argument? Join Kasey Olander on this episode of The Table Podcast as she sits down with authors Daniel and Mike Blackaby to explore how Christians can better engage today’s culture through the heart. They discuss the power of storytelling, art, and authentic community in sharing the gospel with a generation that is increasingly emotionally driven. Discover why emphasizing the beauty and goodness of God’s narrative is an essential complement to traditional apologetics when communicating biblical truths.
Time stamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:52 Christian Apologetics: Logic vs. Emotio...
Christianity in Ireland
In this episode of The Table Podcast, Kasey Olander sits down with DTS alumni Ciaran and June Loughran to explore the shifting landscape of Christianity in Ireland. The Loughrans share their journey from working as engineers to planting Living Hope Church, discussing the unique opportunities of leading a highly multicultural congregation in a post-religious society. Listen in for their insights on maintaining cultural flexibility, keeping the Gospel central, and building trust through authentic pastoral leadership.
Time codes:
01:53 Ciaran’s journey
05:46 June’s story
08:07 A leap of faith: Leaving engineering for Dallas Theological Seminary...
Tim Keller's Legacy on Cultural Engagement
How should Christians engage a culture that feels increasingly hostile to the Gospel? Join Darrell Bock, Collin Hansen, and Josh Chatraw as they unpack the enduring legacy of Tim Keller and his "Third Way" approach to biblical cultural engagement. Together, they explore how Christians can effectively navigate a polarized, secular age by moving beyond the culture wars and grounding apologetics in deep cultural analysis and the Gospel.
Time codes:
6:35 Tim Keller’s Tri-Perspectival Perspective
14:04 The Third Way and Tone
20:13 Challenges and Opportunities in Cultural Engagement
23:27 Tone in...
The Church in Changing Times
How does the church stay relevant in a world defined by artificial intelligence, extreme polarization, and a global loneliness epidemic? Join Darrell Bock and Jurie Kriel as they explore the unprecedented cultural shifts redefining human identity and unpack why returning to the “irreducible minimum” of authentic community is the ultimate key to reaching the next generation.
Time codes:
01:23 What Does Church Relevance Mean Today?
02:04 Lessons on Truth and Trust from South Africa
10:33 Navigating Rapid Cultural Change
15:19 The 6 Shifts Shaping the Future
17:01 AI and the Glob...
Playing to the Strengths of Our Senior Saints
How can the local church better serve and utilize the strengths of its senior members? In this episode of The Table Podcast, Bill Hendricks sits down with Hal Habecker to discuss a biblical view of aging, the critical need for multi-generational community, and how older adults can continue to discover their God-given purpose in their later decades.
Time codes:
3:21 The Generational Gap
5:04 Finding and Embracing Purpose in Aging
19:01 How the Church Can Build a Multi-Generational Mindset
36:16 Discovering Your Giftedness through Story
35:33 Practical Steps for the Church...
Youth and Sports: A Balanced Discussion
Description/Excerpt: Join Darrell Bock, Ed Uszynski, and Brian Smith as they explore how Christian parents can faithfully navigate the intense culture of modern youth sports, sharing practical strategies for surviving the "youth sport industrial complex" while using athletics as a powerful tool for your child's character development and discipleship.
Time codes:
1:54 What is Athletes in Action?
7:43 Five Principles for Sports Ministries
10:04 Relational Aspects of Sports
13:20 How Parents Should Approach Sports for Their Children
21:29 Challenges of Modern Youth Sports
26:32 Sports and Identity
28:34 ...
Is God Really There?
Is God really there? Listen in with Kymberli Cook as analytic theologian Kevin Wong and philosopher Charity Anderson explore one of the oldest and deepest questions, diving into the complex concept of divine hiddenness and asking why a loving God might not always make His presence obvious.
Time codes:
3:19 What is Divine Hiddenness?
5:29 Classic Arguments for Divine Hiddenness
8:27 How Divine Hiddenness Affects How We Think About God
14:33 How Creating a Stronger Argument for Divine Hiddenness is Helpful
22:31 Hiddenness and a Knowable God
27:24 Navigating Divine Hiddenness as a Christ...
