Theology Project with Matt O’Reilly

Key Clip: Co-Creation Will Transform Your Team and Your Leadership with Tom Tumblin

What if leadership is NOT about making decisions? What if it's about facilitating a co-creative process?
In this clip, Dr. Tom Tumblin (Asbury Theological Seminary) explores what co-creative leadership is, why it matters, and how it can reshape your ministry team into a collaborative, Spirit-led force for the kingdom.
You’ll hear how moving from control to co-creation builds trust, empowers others, and creates space for shared vision and mission. If you’re a pastor or church leader who wants to lead more effectively without burning out or bottlenecking your team—this conversation is for you.
LISTEN TO THE WHOLE CONVERSATION: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-2ifms-192007c
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🛠️ FREE RESOURCE: "4 Practices to Build Trust on Your Staff"
Whether you’re leading a large, medium, or small church, trust is the foundation of healthy leadership. I’ve created a free resource outlining four practical and proven strategies to help you build trust with your team and take your leadership to the next level.
👉 Download it here: https://theologyproject.kit.com/buildtrust
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📚 Recommended Resources on Co-Creation:
📌The Way of the Co-Creative Leader by Steffan Surdek https://amzn.to/40m1o59
📌Brave Together: Lead by Design, Spark Creativity, and Shape the Future with Power of Co-Creation by Deaver and Clawson https://amzn.to/4eWnK3f
📌 Lead More, Control Less: 8 Advanced Leadership Skills that Overturn Convention by Marvin R. Weisbord and Sandra Janoff (on co-creative leadership) https://amzn.to/4m1Ad87
📌 Co-Creation…: 13 Myths Debunked: A Practical Guide by Hans Begeer & Lesley Vanleke https://amzn.to/4kR6OMR
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MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS
Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification
https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print)
https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle)
GET THE VIDEOS https://my.seedbed.com/product/free-to-be-holy/
Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS
MATT'S OTHER BOOKS
Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj
The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su
Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF
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Key Insight: "Israel" Wasn't the First Choice to Name the Modern State (Jason Staples)

Did you know the modern State of Israel wasn’t originally going to be called “Israel”? In this clip from my interview with Dr. Jason Staples, he explains the surprising history of how the nation’s name came about. Staples walks us through several alternative names that were proposed, and even reads from President Harry Truman’s notes, where “Israel” was penciled in at the very last minute.
 
This historical detail not only sheds light on modern politics but also raises important questions about the meaning of “Israel” in Scripture and how it relates—or doesn’t relate—to the modern state.
 
📘 Check out the full interview with Jason Staples here → https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-32b8x-1932da7
📗 Get Jason’s Book: Paul and the Resurrection of Israel → https://amzn.to/3HDUMc0
 
🧠 FREE RESOURCE: 4 Practices to Build Trust on Your Staff
Good leadership depends on trust. Whether you lead a church, nonprofit, or workplace team, download my free guide with four practical practices to strengthen trust on your staff.
👉 Download here: https://theologyproject.kit.com/buildtrust
 
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MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS
Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification
https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print)
https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle)
GET THE VIDEOS https://my.seedbed.com/product/free-to-be-holy/
Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS
MATT'S OTHER BOOKS
Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj
The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su
Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF
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If You’re a Pastor, You’re Already a Theologian — Here’s Why with Joel Lawrence

Why are pastors the de facto theological leaders of the church? What is a pastor theologian? Why do we need pastors to embrace their theological identity? In this episode, we'll hear from Dr. Joel Lawrence, who is president of the Center for Pastor Theologians (CPT). We talk about the difference between academic theology and ecclesial theology, and why the natural home of theology is the church. 
Check out the CPT website: https://www.pastortheologians.com/
Join us for the CPT conference: https://www.cptconference.com/
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FREE RESOURCE: "4 Practices to Build Trust on Your Staff"
Whether you’re leading a large, medium, or small church, trust is the foundation of healthy leadership. I’ve created a free resource outlining four practical and proven strategies to help you build trust with your team and take your leadership to the next level.
👉 Download it here: https://theologyproject.kit.com/buildtrust
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GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT https://www.theologyproject.online/subscribe
BOOKS FROM MATT O'REILLY
Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print) https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle)
Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS
Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practicehttps://amzn.to/4orssKw
Dr. Matt O'Reilly is Lead Pastor at Christ Church in Birmingham, Alabama, Director of Research at Wesley Biblical Seminary, and a Senior Fellow the Center for Pastor Theologians.
 
