In the season 3 premiere of Creating Space, Scott Lackey sits down with Dr. Carmen Joy Imes, associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University and author of several books, including Bearing God's Name and Being God's Image, to explore her latest work, Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters. Dr. Imes brings her scholarly expertise and relatable insight to unpack what it means to belong to God's family, why community is central to the Christian life, and how to walk through church hurt.

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Book Recommendations:

Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes

Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes

Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes

On this episode of Creating Space, we are joined by Michael J. Gorman—an internationally-recognized New Testament scholar who holds the Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore and author of major works such as Romans: A Theological and Pastoral Commentary and Cruciformity: Paul's Narrative Spirituality of the Cross.

Dr. Gorman introduces his latest volume, 1 Corinthians: A Theological, Pastoral, and Missional Commentary, which reads Paul's letter to the Corinthian church through the lens of unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity—inviting contemporary churches to embody those four marks of the church as deeply rooted in Christ and the cross.

Whether you're a pastor, student, or lay reader wanting to deepen your reading of 1 Corinthians, this discussion offers thoughtful theological, pastoral, and practical entry-points into the letter's enduring challenge and hope.

Recommended Reading:

1 Corinthians: A Theological, Pastoral and Missional Commentary by Michael Gorman

Cruciformity by Michael Gorman

Inhabiting the Cruciform God by Michael Gorman

On this month's episode of Creating Space, Scott Lackey is joined by Dr. Mark Thiessen Nation to explore his book Discipleship in a World Full of Nazis. Together, they dive into the life, ministry, and legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, examining how his faith and courageous witness continue to challenge and inspire Christians today. This compelling conversation invites listeners to consider what true discipleship looks like in the face of cultural pressures.

Dr. Mark Thiessen Nation is Professor Emeritus of Theology at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics from Fuller Theological Seminary, along with advanced degrees in peace studies, theology, and religion. A leading scholar on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Anabaptist tradition, and Christian ethics, he has authored and co-authored numerous books, including works on discipleship and nonviolence. His teaching and writing have shaped conversations around the church's call to faithful witness in a complex world.

Book recommendations:

Discipleship in a World Full of Nazis by Mark Thiessen Nation

Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer