Healthy Gospel Church

In this episode of the Healthy Gospel Church Podcast, Thomas Davis addresses a crucial question for the modern church: Is theological training only for those called to formal ministry? Many assume that deep theological study is reserved for the "academy" or the pulpit, but Thomas argues for a different vision—one where rigorous training serves the entire church. From his perspective as a "pastor-theologian," he explores how bridging the gap between the seminary and the pew strengthens the local congregation and equips every believer to engage with a post-Christian culture. In this video, we discuss: The misconception that theology is only for "experts." How Edinburgh Theological Seminary (ETS) is evolving to serve the whole church. The importance of physical community in theological formation. Why "pastor-theologians" are vital for the future of the Free Church of Scotland. Practical ways to bring high-level theology into the everyday life of the church. Whether you are a student, a church leader, or simply someone looking to deepen your understanding of the gospel, this conversation offers a refreshing look at how the mind and the heart work together in service of Christ. Connect with us: freechurch.org https://www.facebook.com/freechurchofscotland https://www.instagram.com/freechurchscot/ https://x.com/freechurchscot #FreeChurchofScotland #Theology #Scotland #ChristianMinistry #HealthyGospelChurch #GospelTraining #ThomasDavis #SeminaryLife

Is small-town ministry a stepping stone—or a calling worth ambitious investment? Today, Rev. Stephen Witmer joins us to unpack the unique dynamics, opportunities, and tensions of rural church life. 👉 Visit https://freechurch.org to learn more about Engage2026 and the work of the Free Church of Scotland. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with future episodes! — #healthygospelchurch #FreeChurchofScotland #Discipleship #SpiritualFormation #ReformedChurch #ChristianLiving #ChurchLeadership #Podcast #HealthyChurch #freechurch #freechurchscot #engage2026

We’re delighted to welcome former Free Church of Scotland Moderator Rev. David Robertson to the podcast this week. David is an author, formerly minister of St Peter’s Free Church in Dundee and now serving at the Scots Kirk in Newcastle, Australia. The Wee Flea: https://theweeflea.com 👉 Visit https://freechurch.org to learn more about Engage2026 and the work of the Free Church of Scotland. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with future episodes! — #healthygospelchurch #FreeChurchofScotland #Discipleship #SpiritualFormation #ReformedChurch #ChristianLiving #ChurchLeadership #Podcast #HealthyChurch #freechurch #freechurchscot #engage2026

We’re delighted to welcome Christian author and experienced church leader Chic Lidstone to the podcast, sharing insights from his life in ministry and his thoughtful new book Take My Yoke on discovering the rest and grace Jesus promises. Take My Yoke - https://chiclidstone.com 👉 Visit https://freechurch.org to learn more about Engage2026 and the work of the Free Church of Scotland. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with future episodes! — #healthygospelchurch #FreeChurchofScotland #Discipleship #SpiritualFormation #ReformedChurch #ChristianLiving #ChurchLeadership #Podcast #HealthyChurch #freechurch #freechurchscot #engage2026

This week we welcome Rhiannon MacKintosh and Alasdair Macleod to the podcast to discuss the new initiative from the Mission Board of the Free Church of Scotland called "Engage2026." Its purpose is to encourage Christians to pray for ten people they know who are not followers of Jesus yet. If everyone in the denomination prayed that would be over 100,000 prayed for over the next year. 👉 Visit https://freechurch.org to learn more about Engage2026 and the work of the Free Church of Scotland. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with future episodes! — #healthygospelchurch #FreeChurchofScotland #Discipleship #SpiritualFormation #ReformedChurch #ChristianLiving #ChurchLeadership #Podcast #HealthyChurch #freechurch #freechurchscot #engage2026

Should churches blend in or stand out? Our guest this week, Derek Lamont, unpacks what it means for a church to reflect — or reshape — the community it serves. 👉 Visit https://freechurch.org to learn more about the work of the Free Church of Scotland. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with future episodes! — #healthygospelchurch #FreeChurchofScotland #dereklamont #Leith #Discipleship #SpiritualFormation #ReformedChurch #ChristianLiving #ChurchLeadership #Podcast #HealthyChurch #freechurch #freechurchscot

