Theocology Episodes
All episodes from the ThriveFGCU podcast
Pastor John Roth of Thrive Community Church
Welcome Students and Parents to a new season of Theocology! This is the first episode of a series of episodes aimed at providing information about the different Campus Ministries around FGCU! This episode features Pastor and Professor John Roth, and his life with Christ.
Theocology's New Host: Kellen Hicks!
Join us in this exciting episode where we sit down with our new podcast host Kellen Hicks! During this discussion we'll touch on his journey with faith, his pastoral internship with Thrive Community Church, and his vision for the future of theocology!
Summer Sessions Part 2
In this continuation of our conversation AJ, John, and David discuss a myriad of topics from church models, high school experiences, and where we see God leading Thrive during this Season.
Summer Sessions Part 1
In part one of session session Aj, John, and David discussion internships, summer orientation outreaches, and exciting events coming up for the Fall!
Owning Your Faith: Walking with God When No One’s Watching
College is often the first time many of us are truly on our own—and that includes our faith. In this episode, we explore what it means to move from a secondhand belief system to a personal, authentic relationship with God. We’ll talk about letting go of borrowed convictions, wrestling with doubts, and building a faith that can stand the test of independence, peer pressure, and life’s big questions. Whether you’re struggling, seeking, or just starting fresh—this conversation is for you.
Parties, Peer Pressure, & Purpose: How to Celebrate Without Compromise
Episode Description:College parties are everywhere — but what does it look like to enjoy social life while honoring God? In this episode, we dive into the tension between fun and faith, exploring how Christians can navigate the party scene with wisdom and conviction. We’ll talk about the Bible’s view of celebration, setting boundaries, handling peer pressure, and finding joy without regret. Whether you’re curious about what’s okay, feeling the pull of the crowd, or just want to party with purpose, this conversation is for you!
The importance Christian Community
Join David, Aiden, and Erin as they discuss the importance of being in Christian community
A God like No Other - Kaufmann's analysis of Judaeo Monotheism
Join David and Michael as they dive into Yehezkel Kaufmann’s groundbreaking theory on the God of the Bible—what sets Him apart from all other deities throughout history? Discover how Kaufmann’s insights shed light on the distinctiveness of biblical monotheism and its profound impact on faith and culture. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion on theology, history, and the uniqueness of the one true God! Join David and Micheal as they explore Yehezkel Kaufmann's theory of the God of the Bible and what separates this God from all others throughout time and history!
Disappointment - Grappling with God's sovereignty amidst tragedies and failures
Join David, Jaden, Erin, and Aiden as we dive into the reality of disappointments and setbacks in life. How do we navigate struggles when things don’t go as planned? And how can we learn to trust God through it all? Tune in as we share personal insights, biblical wisdom, and practical encouragement for staying grounded in faith during life’s challenge
Competing Identities - Who am I in Christ?
Join David, Aiden, and Erin as we discuss the challenges of finding our identity in Christ, in a world full of other things to place our identity in!
First Things First: Prioritizing Time with God in a Busy College Life
Between classes, work, social lives, and the endless to-do lists, making time for God ca feel impossible. in this episode of Theology we dive into the challenges of maintaining a strong spiritual life as a busy college student! how can we create space for prayers, scripture , and worship without feeling overwhelmed?
When Plans Crumble - Trusting God in Life’s Unexpected Turns
Join David and Aiden as we discuss how poorly human beings can be at predicting the future, and how trusting in the Lord's wisdom and faithfulness is the only sure path to peace and hope in Life!
Faith Journeys: College Ministries, Growing Up in Church, and More with David Grigg
Join us this week as pastor John talks with Thrives new campus pastor, David Grigg about college ministries, faith, and growing up in the church!
Messy Spirituality
JR, Grace and Pastor John discuss "messy spirituality" because that's the only kind there is. This is both challenging and comforting for us all. God doesn't abandon us because we are messy, but is fully committed to us in Christ.
Delightful!
JR Cintron and Pastor John discuss the story of Zacchaeus in the Gospel of Luke as a story of God's delight in befriending us and how we don't change people through contempt but showing our delight to be with them first.
Love, Leadership and Relationships
JR and Pastor John discuss Jesus actions of washing the feet of his disciples and displaying leadership through service and a profound act of love. The four different Greek words for love come up along with how leadership often is seen differently in this world.
