Speaking
Bring Thinking Christian to Your Church, Campus, or Conference
The scholars and practitioners behind Thinking Christian are available to speak — bringing the same calm, thoughtful, theological depth to the platform that they bring to the podcast and the classroom.
Our Speakers
James Spencer, PhD
President, D. L. Moody Center · Host, Thinking Christian Podcast
James speaks at churches, conferences, colleges, and seminaries on theology, digital formation, Christian nationalism, leadership, and discipleship. He brings a scholar’s precision and a pastor’s instinct to every engagement.
Topic Areas
Audience Types
Ashish Varma, PhD
Co-Host, Thinking Christian Podcast · Theologian
Ashish brings careful theological attention and a deep love for God’s people to every speaking engagement. He helps audiences consider God from unique perspectives drawing on his expertise in church history and theology.
Topic Areas
Audience Types
Gregg Quiggle, PhD
Contributor, Asked and Answered · Historical Theologian
Gregg brings the perspective of a church historian to contemporary questions — helping audiences understand that the challenges the church faces today are rarely as novel as they seem.
Topic Areas
Audience Types
James Spencer
What James Addresses
Digital Discernment
What does it look like to live under the authority of Scripture in a world that presses Christians toward accommodation or reaction? James draws on the Thinking Christian Framework to address how Christians are being formed before he addresses what they are being told. The aim is not a set of conclusions but a way of seeing.
Guest, Faith Vs. Culture, 2004
Christians and Politics
American Civil Religion and Christian nationalism press the church to fold its faith into political agendas. James addresses political engagement from a distinctly theological position, drawing on Serpents and Doves and his ongoing work on civil religion to help audiences hold their political convictions loosely enough to remain Christian first.
Panel on Christian Nationalism, The Christian Post’s Politics in the Pews, 2024
Christians, Technology, and Media
Digital environments are not neutral tools. They form habits, judgments, and theological reflexes at a pace that bypasses the practices by which faithful judgment is normally tested. Drawing on the forthcoming Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press), James offers a theological account of formation in a digital age and a working framework for resisting misformation.
Guest on TBN’s The Rise of Artificial Intelligence, 2023
Biblical Exposition and Christian Thought
Sound theological judgment depends on careful reading of Scripture. James preaches and teaches from major biblical texts, including Genesis, Exodus, Job, Romans, 1 Corinthians, and Revelation, helping congregations and students see how Scripture forms a theological disposition rather than a position.
Skyline Church, O’Fallon, IL
Formats
How James Engages
Keynote
A single talk built for a service, conference plenary, chapel, or convocation.
Workshop
A focused half-day or full-day session for a leadership team, ministry staff, or board.
Course
A multi-session engagement, drawn directly from the Thinking Christian Framework or one of James’s books, designed for adult education, leadership development, or sustained theological formation.
Broadcast and Podcast Interviews
James is available for radio, television, and podcast appearances on the topic areas above.
Audiences
Who James Serves
- ▪Churches, including Sunday morning services, evening teaching series, and all-church events.
- ▪Conferences, including keynotes and breakouts.
- ▪Colleges and universities, including chapel, convocation, and student events.
- ▪Seminaries, including convocation, continuing education, and alumni events.
- ▪Pastoral and leadership retreats.
- ▪Boards and ministry teams.
- ▪Broadcast and podcast outlets.
Select Appearances
Seen and Heard
Recurring Guest, Stand in the Gap Today — American Pastors Network
Guest Expert, CBN's Faith vs. Culture — "Dealing with Deconstruction"
Panelist, The Christian Post's Politics in the Pews — "Christian Nationalism and Political Participation"
Guest Expert, TBN's The Rise of Artificial Intelligence — "Retaining Our Humanity in An Age of A.I."
Guest, LIFE Today Live — "Should Christians Be Political?"
Guest, Lauren Green's Lighthouse Faith — "Faith Under Fire: A Recipe for Christian Resistance"
Also appeared on:
The Eric Metaxas Show · Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey · Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk · Equipped with Chris Brooks (Moody Radio) · Newsmax American Agenda · The Christian Worldview with David Wheaton · The Drive Home with Greg Seltz · Higher Ground with Billy Hallowell · Brad Stine Has Issues · Providence Forum
Expert source:
The Telegraph (UK)
Fox News
Regular contributor:
Christianity.com
What People Are Saying
“Dr. James Spencer is one great example. He gave a really measured exposition of what Christian nationalism is, what it isn’t, and how the church should be responding.”
“James challenged my preconceived ideas of the material and stretched my understanding, forcing me to view Scripture in a way that allowed the text to form tangible, practical application.”
“Dr. Spencer articulated some things for me that I have been unable to adequately express to others. I listened to the program twice, downloaded the transcript, and ordered his book. His work will help me as I seek to fulfill the purpose God has given me.”
“James’s way of analyzing culture and framing it biblically and theologically is compelling and convicting all at the same time. His comments were measured and he has challenged me to rethink the way I engage in politics.”
Not Sure Who to Book?
If you know your topic but aren't sure which speaker is the best fit, reach out and describe your event — we'll point you in the right direction.
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For the most efficient response, please include the following in your inquiry:
- ▪Event type and audience
- ▪Anticipated audience size
- ▪Proposed date or date range
- ▪Format desired (keynote, workshop, course, interview, other)
- ▪Topic interest, or a brief description of what you are trying to accomplish