In their panel discussion at TGC's 2023 conference, J. T. English, Kyle Worley, and Jen Wilkin delve into the crucial role of discipleship in the local church, focusing on the importance of theological education and spiritual growth. There are challenges in cultivating effective discipleship programs and there’s need for a deeper biblical understanding among those being discipled. Through sharing personal experiences within the broader evangelical context, the panel encourages church leaders to take a comprehensive approach to discipleship that integrates learning with spiritual disciplines.

The Church Is Essential for Discipleship

The Gospel Coalition Podcast features keynote and breakout sessions from our national, regional, and women's conferences. We exist to equip the next generation of believers, pastors, and church leaders to shape life and ministry around the gospel.

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Even those who live by faith experience doubt, but it doesn't have to end your faith. Drawing from years of guiding Christians through doubt and disillusionment, Joshua Chatraw combines pastoral care and intellectual rigor to address the emotional journey of doubt, offering a new perspective on living a life of faith alongside it. In this breakout session from TGC23, Chatraw and Jack Carson discuss these themes based on their book, Surprised by Doubt. 

Surprised by Doubt: How Disillusionment Can Invite Us into a Deeper Faith

James Anderson opens this two-part breakout session by sharing how to cultivate a biblically formed understanding of our present cultural realities and maintain confidence and hope when we might otherwise be tempted to despair. Ligon Duncan and Nancy Guthrie follow with a discussion of theological foundations and pastoral approaches for helping one another walk through suffering. The session covershow suffering can shape faith and trust in God's goodness,how to cope with suffering and anger toward God, andhow to find comfort from God's Word in times of tribulation.As we cling to biblical truth for our circumstances and rest in the hope of the resurrection, God can work in our suffering to deepen our faith and teach us to depend on him.

How to Hope in Hard Times

In this breakout session from TGC23, Dan Doriani addresses the real concern of churches devastated by bullying, immorality, and narcissism at the hands of pastors. But he also addresses the challenges facing pastors as they endure disapproval, opposition, foot-dragging, sabotage, and whisper campaigns. He challenges pastors to cultivate humility, seek God's wisdom and mercy, and embrace servanthood while fostering appropriate confidence and resilience in their calling to pastoral ministry.

Narcissism Is Toxic for Pastors. But So Is Lack of Confidence

Tim Keller examines Nicodemus's encounter with Jesus, unpacking the concept of being "born again." He challenges common stereotypes of born-again Christians and emphasizes that this spiritual rebirth is essential for everyone, regardless of their moral or religious status.  Keller reminds us that true repentance is turning towards Jesus for salvation and, in doing so, he highlights the beautiful transformation that happens when we receive a new identity in Christ and an entirely reordered life through the inner work of the Holy Spirit.

Tim Keller on the Necessity of Salvation

In his breakout at TGC23, Michael Kruger argues doubt is a natural part of growing faith and can lead to stronger beliefs if handled with biblical and wise guidance. He offers suggestions for how Christians can confront and process doubts about their faith, especially in our skeptical age. And he calls the church to be a supportive environment that neither shames nor celebrates doubt but rather encourages constructive dialogue. This session provides hope and guidance for believers grappling with their uncertainties and for those who come alongside them.

The Church Is Essential for Discipleship

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