Coffee Shop Theology - with Rob Mapstone

Justin and Stephen talk with Pastor Rob Mapstone about how using a local coffee shop as his primary office pushes him to integrate ground level theology into real life as he engages ministry. They talk about encouragement and disappointment in the church over the last year, and how changes in the process of preparing and credentialing people for ministry can create healthier expectations and better accountability. They wade into the waters of healthy support for and discipline of church leaders,* and consider the issues of white supremacy and Christian nationalism in the American church. Justin challenges popular conceptualizations of the “enemy,” and Rob expresses hope in what it looks like to honestly and deeply pursue Christ - to allow God to challenge and change us in every area of life. Justin and Stephen also discuss dissertation, kids, WWII and more as they talk through their highlights, lowlights, and insights for the week. We have show notes for you at profsinrooms.com and bonus material on Patreon! To donate to production costs, visit profsinrooms.com or become a patron. *This episode was recorded a week before the recent report detailing the horrible conduct of Ravi Zacharias came out and we were not aware of the report at that time. So, although we touch on some very relevant themes, we did not discuss that report in this episode. Find Profs in Rooms mugs and more here. Resources from this episode: • Resources from Justin and Stephen’s conversation: ◦ Michael Burleigh’s The Third Reich: A New History at Bookshop.org or Amazon. • Resources related to the Rob Mapstone ◦ The River Church in Chaska ◦ The Christian and Missionary Alliance About Rob Mapstone Rob is Pastor of The River Church in Chaska, MN. He teaches as an Adjunct Professor at Crown College and is a Candidate Developer for The Christian and Missionary Alliance. Rob and his wife have 4 kids, with the oldest in college.

Credits: Regular Theme Music by Josiah Enns. This episode was recorded on the land of the Wahpekute, Anishinabewaki, and the Očeti Šakówiŋ (Sioux). We may receive commission from Amazon or Bookshop.org for purchases made through some of our links. Thank you for your support.