Full Proof Theology
Conversations with Christian intellectuals and thinkers about theology, scholarship, and life.
Full Proof Theology
120 - Michael Foster on Church Planting (But Not Ghey)
Support the show!! - https://www.patreon.com/chasedavis
This Is Foster Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-foster/id1511566280
Michael Foster on X - https://twitter.com/thisisfoster
It’s Good to be a Man - https://itsgoodtobeaman.com/
This is Foster - https://www.thisisfoster.com/
Ezra Institute - https://www.ezrainstitute.com/training-programs/runneracademy/
Summary
In this episode, Chase Davis interviews Michael Foster, a pastor and church planter, about various topics related to church planting and masculinity. They discuss the cool factor in church planting, the importance of authenticity and tradition, and the pitfalls of the pastor as entrepreneur model. They also explore the need for a masculine church culture and the balance between imitation and individuality in pastoral leadership. Overall, the conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in church planting and offers insights for future church planters. In this conversation, Michael Foster discusses various topics related to masculinity and the church. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the times and interacting with ideas. The success of his book, 'It's Good to Be a Man,' is attributed to its sincerity and compassionate approach to men's issues. Foster also addresses the tendency in evangelicalism to squash men's desires and the need for a doctrine of desires. He introduces his new podcast, 'This Is Foster,' which focuses on practical topics for men. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of embracing biblical masculinity and encouraging men to pursue godly ambitions.
Takeaways
Church planting should focus on reaching the people in the community and making disciples in a way that is accessible and relevant to them.
Authenticity and tradition are important in creating a masculine church culture that appeals to men and addresses their needs.
The pastor as entrepreneur model can lead to a constant need for innovation and can distract from the core mission of the church.
Church planters should prioritize building a strong church planting team and focus on the substance of ministry rather than imitating a specific pastor or model.
Balancing imitation and individuality in pastoral leadership is crucial, as men naturally want to imitate older men but also desire authenticity and personal growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:11 The Cool Factor in Church Planting
06:31 Michael Foster's Church Planting Journey
14:21 The Need for Authenticity in Church Planting
19:22 Creating a Masculine Church Culture
24:03 The Pitfalls of the Pastor as Entrepreneur
30:52 The Importance of Tradition in Church Planting
32:01 The Franchise and Boutique Models of Church Planting
42:16 The Future of Church Planting
44:12 Balancing Imitation and Individuality in Pastoral Leadership
45:09 Understanding the Times and Interacting with Ideas
49:01 The Success of 'It's Good to Be a Man'
57:12 The Pietistic Impulse in Evangelicalism
58:07 Squashing Men's Desires in American Evangelicalism
01:05:22 The Practical Side of 'It's Good to Be a Man'
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