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About

In this powerful episode of the Resilient Pastor podcast, Rich Velotis sits down with Dr. Esau McCaulley—New York Times bestselling author, Wheaton College professor, and theologian-in-residence at a historic Black church in Chicago. Their conversation explores the transformative power of the church calendar, the true meaning of Lent, and why honest conversations about sin—both personal and institutional—are essential for spiritual formation. The discussion also features insightful reflections from co-hosts Glenn Packiam and Sharon Miller on implementing liturgical practices in evangelical contexts.

From reclaiming time as an act of rebellion against cultural calendars to embracing failure as the starting point of grace, this episode offers pastors and church leaders practical wisdom on discipleship, repentance, and resilient leadership in a divided world.

Key Takeaways

• The church calendar is one of the most powerful tools for discipleship, shaping how we mark time around the life of Jesus rather than cultural holidays.
• Lent presumes failure and offers grace-filled renewal—reminding us that the Christian life involves constant recommitment, not linear perfection.
• Sin must be addressed individually, interpersonally, and institutionally. Preaching the full implications of Scripture requires courage and humility.
• Churches should reclaim liturgical rhythms like Lent and Advent not for tradition’s sake, but to keep Jesus at the center of how we rehearse the gospel.
• Resilience in ministry comes from surrounding yourself with a “coalition of the willing,” staying rooted in Scripture, and choosing faithfulness even when victory isn’t guaranteed.
• The academy and the local church need each other—scholarship should serve the people of God, not exist in isolation.

Highlights

• “There is no greater rebellion than marking time differently.” — Esau McCaulley
• “Lent presumes failure… It assumes that when you get to this point of the year, there’s some aspect of your spiritual life that has fallen by the wayside.” — Esau McCaulley
• “Sin is our only hope.” — Barbara Brown Taylor (quoted by Rich Velotis)
• “The longer you are a Christian, the more you realize how complicated it is to be a Christian.” — Esau McCaulley
• “If the text has a true implication that you refuse to say because of your congregation, you’re no longer a pastor—you’re an opinion poller.” — Esau McCaulley
• Sometimes God calls leaders to faithfulness in defeat rather than victory. The prophets preached even when exile still came.

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