This episode is a little different than our normal podcast. In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jeremy D. Sims who is the professor of Spiritual Formation at Southeastern University. We talk about what spiritual direction is and why it's needed today. After exploring the topic, I asked Dr. Sims to take me through what a session of spiritual direction might look like. I got quite personal for me as he directed me into what God might be saying to me during this time of pastoral transition. He made quite a few book recommendations and I've included them below.

1. Easy as Hard Gets by Jeremy D. Sims
2. What is Spiritual Direction? by Jeremy D. Sims and Hannah Sims
3. Soul Shaper by Tony Jones
4. Sacred Listening by James Wakefield
5. Mansions of the Heart by Tom Ashbrook
6. Seeking God Together by Alice Fryling
7. Working the Angles by Eugene Peterson
8. The Contemplative Pastor by Eugene Peterson
9. Gravity and Grace by Simone Weil
10. Waiting for God by Simone Weil
11. Spiritual Granularity by Jeremy D. Sims (coming 2026 from IVP)

In this episode of the Ask a Theologian podcast, I chat with Dr. Wolfgang Vondey, a professor of Christian Theology and Pentecostal Studies at Birmingham University in the UK. We delve into the unique aspects of Pentecostal systematic theology, focusing on the metaphor of the altar. Dr. Vondey explains that the altar serves not as an abstract concept but as a metaphor rooted in concrete experiences, such as worship, preaching, and personal encounters with God. He also discusses how the altar symbolizes a threshold experience that is central to Pentecostal spirituality and theology. We explore the importance of narrative and testimony in Pentecostal practice, and how these aspects influence a lived, experiential theology. Finally, Dr. Vondey recommends continuing your journey with works on Pentecostal worship, liturgy, and history to fully grasp the richness of the tradition. If you’re interested in Pentecostal scholarship and theology, this episode is packed with insights.

In this episode of The Ask a Theologian podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Dr. John Newton, a professor and scholar from Alpha Crucis University College in Melbourne, Australia. We jumped right into the complexities of the Book of Revelation, especially focusing on debunking dispensationalism within Pentecostal theology. Dr. Newton shared his journey from a classical Pentecostal background to rejecting dispensationalism, explaining that it is fundamentally incompatible with Pentecostal beliefs and practices. He argued that dispensationalism, which emerged in the 19th century, imposes a rigid, literal interpretation of scripture that doesn't align with the more dynamic and mission-oriented nature of Pentecostal faith. Dr. Newton has authored several books on this topic, including 'Revelation Reclaimed,' 'The Revelation Worldview,' and a Pentecostal commentary on Revelation, all available on Amazon. We discussed how the Book of Revelation should be interpreted in a way that inspires and aligns more closely with Pentecostal values, focusing on its missional and gospel-oriented aspects rather than using it as a tool for predicting future events. Dr. Newton emphasized that Revelation is about the ongoing spiritual struggle and the ultimate victory of Christ and his followers, encouraging a more hopeful and active engagement in spreading the gospel. This conversation was a deep dive into rethinking how we approach Revelation and its relevance to today's Pentecostal church.