In this episode, James and Nate welcom Sean McNamara, Chief Sports Officer for FCA. They discuss the ministry of FCA and the expanding arena of sports ministry. Sean talks about the changes he is seeing in the mission field, as well as offering insight into the ongoing importance of Christian coaches and players in taking Christ to the world.

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What does Job teach us about suffering, trauma, and faith?

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes Dr. Michelle Keener, Associate Research Fellow at the Kirby Laing Center for Public Theology and Director of Discipleship at her church in Las Vegas. Dr. Keener is the author of Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors, and together, they dive deep into:

📌 Key Topics:
✅ Why Job’s story is one of the most misunderstood books in the Bible
✅ How trauma studies help us understand Job’s suffering
✅ What Job’s friends got wrong—and how we often do the same
✅ Why God’s response to Job is NOT what we expect
✅ How churches can better support trauma survivors
✅ Discipleship beyond conversion: What we’re missing
✅ Balancing personal faith with Christian community

🎧 If you’ve ever wrestled with suffering, questioned God’s justice, or wondered how to support those in pain, this episode is for you.

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Get the Book: Comfort in the Ashes –ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount).

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

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In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes back Dr. May Young, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Biblical Studies at Taylor University, to discuss her newly published book, Walking with God Through the Valley: Rediscovering the Purpose of Biblical Lament. Together, they explore the ancient Near Eastern context of lament, its unique role in Scripture, and its relevance for modern Christians.

Discover how biblical lament contrasts with the practices of Israel’s neighbors, emphasizing a direct and intimate relationship with God. Learn why lament is essential for cultivating hope and resilience and how neglecting it can subtly erode our faith. Dr. Young also shares practical insights on engaging with lament personally and communally, and how this spiritual practice can deepen our intimacy with God—even in life’s mundane and difficult moments.

Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation about rediscovering lament as a vital part of the Christian life. Plus, find out how to get 20% off Dr. Young’s book through InterVarsity Press using the exclusive discount code below.

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

You can purchase Dr. Young's book at ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount).

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