Is Christian Education The Same As Discipleship?
On this episode of The Table Podcast, Kymberli Cook and Rick Yount explore the crucial difference between the structured programs of Christian education and the life-changing, relational process of discipleship. Listen to discover practical ways church leaders and believers can revitalize ministries and foster genuine spiritual growth through clarity, warmth, and flexibility.
Time codes:
2:49 What Happens in Christian Education
5:54 When Did Christian Education Arise as a Field
10:33 Key Objectives for Christian Education
15:42 Process vs Program: The Difference between Discipleship and Education
26:29 How to Reignite the Life in Your...
Understanding Dispensationalism (Classic)
In this classic episode, Kymberli Cook, Glenn Kreider, and Craig Blaising discuss the history, core beliefs, and diversity within dispensationalism, including its view of salvation and the relationship between Israel and the Church.
Timecodes
02:39 What is Dispensationalism?
09:27 What Makes Dispensationalists Unique?
20:06 The Historical Context for Dispensationalism’s Growth
28:39 Controversy Surrounding Dispensationalism
41:12 Rooting Dispensationalism in Scripture
43:36 Progressive Dispensationalism
51:00 Diversity within Dispensationalism
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The Spirit World in the Old Testament (Classic)
In this classic episode, Kymberli Cook, Bob Chisholm, and John Walton discuss the reality of spiritual beings in the Old Testament and how to understand them in their proper context.
Time Codes
02:04 Walton’s Background in the Old Testament
06:16 Chisholm’s Background in the Old Testament
10:34 Context for a Discussion Around the Spirit World
17:37 Approaches to Old Testament Interpretation
23:13 Describing the “Good Guys” in the Spirit World
29:25 Defining the “Bad Guys” in the Spirit World
38:57 The Description of Satan in the Old Testament <...
Transposing Earthly Riches Into the Treasures of Heaven
How can business be used as an economic engine for God’s kingdom? In this episode, Bill Hendricks sits down with Raymond Harris, a highly successful architect turned “venture capitalist in God's kingdom,” to discuss the biblical theology of wealth and stewardship. Time codes:
1:14 Raymond’s Background
6:53 Raymond’s Theology of Money and Stewardship
11:57 The Purpose of Business
16:05 What Does it Mean to Take Care of the Poor?
19:57 Investing in the Kingdom
28:19 Helping Others Develop an Economic Engine
36:00 Exchange your Earthly Wealth for Heavenly Wealth
38:18 The R...
Predestination and Free Will (Classic)
In this classic episode, Kymberli Cook, Timothy Yoder, and Paul Smalley discuss free will and predestination, exploring their existence in Scripture and the tension that arises between these two ideas.
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Fear, Film, & Faith
Join Kasey Olander, Brian Chan, Rebecca Carrell, and Aaron Switzer as they explore a Christian perspective on horror films, discussing the role of fear, spiritual discernment, and how the genre can unexpectedly reveal truth and beauty.
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What You Believe About the End Shapes How You Live Now (Classic)
In this Classic episode, Kymberli Cook, Darrell Bock, and Michael Svigel discuss why eschatology is important and the direct correlation it has on how we live our lives.
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Spiritual Growth
Does your spiritual life feel like a bed of cold ashes? Join Dr. Mark Yarbrough, Bill Hendricks, and Dr. Darrell Bock as they discuss how to navigate the mundane struggles of daily life and apply six spiritual essentials to rekindle your heart for God
Time Codes
3:50 The Rekindled Heart
8:11 Faith in the Mundane Life
11:25 Knowledge vs. Transformation: The Goal of Bible Study
17:20 Rekindled Devotion and Bold Trust in God's Word
24:53 Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart
30:44 Rekindled Love: Authentic Compassion for Ot...