Don't Freak Out - Be Calm
JR, Grace, Aiden, Jaden and Pastor John discuss the emotion of calmness, being self-regulated, seeing a bigger picture, rather than freaking out over anxious situations just prior to the presidential election, a time of deep anxieties in our culture. They discuss how Jesus showed calmness in the storm and even calmed the storm, and how we can trust him because he's in the boat with us. The story they reference is found in Mark's Gospel, chapter 4.
The Loneliness Epidemic and Cure
Grace, Aiden, PJ, Jaden and JR discuss loneliness and how common it is in our society, but also how Jesus understands it because he experienced it himself.
Hurricanes! Yikes!
JR, Aiden, Jaden and Pastor John discuss the recent two hurricanes Florida experienced and what we've learned through them.
Be Emotional!
Vickie, AJ, Aiden and PJ discuss compassion and how emotions play a significant role in connecting us to one another and how Jesus was emotional. In this episode they discuss Jesus' compassion as that emotion is highlighted 15 times in his parables and in encounters with people.
Living only for Now?
JR, Grace, Jaden and PJ discuss Ecclesiastes' message of life "under the sun," that is, a secular viewpoint of just now. Secularism has been called "now-ism" with no sense of anything outside of what one has right at the present moment. This produces much of the pressure and tension of modern life while those who believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ know that He is their future and it is the real real they live into.
The Least are Sometimes the Least Expected and the Most Receptive
AJ, Aiden and PJ discuss AJ's experience over the summer in Mt. Rainier National Park and how AJ shared the Gospel and those who were most receptive were not those whom AJ expected.
Hard Times are Good Times for God
Jaden, JR, Grace, Aiden and PJ discuss their summer experiences and how God works through the tough times in our lives to draw us into deeper character and trust.
Left Behind?
Erick and Pastor John discuss how misguided the obsession with trying to figure out the date for the 2nd coming of Christ is, how anti-creation some rapture talk is, and the great hope we have of a new heaven and earth that Jesus will usher in. Jesus is our future.
Misquoted?
Katrina, Erik and Pastor John discuss different Bible passages that get misused or misapplied and how to learn to place passages into context and do a better job of interpreting them.
God is Alive in College
Katrina and Pastor John talk about the common misconception that students lose their faith and morals in college, but often the opposite happens. In fact, the data shows those with higher levels of education have a higher tendency to be religious and have faith. Katrina shares how she has grown in her faith at FGCU and she gives advice on how other students can as well.
Judge Not?
Katrina and PJ discuss one of the most often misquoted Bible passages, Matthew 7:1, where Jesus says "Judge not, lest you be judged." Many take it as a call to never make a judgment. From its context, though, we see it's more about hypocrisy and making good judgments after first doing some deep self-reflection.
Grow Much?
AJ, Jaden, Aiden, Erin, Richard and Pastor John discuss how they have grown over the past academic year, inside and outside of the classroom and also discuss summer plans.
Ways of the World
Dominic joins AJ, PJ, Aiden and Jaden to discuss what it means to "love not the world" and how one can so easily get caught up with the trends and ways of the world. They look at some quotes from Eugene Peterson's book The Jesus Way as well as discuss the normalizing of so many vices in society.
Money Lies
In this episode Richard Butt joins AJ, PJ, Jaden, Aiden and Erin in discussing what Jesus teaches us (warns us) about money and possessions. Listen in on this discussion of greed and generosity.
The Lie of Isolation
AJ, PJ, Jaden and Erin discuss how "doing your own thing" can often be living a lie that will bring disintegration rather than growth and other ways we believe and live out lies in our lives.
Lies We Live
In this episode PJ discusses how lies are often what we end up living without realizing it, harming ourselves and others. AJ, Jaden, Grant and Aiden share some of the lies they have believed in their past and how they have come to the reality of God's grace.
Can't God just forgive? Why did Jesus have to die?
In this episode PJ brings up a question he heard from a student in his world religions class about Christianity. This question basically was, "Why do Christians believe God had to punish His son for the sins of others in order to forgive? If God is forgiving, why doesn't he just do it?" Aiden, Erin, PJ, Jaden, Grant and AJ discuss what forgiveness is all about and why Jesus did die.
Cults and Concerns - How Bad Theology Can Mess You Up
Erin joins AJ, Jaden, Aiden and PJ for a discussion on how bad theology can mess people's lives up and how to discern when you might be succumbing to it.
