Writer, teacher, and pastor Keith Matthews had the unique opportunity to teach beside Dallas Willard for 18 years. Pastors and students who had read Dallas would often come and say: “We know his writing is special, but we’re here to find out if he’s for real.”
In this episode, Nathan and Keith discuss Dallas Willard’s thoughts on character, his legacy, and the work being carried on through Dallas Willard Ministries, the Dallas Willard School of Kingdom Living, and the newly formed Dallas Willard Publishing.
Show Notes
[6:00] Tell me the story of when you first met Dallas.
[9:50] What did you learn from him?
[14:20] He was once asked what one of the defining characteristics of Jesus life was, and he answered with the word relaxed, is that correct?
[19:35] Many people have picked up and are working with his work and ideas. Are you encouraged by that? Do you see holes or things that are lacking?
[22:00] What does that look like for you, living daily with Christ?
[23:40] On Dallas Willard Publications, how is it going and are there books in the works? Do you have a favorite Dallas book, or one you would recommend to people who have not read him before?
[28:40] Tell us about the Dallas Willard School of Kingdom Living.
Resources
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Keith Matthews
Keith J. Matthews is Chair of the Graduate Ministry Department and Professor of Spiritual Formation and Leadership at Azusa Pacific Seminary. He is a 25-year ministry practitioner, serving churches from coast to coast. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary where he taught for 18 years with Dr. Dallas Willard in Fuller’s Doctor of Ministry Program. He has written articles for Sojourners Magazine, Conversations Journal and Christianity Today, as well as designed and co-authored Dallas Willard’s Study Guide to The Divine Conspiracy, and The Kingdom Life: A Practical Theology of Discipleship and Spiritual Formation. Keith was also a Co-Editor and Author of The Dictionary of Everyday Theology and Culture. He is an ordained pastor, church consultant, executive coach, retreat speaker, and former teaching fellow for the Renovare Institute, Apprentice Institute, and now, currently with the Dallas Willard School of Kingdom Living. Keith is married to Christa and has three grown children, and two grand-children and resides in Southern California.
Nathan Foster
Nathan Foster is an author and host of Life With God, a Renovaré Podcast. Formerly, he was an Associate Professor of social work and served as the Andrews Chair in Spiritual Formation at Spring Arbor University. He was also a licensed clinical social worker and certified addictions counselor. Nathan has published two books, including The Making of an Ordinary Saint: My Journey from Frustration to Joy with the Spiritual Disciplines.