Unpacked with Skyler
37 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago -The Unpacked Podcast is a podcast devoted to unpacking faith, life, and leadership with Skyler Elmer. The goal is simplify big ideas for greater impact in everyday people. Feel free to connect with me by email at [email protected]
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Episodes
Myths and Mistakes in the Bible Manuscripts with Peter Gurry
June 06, 2023 16:43 - 55 minutes - 98 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Peter Gurry on the ancient Bible manuscripts, common myths, objections, and the science behind the Greek New Testament used in our English Bibles. Peter serves as the Associate Professor of New Testament at Phoenix Seminary and the Director of the Text and Canon Institute. He holds a Ph.d from the University of Cambridge and is leading expert in the field of textual criticism. Notes: Phoenix Seminary Text and Canon Institute * Two Reasons There Are Varia...
The Anatomy of Deconversion with John Marriott
May 04, 2022 13:37 - 1 hour - 28.3 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews John Marriott on the Christian deconversion. John serves on the research staff at the Center for Christian Thought at Biola University, and adjunct professor in the department of philosophy. John's dissertation focused on deconversion from Christianity to atheism making him a leading voice in the area of understanding deconversion and a helpful resource to pastors, parents, and churches in today's world. Notes: The Anatomy of Deconversion John Marriott we...
A Better Conversations with Latter-Day Saints with David Rowe
December 30, 2021 17:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews David L. Rowe on the Latter-Day Saints and how Christians can have better conversations with them. David served as professor and dean of spiritual life at Salt Lake Theological Seminary, before transitioning to the dean of facilitators at The Vine Institute. In this interview David shares his wealth of knowledge and heart for the Latter-Day Saints. Notes: I Love Mormons: A New Way to Share Christ with Latter-Day Saints The Vine Institute
Disciple Making and Discovery Groups with John King
November 04, 2021 00:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBIn this episode Skyler interview Disciple-Making coach John King about the global movement of disciple-making and it's roots with the Discovery Bible Study. John transition from pastoral ministry into disciple-making coach shortly after a conversation with David Watson about their disciple making efforts that resulted in over 100,000 churches planted in 167 nations. This led John to ask the simple question: “Why not in Murfreesboro? Why not in Tennessee?” In this interview John gives us the...
7 Things I Wish Christians Knew About the Bible with Michael Bird
September 01, 2021 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBIn this episode Skyler interview Biblical scholar and Anglican priest Michael Bird about his most recent book, Seven things I Wish Christians Knew About the Bible. Michael is the Academic Dean and Lecturer in Theology at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. He has authored a number of books including one with N.T. Wright called the New Testament in its World. In this interview Michael shares his heart and hopes for giving Christians an mature view of the Bible in a readable format. Li...
Cruciformity with Dr. Michael Gorman
August 05, 2021 16:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MBIn this episode Skyler interview New Testament scholar Michael Gorman about the Apostle Paul's vision for the spirituality of the Cross from his rerelease of his book Cruciformity: Paul's Narrative Spirituality of the Cross. Michael is the Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary Seminary and University and a specialist in the theology and spirituality of the apostle Paul, the Gospel of John, the book of Revelation, and the missional interpretation of Scripture. Q...
American Christian Origins and Problematic Theology with Dr. Ben Witherington III
May 19, 2021 05:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBIn this episode Skyler interview with New Testament scholar Ben Witherington about the origins of the Reformation, Christian origins in America, and theological problem from a rerelease of his book "The Problem with Evangelical Theology." Ben is Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. He has althored over 60 books including a commentary on every book in the New Testament. He brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom for biblical scholarship and dow...
The Art of Disagreement with Ruth Jackson from Unbelievable Show
April 27, 2021 05:00 - 49 minutes - 34.4 MBIn this episode Skyler talks with Ruth Jackson about how to disagree without being disagreeable, and why we should welcome conversations with those we disagree with. Ruth is a co-host with Premier Christian Radio and the Unbelievable Podcast where they specialize in bringing together Christians and non-Christians to discussion various topics. She has also launched a Podcast with Alister McGrath called The C.S. Lewis Podcast. Links Ruth Jackson (Twitter) Justin Brierley (Twitter) Premier...
God’s open door with Duck Dynasty’s Al Robertson
November 23, 2020 13:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Alan Robertson from Duck Dynasty. Alan helped his family with the family business (Duck Commander) making duck calls until he left to serve as a pastor at White's Ferry Road Church in West Monroe, LA. In 2012 he entered the rest of the Robertson family on the A&E Duck Dynasty show. Since the show last aired Alan has co-authored two books and travels frequently to speak on various topics. In this episode Skyler and Alan talk about his story, marriage, minist...
