Deep Roots

What if mission isn’t just one theme in the Bible — but the very framework that holds the whole story together?In this episode of Oak Hill College’s Deep Roots Podcast, Chris Howles is joined by Revd Dr Christopher J. H. Wright, one of the world’s leading Old Testament scholars and a key voice in global mission theology. Together, they explore what it means to read Scripture through a missional lens — seeing the Bible not as a collection of disconnected texts, but as the unfolding story of the God who is on mission to redeem the world.Chris Wright reflects on the newly released second edition of The Mission of God, first published 20 years ago and now widely used as a core text in theological education around the world. He explains why mission is not something the church does occasionally, but something the church is, and why every Christian is called to participate in God’s purposes — wherever they are.From Luke 24 to Genesis, from Israel’s calling to the Great Commission, this conversation offers deep biblical insight alongside practical wisdom for pastors, leaders, students, and anyone who wants their life to count within God’s great story.Whether you preach, teach, lead, or simply read the Bible devotionally, this episode will reshape how you see Scripture — and your place within it.🎙️ In This EpisodeWhat it means to read the Bible as one unified mission storyWhy mission is not just an activity but the reason the church existsA missional reading of Luke 24 and the Old TestamentHow pastors and churches can move beyond a once-a-year “mission Sunday”Key updates in the second edition of The Mission of GodWhy every Christian is a “mission partner” — wherever they live and work👤 About the Guest: Chris WrightRevd Dr Christopher J. H. Wright is an Old Testament scholar, author, and international ambassador for Langham Partnership, a global ministry founded by John Stott to equip church leaders in the Majority World through theological education, preaching, and literature.He has taught in India and the UK, served at All Nations Christian College, and written extensively on mission, Scripture, and biblical theology.📚 Featured BooksThe Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative (2nd Edition)The Great Story and the Great CommissionNumerous other works on biblical theology, mission, and ethics🔗 Helpful Links🌍 Langham Partnership: https://langham.org📖 Chris Wright’s website (books, sermons, articles): https://christopherjwright.com🎓 Oak Hill College: https://www.oakhill.ac.uk#DeepRootsPodcast #ChristianPodcast #BibleAndMission #MissionalChurch #BiblicalTheology

Why should Christians—especially pastors and Bible teachers—bother with biblical languages today? In this episode of Deep Roots, Jonny Reid sits down with Rev. Dr. Andrew Cowan, Oak Hill College’s new tutor in Greek and New Testament, to explore the real value of learning Scripture in its original languages.Andrew reflects on how Greek first came alive for him, how it has deepened his devotional life, and why slowing down in the text changes everything. Together, they address the most common misconceptions: Is it too time-consuming? Can you ever become proficient? Don’t modern translations and digital tools make languages unnecessary? What if you think you’re “not a linguist”?They also unpack practical examples from Colossians, Revelation, and John 1 that show how Greek and Hebrew reveal nuance, structure, and richness that translations inevitably flatten.Whether you're a ministry leader trying to keep your languages alive, a student considering theological training, or simply an interested believer who wants to understand Scripture more deeply, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a reminder that God’s Word is worth the effort.Topics covered:Why Andrew first fell in love with GreekSpiritual impact of reading Scripture slowlyFour misconceptions about biblical languagesWhether modern translations make Greek/Hebrew unnecessaryHow not to misuse “a little Greek”Textual examples: Colossians 1, Revelation, John 1How to start learning Greek or Hebrew todayHow pastors can revive rusty language skillsTools: Daily Dose of Greek, Alpha with Angela, reading groupsWhy God’s Word is worth the effortResources mentioned:Exegetical Fallacies – D.A. CarsonDaily Dose of GreekAlpha With Angela (YouTube)Greek/Hebrew reading groups & refresher retreats at Oak Hill College00:00 – Intro: Why Study Biblical Languages Today? 02:00 – Andrew's Journey Into Greek & Hebrew 06:30 – How Languages Deepen the Way We Read Scripture 12:00 – The Four Big Misconceptions 18:30 – The Danger of Knowing Just a Little Greek 24:30 – Key Payoff Example: Colossians 1:28–29 31:30 – Greek, Grammar & Theology 40:30 – The Bigger Picture: Structure, Wordplay & Nuance 48:00 – How to Start Learning Greek or Hebrew 55:30 – Reviving Rusty Languages for Ministry 01:03:00 – Resources, Community & Learning Support 01:10:00 – Final Answer: Because the Word of God Is Worth It 01:14:00 – Oak Hill’s Training Pathways & Close

