Living Equipped with David Tarkington

Jordan O'Brien is our worship leader at Island Church. As a son of a black father and white mother, he has a unique perspective on life and recent occurrences in our culture. His stories and experiences are uniquely his, but hopefully helpful for others as well. Oh, and Jordan O'Brien is also my son-in-law. I'm proud of him and thankful we were able to record this episode.

Kevin Cloud is the author of the book "God and Hamilton" that looks at the blockbuster musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda and how the life stories of Alexander Hamilton and his wife show clear biblical teachings such as forgiveness, love, redemption, and repentance. This discussion with Kevin goes into areas related to creative expression, the arts, and the church. The impact of story is key. Be sure to check out Kevin's website - godandhamilton.com and get a copy of "God and Hamilton" wherever...

Earlier this week I was invited to join a group of pastors from my state, along with our Florida Baptist Convention leaders for a conversation related to racial unity in the church. This was scheduled weeks prior to the George Floyd incident in Minnesota, but proving to be very timely now. This podcast was filmed by the Florida Baptist Convention and is part of their Ministry Coaching series (available at flbaptist.org in video format.) I was given permission to share the audio on my...

In 2017 I reached out to Jonathan Bates, owner of Altered Egos, a local comic shop. I did not know Jonathan, but asked if I could host a Bible study in his shop because I found some clear allusions in pop culture and comic heroes to biblical theology. Jonathan told me up front he was not a Christian, so a Bible study would not be happening, but he was intrigued by the concept of conversing on this subject. Three years later, we now look back at what has become a monthly meeting called CHAT...

Dr. David Tarkington joins The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Dr. Albert Mohler for this time of prayer for SBTS, the faculty and staff, students, and all impacted by COVID-19. Dr. Mohler shares and update on the impact on the seminary and Boyce College. Praying as Dr. Mohler and his team make needed decisions for the future as it relates to SBTS.

Dr. David Tarkington is joined by Trinity Life Church - Toronto Pastor Dr. Michael Seaman and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary President Dr. Daniel Akin for this time of prayer for SEBTS, the faculty and staff, students, and all impacted by COVID-19. Praying as Dr. Akin and his team make needed decisions for the future as it relates to SEBTS.

Dr. David Tarkington is joined by City Church - Tallahassee Pastor Dean Inserra and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Dr. Jason Allen for this time of prayer for MBTS, the faculty and staff, students, and all impacted by COVID-19. Praying as Dr. Allen and his team make needed decisions for the future as it relates to MBTS.

Dr. David Tarkington is joined by Mayhill Baptist Church, NM Pastor Matt Henslee and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Dr. Adam Greenway for this time of prayer for SWBTS, the faculty and staff, students, and all impacted by COVID-19. Praying as Dr. Greenway and his team make needed decisions for the future as it relates to SWBTS.

Dr. David Tarkington is joined by Crosspointe Church West - Vancouver, WA Pastor Grant Welch and Gateway Seminary President Dr. Jeff Iorg for this time of prayer for Gateway, the faculty and staff, students, and all impacted by COVID-19. Praying as Dr. Iorg and his team make needed decisions for the future as it relates to Gateway.

Dr. David Tarkington is joined by Bradfordville First Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Ronny Raines and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary President Dr. Jamie Dew for this time of prayer for NOBTS, the faculty and staff, students, and all impacted by COVID-19. Praying as Dr. Dew and his team make needed decisions for the future as it relates to NOBTS.

This is a portion from a message by a man who grew up in our church, attended youth ministry events, and was as active as any other student at the time. Yet, he surrendered to God's call to missions and now serves with the International Mission Board with his wife and children in a nation that is less than one percent Christian. This short clip is a reminder to all who serve in the church that God uses you in ways you cannot foresee. Thank you for serving. Stay faithful and remember, your...

Annette Teague served with the North American Mission Board for the past two summers as part of GenSend Toronto. While serving in this summer program, it became clear that God had called her to engage more long-term in the Greater Toronto Area with our church planters there. She is being sent from her home church, San Jose Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL to serve with the Hamilton Fellowships and Jason McGibbon. We take time in this podcast to discuss her journey as a GenSend missionary...

Comic books and modern mythology are big business. After an era where the magazines were losing money, the creation of the DC and Marvel Cinematic Universes has propelled super-heroes to the forefront of the entertainment industry. Many of these stories have religious undertones, so why aren't Christians strategically engaging those who love these stories with the ultimate story of the Gospel? Listen as Pastor David Tarkington shares how he is seeking to engage in intelligent conversations...

It's easy to poke holes in the false "prosperity gospel" that permeates our church culture with "name it and claim it" promises, while taking advantage of the generosity of undiscerning parishioners and television viewers. Yet, there is another false gospel that is often ignored, and even welcomed into many of our evangelical churches. In fact, it may be more dangerous than the easily identified "gospel-lite" offered by many. This is called the therapeutic gospel and it's deadly.

We are seeing over 900 churches close down annually in the SBC. The numbers are daunting and cannot be ignored. Yet, the question remains "What should be done?" The truth is that some churches need to close. They forsook their gospel witness years ago and are nothing more than buildings in communities. However, there are many who are positioned for rebirth and with partnerships with healthier churches, a rebirth can occur, thereby keeping a gospel witness alive and well in communities where...

"What happened to all the youth pastors?" I was asked that question a while back and one answer given was "They're all church planters now." I'm being facetious, but in this podcast I address the historical growth of student/youth ministry and the current trend and movement of church planting in light of pastoral leadership and biblical authority. I reference a few things in this podcast you may want to check out. First, the book REINVENTING YOUTH MINISTRY AGAIN by Wayne Rice...

It seems that everyone was posting that 2016 was the year to survive as we neared December 31. The seemingly high number of celebrity deaths played into this sentiment. Why is it so many Gen Xers and older adults were lamenting the loss of these pop culture icons? Grieving the loss of a person known is one thing. Grieving the loss of a celebrity of famous person is viable as well, but was the grief more for the loss of "characters" than the people? Perhaps it is the realization of the loss...

The four connections are our church's prescription for healthy Christians. However, this seems to be shocking to many who have never broken out of the traditional expectations and schedules of local church life.

It's the day after the election. Welcome to Bizarro World! What does this mean for the the church, race relations, the future, and American Christians?

The Cubs won the World Series last night in amazing fashion. Why is it so many of us love the underdog (BTW - it's hard to call a 100+ win team an underdog, but the Cubs have held that title for decades). Maybe it's how we're wired? Maybe it's because we relate? Maybe it has something to do with the nature of man?