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Coming Soon: Why Theology Belongs in the Pulpit with Joel Lawrence

Pastors are more than sermon-givers—they are called to be theologians. In this sneak peek from my conversation with Joel Lawrence, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians, we explore why the theological vocation of the pastor is essential for the church today.
The full conversation is COMING SOON - don't miss it.
Check out the CPT website: https://www.pastortheologians.com/
Join us for the CPT conference: https://www.cptconference.com/
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FREE RESOURCE: "4 Practices to Build Trust on Your Staff"
Whether you’re leading a large, medium, or small church, trust is the foundation of healthy leadership. I’ve created a free resource outlining four practical and proven strategies to help you build trust with your team and take your leadership to the next level.
👉 Download it here: https://theologyproject.kit.com/buildtrust
-----
GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT https://www.theologyproject.online/subscribe
BOOKS FROM MATT O'REILLY
Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print) https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle)
Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS
Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practicehttps://amzn.to/4orssKw
Dr. Matt O'Reilly is Lead Pastor at Christ Church in Birmingham, Alabama, Director of Research at Wesley Biblical Seminary, and a Senior Fellow the Center for Pastor Theologians.
Music: "Steps" by Anno Domini Beats
 
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Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist: New Book by Jason Vickers and Ryan Barnett

What does it mean to be deeply rooted in the Christian faith while also embracing the distinctive gifts of the Methodist tradition? In this episode, Dr. Jason Vickers joins me to discuss his new book, Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist. We explore how the Methodist movement emerged as a Spirit-led renewal within the wider body of Christ, why Wesleyan theology offers a compelling vision for the church today, and how these convictions can shape our worship, preaching, and mission.
Jason reflects on the core doctrinal commitments that Methodists share with the broader Christian tradition and the unique emphases—such as holiness of heart and life—that give Methodism its distinctive character. Whether you are a lifelong Methodist, new to the tradition, or simply curious about its theological DNA, this conversation will deepen your understanding of how Methodism can serve the whole church in the 21st century.
Get the book HERE: https://my.seedbed.com/product/profoundly-christian-distinctly-methodist/
 

What Does "Israel" Really Mean? with Jason Staples

Is the meaning of “Israel” obvious? That question was hotly debated recently by Senator Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson. In this Theology Project interview, Dr. Jason Staples takes us deep into what the Bible actually says about Israel, the Jews, the Hebrews, and how Paul redefines everything in Romans 9–11.
Dr. Staples is the author of Paul and the Resurrection of Israel, a groundbreaking book that challenges how Christians and others have traditionally understood Paul’s view of Israel in relation to the church.
🛠️ FREE RESOURCE: "4 Practices to Build Trust on Your Staff"
Whether you’re leading a large, medium, or small church, trust is the foundation of healthy leadership. I’ve created a free resource outlining four practical and proven strategies to help you build trust with your team and take your leadership to the next level.
👉 Download it here: https://theologyproject.kit.com/buildtrust
 
📘 Books by Jason Staples:
Paul and the Resurrection of Israel
https://amzn.to/44G0XEa
The Idea of Israel in Second Temple Judaism
https://amzn.to/4kz3p5d
GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT
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MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS
Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification
https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print)
https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle)
GET THE VIDEOS https://my.seedbed.com/product/free-to-be-holy/
Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS
MATT'S OTHER BOOKS
Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj
The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su
Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF
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There's revived focus on holiness among Wesleyan Christians. Bill Ury explains.

