In this Global Campus Forum, Dr. Travis Montgomery sits down with Dr. Thor Madsen—Dean of Doctoral Studies, longtime professor of philosophy, ethics, and New Testament at Midwestern Seminary—to explore why Christians should study philosophy and apologetics. Dr. Madsen traces his own academic journey, explains the tools these disciplines give to believers, and shows how philosophical precision and apologetic awareness strengthen evangelism, preaching, counseling, and everyday discipleship. The conversation also addresses AI, worldviews, understanding unbelievers, and cultivating critical thinking in the church.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

philosophy, apologetics, worldview, critical thinking, evangelism, Alvin Plantinga, Thomas Aquinas, AI and ethics, theological formation, pastoral ministry

Takeaways

• Philosophy equips Christians with critical thinking skills essential for ministry and everyday life.

• Apologetics helps believers understand unbelievers' assumptions and respond charitably and persuasively.

• Christians already use philosophical categories—learning them intentionally clarifies theology and communication.

• Studying worldview helps Christians discern cultural influences and counsel others more effectively.

• Philosophy deepens comprehension of Scripture by uncovering arguments within biblical texts.

• Understanding intellectual history helps theologians avoid uncritically adopting false assumptions.

• Apologetics complements evangelism by removing unnecessary barriers to belief.

• AI raises important questions about human nature, consciousness, and the image of God.

• Pastors can equip their people by teaching worldview basics and asking the right questions.

Sound Bites

• “Philosophy trains you to ask the right questions—and that’s invaluable in ministry.”

• “Everyone has a worldview, even if they don’t know they have one.”

• “The Bible doesn’t just inform; it argues—and philosophy helps you see the argument.”

• “Apologetics is understanding people well enough to love them wisely.”

• “Sometimes atheists don’t even understand their own worldview until you explain it to them.”

In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Zach Salsbury—Assistant Professor of Christian Studies and Dean of Students at Midwestern Seminary—about the dignity of ‘ordinary work.’ Zach shares his own story of wrestling with calling, early pressure to pursue foreign missions, and the liberating theological insight that God’s kingdom encompasses all of life. Together they discuss vocation, motives, discernment, and how every believer can serve the Lord faithfully in ordinary work, family, and church life without assuming a formal ministry role.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a show for everyday Christians and ministry leaders learning to think theologically about their local contexts through Midwestern Seminary’s Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

calling, vocation, missions, kingdom of God, discernment, theological formation, work and faith, Christian life, Francis Schaeffer, spiritual motives

Takeaways

• You don’t have to become a foreign missionary to be faithful to God’s calling.

• The kingdom of God encompasses all of life—not just formal ministry roles.

• Motives matter; Christians must learn to exegete their desires and examine why they pursue certain paths.

• Local churches and mentors play a crucial role in helping believers discern calling.

• Ordinary work (design, business, parenting, maintenance, etc.) is meaningful kingdom work when done unto Christ.

• Students often need help expanding their view of calling beyond ‘ministry vs. everything else.’

• Faithful discernment requires introspection, prayer, Scripture, and community guidance.

Sound Bites

• “You don’t need to go die on the mission field to serve the Lord and His kingdom.”

• “Christ has authority over the far reaches of the earth—and also right here where I am.”

• “Work is not redeemed by evangelism; ordinary work has intrinsic kingdom value.”

• “Exegete your motives. Ask why—then ask why again.”

• “We are kingdom citizens in every task, from dishes to discipling.”

In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery interviews Dr. Thomas Kidd—research professor of church history at Midwestern Seminary and leading historian of early America—on the perennial question: Was America founded as a Christian nation? Drawing on decades of scholarship, Dr. Kidd explains how Christian ideas shaped the founding, why the legal structure of the United States avoids a national church, and how evangelicals (especially Baptists) influenced key developments such as religious liberty. The conversation explores the First Great Awakening, the mixed personal beliefs of the founders, the relevance of church history to pastoral ministry, and how Christians today should think about political theology in light of America’s past. Students from around the world can study with Dr. Kidd through Midwestern Seminary’s Global Campus: mbts.edu/global.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a show for everyday Christians preparing for ministry and leadership through Midwestern Seminary’s Global Campus. Learn more at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

American founding, Christian nation, religious liberty, First Great Awakening, Thomas Jefferson, deism, church history, Baptist political theology, America and Christianity

Takeaways

• Christian ideas deeply influenced the American founding, especially views of human nature, political power, and equality.

• The Constitution intentionally avoided establishing a national church, emphasizing free exercise of religion instead.

• Many evangelicals—especially Baptists—celebrated disestablishment because they had been persecuted under state churches.

• Not all founding fathers were Christians; several, including Jefferson and Franklin, rejected core doctrines like the Trinity and the deity of Christ.

• Studying church history helps pastors answer real questions their congregations ask about America’s identity.

• Advocating Christian morality is appropriate, but Christians should not desire a state church.

• Religious liberty helped fuel the Second Great Awakening and the greatest era of church growth in American history.

Sound Bites

• “Christian ideas are everywhere in the founding—but that doesn’t make the nation a Christian nation legally.”

• “Baptists didn’t want state support. They wanted to be left alone to preach the gospel.”

• “Calling Jefferson a Christian requires redefining Christianity—and we must not do that.”

• “Religious freedom works. It helped spark the greatest revival era in American history.”