The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

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.

This time we go to the west side of Iowa to continue our conversation with the Council of Presidents! The Rev. Paul Egger (President, Iowa District West 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 Iowa, his path through schooling and into pastoral ministry, the congregations he's served along the way and how his experiences there shaped him into the pastor he is today, what makes Iowa District West 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.

Have you ever considered learning New Testament Greek? Concordia Seminary has an opportunity for exactly this! The Rev. Dr. John Genter (Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his own experience learning New Testament (Koine) Greek, the difference learning Greek has made for him in studying God's Word, the upcoming online Fall Greek language course at Concordia Seminary, how the class is structured, and who it's for. Learn more at csl.edu/2026/05/registration-opens-for-2026-fall-online-greek-course. 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're wrapping up Sharathon 2026 and also celebrating the work done through the By the Way program over the years! In this episode, we are highlighting this wonderful partnership. Joanie Harwell (former KFUO team member and member of the By the Way Board) and Jeanne Grone (member of the By the Way Board) join Sarah to talk about the work of By The Way, how they saw the work of the Rev. Dr. Paul Devantier positively impact the lives of listeners, how KFUO has been a partner to By The Way over the years, and the incredible ways By The Way is celebrating this partnership as their chapter closes. By the Way's website, bythewaytoday.org, will be available through September 1, 2026. 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.

God's Word plainly teaches, “The law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Romans 7:12). And so, we do not discard the Law, which is a holy gift from God. However, Lutherans have sometimes debated that Law's applications. In the 16th century, Lutheran theologians debated the question, “How many uses of God's Law are there?” While there is but one Law of God, He uses it in various ways, depending on the person to whom it is applied. Theologians attempted to catalogue these uses. Some disputes over numbering and terminology amounted to misunderstandings, but there were substantive disagreements as well, mainly involving the third use of the Law (the Law as a guide for Christian life). In response to these debates, the Formula identified three proper uses of God's holy Law. This study will explore the biblical basis for these three uses. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the first “Searching Scripture” feature in the June/July 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article VI: The Third Use of God's Law” on Article VI 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 VI on the third use of the Law (p. 485–486) 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 V 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 celebrate the two recipients of the merit-based Regents' Scholarship at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne! Recipient Robert Finch (2026 graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul) and recipient Evan Magness (2026 graduate of Concordia University, Chicago) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about why they chose to study at their respective universities, their experiences at their universities and their formation into future church workers, how they feel their university educations prepared them for their next chapter at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, what kind of impact this scholarship makes for each of them, and what they're looking forward to at CTSFW this fall. Learn more about the Regents' Scholarship at ctsfw.edu/?scholarship=scholarship-mdiv-the-regents-scholarship. 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 congregations make physician assisted suicide an unthinkable option for those who are suffering? Benjamin Parviz (Philosopher and Bioethicist at St. Louis University and undergraduate instructor) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why this topic is so important for him, what physician assisted suicide is and how it differs from removing someone from life support, how we got to where we are with physician assisted suicide in the United States, and the Christian response that makes physician assisted suicide "unthinkable" as we love our neighbors in our church communities. Read Benjamin's article at cbhd.org/intersections/making-physician-assisted-suicide-unthinkable. 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 go Mid-South today to continue our conversation with the Council of Presidents! The Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola (President, Mid-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 interesting childhood and how that influenced his vocational path, his path to pastoral ministry, the congregations he's served along the way and how his experiences there shaped him into the pastor he is today, where the Mid-South District is and the people in it, and why President Paavola 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 does a retreat discussing Lutheran political theology, the doctrine of two kingdoms, vocation, and the limits of politics shape future church workers? Dr. Rachel Ferguson (Professor of Business Ethics & Assistant Dean of the College of Business/Director of the Free Enterprise Center, Concordia University Chicago), Jonah Witte (rising sophomore at Concordia University Chicago pursuing dual certification in secondary education–biology and Director of Christian Education), and Grace Levitt (rising junior at Concordia University Chicago in Lutheran Teacher Education, studying secondary education social sciences) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Dr. Ferguson created the idea for this invitation-only retreat at the Kirk Center, what she hoped students would gain from the discussion-based format, how something like this is important for Lutheran church work students, what Jonah and Grace experienced along with six other CUC students, how their experiences will shape how they approach their future vocations, and how they were challenged to think more deeply about these topics. Learn more about the Free Enterprise Center at Concordia University Chicago at cuchicago.edu/academics/centers-of-excellence/free-enterprise-center. 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 will the 2026 National Offering support efforts by local congregations and ministries? The Rev. Dan Galchutt (Chief Mission Officer, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod), Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor (Managing Director, LCMS Office of National Mission) and the Rev. Andy Becker (Director of Family Ministry, LCMS Office of National Mission) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how past National Offerings have made a difference for the church, who contributes to a National Offering, what the theme "Christ is Risen! Tell the Next Generation" means for the upcoming triennium, how this offering will serve the church, the types of projects that can be supported through grants from the National Offering, and how churches can prepare to support this National Offering. Learn more at lcms.org/convention/national/offering and reporter.lcms.org/2026/2026-national-offering-tell-the-next-generation. 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 are districts of the LCMS reaching potential new Lutheran teachers? Josh Swartz (Education Executive for the Missouri District of the LCMS) and Bob Ziegler (Education Executive for the Nebraska District of the LCMS) join Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how each of them serves as Education Executive for their districts, how Lutheran education became important to them, the landscape of schools in their respective districts and how they support those schools, the ad campaign each district ran for new teachers and the success of this campaign, and what they learned about the value of Lutheran education from the ad campaign feedback. 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.

