The Gottesdienst Crowd

What does pastoral ministry have in common with Special Operations? More than you might think. In this episode, we explore how the training, mindset, and mission-focus of Green Berets can sharpen the way pastors lead, serve, and endure. From clarity under pressure to sacrificial service, from team-building to mission-first thinking, elite soldiers model habits that mirror the pastoral calling in surprising ways. We'll unpack how spiritual shepherds can lead with greater courage, discipline, and purpose—not by becoming militant, but by embracing the seriousness and sacrifice of their holy calling. If you're a pastor or just someone who cares about strong, faithful ministry, this episode will challenge and encourage you to lead with resolve, discipline, and humility. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Special Guest: Fr. Coleman Geraci ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for The Fifth Sunday after Trinity, Luke 5:1–11. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for the Fifth Sunday after Trinity from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Who are the men behind the liturgical renewals within our Synod? Who are the men at the tip of the spear when it came to talking about the importance of retaining the historic liturgy, rites, and ceremonies of the Western Church? The next installment of the liturgical biographies we're going to cover is Paul H.D. Lang. Mark Braden (pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Detroit, MI, and Departmental Editor of Gottesdienst: The Journal of Lutheran Liturgy) walks us through his early ministry, highlights some of his writings, and then dives into two of his most notable works: What An Altar Guild Should Know and Ceremony and Celebration. This is part one of a two-part series.  Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ Please like, share, and review this podcast. It only takes a few minutes for you, but it means a lot to us.   

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for The Fourth Sunday after Trinity, Luke 6:36–42. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

In this Gottescast, The Gottesdienst Crowd wades into biographical sketches of some key American Lutheran liturgical reformers. The first liturgical reformer is Luther D. Reed. Mark Braden (Gottesdienst Editor, the author of the recurring column "Taking Pains," and pastor of Zion Lutheran, Detroit, MI) takes us through this man's life and work.  ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Mark Braden ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for The Third Sunday after Trinity, Luke 15:1–32. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for the Third Sunday after Trinity from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

In this episode, we confront a growing trend in contemporary Christianity: the desire to have Christ without His Church. Many today seek a personal faith disconnected from any visible communion, doctrine, or shared life with the Body of Christ. But is such a divorce possible—or faithful? We begin by exploring modern attempts to follow Jesus while distancing from the Church, examining the roots of this spiritual individualism and the dangers it poses. Then we turn to the Lutheran Confessions, where Luther clearly affirms that the Church is not only a human community but an article of faith: “I believe that there is on earth a little holy group and congregation of pure saints...” (SA III.XII.1–2; Large Catechism, Creed, III). The Church is where Christ is present with His Word and Sacraments. Finally, we present a better way forward—a way rooted in love for both the Bridegroom and His Bride. To love Christ is to love His Church. To receive Him is to receive His gifts in the fellowship of believers. Join us as we seek a faithful and joyful reintegration of personal faith with the life of the Church, where Christ is truly known and received. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Special Guest: Fr. Mike Grieve ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for St. Peter & St. Paul, Apostles, Matthew 16:13–19. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for the Second Sunday after Trinity from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

The Augsburg Interim was a tumultuous time in the history of the Lutheran Church. With outside pressure and from within to compromise and capitulate, the time was tumultuous but also revelatory and clarifying. In this first episode, Karl Hess begins to take us through how the Lutheran Church in America is experiencing it's own Interim.  ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Special Guest: Fr. Karl Hess ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the First Sunday after Trinity, Luke 16:19–31. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for the First Sunday after Trinity from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

In this Book Talk, Mikkel Søtbæk discusses his forth-coming book on the Septuagint called The Seventy-two Servants of the Word of God.  You can view more of his work: On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@truthuntogodliness On Twitter: https://x.com/potamopotos Previous episode on Septuagint: https://www.gottesdienst.org/podcast/2024/10/23/tgc-418-septuagintal-superiority?rq=septuagint   ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Special Guest: Mr. Mikkel Søtbæk ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Feast of the Holy Trinity, John 3:1–17. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for The Feast of the Holy Trinity from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

In Psalm 119:104, the psalmist declares, "Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way." We explore what it means to hate false ways in light of God's Word, with a particular focus on the often-ignored topic of birth control. How does Scripture shape our understanding of life, family, and God's design for procreation? Join us as we discuss the cultural and theological implications of rejecting the false ways of the world and embracing God's truth in every aspect of life. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Special Guest: Fr. Evan Scamman ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Feast of Pentecost, John 14:23–31. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for The Feast of Pentecost from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

