For the Church Podcast

It's another Mailbag! It doesn't matter what color it is. It only matters how stuffed with quality questions it is. On this episode, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss helping people scared of baptism, ministry focus for lay elders, "hearing from God," humor in the Bible, and more.

"If Christ is not raised, we of all people should be pitied the most." In this annual holiday episode, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz talk about the truth and transforming power of the resurrection of Jesus.

The Film Club is back. In this installment, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the late, great Robert Duvall showpiece, 1997's "The Apostle."

Maybe no subject in church life is more polarizing than the prospect of small kids in the church service. Are they a delight? Or a distraction? The guys sort it out on this episode of the FTC Podcast.

In an age of increasing church consumerism and church division, Christians sometimes leave churches for less than honorable reasons. But what are the honorable ones? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz talk about the why's and how's of leaving a local church.

Most Christians know what it is. Most Christians don't practice it. What is a biblical fast, and what's the point of it? On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the spiritual discipline of fasting.

It's a helpful principle for sorting out unity and debate. But how exactly does theological triage work? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the relative importance of first order, second order, and third order doctrines, and how the application of theological triage can help us with Christian charity and kindness.

Mailbag time! Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz answer listener-submitted questions and discuss listener-submitted topics. In this installment, the guys cover advice for first-time pastors, when associate pastors disagree with senior pastors' vision, dealing with criticism, how Baptist churches hold pastors accountable, how a new Christian can bear witness to the gospel among unbelieving friends and family, and what color is the FTC Mailbag anyway? As always, if you have questions or topics you'd like the guys to cover on a future Mailbag episode, you can email us at any time via mailbag@ftc.co

In this special Valentine's week episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz talk about love. We all want it. We all sometimes struggle to give it. But what is it? And how can we know we have it at all times?

It's a sad consequence of the fall and the brokenness of the world: suffering. In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz reflect on the problem -- and the promise -- of suffering in the Christian life.

It's the return of the Grab Bag! Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz come with surprise questions for each other. You never know what you'll hear when the guys are put on the spot.

Another cold take on a literally hot topic. Kirk Cameron recently announced he was moving away from the doctrine of eternal conscious torment and toward conditionalism or annihilationism. On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss what's at stake in this doctrinal shift, the relevant passages that should inform our views, and why ETC is an important doctrine for gospel fidelity.

On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the challenge AI poses to the church. What are some beneficial uses of artificial intelligence? What are some uses Christians should avoid? And what is the spiritual impact of this encroaching technology on Christian culture?

It's a Mailbag episode! In this installment, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz answer listener-submitted questions and topics, including: renewed interest by young men in the church, managing busy schedules, pastoral teams without a lead pastor, cultivating humility, holiday preaching, and favorite fiction reads of 2025. As always, if you have a question or topic to suggest for the Mailbag please email us at mailbag@ftc.co

On this special New Year's episode, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the teenage Jonathan Edwards's challenging resolutions. Why does he repeat himself so much? Was young Jonathan suffering from scrupulosity? What can we learn about the gospel and our own resolutions from his commitment to focus on Christ's glory?

Recurring special guest Ronnie Martin is back for his annual visit to the FTC Podcast Christmas episode! In this year's installment, the friends discuss the ironies and paradoxes in the Christmas story and the Christian's experience of it.

The guys introduce a new feature for the podcast today -- FTC Film Club! In each installment, Jared and Ronni will discuss a movie with significant spiritual themes and artistic quality. In this first entry in the Film Club conversation, they talk about Terrence Malick's A Hidden Life.

By popular demand, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the church office of deacon. What is it? Who should be one? And how should they operate in a local church?

It's another installment in our occasional Bible book feature. This time around, Jared Wilson visits again with the Dean of Spurgeon College Dr. Sam Bierig about the book of Proverbs. Why is it deceptively complex? How do we end up reading the book wrongly? How should we read it, and how should pastors preach it? And where do we see Jesus in it?

Jared welcomes his wife Becky to the podcast for this special Thanksgiving week episode. They talk about family traditions, tips and reminders for being a gracious host, and how to remain thankful even in the midst of anxious or uncomfortable Thanksgivings.