How and why is it acceptable for some people to be wealthy—to possess material things like expensive houses and cars—while others struggle? Should we use our money to help others instead, or can we enjoy what we have? This question touches on a tension that runs particularly deep in conservative Christian circles—the notion that poverty is somehow virtuous in itself. We see this reflected in how some churches compensate their ministers, keeping them on modest salaries even when resources are available, as though financial struggle were essential to spiritual humility. But this perspective misunderstands what Scripture actually teaches about wealth. This week, Tommie and Anton discuss wealth, generosity, and contentment through a Christian lens. Here is Episode 73 of Imprint Out Loud.

Having recently discussed the importance of devotional reading with Doug Van Meter, Tommie and Banele talk through a practical method for devotional Bible reading, using Colossians 1:15–23 as an example. Drawing from Charles Simeon Trust principles, he demonstrates how to identify repetition in Scripture, ask probing questions of the text, notice shifts in focus from Christ to the church, make connections to other biblical passages like Genesis and Romans, and transform study into prayer. The discussion emphasises moving from self-focused to Christ-centred devotional reading, showing how proper textual analysis reveals that Christ is the creator, reconciler, and centre of all things. Here is Bonus Episode 10 of Imprint Out Loud.

Following from last week’s discussion on reading, Tommie and Doug dig into the topic of devotionally engaging Scripture in particular. Doug shares practical wisdom from forty years of daily devotional life, exploring how to develop sustainable rhythms of Bible reading and prayer for both individuals and families. They discuss Scripture reading plans, the proper role of devotional aids versus direct Bible engagement, strategies for focused prayer, and how to saturate your household with God’s word through both structured family devotions and everyday conversations. With Christmas providing extra time off, this episode offers encouragement to establish or renew devotional habits that orient each day Godward and carry forward into the new year. Here is Episode 72 of Imprint Out Loud.

The festive season is upon us, during which many of us are privileged to take a step back from the regular busyness of life. As we find ourselves with perhaps a little more free time, there are few more productive things we can fill it with than good reading. Reading is more than just a pastime—it’s an essential discipline that shapes our understanding of the world, deepens our faith, and equips us for effective leadership. As we enter the holiday season, it is worth reflecting on why reading matters and how we can cultivate this vital habit. That is the topic of this week’s discussion. Here is Episode 71 of Imprint Out Loud.

People sometimes assume that the church is a place where everyone has it together, but a healthy church is more like a hospital: a place where sin is acknowledged and addressed with transparency. In this episode, Tommie and Doug discuss how genuine church health involves recognising brokenness while working toward healing through gospel-centred ministry. They encourage patient, persistent ministry that equips believers to move from being helped to helping others, all while maintaining realistic expectations about sanctification and the mixed results of faithful gospel work. Here is Episode 70 of Imprint Out Loud.

The term “gravitas” describes a weightiness of character—a quality that every believer (perhaps especially Christian men) should cultivate as we reflect God’s image. This week, Tommie and Anton examine how Christ demonstrated unmatched gravitas that couldn’t be ignored; discuss practical ways men can avoid undermining their influence; and explore gravitas through the lens of enterprise, constancy, and readiness. The conversation emphasises that gravitas isn’t manufactured but flows naturally from godly character, sober-mindedness, and Christlikeness, ultimately enabling believers to draw others into orbit around God rather than self, increasing influence for kingdom purposes through humility, responsibility, wisdom, and outward-focused love. Here is Episode 69 of Imprint Out Loud.

Discussions on the responsibilities of church leadership abound, but what are the responsibilities of church members, and how do they fulfil those responsibilities? In this episode, Tommie and Doug discuss importance of informed church membership, exploring how congregations must understand their biblical responsibilities in three key areas: the what, the who, and the how of the gospel. Healthy church life requires a two-way flow of information where elders faithfully communicate while members actively receive, respond to, and engage with that information. Leaders and congregants must work together with a teachable spirit, mutual respect, and clear communication to steward the gospel faithfully and avoid unnecessary stumbling blocks in the body of Christ. Here is Episode 68 of Imprint Out Loud.

How do we think rightly about Christian liberty—the biblical balance between freedom and responsibility in the Christian life? Drawing from 1 Peter 2:16, Tommie and guest Anton Beetge examine how believers avoid two dangerous extremes: libertarianism and legalism. They discuss the two aspects of Christian freedom—liberation from slavery to sin and from the law’s condemnation—while emphasising that sanctification involves both putting off sinful behaviours and putting on Christlikeness. The conversation addresses practical questions about conscience, weaker brothers, cultural context, and glorifying God in areas like language, drinking, relationships, and entertainment. Here is Episode 67 of Imprint Out Loud.

Tommie and Banele recently read Christopher Ash’s book Listen Up, and Banele has some questions. In this episode, they explore the vital but often overlooked skill of listening well to sermons. They discuss how to prepare your heart before Sunday, what should occupy your mind during preaching, and why listening together as a gathered congregation matters more than consuming sermons alone through podcasts or livestreams. The conversation tackles the uncomfortable reality of boring sermons and offers practical strategies for benefiting from even monotone, poorly structured preaching. If this is a struggle you have faced, listen in for some practical guidance on listening well to sermons. Here is Bonus Episode 9 of Imprint Out Loud.

