The Church Resource

The Church Resource is a PodCast dedicated to giving information to pastors and church leaders about available resources so they can maximize their time and effort.

Holman Bible Atlas | How Maps Can Transform the Way You Read the Bible | The Church Resource Podcast 11/18/2025

Holman Bible Atlas | How Maps Can Transform the Way You Read the Bible | The Church Resource Podcast Welcome back to The Church Resource — your go-to show for discovering the best resources for pastors, church leaders, teachers, and everyday believers who want to grow deeper in their understanding of Scripture. Hosted by Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass, this episode dives into a unique and powerful study tool that’s been transforming how people read the Bible: The Holman Bible Atlas. So why should a Christian care about a book of maps? As Dr. Chris explains, everything in Scripture happened somewhere. Understanding that “somewhere” gives depth to what we read. The Holman Bible Atlas doesn’t just show topography; it connects biblical events to real locations, helping us see the historical, political, and theological significance behind the stories. Whether it’s Israel’s shifting borders, Paul’s missionary routes, or the empires clashing in Kings and Chronicles, geography provides context that changes how we read the text. Lucas shares how he’s used the Atlas while studying 1 & 2 Kings, Chronicles, and the prophets. Having a visual reference made sense of why nations fought, why certain cities were targeted, and how distance affected travel and strategy. In the ancient world, 20 miles wasn’t a quick drive — it was a two-day journey on foot! The Atlas helps modern readers grasp that scale, turning abstract names and places into meaningful, interconnected parts of God’s story. Dr. Chris recalls first encountering the Holman Bible Atlas in seminary during a Biblical Backgrounds course. What started as just another required text soon became one of his most valued resources — a book he still keeps on his desk years later. The Atlas helped him connect the dots between historical events, prophets, and kings, moving from fragmented understanding to a fuller picture of the biblical narrative. Together, they highlight how the Atlas strikes a rare balance: scholarly yet readable, detailed yet approachable. Its charts, timelines, and summaries make complex biblical history accessible for everyone. Want to know which kings ruled during Isaiah’s ministry? There’s a chart for that. Trying to trace Paul’s missionary journeys in Acts? The maps make it easy. And with rich scriptural cross-references throughout, it constantly points you back to the Bible itself. Whether you’re a pastor, seminary student, Sunday school teacher, or just a believer hungry for deeper insight, the Holman Bible Atlas belongs on your shelf. It’s beautifully made, easy to use, and designed to enrich your study and teaching of God’s Word. If you have any recommendations for Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass email us at TheChurchResource@gmail.com /episode/index/show/thechurchresource/id/38815860

Is Old Testament Still Relevant? How to Study the Bible the Right Way | The Church Resource Podcast 11/11/2025

Is Old Testament Still Relevant? How to Study the Bible the Right Way | The Church Resource Podcast Welcome to The Church Resource — the show where we talk about the best tools, tips, and conversations for churches, leaders, and everyday believers! Hosted by Lucas Pinckard and joined by Dr. Chris Respass, this episode dives deep into one of the most important — yet often overlooked — topics in the church today: how to study the Bible. In this episode, Lucas and Dr. Chris start off lighthearted — chatting about sports, old college allegiances, and generational fandom (shoutout to all the long-suffering Cowboys fans!). But soon, they turn their attention to something far more enduring: how we approach God’s Word. One of the biggest questions both pastors hear is: “How do I study the Bible?” This simple but profound question launches an in-depth discussion on how churches can teach Scripture in a way that connects the Old Testament and New Testament — not as two separate stories, but as one unified narrative of God’s redemptive plan. Key Takeaways: - The Old Testament Still Matters: Many believers focus heavily on the New Testament, but Dr. Chris reminds us that the Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding Christ. The promises, prophecies, and covenants all find fulfillment in Jesus. Without the Old Testament, the New loses its depth and meaning. - Teaching in Balance: Whether through sermon series, Bible institutes, or small groups, both leaders stress the importance of having a balanced approach to Scripture. At Antioch Bible Institute, Dr. Chris structures classes by semester, offering introductions to both testaments and courses in theology and biblical literacy. - Making Connections: Lucas highlights how his own teaching through Romans connects directly to stories in Kings and Chronicles. Seeing how Paul’s writings reflect Israel’s history helps bring the Bible to life — showing God’s consistent nature across both covenants. - Study Tools That Help: From the Holman Bible Atlas to good study Bibles with cross-references, the right tools can open up new levels of understanding. Even something as simple as a map can help contextualize Scripture and deepen your study. - Practical Wisdom for Teachers: Not everything you study needs to make it into your sermon! Dr. Chris reminds teachers that some discoveries are just for personal edification. Aim for clarity, not complexity — and let 10% of your teaching “blow people’s minds” just enough to make them hungry for more of God’s Word. - Creating Safe Spaces for Learning: Every class or group should be a place where people can ask honest questions without fear. Whether your church uses lecture-style teaching, small group discussions, or creative methods like songs, poems, or skits — meet people where they are and help them grow. This conversation is a masterclass in both pastoral wisdom and biblical practicality. Lucas and Dr. Chris remind us that teaching Scripture well isn’t about showing off knowledge — it’s about helping people encounter God’s truth in a way that transforms their lives. As Dr. Chris says, some classes are “paternalistic” — because sometimes, people don’t know what they need until they learn it. But ultimately, every approach to studying or teaching the Bible must be bathed in prayer. The Spirit leads; we just follow faithfully. If you have any recommendations for Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass email us at TheChurchResource@gmail.com /episode/index/show/thechurchresource/id/38815815

Pastor Appreciation Month: Encouraging or Uncomfortable? | The Church Resource Podcast 11/04/2025

Pastor Appreciation Month: Encouraging or Uncomfortable? | The Church Resource Podcast Welcome back to The Church Resource, your go-to place for insightful discussions about the best resources for churches, leaders, and laypeople. In today’s episode, Lucas Pinckard sits down with Dr. Chris Respass to talk about a topic that’s both encouraging and a bit tricky — Pastor’s Appreciation Month. How do pastors really feel about being appreciated? Should we celebrate Pastor’s Appreciation Month? What’s the biblical perspective, and how does it affect pastors personally and spiritually? Lucas and Dr. Chris dive deep into these questions and more. Dr. Chris opens up about his own struggles with receiving praise and recognition. For many pastors, appreciation can feel uncomfortable—especially when they see their role as simply doing their job or fulfilling their calling. Chris explains his internal wrestling with feeling worthy of praise when he feels he’s still growing or not quite “perfect” in his work. There’s an ongoing tension between humility and the desire for encouragement, and it’s a challenge many pastors face. They also touch on how pastor appreciation can sometimes lead to unintended consequences—such as pastors resting on their laurels or feeling conflicted about receiving honor that they believe belongs to God. It’s a delicate balance of accepting love and encouragement without letting it inflate the ego or detract from the ultimate focus on God’s glory. Lucas and Chris share candid stories and pastoral wisdom about why appreciation matters, even if it feels awkward at times. One pastor’s advice stood out: “Don’t block someone’s blessing.” Often, congregants feel called by God to bless their pastors, and rejecting those gestures can unintentionally stop God’s work through them. The episode also emphasizes that pastors need encouragement to help them through difficult seasons, and simple acts like thank-you notes or baked goods can mean more than people realize. Many pastors leave ministry due to burnout and lack of affirmation. Showing appreciation is a powerful way to keep them encouraged and engaged. For anyone in church leadership or anyone who loves their pastor, this episode offers helpful insights into how to celebrate and encourage pastors in a way that honors God and uplifts those who serve. Key topics covered: - Biblical foundation for pastor appreciation - Personal struggles pastors face with praise and recognition - The balance between humility and encouragement - How appreciation impacts pastoral longevity and morale - Practical ways to encourage and bless your church leaders If you want to understand your pastor better and learn how to support them in meaningful ways, this episode is for you! If you have any recommendations for Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass email us at TheChurchResource@gmail.com /episode/index/show/thechurchresource/id/38747550