God's open door with Duck Dynasty's Al Robertson
November 23, 2020 13:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Alan Robertson from Duck Dynasty. Alan helped his family with the family business (Duck Commander) making duck calls until he left to serve as a pastor at White's Ferry Road Church in West Monroe, LA. In 2012 he entered the rest of the Robertson family on the A&E Duck Dynasty show. Since the show last aired Alan has co-authored two books and travels frequently to speak on various topics. In this episode Skyler and Alan talk about his story, marriage, minist...
Rural Church Turnaround with Danny Davis
October 28, 2020 05:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Danny Davis a rural pastor, Bible college professor, and rural church revitalization coach. Danny has planted and revitalized churches in South Africa and the USA. He holds a Doctor of Education in Transformational Leadership and is the author of "Rural Church Turnaround: Real Life Experiences of Rural Pastors and Lay-Leaders." In this episode Skyler and Danny talk about his story, God's work of revitalization, and our role in the process. Rural Church Tur...
Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God with Andy Bannister
October 14, 2020 05:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MBIn this episode Skyler talks with Dr. Andy Bannister about Islam and Christianity. Andy is a respect and sought after Christian scholar and speaking on Islam, Atheism, and apologetics. He serves as the director of Solas and is an adjunct speaker with the Ravi Zacharias International Ministry. On this episode Andy helps us to understand the complexities if Christians and Muslims worship the same God. Links Andy Bannister St. Patricks Bad Analogies Solas Center For Public Christianity Ravi Z...
Saving slaves, beating bad guys, and changing governments with Jon Good
September 30, 2020 05:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBIn this episode Skyler talks with Jon Good from International Justice Mission (IJM) about the issue of modern day slavery and worldwide injustice. Jon serves as one of IJM’s church mobilization directors and helps equip churches by sharing the biblical call to justice, introducing churches to IJM’s ministry and mobilizing churches to engage in local and global justice ministries. Links Jon Good International Justice Mission Global Slavery Index Central Illinois Prevention of Abuse Become ...
Saving slaves, beating bad guys, and changing governments with Jon Good
September 30, 2020 05:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBIn this episode Skyler talks with Jon Good from International Justice Mission (IJM) about the issue of modern day slavery and worldwide injustice. Jon serves as one of IJM’s church mobilization directors and helps equip churches by sharing the biblical call to justice, introducing churches to IJM’s ministry and mobilizing churches to engage in local and global justice ministries. Links Jon Good International Justice Mission Global Slavery Index Central Illinois Prevention of Abuse Become ...
Why distance learning might be a parents greatest ministry opportunity with Shelia Maia
September 16, 2020 05:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBAs many families are now experiencing the new advent of education at home is not simple and easy as it sounds. There are many factors and challenges that go into it, but at the same time there is also one of the greatest opportunities for parents, caregivers, and educators for discipleship. In this interview Skyler talks with Shelia Maia about a recent workshop that Rise City Church of Gresham, Oregon did to help resource parents with practical and biblical insights to navigate and redeem th...
Does God Care for Rural America with Jon Sanders
September 02, 2020 05:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Jon Sanders on life and ministry in rural America. Jon served as the Lead Pastor of The RESCUE Church in South Dakota. And had been considered a leading voice in the rural church arena. Jon hosts the Small Town Big Church Podcast that seeks to encourage rural pastors with the message that God delights in doing BIG things in small places. In addition to his passion for the rural church, Jon also serves as firefighter/EMT, and the regional director of the Rura...
Spiritual Warfare in the Bible for Today with Dr. Gerry Breshears
August 19, 2020 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this interview Skyler interview Dr. Gerry Breshears spiritual warfare, demons, and Jesus. Gerry is a professor of Theology at Western Seminary, on the Board of Directors for the Bible Project, and an Elder at Grace Community Church in Oregon. Gerry I spent countless hours researching and teaching on this topic. [NOTE: Our Podcast will be releasing episodes every other week] Spiritual Warfare Couse 3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare, by Clint Arnold Gerry Breshear (Website) Wes...