Convention is getting closer! Where are we in the cycle, and what things are happening soon? The Rev. Dr. John Sias (Secretary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where we are in the Overture to Resolution cycle, what will happen at Floor Committee Weekend, the types of overtures the floor committees will consider, where we are in the presidential election cycle, and everything that will happen when we gather in Phoenix in July. Find everything you need to know about 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.

We travel to beautiful Michigan for today's episode! The Rev. David Davis (President, Michigan 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 and path to pastoral ministry, the congregations he's served along the way and how those experiences shaped him into the servant leader he is today, unique things about the Michigan District, 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.

As we approach Pentecost, how are Lutheran Bible Translators and its partners making God's Word accessible to more language communities every day? Jessica Albers (Member of the Advancement Team with Lutheran Bible Translators) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how many language communities have access to God's Word in their language and how many are without, what Lutheran Bible Translators is doing to fill the gap, some misconceptions about how the Bible translation process works, Jessica's experience traveling to the Shekgalagari Bible dedication in Botswana— including who she met and why this experience was so impactful for her— and Lutheran Bible Translators' historic goal for Bible translation by 2033. Learn more about the work of Lutheran Bible Translators at LBT.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 can we learn when we study theology alongside, art, culture, literature, and history? Dr. Brendan Wolfe (Principal Editor of the St. Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology) joins Sarah to talk about how he became interested in deep theological study, the sorts of topics he enjoys studying the most, the history of St. Andrews University and how the idea for the St. Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology came about, what this encyclopaedia encompasses, what we learn when we study at the intersection of theology, art, literature, history, and culture, and how we can come to a deeper understanding of theology when we understand its connections to the other facets of our lives. Find the St. Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology at saet.ac.uk, Dr. Wolfe's Sacred Landscapes at sacredlandscapes.org, and his co-authored book Arianism Revisited at fortresspress.com/store/product/9798889833857/Arianism-Revisited. 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 role do ongoing conversations play in encouraging young people to consider church work vocations? The Rev. Gregory Jans (pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Somerset, NJ) and Mark Sadlo (senior majoring in history at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the congregation where Pastor Jans serves and his path to pastoral ministry, Mark's journey to Rutgers University and who encouraged him to consider church work, the conversations that Pastor Jans and Mark have had over the years, and what both of them think motivates young people to consider church work vocations. 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 sabbatical valuable for church workers? The Rev. Dr. Greg Walton (Grace Place Wellness, LCEF) and Rehema Kavugha (Director of Synod Relations, LCEF) join Andy and Sarah to talk about why a Sabbatical Scholarship Program is important for the church and LCEF's mission, why sabbaticals are so critical for church workers, what kinds of things church workers do on sabbatical, how a scholarship can help, what a church might do to plan for sabbatical, and the application process for the Sabbatical Scholarship Program. Learn more and apply at lcef.org/sabbaticalscholarship. This episode originally aired on May 29, 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.