The Millennium is one of Christianity’s most debated yet often misunderstood topics. Drawing from Revelation 20, this episode surveys the three main views: premillennialism, postmillennialism, and amillennialism. Tommie and Doug examine the key debates surrounding biblical interpretation and Israel’s role, highlighting how each position seeks to remain faithful to Scripture. Ultimately, they narrow the focus to the essentials shared by all believers: Christ’s certain return, the final judgement, and eternal life with God. Here is Episode 66 of Imprint Out Loud.

Christians sin. Some are tempted to feel overwhelmed with guilt over sin, while others might be tempted to minimise the severity of sin in light of forgiving grace. In this episode, Tommie and Doug explore a biblical approach to dealing with sin. They distinguish between godly remorse that leads to repentance and worldly grief that produces despair. The discussion provides practical guidance on fighting sin through both spiritual disciplines and radical amputation of sinful patterns, while emphasising the balance between taking sin seriously and resting in God's grace. Here is Episode 65 of Imprint Out Loud.

Scripture calls believers to live out the Christian faith, rather than just acquiring knowledge of the Bible. Knowledge easily leads to pride and arrogance, which can ignore the expectation to actively live out one’s faith. In this episode of Office Talk, Tommie and Banele explore the false dichotomy between knowing and living truth and speak to those who struggle to put their knowledge into action. Here is Bonus Episode 8 of Imprint Out Loud.

The priesthood of all believers emphasises that all Christians have direct access to God through Christ, eliminating the need for a priestly mediator. This belief, supported by biblical texts like Revelation 1:5 and 1 Peter 2:9, highlights the equality of all believers in their relationship with God. While acknowledging the importance of church leadership, the priesthood of all believers underscores the shared responsibility and authority of all Christians in worship and service. In this episode, Tommie and Doug talk through this theology and what it practically means for church members. Here is Episode 64 of Imprint Out Loud.

The elders of Brackenhurst Baptist Church recently started a new Sunday night sermon series on 1 Timothy 3:1–7, which lists the character qualities of church elders. But these are more than requirements for eldership; they are the kind of character that every Christian should pursue. The text serves as a model for the entire church, not just its leaders, to emulate Christlike character. This week, Doug and Tommie talk about why all Christians should strive for this character. Here is Episode 63 of Imprint Out Loud.

How should Christians think about ambition? What does it mean to pursue excellence as Christians? While ambition can be a healthy driver—especially for hesitant younger generations—it becomes dangerous when it consumes us or when we’re willing to step on others to achieve our goals. In this episode of Office Talk, Tommie and Banele challenge the common Christian language of being “called” to specific careers or achievements, arguing that our primary calling is to be disciple-makers and worshippers of God, not to fulfil particular vocational ambitions. Godly ambition means striving for excellence in whatever we do, not for recognition or self-glory, but to honour God, serve others, and faithfully steward the gifts and seasons he’s given us. Here is Bonus Episode 7 of Imprint Out Loud.

In churches that operate on a leadership structure of elder-led congregationalism, elders lead, but church members vote on key matters affecting church life. What is the basis for this leadership model? What is the biblical basis for church members exercising their responsibility in decision making? In this episode, Tommie and Doug talk about congregational voting: what, when, and how. They make clear that voting is more than a democratic impulse borrowed from secular culture but a practice deeply rooted in scriptural principle. Stay tuned to listen to all things congregational voting. Here is Episode 61 of Imprint Out Loud.

After more than three decades in pastoral ministry, Doug has often encountered the inevitable companion of faithful service: fatigue. This is the topic of today’s discussion between Tommie and Doug. Offering counsel for both church leaders and church members, they draw a careful distinction between fatigue and tiredness, and offer some valuable insight into ways to combat the fatigue that can so easily lead to spiritual exhaustion. Here is Episode 61 of Imprint Out Loud.

The Sunday service has ended. Coffee is brewing in the church hall, and congregants are beginning to mingle. Inevitably, someone approaches the pastor with the familiar refrain: “Thank you for your sermon,” or, “I really enjoyed that message.” But is this helpful feedback, or merely polite convention? And how can both pastors and church members make these post-service interactions more meaningful? In this episode of Office Talk, Tommie and Banele talk about moving beyond “thank you for your sermon” and making the most of post-service conversations. Here is Bonus Episode 6 of Imprint Out Loud.

Sins of the tongue are some of the most tolerated in the evangelical church today—and yet they are some of the most damaging to Christians and churches. In this episode of Imprint Out Loud, Anton Beetge from Brackenhurst Baptist Church joins Tommie as they explore the destructive nature of gossip and how it differs from slander. Anton offers eight practical warning signs to help Christians recognise when their conversations cross the line into sin. He emphasises that the antidote to gossip lies in cultivating genuine love for others and asking ourselves whether our words will build up rather than tear down. The discussion provides biblical wisdom for guarding our speech and treating others with the honour they deserve as image-bearers of God. Here is Episode 60 of Imprint Out Loud.

The book of Amos, though only nine brief chapters, rewards careful study and personal reflection. Its themes of judgement, mercy, and restoration offer both warning and hope for contemporary believers seeking to live faithfully in an age of prosperity and spiritual complacency. In this episode, Doug Van Meter, pastor of Brackenhurst Baptist Church in South Africa, joins Tommie to talk about why he chose to preach the book of Amos, and what we should learn from it. Here is Episode 59 of Imprint Out Loud.