(S5 E12) 300th Episode: Challenges and Opportunities for the Church in 2022

As we start 2022, we begin with the 300th episode of the Bellator Christi Podcast! In addition to this milestone, Bellator Christi Ministries also enters its 10th year in operation. On this special episode, Brian Chilton reflects on the 10 years of online ministry and how the ministry began. Additionally, Curtis Evelo reflects on his 2 years with Bellator Christi. He discusses how he and Brian joined forces on the podcast.

Afterward, both offer the annual challenges of the year facing the church while also adding possible opportunities. For the first time in this annual posting, the list comes from the entire Bellator Christi team. Join us for this special episode of the Bellator Christi Podcast!

Challenges (15:38)

Biblical illiteracy (upstart churches without oversight (
Church attendance during and post-pandemic
Understanding historical/cultural context of Scripture
Detriments of screens with biblical skill
Apathy and alarmist thinking
Worry
Scientism
Lack of Gospel Centeredness
Works based salvation
Lowered ethical standards
Progressive Christian theology
Shortage of pastors

Opportunities (58:00)

Greater ability to connect online
Growth of spirituality
Decline of materialism
Renaissance of free will soteriologies (Molinism, Provisionism, Thomism, etc.)
Search for community
Cultural Apologetics
Online Training

Brian Chilton: Founder of Bellator Christi Ministries

Brian G. Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com, the co-host of The Bellator Christi Podcast, and the author of the Layman’s Manual on Christian Apologetics. Brian is a PhD Candidate in the Theology and Apologetics program at Liberty University. He holds an MDiv in Theology from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science from Gardner-Webb University. He has served in pastoral ministry for 20 years and currently serves as a clinical hospice chaplain.

https://www.amazon.com/Laymans-Manual-Christian-Apologetics-Essentials/dp/1532697104

Curtis Evelo: Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast

Curtis Evelo is a cattle rancher at the E6 Hereford Ranch in St. Ignatius, Montana. Curtis is the Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He often teaches and speaks at his church Cornerstone Faith Center in St. Ignatius. Curtis provides a common-sense approach to Christianity as he contemplates the wonders of God’s creation in Big Sky Country.

Dive Deeper

Brian Chilton and Curtis Evelo, Podcast, “Challenges Facing the Church in 2021,” BellatorChristi.com (12/30/2020), https://bellatorchristi.com/2020/12/30/podcast-12-30-20-10-challenges-facing-the-church-in-2021/