Why Matter Matters
Some American Christians display a despair over this world, an escapist theology where they are waiting to "leave" this world behind for "heaven." When the Bible speaks of the goodness of creation and how God will renew this creation, bringing heaven and earth together. Jaden, Aiden, AJ and Pastor John discuss the hope we can have rather than the despair over the state of the world.
How Low Can You Go? - Low Anthropology
AJ, Jaden and Pastor John discuss human nature and how having a "low anthropology" actually brings hope since we don't have to be what we are not and the Gospel comes through most fully.
Oh Lord, It's Hard to Be Humble
AJ, PJ, Jaden and Aiden talk about humility, what it is, and what it is not, and how it fits in with both theology and life. Most people even when trying to be humble, aren't actually humble. Humility may not be what you think it is.
Theology of the Cross 2
Jaden, Aiden, AJ and PJ discuss implications of the theology of the cross, that what Jesus went through is typical of God's way to work in this world, not incidental. The cross is not a formula but God's means in our lives.
Theology of the Cross
AJ, Jaden, Aiden and PJ discuss the difference between the theology of the cross and the theology of glory and why it matters.
Theology 3 - Sewage Solutions
Jaden, AJ, Aiden and PJ discuss how a sewage utility in Ohio over the holidays did the unexpected and as a result thousands of customers came to them and shared their burdens via voicemail. This is an apt metaphor for what the Church is to be.
Why Pray?
Aiden, Jaden, AJ and Dr. John Roth discuss why people pray and what does prayer change.
Why God Talk?
John, Jaden, Aiden and AJ discuss why theology matters and how what you believe about God impacts everything else in your life. This first episode of Theocology sets the stage for many more in 2024
New for 2024
Jaden, Aiden and PJ discuss the new year and what's changing about our podcast - new name with a more deliberate focus.
Grow, Baby, Grow!
AJ, Jaden and PJ discuss how they've grown this semester and how God causes growth in people's lives - what aids in growth and what inhibits it.
The Gospel Truth
JR, Grace, AJ, Jaden and PJ discuss Law and Gospel again and how the Gospel is what a follower of Jesus needs to be empowered and to live.
What's LAW got to do with it?
AJ, PJ, JR, Jaden, Grace and Grant discuss how easily people fall into legalism and what God's law (Ten Commandments etc.) actually used for. This contrasts to the Gospel, which will come up more in the next podcast.
Great Expectations and the Blues during the Holidays
AJ and PJ talk about depression, expectations and holidays - how these interact and also how family histories intertwine.
More Conflict?
AJ, PJ, JR, Jaden, Grant and Grace all discuss a second round on conflict, how to know when you're entering "the tar pits" of high conflict, how to resolve everyday conflict, and how we can help others.
High Conflict 1
PJ, JR, Grace, Jaden, Grant, and AJ discuss how to recognize when someone is in high conflict and how to get out of the tar pits of conflict. This is the first part of a discussion on this topic taking some of its foundation from Amanda Ripley's book High Conflict.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. - When Shame is Good so we Honor Others
AJ, PJ, JR and Grant talk about when shame is a good thing, when we step over boundaries or do not appropriately honor others, and how being shameless can be a problem in our society. We also see how giving respect and honor to others gives us a way to be in community.
Shame OFF You TOO!
JR, Jaden, PJ, AJ and Grant continue the discussion of shame and its effects on our lives, finding some good resources for overcoming shame.
Shame OFF You!
PJ, Jaden, JR and AJ discuss shame, the fear of disconnection and feelings of worthlessness, and how it impacts students self-image, but more, their academics, anxiety, depression, loneliness and more. They also discuss how to get shame off of us through community and connection.
Modern Manhood - Who are Your Mentors?
Grant, Jaden and PJ finish their discussion on the crisis in masculinity and. how many younger men, college aged for example, have not had mentors in their lives and how important it is to have someone older, wiser to pour into you.
Modern Manhood?
Grant, Jaden and PJ discuss the masculinity crisis, where more young men are dropping out and the cultural angst there appears to be about what manhood means. This is the first part of a longer discussion.
One is the Loneliest Number - Loneliness in College and How to Overcome
Wings up is a podcast of ThriveFGCU, a campus ministry at FGCU, in which we want everyone to SOAR - See the reality they are in, Overcome some obstacles, Achieve greater things, and Reach down within themselves and Up to God who has made you and saved you. In this episode we talk about the loneliness epidemic in our culture and how among young adults it's even higher than other ages. We also discuss ways to connect and overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Schools out for SUMMER!
