Church Talk with Dr. Joe Kidder
Church Talk brings you a dynamic exploration of theology, community, and practical ministry, all through the lens of our Adventist faith. Author, pastor and seminary professor Joe Kidder brings you thought-provoking conversations with theologians, pastors, church administrators, and rising young leaders that will impact your relationship to ministry and the church.
Episodes

2 hours ago
2 hours ago
In this heartfelt episode, therapist Anna Galeniece shares how the loss of her own son led her to specialize in supporting others through the complex process of grief and mourning. From breaking down the myths of grief to exploring how we can be better companions to the bereaved, Anna offers compassionate, practical insights for anyone navigating loss—either their own or that of someone they care about or minister to.

3 days ago
3 days ago
Loss can take on many forms - from disappointment about a dream falling through, death of loved ones, life changes, or loss of our time and youthfulness, loss touching our lives in many ways. And any loss takes us through the grief process. Dr. Kidder talk with Ana Galeniece about Understanding loss, grief, and how the grieving process can connect us to God.

Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Discipleship is a relational experience. Jasmin Fraser shares practical tips on creating a culture of discipleship within our church communities by assessing needs and building creative solutions to meet those needs using tools like small groups.

Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
When we think of discipleship, we often think about reading the Bible. But a big component of discipleship is relationship. Jasmine Fraser shares how parents developing a positive and honest relationship with their kids around issues of faith and spirituality can set them up for a lifelong journey following Jesus.

Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
How do we create a truly connected church across generations?In Part 2 of our Generations series, Dr. Kidder speaks again with Rogelio Paquini about what it would look like to have true intergenerational connection in our churches.
Show Notes:
Book | Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church

Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
“What can we do to get our youth to come back to church?”This question has been asked for decades, and it never seems to go away. Dr. Kidder speaks with Rogelio Paquini on the simple way we can break this cycle - passing the baton.

Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Food is more than just sustenance - it’s a connector. Andrew Tompkins discusses the Biblical role of food and community, and what breaking bread with our neighbors can tell us about each other.

Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
The biblical concept of the Sabbath is one that has become increasingly important in today’s age of productivity and busyness. But Christians who have endured Sabbath as legalistic and prohibitive instead of restorative and life-giving, often experience a mixed relationship with the Sabbath. Can it be reframed and reclaimed? Scholar Joann Davidson speaks with Dr. Kidder about rediscovering Sabbath and rest as a gift - rather than just an ancient commandment to follow.

Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Could the Sanctuary described in the Old Testament be more than what it seems? Adventists have long held the believe that within the description of the Sanctuary is a metaphor - and roadmap - for Jesus’s relationship with humanity. In this episode of Church Talk, Old Testament scholar Richard Davidson shares his personal journey with understanding the message of the Sanctuary, and what it can tell us about God’s desire to be with His creation. Covering the historical context of the Sanctuary and the doctrine’s place within Adventism, Davidson and Dr. Kidder discuss the deep appreciation for Jesus that can be cultivated through understanding of the Sanctuary.
Show Notes:
Book | A Song for the Sanctuary by Richard Davidson - https://bookshop.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/product/a-song-for-the-sanctuary/

Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
In our last episode, we explored worship as a personal, spiritual growth practice. In this episode Joe Kidder and David Williams explore worship as corporal or community practice. What is the importance of worshipping together as a community? Kidder and Williams look at the biblical foundations of corporate worship and how it fosters relationships within the body of Christ, the need for intentionality and variety in worship services, and practical ideas to enhance worship experiences in your church and beyond.

Joe Kidder
Dr. Joseph Kidder is a beloved pastor, professor and author who has spent decades exploring how we can do community better.
He has written articles for Ministry Magazine and other publications, and publishes books in the areas of biblical spirituality, pastoral care, and Adventist history.
Joe Kidder is a professor at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Michigan, where is can often be seen on his daily campus walks - no matter the weather.