by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz
Since I’m the last to post my top three, it comes with the assumption that at least one of the previously mentioned podcasts would have been listed on mine (*cough*James White*cough*). In any case, here would be my choices:
- Stand to Reason – Greg Koukl is a stellar example of an ambassador of Christ, one who represents the King well in this world. If you’re familiar with his ministry, that is one of the focuses of Stand to Reason: a combination of knowledge, wisdom and character makes for an effective ambassador, and Greg displays all three aspects every week on this podcast. He is deeply insightful in giving answers to the current apologetic issues of our day, and interviews some of the leading Christian scholars on giving informed responses to specific attacks on the Christian faith. You’re bound to learn not only helpful responses, but also how to do so with grace. This would be the top podcast for every believer, especially the collegian who is often challenged or presented with different perspectives antithetical to the Christian faith.
- 9Marks – Though geared toward pastors, this podcast has more to do with church life that I think everyone can benefit from. Mark Dever, pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, usually leads a roundtable discussion with pastors along with a special guest to either discuss something they’ve written, or about ministry issues that they have considerable wisdom worth imparting. From missions, to expository preaching, to discipleship, there is much to learn from a group of wise and godly men. You don’t want to miss out on this one.
- CCEF – What better place can you get short but meaty discussions on various issues in biblical counseling than CCEF’s weekly podcast? It seems like nothing is really kept from being brought up in discussion, no matter how difficult the issue. Unfortunately, this podcast has not had an update in about a year, but they have nearly five years worth of podcasts dealing with a range of problems, such as how to counsel someone who has suffered abuse, to trusting God in our parenting, to counseling non-Christians. If you have any interest in gaining insight from some of the leading voices in the biblical counseling movement, this is a great place to start.
I know there’s more, and I’m not necessarily sure if we’re going to debate the merits of our list against the others’, but I hope this is helpful to all who have read through our posts. Looking forward to the next series!