This week, we’re joined by Rev. Dr. Cory Brock, minister at St. Columba’s Free Church in Edinburgh, as he shares his story from Mississippi to the Royal Mile, reflecting on faith, theology, and what makes a Healthy Gospel Church in today’s culture. Cory discusses his journey from a Southern Baptist upbringing to Reformed ministry, the marks of a healthy church, and the importance of cultivating prayerful, gospel-centred, and welcoming communities in a pluralistic world. He also explores how ancient truths and confessional theology continue to speak powerfully to a new generation seeking depth, transcendence, and meaning. 👉 Visit https://freechurch.org to learn more about the work of the Free Church of Scotland. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with future episodes! — #HealthyGospelChurch #FreeChurchofScotland #CoryBrock #StColumbas #ReformedTheology #HealthyChurch #PastorTheologian #ConfessionalChurch #NeoCalvinism #ScottishChurch #GospelMinistry #ChristianPodcast

This week, we’re joined by Rev. Joe Barnard, minister of the newly renamed Holyrood Church in Edinburgh and founder of XTrainingMinistries , an organisation dedicated to forming mature, godly men in a spiritually distracted age. Joe reflects on the landscape of discipleship today, the unique pressures men face in modern culture, and why intentional, rigorous spiritual formation is essential for the health of the church. From daily habits to long-term vision, Joe offers practical wisdom for cultivating Christlike maturity in ourselves and in those we lead. 👉 Visit https://freechurch.org to learn more about the work of the Free Church of Scotland. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with future episodes! — #HealthyGospelChurch #FreeChurchofScotland #JoeBarnard #HolyroodChurch #XTraining #Discipleship #MensMinistry #SpiritualFormation #ReformedChurch #ChristianLiving #ChurchLeadership #Podcast #HealthyChurch

This week, we’re joined by Robin Silson, Free Church of Scotland minister and church planter in Winchburgh, as he shares his journey into ministry and the vision behind planting a gospel-centred church in one of Scotland’s fastest-growing new towns. Robin speaks about the opportunities and challenges of church planting in a rapidly developing community, the importance of relational ministry, and how the gospel shapes every aspect of church life from the ground up. 👉 Visit https://freechurch.org to learn more about the work of the Free Church of Scotland. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with future episodes! — #HealthyGospelChurch #FreeChurchofScotland #RobinSilson #ChurchPlanting #Winchburgh #NewTowns #GospelMinistry #ReformedChurch #LocalMission #ChurchLeadership #Podcast #HealthyChurch

This week, we’re joined by Esther Dickson, Scotland Team Leader for UCCF (Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship), an organisation committed to giving every student the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Esther shares her passion for student mission, the unique challenges and opportunities facing university ministries today, and how local churches can partner more meaningfully with students and CU leaders. Esther calls the church to see students not as a separate mission field, but as vital members of the church now. 👉 Visit https://freechurch.org to learn more about the work of the Free Church of Scotland. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with future episodes! — #HealthyGospelChurch #FreeChurchofScotland #UCCF #StudentMinistry #UniversityMission #EstherDickson #ChristianStudents #CampusMinistry #GospelPartnership #ReformedChurch #Podcast #ChurchLeadership

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Diane Langberg, internationally renowned psychologist, speaker, and author of Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church. Dr. Langberg brings decades of wisdom and pastoral insight to a deeply important conversation about power, trauma, and the witness of the Church. With grace and clarity, she challenges us to consider how we use power in our churches and how true gospel ministry must reflect the character of Christ. 👉 Visit https://freechurch.org to learn more about the work of the Free Church of Scotland. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with future episodes! You can also watch the episode on YouTube ! 📺 — #HealthyGospelChurch #FreeChurchofScotland #DianeLangberg #RedeemingPower #ChristianPodcast #ChurchAbuse #TraumaInformedChurch #PowerAndAuthority #HealthyChurch #ReformedChurch #Podcast #ChurchLeadership

