The Crux of the Matter

Lutherans have a strange history when it comes to the traditional disciplines of Lent. In Luther's day, many of the disciplines, particularly fasting, were often frowned upon because they were so easily abused into works righteousness. But is that the case today? How might our obsession with freedom actually turn into a cover up for evil? Join us for Episode 68 of The Crux of the Matter.

In episode 67, Scott and Todd discuss twenty years in the pastoral office. What are the highs and lows, what have they learned, what was the best and worst? And why did Kurt Marquart call their situations a "Felicitous inconsistency?" Join us for this episode of The Crux of the Matter.

Bible interpretation is somewhat that every pastor engages every day of his ministry. In this episode, Todd and Scott start to tackle the question of how to interpret the Bible, particularly for preaching and teaching. They also talk about Isaiah, the HT unConference, Stephen King's Dark Tower Series, and the Quick to Listen podcast. Join us for Episode 66 of The Crux of the Matter.

The time after Christmas is typically pretty difficult for pastors, at least these pastors. How is it that we reconnect with family, recharge the batteries, and in general reengage with the ministry after an intensive period. Scott and Todd also talk about the Incarnation, Guatemala, and noise-canceling headphones. Take a listen to episode 65 of The Crux of the Matter to find out more.

Ronald Reagan had the 11th commandment for conservatives. Is there a similar standard of conversation among pastors? How do we treat each other? How do we speak about one another to the laity? Is that somehow different from what we do and how we should speak as Christians anyways? Listen in as Scott and Todd try to get at this good question in episode 64 of The Crux of the Matter.

Trump and Clinton, morals and economics, parish membership and political parties. The lines are drawn, but where is Jesus in the midst of all of this madness? Scott and Todd try to untangle the question of pastoral care and politics in episode 63 of The Crux of the Matter. Join us for a listen!

How do pastors deal with being sick? It's the season when children go back to school, and so many pastors struggle with sickness, both short term and long term. Do you cancel classes or worship services? Who looks after you when you are sick? Will the church collapse in upon itself without you? Scott and Todd take a crack at this question and more in to episode 62 of The Crux of the Matter.

Mother Teresa was canonized by Pope Francis on Sunday, September 4, 2016. So there's a lot of talk in the media about saints. For Lutherans, this is a mixed conversation. We cling to and hold on to the saints, but we neither worship no pray to them. So what are we to do with a woman like Mother Teresa? John us for Episode 61 of The Crux of the Matter, hosted by Todd Peperkorn and Scott Stiegemeyer.

Bioethics, preaching of the poor, Catholic social ethics, what we did over summer vacation, German, Yosemite. We cover it all and much, much more this episode! John us for Episode 60 of The Crux of the Matter, hosted by Todd Peperkorn and Scott Stiegemeyer.

Church politics. Even the phrase leaves a bad taste in your mouth. But what is it, and is it all bad? Whether you are talking about what color the carpet should be, all the way up to how we should deploy missionaries, politics are involved if humans are involved. Todd and Scott go back and forth on the subject today. Learn more in Episode 59 of The Crux of the Matter.

In this episode of The Crux of the Matter, Scott and Todd discuss the topic of narcissism and the pastor. What is narcissism? Why should we care? And are people with narcissistic personal disorder attracted to the pastoral office more than other fields? Hear about this and more in episode 58.

Getting better at preaching is a strangely hard thing for pastors. While we all know there are weaknesses, we don't like to admit them in public for fear of looking like we don't know what we're doing. In episode 57 of The Crux of the Matter, Todd and Scott discuss the book, *Preaching Better*, and how it may be implemented into the Ministry.

Getting better at preaching is a strangely hard thing for pastors. While we all know there are weaknesses, we don't like to admit them in public for fear of looking like we don't know what we're doing. In episode 56 of The Crux of the Matter, Todd and Scott discuss the book, *Preaching Better*, and how it may be implemented into the Ministry.

There are so many degree programs, and so many schools, why bother picking at all. In episode 55 of The Crux of the Matter Pastor Todd Peperkorn and Professor Scott Stiegemeyer discuss furthering your education while serving in a parish or school. Bioethics and Preaching? Roman Catholic or Evangelical or something else entirely? Listen in as they try to get to the crux of the matter.

Episode 54 of The Crux of the Matter is on First Timothy chapter six. How do we defend against false doctrine? What is really at the bottom of the desire for and spread of false doctrine? We also examine a podcast called Good Guys Wear Black, and the book, Christ alone. Join us for this episode with your hosts, Rev. Todd Peperkorn and Prof. Scott Stiegemeyer.

What is meant by widows or elders in chapter 5 of First Timothy? What is the laying on of hands, and for that matter, what is ox muzzling? And how do you learn to preach better? And why do our bodies matter? Hear about these things and more in episode 53 of The Crux of the Matter.

Pastoral Formation is language we often use in our speaking and writing today, but where did it come from? And what is meant by piety in chapter 4 of First Timothy? And what is up with Don Draper? Hear about these things and more in episode 52 of The Crux of the Matter.

