The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

It's Bach Week! This week, we commemorate legendary church musician J.S. Bach with conversations about his work and influence on the church's song over centuries. How has the music of J.S. Bach helped to form church workers over the years? The Rev. Dr. Christopher Ahlman (Associate Pastor and Director of Parish Music, Memorial Lutheran Church and School, Houston, TX) and Deaconess Elizabeth Ahlman (upper school teacher, Memorial Lutheran Church and School, Houston, TX) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about their own individual journeys into church work, how each of them now serves at Memorial Lutheran, the role of music in their journeys, Bach's influence on each of their paths, the role of the organ in the ministry of the church, and the role of Bach's music in the spiritual formation of the people they serve, both in the school and the church. Learn more about Memorial Lutheran Church and School at mlchouston.org. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

It's Bach Week! This week, we commemorate legendary church musician J.S. Bach with conversations about his work and influence on the church's song over centuries. How has the work of J.S. Bach influenced spiritual care? Deaconess Cara Patton (Worship Coordinator, LCMS Office of National Mission) and Kantor Christina Roberts (Kantor, Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, Michigan) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the ways in which they serve the church in the offices of deaconess and kantor, how spiritual care is uniquely a part of each of these offices, the role of music in spiritual care, how Bach's music specifically lends itself to spiritual care, and some ways they've each used Bach's music to help people through difficult situations. Learn more about Our Savior in Grand Rapids at oursavior-gr.org/church and LCMS Worship at lcms.org/worship. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

It's Bach Week! This week, we commemorate legendary church musician J.S. Bach with conversations about his work and influence on the church's song over centuries. How has the music of J.S. Bach influenced our present-day church music? Dr. Joseph Herl (professor of music at Concordia University, Nebraska) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about who introduced Dr. Herl to the work of J.S. Bach, the ways Bach's music has shaped his relationship with music, what people thought of Bach's music during his own time, how Bach's music actually became famous, the influence of Bach's music on our modern Lutheran church music, and how Bach's music influences Dr. Herl's teaching methods. Learn more about music at CUNE at cune.edu/music. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

It's Bach Week! This week, we commemorate legendary church musician J.S. Bach with conversations about his work and influence on the church's song over centuries. What are Bach societies, and how do they help share the beautiful music of J.S. Bach? Ron Klemm (host and producer of Bach Talk, and former KFUO Radio talent) and Dr. A. Dennis Sparger (Music Director and Conductor of the Bach Society of St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the importance of Bach, what is so special about singing Bach together with a large ensemble, how conducting Bach is different from other composers, what a Bach Society is and why there are so many around the globe, how these societies have influenced the musical culture around them, and what they've learned about Bach over the years. Find the Bach Society of St. Louis at bachsociety.org and Bach Talk at bachsociety.org/bach-talk. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

It's Bach Week! This week, we commemorate legendary church musician J.S. Bach with conversations about his work and influence on the church's song over centuries. Dr. Bruce Durazzi (Special Collections Librarian, Hasse Memorial Library, Concordia Seminary) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his work in Concordia Seminary's Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library, how the Bach Bible ended up at Concordia Seminary, some of the history behind this volume of books, interesting pieces of trivia about the Bach Bible (Calov Commentary), and what we learn about J.S. Bach from this piece. Find the Rare and Special Collections at the Hasse Memorial Library at library.csl.edu/rare-and-special-collections/bach-bible. Also mentioned this episode is J.S. Bach and Scripture: Glosses from the Calov Bible Commentary by Robin Leaver, available from CPH at cph.org/j-s-bach-and-scripture-glosses-from-the-calov-bible-commentary. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How did the CUS leadership team become pastors in the first place? The Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy (President of Concordia University System) and the Rev. Dr. Douglas Spittel (Vice President of Concordia University System) join Andy and Sarah at the LCMS Synodical Convention to talk about their journeys to seminary, who encouraged them to consider church work, where each of them has served, what they have experienced and learned along the way, and how their own formation and experience informs their work with the CUS today. Learn more about CUS at CUS.edu. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We catch up with Erin Bode at the LCMS Synodical Convention about the release of a special collaborative album that has been in the works for years. Erin Bode (singer, songwriter, and recording artist) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her trips to South Africa in the early 2000s to visit the Themba School, why she returned to the Themba School to record with the boys' choir, the collaborative process required to create the beautiful music on the new release "Sounds of Mercy," and some insight into the creative process and what she learned through the process of creating this album. Find the new release of Erin Bode and the Themba Boys Choir at resources.lcms.org/erin-bode. Hear our previous interview with Erin and President Harrison at kfuo.org/2025/12/18/coffee-hour-121825-erin-bode-and-the-themba-girls. Music in this episode from Sounds of Mercy, Erin Bode, the Themba Boys' Choir and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We take a tour of the Great Lakes region for today's conversation, recorded at the LCMS Synodical Convention. The Rev. Eric Skovgaard (Great Lakes Region 6th Vice President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and serving at Elm Grove Lutheran Church, Elm Grove, WI) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing and school journey, how he became a pastor and how his first career influenced his pastoral formation, how he's served the church over the years, the Great Lakes region of the LCMS, his duties as 6th Vice President, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How is a podcast in Puerto Rico reaching Spanish-speaking people seeking Christianity? The Rev. Sergio Maita (LCMS missionary serving in Puerto Rico) joins Andy and Sarah at the LCMS Synodical Convention to talk about his path to becoming a pastor and missionary, the community where he serves today, how he has been able to connect the community to Word and Sacrament Ministry, how the podcast "Cristo en el Centro" began, the topics they've discussed and the audiences they're reaching, and how video podcasting is a unique way to reach new Spanish-speaking Christians. Find Cristo en el Centro at youtube.com/@cristoenelcentro and learn more about Rev. Maita's work at lcms.org/Sergio.maita. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Children and youth are serving with the Sing, Pray and Keep His Ways project at the LCMS Convention, and we talk with them in this episode. Students Zoe, Ginny, JT, Matthew, and Luke who are serving with the choir, altar guild or acolytes join Andy to talk about what they like about serving at the convention, how they prepared for their work, and the people they've met. In the second half of the episode, Olivia Gaschler (Project Coordinator for Sing, Pray and Keep His Ways, LCMS Office of National Mission) joins Andy to talk about what this project is, how the children are serving at the LCMS Convention, the benefits of investing in opportunities for children to learn and serve, and what she's learned in working with the children at the convention. Read more about this project at reporter.lcms.org/2026/behind-the-scenes-with-sing-pray-and-keep-his-ways-at-convention, and learn more about the LCMS Convention at lcms.org/convention. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How does someone journey from a career in mechanical engineering to enrolling in seminary? Zachary Jacob (former mechanical engineer, now first year seminarian at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his path to Lutheranism, his conviction about and passion for being a faithful Christian husband and father, his career in mechanical engineering and what led to his decision to apply to seminary, the role his wife's continual support has played in this journey, his experiences so far at seminary, and his encouragement to others who might be considering seminary. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What does sacred music theological education in a mission setting look and sound like? Rev. Brian Hamer (US Navy Chaplain, author of the monthly column “The Lifted Voice” for whatdoesthismean.org) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his recent theological education mission trip to Kenya with Lutheran Heritage Foundation. He shares about what led up to this trip, what sacred music education means, the hymns he was able to teach during his time in Kenya, adapting to language barriers and cultural considerations, and the challenges and blessings in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya. Read more from Chaplain Hamer at whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We head to Ohio for today's conversation! The Rev. Dr. Kevin Wilson (President, Ohio District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his early life and school journey, how he became a pastor and how his previous interests help him in this vocation, how he's served the church over the years, what makes Ohio a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS today. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What is the Litany and why is it important in the life of the Church? The Rev. Sean Daenzer (Director of Worship for the LCMS and International Center Chaplain) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what the Litany is, where it came from in our church history, the format and flow of the prayers, why it seems to rise up at different parts of the church year, how it's different from other prayers, and how we can incorporate it into our prayer life. This episode originally aired on February 24, 2026. Photo credit: LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How can hands-on training in the trades along with Christ-centered formation form people in vocations to serve in their communities? Jenny Jaroneski (CrossPointe Launch and Outreach Coordinator, LCMS Michigan District, Sterling Heights, MI) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why CrossPointe Center for the Trades is personally important to her, where the idea for this partnership with the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA) came from, why this partnership is important to the Michigan District, what makes CrossPointe different from other vocational/trade schools, and how students will learn theology alongside learning a trade. Learn more, including registration information, at michigandistrict.org/crosspointe and crosspointetrades.org. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How do principals serve in Northern Illinois? Kevin Becker (Principal of Immanuel Lutheran School in East Dundee, Illinois) and Kate Thoelke (Principal of St. Paul's Lutheran School in Brookfield, Illinois) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their paths to becoming church workers, some of the key figures who encouraged their formation, the schools each of them serve in today and their paths to their current vocations, why it's important to each of them to invest in Lutheran education, and how Lutheran teachers and principals can cultivate a culture of church work formation and recruitment in our Lutheran schools. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What are the benefits of a mission education experience for young adults? Dr. Shanna Opfer (Janet Cramer Endowed Professor of Education, Elementary Education Director, Chair of the Education Department at Concordia University, Nebraska), DCE Anne Gonzalez (Manager of Lay Missionary Recruitment for the LCMS Office of International Mission), Caylen McCoy (Pre-Seminary student at Concordia University, Nebraska, entering his junior year), and Rachel Ada (recent Concordia University, Nebraska, graduate and new teacher Hope Lutheran School, Shawnee, KS) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their recent mission education experience with LCMS Missionaries serving in Tanzania. They discuss why this type of opportunity was important for Dr. Opfer to offer students, everyone's experiences on the field and how they compared with what they expected, how the mission education experienced influenced their thoughts about mission work, how this trip will impact their future vocations, and their encouragement for others considering mission education experiences. Visit servenow.lcms.org for ongoing mission education opportunities. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We head out to South Dakota for today's conversation! The Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher (President, South Dakota District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing in South Dakota and his path to seminary education, where he has served along the way, what it's like to serve so close to where he was raised, what he's learned from his service to the church, what makes South Dakota a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS today. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How can Lutherans faithfully respond to an increasingly pagan society? The Rev. Dr. Matt Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a recent insightful visit to his local post office and what he witnessed there. He shares what this experience brought to light for him regarding America's spiritual condition, how atheism and spirituality play a role in American culture, what syncretism is and why it's problematic, and how Lutherans can faithfully respond to an increasingly pagan society. Read about Pastor Richard's experience at facebook.com/share/p/15e6sxnrpH and find more from Pastor Richard at pastormattrichard.com/2025/06/let-world-rage-christ-is-enough.html. This episode originally aired on June 19, 2025. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Article VII of the Formula of Concord confesses the biblical doctrine of the Lord's Supper, distinguishing it from the teachings of the Zwinglians (“openly crass Sacramentarians”) and the Calvinists (“crafty Sacramentarians”). The former rejected the real presence of Christ's body and blood in the Sacrament, while the latter taught a “spiritual” presence of Christ in the Supper, received by faith (not by oral eating). The Formula of Concord frames the debate this way: “In the Holy Supper, are the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (a) truly and essentially present, (b) distributed with the bread and wine, and (c) received with the mouth by all those who use this Sacrament — whether they are worthy or unworthy, godly or ungodly, believing or unbelieving? Are they received by the believing for consolation and life, but by the unbelieving for judgment? The Sacramentarians say No. We say Yes” (FC Ep VII 2). This study will lead us to the Scriptures that support the position of the FC, which simply confesses the truth of God's Word. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the second “Searching Scripture” feature in the June/July 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article VII: The Lord's Supper” on Article VII in the Formula of Concord. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Following the Formula” and will walk through the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession. Follow along every month! This year, “Searching Scripture” is walking through the Formula of Concord (FC) from our Lutheran Confessions, exploring the biblical foundations for each topic. Before starting this study, it may be helpful to read FC Ep VII on the Lord's Supper (p. 487–491) in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, CPH 2005). Or follow along with the full Formula of Concord monthly reading plan at witness.lcms.org/reading-plan. Listen to the Coffee Hour episode with Rev. Brady Finnern on Article VII at kfuo.org/2025/06/02/coffee-hour-060225-third-use-of-the-law-the-lords-supper-in-the-formula-of-concord, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We're sharing an inspiring story of a future seminarian! Robert Finch (2026 graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul), Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology, Director of the Center for Biblical Studies, and Director of the Pre-Seminary Program at Concordia University St. Paul), Dr. Joshua Hollmann (Professor of Religion and Theology at Concordia University St. Paul), and the Rev. Matt Wietfeldt (Assistant Vice President of Admissions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN) join Andy for our Set Apart to Serve conversation to talk about Robert's story, who influenced him to consider studying for pastoral ministry, where he is in his journey now, and what's next for him. Dr. Lessing, Dr. Hollmann, and Rev. Wietfeldt share their stories of being a part of Robert's formation, Robert's devotional book, and their hopes for Robert's future. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Higher Things is wrapping up two weeks of conferences in St. Louis and heading to Ft. Collins, Colorado for the last conference of the summer. Today we get to catch up with the executive leadership of Higher Things and hear what youth are learning in this summer's conferences, as well as what's on deck for the fall and next year.   As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We head out to Montana for today's conversation! The Rev. Ryan Wendt (President, Montana District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Billings, MT) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his childhood and path to seminary education, where he has served along the way, what he's learned from his service to the church, interesting facts about Montana and what makes it a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS today. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What is the place of art in the Christian life? Dr. Kristen Einertson (pastor's wife, mother, co-founder of All the Household, and columnist for The Lutheran Witness: "Life in the Church Year") joins Andy and Sarah to discuss the role art and images have historically played in the Church, the debate surrounding the use of art and images in the Church, what Christian art can do for us as believers, some practical ways that we might incorporate the gift of Christian artwork in our daily lives, and questions to take into consideration when selecting art for our homes and churches. Read more in the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2026/art-the-christian-life and on All the Household at allthehousehold.com/images-within-lutheran-liturgical-living. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How did Herman Sasse's time in Australia influence the church there? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison (President of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins us for Part Three of a three-part series on the life and work of pastor, theologian, and author Hermann Sasse to talk about Karl Barth's influence on Sasse's theology, Sasse's time in Australia, Sasse's influence on the American church in the 50s and 60s, and how Sasse's work has influenced Pastor Harrison. Find Rev. John T. Pless's book Lutheran Confessor: Herman Sasse on the Essentials of the Faith at cph.org/lutheran-confessor-hermann-sasse-on-the-essentials-of-the-faith. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How do theology professors at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne help shape future church workers? The Rev. Dr. Gifford Grobien (The David P. Scaer Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Assistant Provost, and Director of DMin Program, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne) and the Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Boyle (Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions, Director of Field Education, and Director of SMP program, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about their various vocations and interests, the specific areas of theology they each teach at CTSFW, how these areas of expertise are important in forming future pastors and deaconesses, the student experience at CTSFW, and their words of encouragement for anyone considering a church work vocation. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Have you ever had questions about your faith that made you uncomfortable? Dr. Kirk Clayton (Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia University Chicago), Dr. Nathan Greeley (Teacher at Acacia Academy, Kokomo, Indiana, American Lutheran Theological Seminary (AALC), and Indiana Wesleyan University; Fellow of Apologetics and Philosophical Theology at the Weidner Institute), and Professor Andrew Ashenden (Instructor of Philosophy at Concordia University Chicago) join Andy and Sarah to talk about where the idea for the Apologetics Boot Camp began, why it's important for laity to be well-versed in apologetics today, how each of them became interested in apologetics and why it's important to them, the topics they enjoy teaching, and what attendees can expect to learn at the Apologetics Boot Camp. Learn more and register to attend at cuchicago.edu/events/2026/08/apologetics-boot-camp. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We head to southern Minnesota for today's conversation! The Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford (President, Minnesota South District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his early years and schooling, the path that led to his seminary education, how he served after seminary and what he's learned over the years serving in congregations, what makes the Minnesota South District unique, and what he loves about being an LCMS pastor today. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What does "Kingdom of Heaven" mean in Scripture, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew? Dr. John Genter (outgoing Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia University—Nebraska and incoming Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what the phrases "Gospel of the Kingdom" or the "Kingdom of God" mean, the differences in these phrases between the Gospels and Matthew's unique take on it, how Jesus' disciples would have understood and not understood this phrase to mean, the significance of the particular phrase "Kingdom of Heaven," what "heaven" means in Matthew's Gospel, and how Matthew uses this phrase throughout the book. Hear Dr. Genter studying Matthew 1:1 on Sharper Iron (the episode that inspired this episode) at kfuo.org/2026/06/01/sharper-iron-the-reign-of-heaven-stands-near-060126-matthew-11-the-genesis-of-jesus. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What do we know about Hermann Sasse's life as a pastor, theologian, and author? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison (President of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins us for Part Two of a three-part series on the life and work of pastor, theologian, and author Hermann Sasse to talk about how Sasse's time in the United States shaped his theology, why he was described as a Confessional Ecumenist and what that means, and how his experiences in the 20s and 30s influenced his theological writing. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How does campus ministry play a role in forming church workers? The Rev. Jay Winters (Pastor, University Lutheran Church in Tallahassee, FL) and second-year students at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Andrew Cheyne, Scott Swanson, and Richard Harry join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about Pastor Winters' journey into pastoral ministry, how he became a part of campus ministry, how University Lutheran Church is building a culture of church work formation and recruitment, and what is important to him as he serves and cares for students who are considering or preparing for church work. Andrew, Scott, and Richard share their stories of considering pastoral ministry, the conversations they had with others that helped them discern their vocations, their experiences during their first year at seminary, and how field work experience is helping form them into future pastors. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What does the Concordia University System Board of Directors do? The Rev. Mark Braden (Chairman, Concordia University System Board of Directors) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his experience prior to serving on the CUS Board of Directors, how that experience helps him lead this group, why the Board of Directors is important and how they serve the Concordia University System, how the campus visitation process works and the Lutheran Identity Mission Outcome Standards, and updates on the CUS Scholarships, Direct Admit, and other current CUS news. Learn more about the Concordia University System at CUS.edu. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We head to Nebraska for today's conversation! The Rev. Richard Snow (President, Nebraska District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing and early years of school, the journey that led him to seminary and how he has served the church, how his experiences shaped him into the pastor he is today, what makes Nebraska a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

You know him as a host of KFUO's Thy Strong Word. But did you know he was a private investigator before becoming a pastor? The Rev. Dr. Phil Booe (pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Luverne, MN, and host of Thy Strong Word on KFUO Radio) and his wife Becky Booe join Andy and Sarah to talk about their journeys into the Lutheran Church, what life was like for them prior to seminary, the discerning process leading to seminary life, their transitions through seminary and into pastoral ministry, and the wisdom they've gained from their experiences that they share with others considering their vocations. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Who was Hermann Sasse, and why is it important to study his work today? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison (President of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins us for part one of a three-part series on the life and work of pastor, theologian, and author Hermann Sasse to talk about Sasse's early life, the political and religious context surrounding his early years, and the theological influences that shaped his formation as a pastor and theologian. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How do LCMS District leaders support church work recruitment on the ground? Deaconess Melissa DeGroot (Assistant to the President for Mission and Mercy, LCMS Rocky Mountain District) and Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola (President, LCMS Mid-South District) join Andy and Sarah to talk about Deaconess DeGroot's path to church work, her role in the Rocky Mountain District, the work she and Pastor Paavola do in their respective districts to form and recruit church workers, how face-to-face conversations make a big difference in formation, and what they're excited about when it comes to church worker formation. Find the Rocky Mountain District at rm.lcms.org and the Mid-South District at mid-southlcms.org. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Why is there a Bible study for the LCMS Convention, and how does this study help us walk together as Synod? The Rev. Timothy Pauls (Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Boise, ID, and author of the 2026 Convention Bible Study) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we have a Bible study written specifically for the Convention, the theme for this Convention and Bible study, why this theme is significant to us today, the structure of the Bible study, a few of the emphases in the study, and how these themes encourage us as we walk together as Synod. Find the Bible Study at lcms.org/convention/national/worship/bible-study. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We hear a familiar voice today as we go to northern Minnesota for our conversation! The Rev. Brady Finnern (President, Minnesota North District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and host of Concord Matters on KFUO Radio) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing in Minnesota, the journey that led him to seminary, how he has served along the way, how his experiences shaped him into the pastor he is today, what makes the Minnesota North District a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS. Listen to Rev. Finnern on Concord Matters at kfuo.org/concordmatters. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What are the needs of those serving in mental health and faith-based helping professions? Professor Kathy L'Heureux (Director of Counseling, Concordia University, Nebraska), Professor Kathleen von Kampen (program director, Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Family Life Education (FLE) graduate programs, Concordia University, Nebraska) and the Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs (Senior Professor of Practical Theology and Licensed Psychologist, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming "Rooted & Restored: Soul Care for Those Who Serve" event at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE). They discuss their backgrounds and why Professors L'Heureux and von Kampen chose to serve at CUNE, the unique aspects of mental health and faith-based helping professions, the challenges faced by these types of professionals, how this event will care for professionals, and who this event is for. Learn more at cune.edu/news/concordia-nebraska-present-rooted-restored-event and go.cune.edu/rootedrestored26. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How does CCLE support families considering Classical Lutheran education for their family or school? The Rev. Robert Paul (Vice Chair and Permanent Director, Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education; associate pastor and headmaster at Memorial Lutheran Church and School, Houston, TX) joins Andy to talk about why Pastor Paul is invested in the work of Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education (CCLE), how CCLE supports families and schools, this summer's CCLE conference topic and speakers, the learning opportunities beyond plenary sessions, and how you can attend! Learn more about CCLE and this summer's conference at ccle.org. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What happens when a family relocates from Germany to study at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis? Stephen Guzik (seminarian at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and Stephanie Guzik (Support Coordinator, LCMS Office of National Mission) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about where they each grew up and how they met, how they ended up in Germany together, Stephen's journey into the Lutheran church in Germany, how he was formed along the way at Kaiserslautern Evangelical Lutheran Church and encouraged to consider a pastoral vocation, their discernment process and decision to come to St. Louis, how their transition has been going, Stephen's first year of seminary, and what they're looking forward to in this journey. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How can pastors, church workers, and congregational leaders be encouraged as they are called upon to encourage and care for the souls of their congregations? The Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan (President of the Missouri District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his 2025-published book Faithful, Hopeful, and Bold: Encouragement for the Church available from Concordia Publishing House, including the personal challenge he's faced over the last year and how he has been recovering, the inspiration to write this book for congregational leaders, challenges and accomplishments in the writing process, how he imagines groups will use the book, the personal stories he incorporated into the book, and how church leaders may be encouraged as they read and discuss each lesson. Find Faithful, Hopeful, and Bold: Encouragement for the Church at cph.org/faithful-hopeful-and-bold-encouragement-for-the-church. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.