Christianity in Sudan and South Sudan
Join Darrell Bock and Jake Prochaska as they explore the resilience of the church in Sudan and South Sudan as indigenous leaders navigate persecution and extreme poverty to build self-sustaining communities centered on the gospel
Time codes:
1:37 Background to Sudan and South Sudan
9:32 Building a Community with the Church
14:54 The Ripple Effect of Church Planting
16:52 The Importance of Indigenous Leadership and Training
23:09 How Western Christians can Help
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The Church's Role in Racial Reconciliation (Classic)
In this classic episode, Darrell Bock, Eric Mason, Elizabeth Woodson, and Bryan Carter discuss the church’s role in biblical racial reconciliation.
Time codes
00:15 Mason’s ministry of reconciliation in Philadelphia
05:08 Woodson’s ministry of reconciliation in Dallas
06:39 Carter’s ministry of reconciliation in Dallas
08:56 Carter’s message: Recognize distinctives that shape faith for African Americans
12:37 Woodson’s message: Understand theology affects sociology in the Black church
14:18Mason’s message: The Black church represents dignity for African Americans
8:45 How can we move from conversations...
Loss and Lament
Join Kasey Olander, Sam Won and Rebecca Carrell as they explore why the church needs to recover the lost art of lament by showing how biblical lament serves as a vital tool for navigating loss while affirming the compatibility of deep grief and Christian hope
Time codes:
9:52 Misconceptions About Grief in the Church
18:16 The Structure of a Lament Psalm
22:23 The Honesty of Biblical Lament
24:41 How to Grieve With Those Who Grieve
35:35 The Pressure to Mask vs. The Compassion of Christ
43:12 Lament as a Theolog...
Reading and the Spiritual Life
Join Kasey Olander, Kelley Mathews, and Jessica Hooten Wilson as they unpack how the books we read shape our imagination, desires, and empathy, as well as providing practical habits for making reading a life-forming spiritual practice.
Time codes
3:58 Reading as Counter-Cultural
6:35 How Christians Should Think about Reading
12:05 Reading Books Other than the Bible
15:00 How to Decide What to Read
19:29 Reading as an Embodied Experience
21:36 Reading Helps us Understand Ourselves
26:25 Good Practices to Grow the Reading Life
36:58 Closing Thoughts
Resources
J...
Pastoring the Pastors
Who cares for the pastor? Join Kasey Olander, Robert Duckworth, and Roger Sharp as they talk about the pastoral burnout crisis—why pastors so often isolate, misidentify their needs, and suffer in silence—and offer practical solutions and healthy rhythms to care for those who care for others.
Time codes
1:17 Why Pastors Burn Out
13:30 Common Anxieties for Pastors
17:05 Confidentiality and Transparency for Pastors
24:15 Ways to Care for the Pastor’s Soul
33:52 Warning Signs of Burnout
39:46 How Smaller Ministries Can Support their Ministers
44:45 The Ethical Counselor goes to...
Taylor Swift, the Gospel, and Being Human (62 Minute Version) (From the Vault)
In this special extended episode, Todd Agnew, Sarah Griffith, and Kasey Olander Speak Now about Taylor Swift—cultural phenomenon born in 1989 whose Reputation was bolstered by the Eras tour—discussing why fans are so inspiRed by this musician and how Christians can engage thoughtfully and Fearlessly with art while pointing to the ultimate Lover, Christ, whose affections endure Evermore. This version of the episode contains 15 bonus minutes of never-before-released content throughout the discussion!
Time codes
5:41 Reasons for Extraordinary Popularity of Taylor Swift
12:33 Taylor’s Songwriting, Bridges, Musicality, Concert Experience
18:53 The ...
What the Early Church Fathers Said About the End Times
Join Kymberli Cook, Michael Svigel, and Paul Weaver as they unpack how the early church understood the End Times and why those views still shape Christian life today.
Time codes
4:15 Why Early Fathers’ View on Eschatology Matters Today
9:54 The Background of New Testament Eschatology
14:12 The Other Early Christians on the End Times
17:19 Guidelines Around Understanding the End Times
25:34 Top Five Passages on the End Times
37:52 Wild End Time Theories
40:55 Resources for Understanding the End Times
Resources
Three Views on...
Did Jesus Claim to be God?
