A Conversation with Dr J. Todd Billings and Dr. Chuck DeGroat

"Living as Beloved and Limited Mortals: Moving Beyond Narcissism and Empty Prosperity in the Church"

In this webcast, Western Theological Seminary faculty colleagues Chuck DeGroat and J. Todd Billings discuss some surprising areas of overlap in their recently released 2020 books. In "When Narcissism Comes to Church" (IVP), DeGroat explores the devastating effects that narcissistic church leaders have upon the whole community, and how, in their very effort to be an "amazing ministry," toxic systems develop that lead to spiritual abuse. In "The End of the Christian Life" (Brazos), Billings explores how the church has often capitulated to a "soft prosperity gospel" by avoiding the reality of death and dying, thus burying the astonishing message of resurrection hope under attempts to have "our best life now."

Both DeGroat and Billings point to good news in surprising places -- in living small, with limits, recognizing weakness, yet with great hope in and through Christ. Join DeGroat and Billings as they discuss their books. Bring your questions, and bring your ache for God to work through broken and beloved mortals like us.