Is Knowing Original Biblical Languages Necessary for Preaching? | The Church Resource Podcast 10/28/2025

Is Knowing Original Biblical Languages Necessary for Preaching? | The Church Resource Podcast Welcome to The Church Resource – where we equip pastors, church leaders, and laypeople with tools to better understand, teach, and live out the Word of God. In this episode, Lucas Pinckard is joined by Dr. Chris Respass to tackle a critical (and often debated) topic in ministry and biblical education: Is it necessary to know and study the original biblical languages—Hebrew and Greek—to faithfully preach and teach God's Word? This conversation is as insightful as it is relatable, filled with laughs, honest stories from parenting and ministry, and a deep dive into the why behind seminary education and biblical language study. From discussing translation theories (formal vs. dynamic equivalence) to analyzing key differences in how major Bible translations handle iconic verses like John 3:16, this episode shows just how much depth and meaning can be gained when we understand the original context and vocabulary of Scripture. You'll also hear about: - The difference between a translation and a paraphrase (Message vs. Living Bible) - Why even a basic knowledge of Greek or Hebrew can radically enhance your preaching - Free and affordable tools to begin studying biblical languages - Cautionary tales of “Greek snobs” in the pulpit—and why humility is key when handling Scripture - How your translation’s intro pages (yes, those pages you skip) can unlock the translation theory behind the text - Real-life examples of how knowing the original language changes the way you teach and apply the Bible (like in the story of Hannah and Samuel) Dr. Respass and Lucas emphasize that biblical language study is a tool, not a flex. Like a screwdriver vs. a butter knife, knowing the original text helps you handle Scripture more accurately and confidently—not to show off, but to better serve your people. Whether you’re a seasoned pastor, a Bible study leader, or a curious Christian who wants to go deeper, this episode will give you the perspective and practical tools to take your study to the next level. And if seminary isn’t in the cards for you, don’t worry—we’ve got options. /episode/index/show/thechurchresource/id/38735775

How to Handle Disgruntled Church Members with Grace and Wisdom | The Church Resource Podcast 10/21/2025

How to Handle Disgruntled Church Members with Grace and Wisdom | The Church Resource Podcast Welcome back to The Church Resource, where we talk all things helpful for churches, leaders, and laypeople alike. In this episode, Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass dive deep into a real and recurring issue in ministry: how to handle a disgruntled church member. Conflict in church leadership isn’t new — but understanding why a member is upset and how to respond with grace and wisdom is critical. This episode, titled “Getting to the Heart of the Issue,” explores what’s often going on beneath the surface of complaints. Spoiler alert: most of the time, the thing someone is mad about… isn’t really the thing they’re mad about. Drawing on real-world ministry experience, conflict mediation insights, and pastoral care principles, Lucas and Dr. Respus unpack: - Why church members may act out when they feel a loss of control or change in their spiritual environment. - The importance of recognizing context — such as grief, trauma, or decades of history — behind someone’s frustration. - What it means to check your ego at the door when someone challenges you. - How to truly listen, not just hear — and how this simple act can de-escalate most tense conversations. - The value of building relationships with dissenters before conflict even arises. - Why not every squeaky wheel needs grease — but every person needs grace. You'll also hear about the concept of the “Holy Desenter” — those individuals who challenge leadership in ways that help the church stay balanced, self-aware, and Spirit-led. These aren't troublemakers; they’re sometimes God’s instruments for accountability and deeper reflection. Ministry leaders will be encouraged to remember: - That not every challenge is a threat. - That shepherding includes listening, guiding, and even being corrected. - And that when handled well, difficult conversations can lead to unity, trust, and maturity in the body of Christ. As always, Lucas and Dr. Respass keep it real, humorous, and incredibly insightful — even sharing a few parenting analogies and three-year-old battles that somehow still apply to church life! Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or active church member, this conversation will equip you with the mindset and tools to better navigate difficult conversations in your community. Got a topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at: Like, Subscribe, and Share this video to help others grow in grace and leadership! /episode/index/show/thechurchresource/id/38503540

