Jerry L. Sittser On the Early Church “Third Way”, Re-introducing a Christian Imagination, and Navigating Grief through a Redemptive Lens

How the Early Church Can Shape Our Faith Today

Every pastor and church leader is navigating the challenge of making disciples in an increasingly post-Christian world. How can we learn from the early church’s resilience and faithfulness?

In this episode, Jerry Sittser, professor emeritus at Whitworth University and author of Resilient Faith, joins Jason Ballard to explore the lessons of early Christianity. Jerry unpacks how the first Christians navigated a pagan culture, why discipleship—not cultural Christianity—defines true faith, and how the church can embrace a deeper, more resilient approach to following Jesus. He also shares deeply personal reflections on grief and loss, not as something to avoid, but as something to carry redemptively.

Jerry shares about:

• How early Christian practices can shape discipleship today

• The challenges and opportunities of a post-Christendom world

• Why the church needs to embrace a new catechumenate

• Learning to carry grief and loss with hope

We hope this conversation encourages you as you lead and disciple others in this ever-changing world.

Biography

Jerry Sittser is a professor emeritus of theology and senior fellow at Whitworth University, specializing in Christian spirituality, church history, and religion in public life. He has written nine books, including A Grace Disguised, The Will of God as a Way of Life, and Resilient Faith: How the Early Christian “Third Way” Changed the World. Now retired, he spends much of his time investing in young pastors and enjoying time with his 11 grandchildren.

Partners

We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.

Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their Bible Course.

Guest Notes

• A Grace Disguised Revised and Expanded: How the Soul Grows through Loss

• Resilient Faith: How the Early Christian "Third Way" Changed the World

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