Life and Books and Everything

After his excellent book Digital Liturgies (2023), Samuel is back with a new book aimed at young adults called Scroll Less, Live More. Join Kevin and Samuel as they talk through some of the book’s ten habits for recapturing our real embodied lives. In this practical episode, you’ll get some concrete action points to consider, as well as provocative thoughts about the macro ways (and many ways) that screens are shaping all of us.

When someone has pastored the same church for nearly 40 years, you should listen to what he has to say about thriving in ministry. That’s the topic of Joel Beeke’s new book and the focus of this week’s LBE. Listen in as Kevin and Joel talk about the benefit of long-term pastorates, how a pastor might know he’s being called somewhere else, how to maintain healthy rhythms in ministry, how to avoid personal scandal, and why it’s okay for pastors to focus (within reason) on the things they do best.

What is classical theology? Why was it sometimes forgotten by evangelicals in the 20th century? What difference does this theology make for our modern world? Listen in as Kevin talks to Carl Trueman about his newest book, and they discuss important doctrines like immutability, impassibility, and the hypostatic union. You’ll also hear why Carl is encouraged about the next generation of students in America.

“What do I do about my grown children who not only have abandoned the faith and values they were raised with but have also estranged themselves from us?” This painful, and increasingly prevalent question, is what Noelle’s Mering’s new book is about. Noelle is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, an author and commentator, and a wife and mother of six children. Listen in as Kevin and Noelle talk about the rise of this “No Contact” phenomenon—where it came from, what is wrong with it, and how parents can respond to it with truth and grac...

Just before heading to Belfast and Glasgow, Alistair stopped by LBE to talk to Kevin about his new book on the fruit of the Spirit. Listen in as Alistair explains why it’s “fruit” not “fruits” and why it is the work of the Spirit not ultimately our will power that makes the difference. You’ll also want to hear Alistair talk about what it’s like in a different season of ministry after stepping away from Parkside Church. And stick around until the end for some talk about the Beatles and the World Cup.

After a summer in the sun (as much as Scandinavians can dare to be in the sun), the boys are back in town and full of witty banter—on everything from the World Cup to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Make it to the middle, and you’ll get a bevy of book recommendations (including several books Kevin plugs but hasn’t read!). In the last third of the podcast, you’ll get a serious discussion about AI and writing—why it’s a wisdom issue and why there are also some lines we shouldn’t cross.

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A true LBE spectacular 250 years in the making. Come for Kevin’s amazing shirt. Stay for a slew of questions about America, including: What forgotten founding father deserves more attention? What is your favorite patriotic song? What four presidents would you put on Mt. Rushmore? What five places would you take a foreign visitor to in order to give him a snapshot of America? What is America’s greatest spiritual need for the next 25 years? And other fun questions!

Whatever you think of Kevin, everyone knows that his wife, Trisha, is his much, much better half. After much cajoling, and by popular demand, Trisha agreed to be interviewed by her husband and share more about her background, her family, her faith, and, of course, her favorite books. Don’t miss this (likely) once in a lifetime event!

With many decades of experience as a preacher and as an instructor in preaching, Mike Bullmore has a lot to offer pastors of every age and stage. Listen in as Mike and Kevin talk a little football, share stories, and explore what kind of heart and what kind of skills are necessary for effective preaching.

It is not an exaggeration to say that repentance is at the very heart of the gospel. And yet, Christians talk about repentance too little, and when we do, we are often confused about what repentance is and isn’t. In this episode, Chris Brauns, an author and pastor in rural Illinois, joins Kevin to talk about many of the misconceptions about forgiveness, how to discern true from false repentance, and why both fear and joy should motivate us to repent. Chris is a wise, clear, down-to-earth pastor who has written an extremely helpful book. You’ll also be able...

Over the past ten years, Carl Trueman has proven to be one of the most incisive and helpful voices when it comes to identifying and understanding the problems of our contemporary world. In his new book, The Desecration of Man, Carl not only laments what we’ve lost, he calls us to a reclaim a positive vision for the future. Join Kevin and Carl as they talk about the state of higher education, where Protestants can learn from Catholics (and where they outshine Catholics), and what consecration looks like in a world that finds it exhilarating to (try to) de...