Online Bible Study Tools Every Church Leader Should Know | The Church Resource Podcast 10/14/2025

Online Bible Study Tools Every Church Leader Should Know | The Church Resource Podcast Welcome back to The Church Resource! In this episode, hosts Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass dig into one of the most common questions they get: What are the best online tools and resources for Bible study, preaching, and discipleship? Whether you're a church leader, seminary student, or simply a curious believer, knowing where to send people for solid biblical insight matters. Lucas and Chris explore their personal go-to platforms like Bible Gateway, Bible Hub, Blue Letter Bible, and Logos, breaking down what makes each of them useful — and when they're most appropriate. They also tackle an often-overlooked but critical issue: how to discern if a resource is trustworthy. It's not just about flashy websites or big names. Chris shares how he vets resources based on what they say about Jesus, who publishes them, and how much theological "spice" a person can handle. Because let’s face it — not everyone’s ready to chew on John Calvin or Greek dialects, and that’s okay! From seminary-level Greek studies to tools that explain the basics, the hosts emphasize the importance of matching the right content to the right person. They discuss how recommending the wrong type of resource at the wrong time (especially in deep books like Revelation) can lead to confusion, not clarity. Plus, there’s plenty of humor and humility as they reflect on their own early struggles — like misreading Aristotle or trying to grasp Paul’s writings in Romans. (Shoutout to Peter for confirming Paul was deep!) Whether you're looking for reliable commentaries, tools for Greek and Hebrew word studies, or websites for church growth stats and evangelism trends, this episode provides a practical and pastoral guide to navigating the world of online Christian content. Got a resource you want us to review or a topic you’d love to hear more about? Email us at Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share this video if it helps you or your ministry! /episode/index/show/thechurchresource/id/38503440

What Do You Say When the World is Watching? Pastoral Wisdom in Crisis | The Church Resource Podcast 10/07/2025

What Do You Say When the World is Watching? Pastoral Wisdom in Crisis | The Church Resource Podcast In this deeply honest and theologically grounded episode of The Church Resource, hosts Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass tackle one of the most difficult questions facing pastors, church leaders, and believers today: How should the church respond to major cultural events—especially tragic or polarizing ones like the assassination of Charlie Kirk? With humility and wisdom drawn from decades of pastoral experience, they explore the spiritual and practical challenges of preaching through moments of national crisis, political upheaval, and cultural division. From shepherding a congregation with diverse perspectives to discerning what belongs in the pulpit versus what’s best left to private counseling or podcast commentary, Lucas and Chris dive into the hard questions—without offering easy answers. Together, they reflect on three key groups present in every church during cultural moments: - Those emotionally or politically invested - Those with opposing views who still grieve as Christians - And those caught off guard, confused, or unaware Their message? Every response must begin not with outrage or opinion, but with humble submission to the Word of God. Throughout the conversation, they stress a central truth: the gospel must shape how we view culture—not the other way around. Whether you're preaching, counseling, parenting, or mentoring, the goal is the same—proclaim Christ, point to hope, and stand firm in truth while loving the people God has given you to shepherd. They also unpack the idea that not all events deserve pulpit time, and that pastors are not cowards for focusing on Christ instead of commentary. In fact, courage can look very different depending on the congregation and the context. Other key themes include: - Understanding your flock and their expectations - The dangers of performative preaching - The pressure to appease versus the call to obey How God often aligns scripture with culture through His sovereignty Why it’s okay to leave some people disappointed—if faithfulness to God is the goal Lucas and Chris don’t shy away from the painful side of ministry, either—acknowledging the hurt that can come from being “bitten by the sheep.” But they remind viewers that shepherds are called to love and lead regardless, and to expect hardship while clinging to hope. Whether you're a lead pastor, a youth leader, a Bible teacher, or a believer trying to make sense of a divided world, this conversation will equip and encourage you to stand firm, stay grounded, and speak truth in love—no matter how loud the culture gets. Got a topic you want us to cover? A resource you want us to review? Email us at . Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations on faith, leadership, and cultural engagement from a gospel-centered perspective. /episode/index/show/thechurchresource/id/38415845