The noble task. That's what St. Paul calls the Holy Ministry. To desire the Office is a good and salutary thing. But what does it look like? Or perhaps more importantly, what does the overseer or deacon look like? Listen in to Scott and Todd as they discuss it in episode 51 of The Crux of the Matter.

Women in the church and society, and the ongoing discussion of endurance and false teachers.. These are just a few of the topics discussed in episode 50 of The Crux of the Matter. Join Todd and Scott today as they learn together from the Scriptures what it is that makes a pastor. This multi-part series on 1 Timothy will go for several weeks, and continues here with chapter two.

False doctrine, handing someone over to Satan, and the foremost of sinners. These are just a few of the topics discussed in episode 49 of The Crux of the Matter. Join Todd and Scott today as they learn together from the Scriptures what it is that makes a pastor. This multi-part series on 1 Timothy will go for several weeks, and begins here with chapter one.

What does it mean to be human? What does it mean that God became man? These and many more questions may fall under the heading “The Theology of the Body.” While this is a phrase usually associated with Pope John-Paul II, it is one that has gained a much wider usage, even among Lutherans. In episode 48 of The Crux of the Matter, Todd and Scott unpack what a Lutheran theology of the body is, and what it means for pastoral care today.

What does it mean to be the Christian Church in the twenty-first century. In this live episode of The Crux of the Matter, Todd and Scott answer questions, ask a few of their own, and bring Christ to bear as we look forward to the future together in Him. Join us for episode 46 of The Crux of the Matter.

It is certainly fair to say that Star Wars: The Force Awakens in a phenomenon. So how are we as Christians to view such a thing? Does it have a biblical view of good and evil, and ultimately of redemption? Or is it just another good old yarn designed to make Hollywood some bucks? Listen to Scott and Todd discuss the years most popular movie in Episode 45 of The Crux of the Matter.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. When it comes to pastors, that's a pretty good description of Advent. In this episode, Scott and Todd discuss why it is that the season of Advent is often so hard, and how we as pastors can try to provide comfort to the suffering. Join us for episode 44 of The Crux of the Matter.

The distinction between what the Church should do and what the government should do is obvious (perhaps) to Lutherans, but it is not so obvious in our society. In this episode of The Crux of the Matter, Todd and Scott talk about that distinction in the context of the Paris attacks, and what it means for the Church and her pastors today. Join us for episode 43 of The Crux of the Matter.

All our lives we are surrounded by history. Our own history. Those around us. Those who will come after us are on the horizon. But how does the Christian Church understand her history? In this episode of The Crux of the Matter, Peperkorn and Stiegemeyer talk about what it means to be a pastor who is aware of the Church's history, and how it shapes pastoral care.

Halloween is a day of great fun and frivolity, but it is also a day of some conflict for Christians. Do we “celebrate” Halloween, or is this a pagan holiday that Christians should avoid? And strangely in the same vein, what does it mean to “celebrate” the reformation? Is this Lutheran Pride Sunday, or is something else at work? Todd and Scott discuss these and more in episode 41 o The Crux of the Matter.

Why do we practice closed communion? Do you wear that outfit in the shower? What does God let X happen to me if He really loves me? These are just a few of the questions Todd and Scott try to answer in this episode. Oh, and like the rest of the Internet, they also talk about Star Wars, ADD, and the craziness of random questions. Join us for episode 40 of The Crux of the Matter.

Why do we want to turn the world into a cosmic battle of Good vs. Evil? We often appear to live in a superheroes and supervillians world, where they are constantly at odds with each other, and neither gets the upper hand. But God is the Lord of heaven and earth. Hear Scott and Todd talk about dualism in episode 39 of The Crux of the Matter.

Auxilliary offices. Teachers, DCEs, deaconesses, Director of Family Ministry, the language we use to talk about the “helping offices” in the church is confusing, at best. In episode 38 of The Crux of the Matter, Scott and Todd try to unravel the mystery a bit, while also trying to get Todd off the ledge after losing his driver's license.

The Lord of the Ring to Why Men Hate Going to Church. That's the range of books Scott and Todd talk about in episode 37 of The Crux of the Matter. Why is it that the range of knowledge and skills that a pastor needs are so far-reaching, and how do we continue to learn without going stagnant? Join us in this episode to try and find out.

Pope Francis is in the midst of making his first visit to North America. But why should Lutherans care? Scott and Todd discuss the Pope's speech before Congress, his upcoming speech before the United Nations, and lament why he didn't speak about Jesus Christ, the unborn, and the very least and lowest in our society. Hear more from Todd and Scott in Episode 36 of The Crux of the Matter.

No pastor worth his salt likes talking about his own salary. But in order to care for his family and himself, he does need to be paid. What is the way of Christ? How are we to be faithful to both our families and our congregations? Join us for episode 35 of The Crux of the Matter.

While Islam seems to be taking over the world, there is a small revolution taking place. One Lutheran Church, Trinity (SELC) in Berlin, Germany, has seen their membership grow from 150 to 600 members over the past two years. Trinity and their pastor, Rev. Gottfried Martens, have been getting press all over the wrold because of this phenomenon. Are these conversions real, or just political expediency? How do we tell? Hear Pastors Todd Peperkorn and Scott Stiemeyer get to the Crux of the Matter in episode 34.

