Thinking Fellows

What makes a church "healthy"? In this episode of the Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Scott Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hillman examine the popular language of healthy churches, church growth, and discipleship. They question whether marketing metrics have replaced the biblical marks of the church and argue that the true measure of the church is the faithful preaching of Christ crucified and the right administration of the sacraments. Rather than chasing marketing strategies or growth models, they contend that the church exists to deliver the forgiveness of sins through Word and Sacrament, trusting God's promises instead of chasing the latest trends.
More from 1517:
Support the work at 1517

1517 on Youtube

1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

1517 Events Schedule

1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

New Books from 1517 Publishing:
The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco

Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz

By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas

Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith

More from the hosts:
Caleb Keith

Scott Keith

Adam Francisco

Bruce Hilman

Follow 1517: 
Instagram
X/Twitter
Facebook

On this episode of Thinking Fellows, the guys ask what it means to call Christianity, Judaism, and Islam the "Abrahamic faiths." They look at the history of the term and what these religions actually share. They also explain why their differences, especially about Jesus Christ, matter more than the label and how Christians can talk with Jews and Muslims without losing the truth of the Gospel.
More from 1517:
Support the work at 1517

1517 on Youtube

1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

1517 Events Schedule

1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

New Books from 1517 Publishing:
The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco

Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz

By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas

Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith

More from the hosts:
Caleb Keith

Scott Keith

Adam Francisco

Bruce Hilman

Follow 1517: 
Instagram
X/Twitter
Facebook

In this episode of Thinking Fellows, the guys discuss the ongoing debate over children's church and whether kids should be separated from adults during worship. They argue that Christian worship is more than age appropriate teaching. God works through the proclamation of His Word and the sacraments for believers of every age, making children an important part of the gathered church. Drawing from Scripture, Luther, and recent research, they make the case that worshiping together as families helps pass the faith from one generation to the next and forms children in ways that children's church alone cannot.
More from 1517:
Support the work at 1517

1517 on Youtube

1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

1517 Events Schedule

1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

New Books from 1517 Publishing:
The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco

Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz

By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas

Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith

More from the hosts:
Caleb Keith

Scott Keith

Adam Francisco

Bruce Hilman

Follow 1517: 
Instagram
X/Twitter
Facebook

In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Adam, Bruce, and Caleb explore whether Martin Luther can be trusted, responding to modern critiques that question his character, motives, and mental state as a way of dismissing the Reformation. They argue that while Luther was at times emotional, outspoken, and flawed, his theology should be judged by how faithfully it interprets Scripture rather than by speculative psychological diagnoses or personal attacks. Along the way, they discuss how Luther's humanity, historical context, and extensive writings have fueled both serious scholarship and polemical caricatures, encouraging listeners to evaluate his teaching on its biblical merits.
More from 1517:
Support the work at 1517

1517 on Youtube

1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

1517 Events Schedule

1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

New Books from 1517 Publishing:
The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco

Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz

By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas

Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith

More from the hosts:
Caleb Keith

Scott Keith

Adam Francisco

Bruce Hilman

Follow 1517: 
Instagram
X/Twitter
Facebook

In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Adam Francisco discusses his new book The Turk at the Door, exploring how Martin Luther understood Islam, the Ottoman Empire, and the challenges facing Christendom during the Reformation. The conversation examines Luther's distinction between just war and holy war, his study of the Quran, and why Christians should understand Islam without confusing political conflict with the proclamation of the Gospel. They discuss why this overlooked chapter of Reformation history still matters today as Christians engage thoughtfully and faithfully with their Muslim neighbors.
More from 1517:
Support the work at 1517

1517 on Youtube

1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

1517 Events Schedule

1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

 New Books from 1517 Publishing:
The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco

Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz

By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas

Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith

 More from the hosts:
Caleb Keith

Scott Keith

Adam Francisco

Bruce Hilman