Good friend and fellow PCA pastor Rick Phillips joins Kevin to talk about the new book The Redeemed Man and why men don’t need a reactionary model for manhood but a comprehensive biblical model. That’s the last part of the episode, but mainly Kevin talks to Rick about redemption in his own life—from Rick’s upbringing from an elite Army family, to his conversion on James Montgomery Boice’s preaching, to his years teaching at West Point, to his time at Westminster, to his many decades in pastoral ministry.

If you don’t like freewheeling conversation, laughter, and banter among friends, then this may not be the episode for you. But if you are interested in hearing the three amigos share their thoughts on George Washington, figure skating, patriotism, and the state of the Young, Restless, and Reformed movement, then you are in for a treat. And you won’t want to miss Collin’s list of favorite human beings and whether he has emphysema or was simply jogging on a treadmill before the episode.

"I love being a pastor, and I love pastors, which is why I hope you will consider joining us at the Coram Deo Pastors Conference in 2026." —Kevin DeYoung

Register now: https://clearlyreformed.org/coram-deo

This year is a special anniversary for the United States as Americans celebrate 250 years of independence. But 1776 was an important year in more ways than one. Besides the Declaration (and several other key events and people), 1776 was the year that Adam Smith published The Wealth of Nations. In this episode, Kevin talks to Dordt professor Jan Van Vliet about his book on Adam Smith (P&R, 2024). Together, Kevin and Jan explore Smith’s biography, his two most important works, whether those works contradict each other, and whether Smith was religious. Along the way, they look at how Smith influenced th...

The United States is unique in how much attention it pays to its founding, its founders, and its founding documents. Arguably, the most famous and most important thing that Americans have ever written is the Declaration of Independence. In this fascinating and illuminating conversation, Kevin talks to Matthew Spalding, of Hillsdale’s D.C. campus, about his new book The Making of the American Mind: The Story of our Declaration of Independence. In particular, they explore the theology and the Declaration and the essential role that the Christian tradition played in the founding and in the Declaration. Was America fo...

In this timely interview, Kevin talks to Neil Shenvi about his new book (co-authored with Pat Sawyer), entitled “Post Woke: Asserting a Biblical Vision of Race, Gender, and Sexuality” (Harvest). What does it mean to be woke, and is wokeness still a thing Christians need to be concerned about? Where did the idea of wokeness come from? How can we spot woke ideas and respond to them with biblical fidelity? Can wokeness exist on the right as well as the left? Join Kevin and Neil as they explore why wokeness is as relevant as ever and how Christians, in the...

If you are looking for a podcast where three friends talk about whatever they want to talk about and ramble on about sports, books, and grievances, then this is the episode for you! It’s also an opportunity to hear the three amigos laugh, tell funny stories, and end with a reflection on the many simple gifts and graces in their lives.

In a rare cultural anomaly that may never be repeated in our lifetimes, the current SBC President and current PCA Moderator live in the same neighborhood just a few streets apart. What a time to be alive, people! In this hometown episode, Kevin talks with Clint Pressley—native Charlottean, senior pastor at Hickory Grove Baptist, and current president of the Southern Baptist Convention—about life and ministry in the Queen City and how things work in the SBC. Stick around to the end and find out which one of these Charlotte pastors lifts weights with other people and which one...

How should Protestants think about the Catholic Mass? About the Eucharist? About the history and development of the papacy? In this panel discussion, at the conclusion of Christ Covenant’s Faithful Conference, Kevin talks to three of his colleagues from Reformed Theological Seminary about what it means to be Protestant. They also explore potential weaknesses in their own tradition and how Eastern Orthodoxy differs from both Catholicism and Protestantism.

https://www.faithfulconference.org/

If you haven’t seen the viral clip, go see it right now. In this episode, Kevin talks to Alistair about the preaching clip he didn’t intend to give, he never put online himself, and he never expected to be one of the most well known moments of his ministry. The content from that clip has been combined with two other Jesus encounters in the Gospels and turned into a short book. Listen to Kevin and Alistair talk about that book as well as the Ryder Cup, “retirement,” and reflections on growing older (though Alistair doesn’t look it).