What happens when leaders don’t truly know themselves? In this episode of Deep Roots, Jonny Reid talks with Dr. Mark Stirling, Programme Director of Oak Hill’s MA in Contemporary Christian Leadership. Together they explore why self-awareness and self-deception are such critical issues in ministry — and how our blind spots can quietly harm those we serve.Mark shares personal stories and lessons from years in pastoral ministry and medicine, and practical wisdom for cultivating humility, accountability, and honest relationships in leadership. 📖 Topics include: Why self-awareness is central to Christian leadership How fear, insecurity, and image-shaping distort ministry The loneliness of leadership — and how to resist it Building honest relationships that help us see ourselves clearly What true maturity and self-knowledge look like in Christ Whether you’re a pastor, elder, or ministry trainee, this episode will help you lead with greater integrity and grace. 🔗 Learn more about Oak Hill’s courses and resources: https://www.oakhill.ac.uk 🎧 Subscribe to Deep Roots for more conversations on theology and ministry. #DeepRootsPodcast #ChristianLeadership #SelfAwareness #MinistryLife #OakHillCollege

Technology is changing at lightning speed—but how do we keep up without losing our sanity? In this episode of Deep Roots, Jonny Reid and Robin Barfield dive into the moral panics of the past (yes, people once feared cheap paperbacks!), the accelerating pace of digital change, and how it impacts everything from anxiety to Christian ministry. They also explore how online theological education is shaping a new generation of learners. Whether you're a pastor, a student, or just someone trying to navigate the digital age wisely, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!Everyday Dadding - Are smartphones rewiring my kids brain? - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5UNqVNhYs18TPgzeiw0Dlx?si=157456c8a292410f

Oak Hill Visiting Lecturer Natalie Brand in conversation about a beautiful doctrine that's at the center of the gospel and church life together. Deep Roots is a podcast produced by Oak Hill College. Join us for monthly conversations about theology and ministry. To find out more about Oak Hill College visit: www.oakhill.ac.uk

Eric Ortlund and Andrew Nicholls talk with Tim Ward about sermon application and why it's crucial to think through what preaching actually is.

Kristi Mair and Andrew Nicholls chat to Oak Hill's new Principal Revd Dr James Robson about how God has shaped his life and his longing for the best kind of theological education.

Kristi Mair and Tim Ward hear from Matt Bingham about his upcoming book on the spiritual lives of great saints from the past.

Why do so few churches do it? Are there good reasons to consider it seriously? Our guests Adrian and Jon think there are. Today's two guests are Adrian Reynolds, Head of National Ministries at the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches, and Jon Tuckwell, Vicar of Christ Church Cockfosters, just down the road from Oak Hill. Deep Roots is a podcast produced by Oak Hill College. Join us for monthly conversations about theology and ministry. To find out more about Oak Hill College visit: www.oakhill.ac.uk

David, Sydney and Tim focus on the role of characters in John's Gospel. Why are they there? How should we relate to them?

Eric Ortlund and Graham Beynon discuss the book of Ecclesiastes, exploring topics like wisdom, joy and the limits of being human. Deep Roots is a podcast produced by Oak Hill College. Join us for monthly conversations about theology and ministry. To find out more about Oak Hill College visit: www.oakhill.ac.uk

What is there for us to learn from old ways of biblical interpretation? This kind of 'retrieval' is a hot topic in some academic and church discussions right now, so we'll be doing some sifting. Deep Roots is a podcast produced by Oak Hill College. Join us for monthly conversations about theology and ministry. To find out more about Oak Hill College visit: www.oakhill.ac.uk