Raw Theology, Worship Labs, Church Building Tours, and More!
Podcast Roundup, Final Edition
Who likes a good podcast? If you’re anything like me, summer opens up a bit more breathing room to listen and let the mind roam freely around ideas. As a result I am always on the hunt for new podcast episodes to listen to. It keeps things interesting to listen to a handful of episodes from a few different shows, in addition to my regular podcasts that I regularly listen to.
Well, if you’re looking for some new episodes to listen to or watch, here are FIVE (plus one bonus new podcast) conversations I’ve had with a wide array of people on their various different and amazing platforms on a wide range of subjects!
1. Theology in the Raw
I trust you’re familiar with Preston Sprinkle’s work on sexuality, gender, and more. His podcast is incredibly rich, with a wide array of scholars and experts that he engages in thoughtful and honest dialogue. I’ve been a grateful listener and learner for years. We’ve hosted his events at our church, and I’ve devoured so many episodes of his podcast.
Who is this for?
Thoughtful Christians, church leaders, seminarians— people who love thinking about how theology actually relates to the church and the world today.
Listen HERE.
Dr. Glenn Packiam is a pastor, author and practical theologian who currently serves as the lead pastor of Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, California. He earned a PhD [a DThM, actually] from Durham University, is an ordained priest with the Anglican Church of North America, and is the author of several books, including The Resilient Pastor, Blessed Broken Given, and the recently released: “What’s a Christian Anyway? Finding our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption,” which forms the topic of our conversation.
2. “Being Human” with Steve Cuss, from Christianity Today
I love Steve! I’ve been a huge fan of his work for years. He has helped thousands of leaders around the world to become more integrated, healthy versions of ourselves, fully human-sized in God’s hands. Our conversation took several fun turns, including his infamous “gauntlet of anxiety” at the end!
What happens when the Nicene Creed collides with TikTok theology? Host Steve Cuss and pastor-author Glenn Packiam unpack how this historic confession still anchors Christian identity in a digital age obsessed with individual “truth.” They explore the tension between personal experience and historic orthodoxy, the global church’s diverse voices, and why real unity starts in community—not algorithms. Steve and Glenn offer hope for listeners wrestling back to a rooted, resilient Christianity that rises above cultural noise.
Who is this for?
Every Christian. Anyone who has wondered how to make sense of the failure of the church and church leaders in their world. Anyone searching for something deeper, something that will last.
Listen HERE.
3. We Are Vineyard
Bridging the Divide: Glenn Packiam on Spirit, Formation, and the Local Church
In my mind, the Vineyard movement is the chief steward of a grounded life in the Spirit. They have long been known for their commitment to renewal through worship, prayer, and the Word of God. I love Jay Pathak, who currently leads VineyardUSA. We had a remarkable conversation here on the many ways of welcoming the Spirit’s work, on how formation takes place, and what healthy leadership in a local church looks like.
Who is this for?
People who love thinking about the work of the Spirit and spiritual formation— in all its many forms and expressions.
Listen HERE.
4. Beyond Sunday
This podcast is all about “Taking faith into the world beyond Sunday mornings”. David does a fantastic job of asking the hard questions that many won’t, and getting worship leaders and pastors to say more than we do in a weekend service. I loved
“We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty…” These words, which begin the Nicene Creed, have been with Christians for 1700 years. The Creed is a statement of faith that tries to solidify our shared agreement of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Throughout its history, some have found it more or less helpful but now, it seems that churches that have historically laid it aside are returning to it for encouragement and even guidance. So, the Beyond Sunday team is out to find out why. What does it say and what does it leave out? And, why are we seeing this resurgence today?
Who is this for?
Church leaders who think about service planning, discipleship, and more.
Listen HERE.
5. Matt Whitman (Ten Minute Bible Hour)
When I first got the request from Matt, I was unsure. He wanted to fly out film a tour of our church building and have a conversation about the Nicene Creed. Little did I know that Matt has a HUGE following, from his Ten Minute Bible Hour shows and now with his church visits. He was a delight. He had some interesting insights about our building’s design and some fascinating thoughts about the contemporary church and the ancient faith. We also had an awesome sidebar about why pastors fall. Don’t sleep on this one!
Who is this for?
Anyone, but particularly those who are outside the church or skeptical of the church and of pastors.
I'm getting a tour of Rockharbor Church (Non-Denominational) in Costa Mesa, California from Pastor Glenn Packiam. Some might call Rockharbor a very large church, others might call it a megachurch, but either way it's big and it's not the kind of church one usually associates with ancient Christianity and the Ecumenical Creeds. That said, Glenn's emphasizing the Nicene Creed as a way forward for his church and for Christians in general. In light of that, I wanted to see what his church looks like, and he was kind enough to show me around. His book is called What's a Christian Anyway and you can check it out here:
BONUS: The Worship Lab
OK, this is a bonus because it’s a BRAND NEW podcast that we (me and our Rockharbor worship pastors, Luke and Anna Hellebronth) just launched a brand new limited run podcast called The Worship Lab.
Here’s the description:
Welcome to The Worship Lab—a space for thoughtful conversations about worship rooted in the Word and led by the Spirit. In this first episode, hosts Luke and Anna Hellebronth and Glenn Packiam share the heart behind the podcast, how worship has shaped the Rockharbor culture over the years, and their own journeys of following God’s call through seasons of Spirit-led ministry. Together, they name what they’re sensing around worship in this cultural moment and why this podcast matters now. Whether you’re a worship leader or someone who simply loves to worship, we invite you into this conversation as we pursue worship that leads to encounter, forms us into the likeness of Christ, and sends us out on mission through the Spirit.
Who is this for?
People who love worship— Worshippers! And people who love the behind the scenes stuff and want to learn about worship ministry philosophy, and all that goes into that.
Listen HERE.
Hope you enjoy these episodes!