Our guest this week is Mairi Murchison. Mairi is a Gospel Worker in Merkinch Free Church , Inverness. In this episode she shares her story and why she felt called to support church planting in one of Scotland's most deprived areas. And for the first time you can now watch the episode as well on YouTube ! 📺 -- freechurch.org #church #christian #freechurch

Paul grew up in Wales and worked as a dentist for ten years before studying theology at Moore College in Sydney. Married to Shiona they have four children. After leading a church in the US they moved back to the UK in 2009 and now live in Edinburgh where he is Lead Pastor at Charlotte Chapel . Paul is an enthusiastic supporter of Welsh rugby, Scottish dancing, live music and eco-houses. -- freechurch.org #church #christian #freechurch

In this episode of the Healthy Gospel Church podcast, we’re joined by Rev. Dr Lee Gatiss, Director of Church Society and a leading voice in evangelical Anglicanism. We explore key issues shaping the Church of England today — from the impact of liberal theology on church life, to the structures that define Anglicanism, and the vital role of systematic theology. Dr Gatiss also reflects on the evolution of preaching and what it means to live a life pleasing to God. Whether you're inside or outside the Anglican tradition, this wide-ranging conversation offers insight, clarity, and challenge. Rev. Dr Lee Gatiss is a theologian, author, and Director of Church Society. He lectures and writes extensively on Anglican history, theology, and biblical exegesis. -- freechurch.org #church #christian #freechurch

This week, we welcome David's brother, Rev. Dr Ian Meredith, to the podcast. Ian is currently the vicar of St Mary's in Portchester, which is part of the Church of England . Topics this week: - The Evolution of the Free Church of Scotland - Reflections on the Charismatic Movement - The Role of Worship - The Concept of Parish in a Modern Context - Keys to Church Growth - Class and Church Dynamics More about St Mary's Church: https://www.stmary-portchester.org.uk/ https://www.freechurch.org #fcos #freechurch #scotland

Our guest this week, Rev. Ivor Macdonald, has recently been appointed as the Director of the Centre of Rural Ministry. Ivor unpacks some of the vision for the Centre and his hopes for rural ministry in Scotland. Conversation topics: - The Centre for Rural Ministry - Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Scotland - The Future of Rural Churches and Communities Engagement Centre for Rural Ministry: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567716792282 https://www.freechurch.org #fcos #healthygospelchurch #scotland

This week's Healthy Gospel Church Podcast guest is Rev. David Moore. David is a minister in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and currently serves in Belfast. Topics Include: ➡ Celtic Heritage and Language ➡ The Benefits of Being Presbyterian ➡ William Still and Gilcomston ➡ Ministry in Northern Ireland ➡ Engaging with Different Communities ➡ Building Relationships Across Divides https://www.freechurch.org #fcos #freechurch #freechurchofscotland #healthygospelchurch

Our guest today is Tim Clemens, the lead pastor of Grace City Church in Sydney, Australia. This episode's topics include: Pathway to Minister and Church Planting City Ministry in Australia Evangelism Strategies Prayer Culture and Community Engagement Vision and Philosophy of Preaching https://www.freechurch.org #healthygospelchurch #church #christian

We are delighted to have Kathy Keller as our first guest in this new series. Kathy formerly served as assistant Communications Director for Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. She is the author of Jesus, Justice, and Gender Roles: A Case for Gender Roles in Ministry and co-author with her late husband, Tim Keller, of The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God . Navigating Grief and Mourning Facing the Reality of Death The Role of Memory and Reminiscing The Dynamics of Ministry Partnership The Journey of Faith and Calling Reflections of Tim Keller's Legacy https://www.freechurch.org #freechurch #scotland #healthygospelchurch

We are delighted to welcome Canon J. John to the Health Gospel Church podcast this week. J.John is an Evangelist, minister, speaker, broadcaster and writer. He has been in ministry for four decades. He has spoken in towns, cities and universities in 69 countries. J.John lives near London in England. He is married to Killy and is a father and grandfather. Contact the show: communications@freechurch.org Official Site: https://www.freechurch.org #healthygospelchurch