My Strange Bible: The Rise and Fall of the Apocalypse in America
August 12, 2020 04:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBIn this episode Skyler shares some of his own research and questions on the Apocalyptic literature in the Bible following his interview with Dr. Shane Wood (Episode 13). He looks at questions such as "Why do churches shy away from Apocalyptic parts of the Bible? Where did this literature come from? What do people actually believe about it? and why did God speak in Apocalypses? Skyler is the pastor at the Christian Church of Litchfield in Litchfield, IL and a student at Lincoln Christian Univ...
My Strange Bible: The Rise and Fall of the Apocalypse in America
August 12, 2020 04:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBIn this episode Skyler shares some of his own research and questions on the Apocalyptic literature in the Bible following his interview with Dr. Shane Wood (Episode 13). He looks at questions such as "Why do churches shy away from Apocalyptic parts of the Bible? Where did this literature come from? What do people actually believe about it? and why did God speak in Apocalypses? Skyler is the pastor at the Christian Church of Litchfield in Litchfield, IL and a student at Lincoln Christian Univ...
Understanding The End of the World from the Old Testament with Dr. Tremper Longman
August 05, 2020 04:00 - 50 minutes - 35.1 MBIn this interview Skyler interview Dr. Tremper Longman III on one of the most cited passages in the Old Testament about the End of the World. Tremper is a sought after Bible scholar who has been involved with translating several english translations, author numerous popular level as well as scholarly level books and commentaries. Tremper earned his PhD at Yale University and has recently retired from his full time teaching position at Westmont College -- but he continues to write and lecture...
Entering the World of the New Testament with Dr. Tyler Stewart
July 29, 2020 15:00 - 47 minutes - 33 MBIn this interview Skyler interview Dr. Tyler Stewart on the time between the Old and New Testament often referred to as the Second Temple period. This is an often overlooked period that has tremendous impact on how we understand the Bible. Without it, it would be nearly impossible to enter the world of the New Testament. Dr. Tyler Stewart earned his PhD at Marquette University and is currently teaching New Testament at Lincoln Christian University. Tyler's Recommended Resources NRSV Harper ...
Leadership Lessons Learned through Covid with Eddie Lowen
July 22, 2020 05:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Eddie Lowen on what it was like to transition a large church completely digital (due to Covid-19) while undergoing one the biggest building project in the churches history, and leadership lessons he's learned along the way. Eddie is a seasoned leader with lots of experience and lives and breaths leadership. Eddie is the lead pastor at Westside Christian Church in Springfield, IL. Westside Christian Church Highlights from interview Covid has revealed and ...
My Strange Bible: How To Interpret Apocalyptic Literature For All Its Worth.
July 15, 2020 05:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Dr. Shane Wood on one of the most particular literature in the Bible know as Apocalyptic. Many wrongly understand this genre as short hand for prediction of the end of the world. However, Shane helps us understand what it actually does and how reading it that way side steps what God intends to do inside of people. Shane is a New Testament scholar who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh on Revelation and currently teaches New Testament Studies ...
Civil disobedience, rioting, and politics with Dr. Mark Moore
July 08, 2020 06:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Dr. Mark Moore on the pressing issue happening right now in our country and where Christians should do about it. More than that, how we move forward from here. Mark is a New Testament scholar who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wales on the Politics of Jesus and currently the Teaching pastor at Christ Church of the Valley in Arizona. Links Mark Moore Christ Church of the Valley (CCV) Ozark Christian College Core 52 (Website) Core 52 (Book) The Chron...
Transformation from Death to Life with Dr. Shane Wood
July 01, 2020 06:00 - 34 minutes - 24.1 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Dr. Shane Wood on his most recent book Between Two Trees: our transformation from death to life. Shane is a New Testament scholar who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh and currently resides in Joplin, MO where he is Professor of New Testament Studies and the Associate Academic Dean at Ozark Christian College. The book originally was designed to be about explaining how to read the book of Revelation, but it soon morphed into a book about God t...
Thriving in Babylon (What God is doing in the secular Northwest)
June 24, 2020 06:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews pastor Nolan Tjaden on the amazing story of what God is doing at Rise City Church in the secular area of Oregon. Nolan does not have your traditional ministry journey, and yet after feeling very strongly that God was calling him into ministry he responded and has experienced God work in powerful ways. In this episode Nolan shares his story and lessons he has learned along the way leading in the church. Nolan is currently on staff as the Youth and Young Adult...
