In this Global Campus Forum, Dr. Travis Montgomery interviews Dr. JT English—Lead Pastor of Storyline Church, co-founder of Training the Church, co-host of the Knowing Faith podcast, and author of *Deep Discipleship*—about the growing movement of church-based theological education. JT shares his story of coming to faith, discovering theological formation in seminary rather than the local church, and why he has devoted his life to bringing robust discipleship back into the heart of congregational life. Their conversation covers the value of theological education, why churches are reclaiming discipleship, how seminaries and churches partner well, and how ordinary believers can discern next steps toward deeper training and ministry involvement.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

church-based theological education, discipleship, seminary partnership, deep discipleship, JT English, Training the Church, Knowing Faith podcast, ministry preparation, local church leadership

Takeaways

• Every Christian is called to deep discipleship—not just pastors or academics.

• Theological education was historically centered in the local church and is returning there today.

• Seminaries provide expertise, structure, and formation that local churches cannot fully replicate.

• Church-based training keeps developing leaders embedded in their congregations while they grow.

• The rise in online learning and delivery platforms has opened new hybrid models of formation.

• Pastors should invite hungry members into deeper study and help them discern calling.

• Churches can begin by asking key questions: What is a disciple? How do disciples grow? How will we send them?

• Programs like Deep Discipleship and local institutes help churches start without building everything from scratch.

• Preaching and classroom-style teaching complement one another—neither replaces the other.

• All Christians need theological formation, even if they do not pursue formal academic degrees.

In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Dr. Jared Kathcart—Assistant Professor of Christian Education at Midwestern Seminary—about the surprising and sanctifying role humility has played in his theological formation and ministry. Jared shares how early confidence gave way to deeply humbling moments in youth ministry, how the Dunning–Kruger effect reveals our spiritual blind spots, and why humility is essential for healthy study, discipleship, and leadership. Their discussion explores how pride distorts learning, how humility opens us to true growth, and why Christians must learn to think of themselves less in order to love God and others well.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

humility, sanctification, theological education, Christian leadership, pride, ministry formation, Dunning–Kruger effect, discipleship, spiritual growth

Takeaways

• Humility is foundational for Christian life, ministry, and theological study.

• The Dunning–Kruger effect explains why new learners often feel overconfident—and why growth requires recognizing our limitations.

• Pride can distort ministry motivation, while humility enables genuine service to others.

• Humility allows Christians to learn from Scripture, professors, mentors, and life experiences.

• Formal and informal theological education flourish when motivated by love for God and neighbor, not self-promotion.

• Recognizing what we do not know—and what no mere human can ultimately know—keeps us grounded and worshipful.

• True growth occurs where humility meets opportunity, whether in a classroom, a pulpit, or a youth room.

Sound Bites

• “Humility wasn’t on my list—but it’s become the most important part of my formation.”

• “The more I learned, the more I realized how much I didn’t know.”

• “Education serves the kingdom best when it’s not about me.”

• “Some of God’s greatest lessons come disguised as moments of embarrassment.”

• “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”

In this Global Campus Forum, Dr. Travis Montgomery sits down with Dr. Thor Madsen—Dean of Doctoral Studies, longtime professor of philosophy, ethics, and New Testament at Midwestern Seminary—to explore why Christians should study philosophy and apologetics. Dr. Madsen traces his own academic journey, explains the tools these disciplines give to believers, and shows how philosophical precision and apologetic awareness strengthen evangelism, preaching, counseling, and everyday discipleship. The conversation also addresses AI, worldviews, understanding unbelievers, and cultivating critical thinking in the church.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

philosophy, apologetics, worldview, critical thinking, evangelism, Alvin Plantinga, Thomas Aquinas, AI and ethics, theological formation, pastoral ministry

Takeaways

• Philosophy equips Christians with critical thinking skills essential for ministry and everyday life.

• Apologetics helps believers understand unbelievers' assumptions and respond charitably and persuasively.

• Christians already use philosophical categories—learning them intentionally clarifies theology and communication.

• Studying worldview helps Christians discern cultural influences and counsel others more effectively.

• Philosophy deepens comprehension of Scripture by uncovering arguments within biblical texts.

• Understanding intellectual history helps theologians avoid uncritically adopting false assumptions.

• Apologetics complements evangelism by removing unnecessary barriers to belief.

• AI raises important questions about human nature, consciousness, and the image of God.

• Pastors can equip their people by teaching worldview basics and asking the right questions.

Sound Bites

• “Philosophy trains you to ask the right questions—and that’s invaluable in ministry.”

• “Everyone has a worldview, even if they don’t know they have one.”

• “The Bible doesn’t just inform; it argues—and philosophy helps you see the argument.”

• “Apologetics is understanding people well enough to love them wisely.”

• “Sometimes atheists don’t even understand their own worldview until you explain it to them.”