Welcome back to Preaching and Preachers, the podcast where we come alongside pastors and proclaimers to think deeply about our calling, sharpen our craft, and renew our hearts for faithful ministry. I’m your host, Dr. Jason K. Allen.
Today we’re diving into a powerful message originally shared at Midwestern Seminary titled “Ministry in the 21st Century.” In an age of rapid cultural change, shifting expectations, and new challenges for the Church, what does it mean to minister faithfully and preach the gospel with clarity and courage?
Our first guest today is Justin Taylor — a prominent voice in evangelical publishing and theological engagement. Justin serves as the Executive Vice President for Book Publishing and Publisher for Books at Crossway, a ministry dedicated to proclaiming the gospel through Bible-centered and gospel-centered resources. He’s edited and contributed to numerous influential works and is the author of the widely read blog Between Two Worlds, hosted by The Gospel Coalition. With deep roots in theological scholarship and a heart for equipping the church through books and resources, Justin brings a perspective that bridges pastoral ministry, cultural engagement, and faithful biblical exposition.
And joining us as well is Dr. Denny Burk, a respected biblical scholar and pastor whose work focuses on faithful, gospel-shaped engagement with Scripture and culture. Denny is Professor of Biblical Studies at Boyce College, the undergraduate school of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also directs the Center for Gospel and Culture. He’s the author of multiple books, including What Is the Meaning of Sex?, and is widely known for his thoughtful writing on theology, ethics, and cultural issues. In addition to his academic work, Denny serves as an associate pastor in Louisville, Kentucky, and regularly contributes to conversations shaping how the church understands and proclaims the gospel in the 21st century.