Across the Wesleyan-Methodist family, something remarkable is happening: churches and denominations are rediscovering the heart of their theological heritage—holiness. In this video, Matt O'Reilly and Bill Ury reflect on how various Wesleyan groups are recovering a robust, life-giving vision of holiness rooted in grace, love, and transformation. This isn’t about legalism or moralism. It’s about reclaiming the beauty of being made holy in Christ.
📘 Check out my book Free to Be Holy: https://amzn.to/4fdWwW4
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on holiness, theology, and discipleship: https://www.youtube.com/theologyprojectonline
▶️ Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/SX2oIq7NtIA
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🛠️ FREE RESOURCE: "4 Practices to Build Trust on Your Staff"
Whether you’re leading a large, medium, or small church, trust is the foundation of healthy leadership. I’ve created a free resource outlining four practical and proven strategies to help you build trust with your team and take your leadership to the next level.
👉 Download it here: https://theologyproject.kit.com/buildtrust
-------------------
GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT https://www.theologyproject.online/subscribe
Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS
 
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Key Moment: Forgiveness Is Not the Point of Romans (or Christianity) with Bill Ury

Watch the whole discussion here: https://youtu.be/lAtmxFIIXIs
In this clip, Dr. Matt O'Reilly and Dr. Bill Ury discuss how forgiveness of sin and justification by faith are sometimes set up as the main point of Christianity and key books of the Bible like Romans. What is the point of Christianity? Matt and Bill explain how Christian faith is about being drawn more deeply into the life of God such that his presence makes us holy. Justification by faith is the means to the end of sanctification.
GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT https://www.theologyproject.online/subscribe
MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS
Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification
https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print)
https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle)
Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church
https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS
 
 
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How Satan Attacks You: John Wesley's Remarkable Insight with Jason Vickers

What are the enemy’s most effective strategies—and how can Christians resist them? In this conversation, Dr. Jason Vickers joins me to unpack John Wesley’s sermon Satan’s Devices and explore the timeless tactics the devil uses to discourage, divide, and derail believers. We discuss how Wesley’s 18th-century insights still speak with power today, why temptation is often unrecognized, and what practical steps we can take to stand firm in faith.
If you’ve ever wondered how Satan works in the details of everyday life—or how to recognize his schemes before they take root—this interview will give you biblical wisdom and pastoral insight for the fight.
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🛠️ FREE RESOURCE: "4 Practices to Build Trust on Your Staff"
Whether you’re leading a large, medium, or small church, trust is the foundation of healthy leadership. I’ve created a free resource outlining four practical and proven strategies to help you build trust with your team and take your leadership to the next level.
👉 Download it here: https://theologyproject.kit.com/buildtrust
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Read the sermon -- "Satan's Devices" by John Wesley
Grab Jason's new book coauthored with Ryan Barnett -- Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist
GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT
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MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS
Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification
https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print)
https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle)
GET THE VIDEOS https://my.seedbed.com/product/free-to-be-holy/
Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS
MATT'S OTHER BOOKS
Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj
The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su
Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF
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The Science of Spiritual Formation with Curt Thompson, MD

What does neuroscience have to do with following Jesus? In this conversation, psychiatrist and author Dr. Curt Thompson unpacks how brain science helps us understand—and experience—spiritual formation more deeply. Drawing from his groundbreaking work in Anatomy of the Soul, The Soul of Shame, and The Soul of Desire, Dr. Thompson explores the connections between relationships, the mind, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
We discuss why spiritual growth is not just about information but also about embodied practices, community, and the rewiring of neural pathways over time. Curt offers practical ways to engage both science and Scripture to become more fully alive in Christ.
If you’ve ever wondered how the latest insights from neuroscience can enrich your walk with God, this conversation will open your eyes to a more integrated—and hopeful—vision of Christian formation.
Get the Books
The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope
Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practices that Can Transform Your Life and Relationships
The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe about Ourselves
 
GET UPDATES FROM THEOLOGY PROJECT
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MATT'S BRAND NEW BOOKS
Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification
https://amzn.to/4gOn4gN (print)
https://amzn.to/47pttuz (Kindle)
GET THE VIDEOS https://my.seedbed.com/product/free-to-be-holy/
Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church https://amzn.to/3TnkYKS
MATT'S OTHER BOOKS
Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice https://amzn.to/2xOJmyj
The Letters to the Thessalonians (w/ videos) https://amzn.to/3B0m6su
Bless the Nations https://amzn.to/3eEpiiF
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