We travel to eastern Iowa for today's episode! The Rev. Dr. Brian Saunders (President, Iowa District East of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and associate pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church – Cedar Falls, IA) 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 how it prepared him for pastoral ministry, what he loves about being district president and also an associate pastor, how serving in a congregation helps him serve as a district president, 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.

Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Dean of Chapel at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a brief history of the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord, where we see these observances throughout history, how we observe Ascension today, and the Scripture and hymns for this Feast. This episode originally aired on May 18, 2023. 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 it like to serve overseas as a Regional Business Manager with the LCMS Office of International Mission? Regional Business Managers Joyce Erber (Africa Region), Stan Stigdon (Latin America and the Caribbean Region), and Sam Borgwardt (Asia Region), along with Rev. Dr. Mark Rabe, Director of Missionary Recruitment for the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy to talk about their roles as Regional Business Managers in the field, including how they serve on the field and some of the duties they have, who they get to work with, how their work supports those they serve alongside in their regions, what they've come to appreciate about the cultures in which they serve, and what makes a great candidate for service as a Regional Business Manager in the LCMS Office of International Mission. Find opportunities to serve at servenow.lcms.org. This episode originally aired on May 20, 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.

How do Lutheran School Associations support LCMS teachers and schools? Dr. Cole Braun (executive director of The Association of Lutheran Secondary Schools - ALSS) and Dr. Tom Wrege (executive director of Lutheran Education Association - LEA) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about their individual journeys into church work careers, the organizations each of them serve, how these organizations support Lutheran educators and schools, why Lutheran education is important to each of them, and how Lutheran education is responding to the needs of families today. Learn more about ALSS at alss.org and LEA at lea.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.

What hymns bring you comfort when seeking peace? In this episode, Chaplain Brian Hamer joins Andy to explore the significance of hymns in the context of war and peace. They discuss the origins and historical contexts of three hymns: 'Silent Night', 'Now Thank We All Our God' and ‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past'. The conversation highlights how these hymns have provided comfort and hope during times of conflict, emphasizing their enduring relevance and trans-cultural nature. To view Chaplain Hamer's article, visit 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 travel to Indiana for today's episode! The Rev. Dr. Richard Stuckwisch (President, Indiana 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 unique childhood and how that prepared him for a career in church work, why reading with his family is so important to him, how he balances life as a District President and pastor with family life, and what he loves about 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.

Do you know an older adult (or someone who cares for them) experiencing loss or loneliness who could use a little encouragement? Matthew Leighty (Executive Director, Worship Anew) and Tommy Moll (Director of Content, Worship Anew) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Worship Anew cares for people beyond broadcasting worship services. They share about the care packages available on request, the new Grief Ministry program to care for others in your life, the partnerships and volunteers that make these programs possible, and why it's important that Worship Anew cares for people beyond their flagship broadcasting program. Learn more about Grief Ministry with Worship Anew at worshipanew.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.