Unpacking loneliness and depression with Dr. Gary Zustiak
June 17, 2020 06:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Dr. Gary Zustiak (Dr. Zus) on the growing issues loneliness and depression. Dr. Zus holds a DMin from Abilene Christian University and is the head of the Psychology and Counseling program at Ozark Christian College. He has been regarded as a longtime expert on youth ministry and mental health, and he has written a number of related works, including the books Intensive Care: A Manual for the Nonprofessional Who Work with Hurting and Broken Youth and Student M...
Unpacking difficult Bible passages with Scott Womble
June 10, 2020 15:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Dr. Scott Womble on why the Bible is so difficult and hard to understand. Scott is the Vice President of Academics & Professor of Bible & Ministry at Saint Louis Christian College where he has been teaching Bible interpretation for over 20 years. In this episode Scott shares with us why the Bible is not nearly as difficult as we make it and a few tricks of the trade to interpreting the Bible well. Links Scott Womble Double Slit experience Entanglement How...
Unpacking difficult Bible passages with Scott Womble
June 10, 2020 15:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Dr. Scott Womble on why the Bible is so difficult and hard to understand. Scott is the Vice President of Academics & Professor of Bible & Ministry at Saint Louis Christian College where he has been teaching Bible interpretation for over 20 years. In this episode Scott shares with us why the Bible is not nearly as difficult as we make it and a few tricks of the trade to interpreting the Bible well. Links Scott Womble Double Slit experience Entanglement How...
Bonus: The Biblical Answer to Racism with Shane Wood
June 04, 2020 06:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Dr. Shane Wood on the issue of racism from Shane's book Between Two Trees. Shane is a New Testament scholar who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh and currently resides in Joplin, MO where he is Professor of New Testament Studies and the Associate Academic Dean at Ozark Christian College. As a biracial family, Shane has had to wrestle with the troubling problem that plagues our country today. Shane Wood Ozark Christian College Between Two Tre...
Leading into the unknown with Devin Robertson
June 03, 2020 05:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Devin Robertson about lessons learned while being a young leader. Devin is the lead pastor at the Cornerstone Christian Church in Jackson, MI and has had to navigate through many unknown seasons as a leader. In Devin shares his perspective interview we talk about what makes Jesus unique, what hangs people up, and how to help skeptics on their journey toward faith. Concerns and Excitement about the post-pandemic season Reengaging with safety while focusing...
Unpacking the problem of Jesus with Mark Clark
May 27, 2020 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Mark Clark on the problem of Jesus. Mark is the lead pastor at the Village Church in Vancouver Canada and author of the book The Problem of God. Mark is passionate about reaching people for Jesus and helping skeptics find answer to their questions. In this interview we talk about what makes Jesus unique, what hangs people up, and how to help skeptics on their journey toward faith. What makes Jesus Unique He claimed to be God in a way a first century Jew wo...
Unpacking the problem of evil and suffering with Mike Gunderson
May 20, 2020 09:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Mike Gunderson on the problem of evil and suffering and the challenges it presents to us. Mike is the lead pastor at Oak Park Christian Church and is someone who has known first hand what it feels like to suffer. In this episode Mike shares with us his unique perspective on dealing with evil and suffering and why it is not the greatest issue we should be wrestling with. Links: Mike Gunderson Room For Doubt Notes: Why Believe God is Good in the Face of Suf...
Unpacking doubts about the Bible with Richard Knopp
May 13, 2020 09:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Richard Knopp on the topic of doubt, younger generation walking away from the church, and Biblical illiteracy. Rich is the professor of Philosophy and Apologetics at Lincoln Christian University, as well as the director of Room for Doubt. Rich has first hand experience with the questions people are asking and life changing wisdom to help navigate a doubting generation.
Unpacking doubt with Doug Aldridge
May 06, 2020 03:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Doug Aldridge on the topic of doubt and God. Doug is the Academic Dean of Ozark Christian College where he has taught classes on apologetic and hermeneutics for 15 years.
What to do when your doubting God with Doug Aldridge
May 06, 2020 03:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Doug Aldridge on the topic of doubt and God. Doug is the Academic Dean of Ozark Christian College where he has taught classes on apologetic and hermeneutics for 15 years.
Unpacking prayer with Dr. Chris DeWelt
April 29, 2020 14:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MBIn this episode Skyler interviews Chris DeWelt on the critical topic of prayer. Chris is someone who knows the importance of prayer better than anyone. He is the new president of College Press Publishing, has taught intercultural studies for over 20 years at Ozark Christian College, holds a doctorates from Biola University, and has done missions work in over 100 countries.