You may not think you need 1,000 pages on the Heidelberg Catechism, but you do! R. Scott Clark, professor at Westminster Seminary California, has written a rich, theological, and historical commentary on one of the Reformation’s most beloved catechisms. Listen in as Scott and Kevin talk about the history of the catechism and walk through several key sections—including important differences with Lutheran theology and Catholic theology. You’ll also want to hear the paean to all things Nebraska at the start of the episode.

What is conservatism? And why does it go hand in hand with religious freedom? How should we think about the American experiment of ordered liberty? Has it failed? It is worth preserving? And what about Christian Nationalism? And while we’re at it, how should Christians assess the Charlie Kirk memorial service? Listen in as Kevin talks to John Wilsey, a history professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, about these questions and about John’s new book, Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer (Eerdmans).

Dr. Guelzo is back once again for another record setting appearance on LBE. Although he just moved across the country, Allen still made time to talk to Kevin about his latest two-volume mega-project with James Hankins, their new book The Golden Thread: A History of the Western Tradition. Listen in as Kevin and Allen talk about remembering, history as gratitude, and the fragility (and resiliency) of Western Civilization. You won’t want to miss Dr. Guelzo recount the many blessings of the Western Tradition (and mention some faults too), while also singing Bach and reciting Shakespeare.

If you are looking for a deep dive into the history of early American Presbyterianism, you have come to the right place! Listen in as Kevin talks with pastor, scholar, and writer S.A. Fix—who goes by the name Fix (really he does)—as they talk about the Old Side/New Side controversy, the Adopting Act of 1729, and John Thomson’s Explication of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Come for the Presbyterianism, and stay for a look at what it means to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Be sure to look for Thomson’s Explication in the next week or...

It’s been a long time since the last LBE episode—too long some (i.e., our mothers) might say. But after a summer hiatus, the three amigos are back in the podcast studio to talk about familiar topics like football, books, and “what time it is” in our world. They also touch on a few unfamiliar topics like weight loss and how funerals bring people together.

The triumvirate comes back together to wrap up another season of LBE. Along with the obligatory sports chatter, the three guys talk at length about the first Midwest Pope (and why they are not Catholics) and about life in middle age (and why they are not too depressed). There are, of course, many book recommendations as well.

CHAPTERS

0:00 Sponsors

1:47 Greeting & Salutations

4:10 The Midwestern Scale Of How Are You Doing?

5:10 The First Midwestern Pope

14:05 Deep Dive Into New Pope Expectations

18:20 Why Don’t We Be...

What does the Bible say about life in the womb? When does life begin? What about personhood? What has the church taught about abortion over the centuries? How should we respond to familiar slogans like “My body, my choice”? In this important episode, Kevin talks with Tom Pennington, Pastor at Countryside Bible Church in Southlake, Texas, about his new book The Biblical View of Abortion: God’s Heart for Life in the Womb. Listen in as Tom and Kevin try to equip Christians to defend life and love the unborn, just like God does.

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Kevin welcomes his good friend—neighbor, church colleague, and seminary colleague (soon to be boss!)—Blair Smith to the podcast. As a systematic theology professor, Blair’s expertise is on Trinitarian theology, in particular in the crucial fourth and fifth centuries. Listen in as Kevn and Blair look at the theology and the history behind the Council of Nicaea (325) and the Council of Constantinople (381). Yes, there are a lot of names and concepts flying around in the podcast studio with this one, but for good reason. What could be more important than the doctrine of the Trinity, than knowing who Go...

First published in 1877, Thomas Murphy’s Pastoral Theology: The Pastor in the Various Duties of His Office is one of the absolute best books of its kind. Murphy’s treatise is inspiring, challenging, comprehensive, opinionated, practical, and spiritual in the deepest sense of the word. Listen as Kevin and Jonathan Master, president at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, talk about Thomas Murphy (pastor for 46 years of Frankford Presbyterian Church outside of Philadelphia) and this neglected resource, just recently republished by Log College Press.

CHAPTERS

0:00 Sponsors & Intro

2:37 Who Is Jonathan Master?

5:48 Let’...

It is often believed, by friends and critics alike, that the Reformed tradition, though perhaps good on formal doctrine, is impoverished when it comes to spiritual formation. The charge is that the Reformed approach to piety is all about head knowledge, about learning things as brains on sticks. Other Christians may be less critical but simply assume that there is no right or wrong way to do spiritual formation. This often leads evangelical to adopt an eclectic approach to personal growth in Christ. Many Christians in conservative Protestant churches end up adopting Catholic and Orthodox approaches as being more...