Luther famously said that students of the Bible need “to retain the distinction between Law and Gospel” (AE 26: 406). This became the official position of Lutherans with Article V of the Formula of Concord: “We believe, teach, and confess that the distinction between the Law and the Gospel is to be kept in the Church with great diligence” (FC Ep V 2). If we want to be distinctively Lutheran today, this distinction between Law and Gospel must retain a prominent place in our interpretation of Scripture, preaching and catechesis. This task is challenging, because the terms “Law” and “Gospel” can be used in different senses. In the Bible, both terms can be used in a wide sense to refer to God's work and speech, but they also can be used in a narrow (proper) sense, which is what this article focuses on. Properly speaking, the Law is what God tells us to do, think, say and be, and it threatens wrath and punishment on those who break His will; the Gospel is what God by grace has done and is still doing for our salvation through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. This distinction also opens the whole Bible to us, reinforcing the proper understanding that the Old Testament is not just Law and the New Testament is not just Gospel. In fact, the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) contain Law as well as Gospel, and the Law (the Books of Moses) contains Gospel as well as Law! Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the May 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article V: Law and Gospel” on Article V 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 V on The Law and The Gospel (p. 484–485 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 V at kfuo.org/2025/05/01/coffee-hour-050125-law-gospel-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.

How has Set Apart to Serve become a cultural shift in the LCMS? The Rev. Dr. James Baneck (Executive Director, LCMS Office of Pastoral Education and Set Apart to Serve) joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2026 to talk about the cultural shift in the LCMS surrounding church worker formation, what he's learned about the LCMS through his work with Pastoral Education and Set Apart to Serve, how people can recognize their capacity for Christian service to their neighbors, what brings him joy in his work with Set Apart to Serve, and the impact he is seeing from the Set Apart to Serve partnership with KFUO Radio. Learn more about Set Apart to Serve at lcms.org/sas. Whether you listen on the radio, online, or by podcast, KFUO Radio walks with you through Scripture, prayer, and sacred music. Sharathon is April 30 through May 2. Join us as we celebrate the Gospel work God is doing through KFUO and proclaim Christ for You. Anytime. Anywhere. Give now or pledge at KFUO.org/sharathon! 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 podcasts support Christians as they uphold the value of all life? Stephanie Neugebauer (Manager of Mercy Resource Development, LCMS Office of National Mission, and host of Friends for Life podcast) and the Rev. Andy Becker (Director of Family Ministry, LCMS Office of National Mission, co-host of Friends for Life Podcast) join Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2026 to talk about the topics the Friends for Life podcast covers, why these topics are important to both of them, some of their favorite topics and guests, and why now is a critical time to have a podcast addressing these topics with gospel motivation. Learn more about Friends for Life and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform at kfuo.org/friendsforlife. Whether you listen on the radio, online, or by podcast, KFUO Radio walks with you through Scripture, prayer, and sacred music. Sharathon is April 30 through May 2. Join us as we celebrate the Gospel work God is doing through KFUO and proclaim Christ for You. Anytime. Anywhere. Give now or pledge at KFUO.org/sharathon! 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 our current age of AI affect how we create content as humans? Dr. Bernard Bull (President of Concordia University, Nebraska) joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2026 to talk about how he became a content creator, what he loves about the process of writing and creating content, how AI content creation is distinctly different from human content creation, what he's learned about how AI creates content, and some insights to guide those of us who create content. Whether you listen on the radio, online, or by podcast, KFUO Radio walks with you through Scripture, prayer, and sacred music. Sharathon is April 30 through May 2. Join us as we celebrate the Gospel work God is doing through KFUO and proclaim Christ for You. Anytime. Anywhere. Give now or pledge at KFUO.org/sharathon! 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 Sharathon 2026, and we're having a little fun! You hear KFUO team members on air or when you call in, but today you're going to learn a little more about them. The now infamous "Lightning Round" has become a staple of Coffee Hour episodes, so each KFUO team member answers the list of rapid-fire questions about their favorite things! Even Andy and Sarah are subjected to the Lightning Round this time. Get ready to know all about the KFUO team and whether you share favorite things in common! Whether you listen on the radio, online, or by podcast, KFUO Radio walks with you through Scripture, prayer, and sacred music. Sharathon is April 30 through May 2. Join us as we celebrate the Gospel work God is doing through KFUO and proclaim Christ for You. Anytime. Anywhere. Give now or pledge at KFUO.org/sharathon! 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.