Times of crisis are difficult at best. Who do I talk to and why? Where does the Church fit in to the conversation? Oftentimes, pastors are the last to know about a major crisis in the life of their parishioners. In this episode, Scott and Todd discuss what role pastors play in times of crisis, as well as what role(s) they should or could play if they knew about what was going on. Join us for episode 33 of The Crux of the Matter.

It is easy to say one is pro-life. It is much harder to actually do it in practice. In this episode, Scott and Todd talk about what it means to be a pro-life pastor today, how it affects preaching, catechesis, and pastoral care, and how things have changed over the decades. Join us for episode 32 of The Crux of the Matter.

It has been said that the struggles the Church faces today are much closer to the second century than to the sixteenth century. In this episode, Scott and Todd wrestle with what this means, what we can learn from the martyrs and apologists of the early church, and how it applies today.

It has been said that Protestants lack imagination, and that this is why they have a hard time with the Sacraments. In this discussion of preaching the Gospel, Todd and Scott discuss the role that the imagination plays in preaching, and especially how preaching the reality of God's love for His people draws the hearer in with the mind and the heart. Oh, and they talk about the Pope again.

Lutherans have a difficult time occasionally in preaching to the whole person. In this episode, Scott and Todd try to unpack what it means to preach the text in a way that engages the mind, the body, the heart, and the imagination. This conversation goes from Dr. John Kleinig to Minecraft and the modern fascination with world building games. At the end, there is also a long overdue mention of the Pope.

What does it mean to be human? What did Naomi mean when she prayed that the Lord would "deal kindly" with Ruth? Can the preacher actually use the Law in a certain way, or is that the Holy Sprit's job? All this and more are the topics of discussion in episode 28 of The Crux of the Matter. Join Pastor Todd Peperkorn and Professor Scott Stiegemeyer as they tackle the issues of the day, written by pastors and for pastors.

Preaching the Law is the second hardest thing the pastor does, right after preaching the Gospel. There are so many pitfalls for the preacher. How do we approach it in a way that is faithful to the text, and is faithful to our ultimate goal of communion with Christ? That's the question for this week. Join Scott and Todd as they talk about the the crux of the matter in preaching the Law.

Pastors are more accesible to their congregation than ever before. Web sites, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, the ways to find the pastor increase with each day. How do we make ourselves available to our people, and what is the cost? Listen to Scott and Todd talk it over in episode 26 of The Crux of the Matter.

It is nearly impossible for a pastor in 21st century america to avoid technology. Phones, tablets, computers, even watches are more and more advanced as the days go by. How does all of this fit into the workflow of the faithful Lutheran pastor? Listen to Scott and Todd talk it over in episode 24 of The Crux of the Matter.

Any time a Christian engages in public sin, it is a scandal and an offense to the body of Christ. It is also a tremendous opportunity for the Church to be Church, to give mercy and forgiveness to the broken and in need. In this episode Todd and Scott try to make sense of what happens when a pastor commits a public sin. Join us for episode twenty-four of The Crux of the Matter.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is one of the institutions in American Christianity. What is it and why has it become such a central part of suburban Christianity? Todd and Scott talk about music, pitfalls of entertainment evangelism, the joy of teaching children, and give VBS a thumbs up, but with a little caution.

Strategic planning is one of the great buzzword phrases of the day. Everyone has a plan, and churches are no exception. So how do we as Lutheran pastors approach strategic planning without losing our minds and our souls in the process? Scott and Todd start the conversation, and also talk about Martians, unhappiness, democracy in America, and more in episode 22 of The Crux of the Matter.

In episode 21 Todd and Scott begin a conversation about transgenderism, what it means for the Christian Church, and also discuss the implications of loving our neighbor, especially when faced moral failings and weaknesses. How do we care for those with whom we disagree?

There are so many misconceptions and just plain myths about depression, where does one even begin? In episode 20 of The Crux of the Matter, Scott and Todd take a first crack at it, with an emphasis on the role of the church and the pastor in care of those in need.

In a few short weeks the Supreme Court will be issuing a ruling about whether same-sex marriages are a constitutional right, or if it something that can be determined by each state. In this episode Scott and Todd discuss Pres. Matthew Harrison's recent pastoral letter, what implications this may have on pastoral care, and how pastors and congregations should start responding to this.

Scott and Todd discuss the forgotten sacrament of the Lutheran Church. Confession and absolution has been in the Small Catechism for nearly five hundred years, yet is rarely practiced at the congregational level. Why? They also talk about Lutheranism 101, the Amazon Echo, and try to speak through a crying child.

Pastoral Theology books tend to focus on what pastors do much more than who pastors are. What is the relationship between the pastoral office and the individual bearer of that office?  And how does that impact what we might call self-disclosure? Scott and Todd discuss pastoral identity, confidentiality, and being true to yourself. But not in a cheesy way.