Recently, Peter Williams, Principal at Tyndale House in Cambridge, preached at Christ Covenant Church for its missions week. At the end of the evening service, Kevin sat down with Peter and fellow Cambridge-alum Will Ross, who teaches Old Testament at RTS Charlotte, for a discussion about the importance of Tyndale House and its mission to foster faithful, biblical scholarship for the church. The group also talked about apologetics, the Septuagint, being confident in the word of God, and not being so smart that you believe stupid things.

Chapters:

0:00 Sponsors

2:32 The Surprising...

In this wide-ranging interview, recorded live at Christ Covenant Church in conjunction with the Coram Deo Pastors Workshop, Kevin asks John about everything from preaching style, to the influence of his parents, to growing up in the South, to his strengths and weaknesses as a pastor. You’ll hear lots of stories, pastoral wisdom, and personal transparency. This is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Chapters:

0:00 Sponsors

1:42 Introduction

2:35 The Privilege of Preaching

29:53 Humility in Pastoral Ministry

41:38 On Marriage

46:31 Sponsor Break

48...

Before the Bushes or Clintons, before the Kennedy or Kardashians, there were the Beechers—a sprawling family of preachers, suffragists, abolitionists, and moral crusaders that defined (and exemplified) America as much as any single family in the nineteenth century. Join Kevin as he interviews Obbie Tyler Todd, a pastor and professor, about his new biography of the Beechers (LSU Press). From patriarch, Lyman Beecher, to the famous novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe, to the most famous pastor of his age, Henry Ward Beecher, this episode explores the crazy and controversial life of Lyman Beecher, his three wives (not at the sa...

Listen to a special episode of Life and Books and Everything promoting Crossway's new Podcast, Doctrine Matters.

Kevin welcomes to the podcast Brandon Crowe, a native Alabamian, an SEC fan, a Teaching Elder in the PCA, and a professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary. Believe it or not, there is only question about football, and it comes at the very end. The rest of the time is spent trying to explain things like the hypostatic union, the communication of properties, Christ’s descent into hell, and how the Son of God could be ignorant of the time of his return. Lots of good theological exploration as Kevin talks to Brandon about his book The Lo...

There has been some concern that Justin and Collin have been kept out of the “very special guest” designation. In order to make up for past offenses, this episode, with two very special guests, is being hailed as a very special episode. The three amigos start out by talking about football (of course) and a new cultural openness to Christianity. Then they turn their attention to New Year’s resolutions (which they all have) and books on time management and productivity (which Justin and Collin do not read). The episode finishes with a sweet conversation about their wives and lesson...

How can you shine as a Christian in the world of professional sports—when sometimes your dreams come true and often they don’t? What does it take to be an elite athlete (and why is it a great profession for sleep enthusiasts)? You’ll want to listen to this special episode of LBE as Kevin asks Andre, a former NFL player, and Sydney—an Olympic champion, world champion, and world record holder—about the pressure of being the best and the freedom of being in Christ. And don’t miss the bonus questions from a couple DeYoung children.

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We’ve all been waiting, and it’s finally here: the annual Christmas LBE. Listen in as the three amigos talk about Christmas movies, favorite books, which LBE member is the most like Jerry Seinfeld, and, of course, the airing of many grievances.

Chapters:

0:00 Sponsors & Intro

5:50 The Vibe Shift

20:10 Let’s Talk About Christmas

30:02 Sponsor Break

31:20 The Airing of Grievances

49:27 Books & Everything

55:22 Until Next Time…

Books & Everything:

How to Memorize Scripture for Life: From One Verse to...

Mission is one of those words that Christians use all the time. So are words like “missions” and missionaries.” But what do they mean? Is “mission” even the best word to use to describe what Christians should be doing in the world? In today’s episode, Kevin talks with fellow Michigander, Brian DeVries, about his new book You Will Be My Witnesses. Brian has led church planting teams in South Africa and currently serves as a pastor and a seminary president in South Africa. He’s written an insightful and helpful book calling church and Christians to be witnesses for Christ in...