Matt, Jaden and PJ discuss how over the summer college students can keep growing in their faith rather than putting it on hold. They give five practical ways to accomplish it even in a busy work schedule.
The Final Countdown: Stress and the End of the Semester
Jaden and PJ discuss how the academic year has gone as students are in the last few days of class and look toward finals.
Hope in a Hopeless World
Matt, Jaden and PJ discuss college students' sense of hope or hopelessness after pandemic, hurricane and the fracturing of our culture. Where do you find hope?
Adversity, our Teacher
PJ and Jaden invite Luke as a guest to discuss the tough times we go through and how to learn from them, adversity and what it teaches, and the wisdom we get by enduring.
What's So Great About Easter?
PJ, Matt and Jaden discuss how the view Holy Week and Easter and what ways they are celebrating it while the college calendar just keeps plugging along.
Family Matters
Jaden, Matt and PJ discuss how students come to college and see their family and home life a bit differently but then go back home for summers, so the three talked about what they appreciate about their families and how they learn to differentiate as well as connect.
Faith in the Classroom
Matt, Jaden and PJ discuss the vacuum of purpose and meaning discussions or faith discussions in most college classrooms.
Got a Prayer?
With 69% of college students surveyed saying they pray on a regular basis, Matt, Jaden and PJ discuss questions about prayer, how to pray with more confidence, and how prayer changes you.
What is College for?
Grant and Matt up in Boston on Spring Break talk with PJ about what college is for. Is it just to get a degree so you make money? Is it more?
Spring Break!
Jaden, Matt and PJ discuss plans for spring break and how some of the best experiences and learning are OUTSIDE of the classroom.
Midterm Stress and Balance in College Life
Jaden, Matt and PJ discuss upcoming midterms, stress, and the benefits of not being solely focused on GPA and your academic performance.
FOMO and FOBO
Matt, Jaden and PJ discuss the fear of missing out (FOMO) and the fear of better options (FOBO) and how this can paralyze students in making choices. For the Christian, God's presence and promises help us realize we don't miss a thing.
Conflict! - How to handle it
Matt, Jaden and PJ discuss roommate conflicts and family struggles and how to resolve them rather than blow them up even more.
Campus Preachers - Say What?!?!
Matt, Jaden and PJ are joined by Liv to discuss the campus preachers who descended upon FGCU for a two day rally with over 30 shouting down students and being provocative. We discuss the pain they cause both to students but also to those who are Christian on campus, and how to maybe start addressing the issue.
Wings Up - Social Media
Matt, Jaden and John discuss the use of social media and why it often boomerangs back on you. It promises community but doesn't deliver. Increased screen time leads instead to more anxiety and depression. So, how do college students navigate the online world and balance it with the real?
Wings Up 1 - Purpose? What Purpose?
Matt, Jaden and John discuss finding purpose and meaning in life during college.
Wings Up Edition #1
Asking students at FGCU a thoughtful question: "With all the stress and anxiety in the world right now, how do you find your peace?" John and students then discuss the answers and share a better way, connecting with Jesus.
Hope and Faith in the midst of Cancer
As Laura faces a new stage in her fight with cancer, we visit with her to find someone with joy, hope and peace under difficult times and facing her frailty and finitude.
Taking it to the Streets with Andrew
John interviews his friend Andrew who lives in Queens, NY about his experience with street evangelism and how Andrew himself came to faith.
Better Call Saül - talking with Saül Laguierre
A discussion with Saül Laguierre, a friend of Thrive and a staff member at FGCU, as we discuss the challenges college students face, how to motivate and how to have crucial conversations on touchy but important topics.
Talking Texts and Context with Alec
Alec Fisher is working on his PhD in textual studies of the New Testament and discusses with John some implications of the very human and also divine Word of God and its implications for how we live in the world by faith.
Modern Culture and Eschatology
How one views the end goal of history and the direction of the world determines whether one lives with hope, fear or despair. John and Alec describe the current popular views of pre or post millennialism and the Biblical alternative to these modern assumptions along with the secular viewpoint. Christians can have hope in the future which is seeing in Jesus Christ himself.
Thriveon Podcast - Jay Winter - Listening to Gen Z
In this episode Jay Winter, campus pastor at Florida State University, talks with John about campus ministry, generational trends, and how to connect with Generation Z, those generally born after 1995 and now on our college campuses
Subscribe to Theocology
Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.
Subscribe Now