Join Kasey Olander, Darrell Bock, and Mikel Del Rosario as they explore the historical Jesus—His titles, teachings, works, and what they reveal about His claims to divinity.
Time codes
6:17 Jesus as Prophet
9:38 Jesus as Son of Man
11:26 Jesus as Christ
14:01 Christ’s Actions Demonstrating His Divinity/Christ Authority and Miracles
20:20 The Healing of the Paralytic
22:53 The Other Contemporary Perspectives on Christ
26:04 Where Should Skeptics Start
28:52 Did Jesus Claim to be God?
42:00 Jesus as Lord
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How Ancient Inscriptions Help Us Understand the Biblical World (Classic)
In this classic episode, Darrell Bock, Sandra Glahn, and Gary Hoag discuss the world of Ephesus and how understanding the context gives unique insight into the world of the New Testament.
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Ink & Impact in Creative Writing
Join Kasey Olander with creative writing professors Brian Chan and Reg Grant for a conversation about creative writing, the discipline behind the craft, and how stories can shape culture and Christian faith.
Time codes
2:01 What is Creative Writing?
8:42 Transforming Power of Stories
14:22 Embodiment of Story
17:40 How Stories Draw us in
23:42 How to Craft a Story
30:16 Giving Life to a Story
35:52 How Writing Impacts Culture
45:40 Closing Thoughts
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Preaching The Word
Join Bill Hendricks and Carl Laney as they talk about expository preaching, its definition, its role, and its impact on the church today.
Time codes
7:05 What is Bible Exposition?
10:26 How Does Scripture Apply to Our Lives?
13:49 Bridging the Gap to the World of the Text
19:24 What About Topical Preaching?
26:50 How to Become a Better Preacher and Teacher
32:39 The Benefits and Pitfalls of Expositional Preaching
38:36 Who was Nathan D. Maier?
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The Power of Telling Your Story
Join Milyce Pipkin, Bill Hendricks, and Rebecca Jowers as they unpack how honest storytelling reframes trauma and reveals us as God’s handiwork, made in His beautiful image.
Time codes
7:32 Processing Trauma Through Story
14:58 The Importance of Being Kind to Yourself
17:32 Co-Authoring Your Story with God
25:31 Reframing our Story
35:53 Poiema’s Mission
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Christians in International Development
Join Darrell Bock and David Hoehner as they discuss international aid, its role, and its Christian ethos.
Time codes2:17 Time in Russia and Ukraine
7:53 After Ukraine
12:25 How to Strengthen Governance
16:37 What is USAID?
19:37 Impact of Closing USAID
32:04 A Reconfiguration of International Development
35:59 Post International Development
38:51 The Implicit Christian Justice of International Aid
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On the Role of the Prophet
Join Kymberli Cook, Amy Peeler, and Mike Balbier as they explore the role of prophets in Scripture and discuss how Christians today can wisely navigate modern prophecy in the church.
Time codes
5:54 What is a Prophet?
12:15 Guidelines Around Prophets
17:53 Old Testament Prophets
22:26 New Testament Prophets
24:57 The Difference Between New and Old Testament Prophets
27:26 The role of the Holy Spirit in Prophecy
30:23 How Different Church Traditions Handle Prophecy
39:11 How Can Christians Today Navigate Modern Prophecy?
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Advancing the Gospel Through Evangelical Unity
Join Darrell Bock and Walter Kim as they explore the mission, context, challenges, and potential solutions of American evangelicalism.
Time codes
5:33 What is the National Association of Evangelicals?
12:45 Examples of the NAE’s Work
19:43 Key Challenges Facing the Evangelical Movement
30:57 Potential Solutions
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Appreciating the Arts
Join Kasey Olander, Neil Coulter, and Todd Agnew as they explore why the arts matter for Christian life and worship—from the creative process to art’s role in community, theology, and incarnational praise.
Time codes
5:37 What is Art?
10:26 Enjoyment in the Process
17:00 The Role of Art in our Worship with God
24:13 The Impact of Worldview on the Meaning of Art
41:31 Advice for Appreciating Art
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