In this Book Talk, Joe Rigney discusses his book More Than A Battle: How to Experience Victory, Freedom, and Healing from Lust.   ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Special Guest: Dr. Joe Rigney ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, John 15:26–16:4. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for The Seventh Sunday of Easter from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for The Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

In this episode, we explore how the Book of Concord speaks about the Law's twofold work—accusation for the unbeliever and mortification for the believer. Drawing from key confessional texts like the Apology of the Augsburg Confession and the Formula of Concord, we discuss how the Law always accuses, but does so differently depending on faith. For the unbeliever, the Law terrifies and condemns. For the believer, the accusation remains, but it drives daily repentance and the mortification of the flesh by the Spirit through the Word. This distinction is not only doctrinally vital but also deeply pastoral, grounding the Christian's struggle in Christ's victory and the Spirit's ongoing sanctifying work. Join us as we trace how this confessional insight shapes our understanding of sin, repentance, and the Christian life. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Gifford Grobien ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, John 16:23-33. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for The Sixth Sunday of Easter from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, John 16:5-15. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for The Fifth Sunday of Easter from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

In this episode, we're talking about one of the most overlooked yet essential tools for church outreach today: search engine optimization (SEO) and making the most of Google. Whether you're a pastor, church administrator, or volunteer managing your church's website, this conversation will equip you with practical strategies to ensure your church is found by the people who are looking for it. Every day, people in your community are searching online for answers—some are seeking a place to worship, others are looking for hope, community, or help. But if your church doesn't show up when they search, you're missing a major opportunity to connect with them. That's where SEO comes in. It's not about gaming the system or marketing gimmicks—it's about being present where people are already looking. We'll walk through what SEO actually is (in plain English), how Google ranks websites, and the top things you can do today to make your church website more visible online. You'll learn about the importance of keywords, how to write content that Google recognizes and people appreciate, and why updating your church's Google Business Profile might be the most important five minutes you spend this week. We'll also touch on how to make your sermons, events, and blog posts easier to find—and how small things like page speed, mobile-friendliness, and simple URLs can make a big difference. Our goal isn't to turn your church into a tech startup—it's to help faithful churches reach real people with the Gospel by stewarding the tools that are already at our fingertips. This episode is packed with tips, examples, and encouragement to take small, consistent steps toward making your church more discoverable. If you've ever wondered why your church isn't appearing in search results, how to bring more people to your site, or what Google actually wants from your content, this episode is for you. The harvest is plentiful—even online—and the tools are in your hands. Let's use them wisely. The Lutheran Church in a Digital Age: SEO, Outreach, and Mission blog post Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Lititz, PA ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Special Guest: Mr. Michael Usner ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, John 16: 16-22. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for The Fourth Sunday of Easter from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

In our episode on Raising Up Men, a listener asked a question about a topic brought up tangentially to what we were discussing. The question: “How do you wrangle little ones for family devotions?” In this episode, Adam and I answer that question and offer some other thoughts on how to cultivate a family piety.  ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Adam Koontz ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Third Sunday of Easter, John 10:11–16. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for The Third Sunday of Easter from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

The Augsburg Interim was a tumultuous time in the history of the Lutheran Church. With outside pressure and from within to compromise and capitulate, the time was tumultuous but also revelatory and clarifying. In this first episode, Karl Hess begins to take us through how the Lutheran Church in America is experiencing it's own Interim.  ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Special Guest: Fr. Karl Hess ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter, John 20:19–31. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for The Second Sunday of Easter from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

In Psalm 119:104, the psalmist declares, "Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way." We explore what it means to hate false ways in light of God's Word, with a particular focus on the often-ignored topic of birth control. How does Scripture shape our understanding of life, family, and God's design for procreation? Join us as we discuss the cultural and theological implications of rejecting the false ways of the world and embracing God's truth in every aspect of life. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Special Guest: Fr. Evan Scamman ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Easter Vigil, Matthew 28:1–7. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Epistle reading for Maundy Thursday, 1 Corinthians 11:23–32. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for Easter Sunday from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for Good Friday from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

In this episode, we take up the topic of Dispensationalism from a distinctly Lutheran perspective. We unpack the origins and key tenets of Dispensationalist theology, including its views on biblical covenants, the end times, and the role of Israel and the Church. While at the same time, we contrast these ideas with historic Lutheran doctrine, exploring how Lutheran theology understands God's one plan of salvation, and the unity of Scripture. Whether you're familiar with Dispensationalism or encountering it for the first time, this conversation will help clarify the differences and equip you to think theologically about popular eschatological frameworks. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Special Guest: Fr. Tyson Mastin ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Sixth Sunday in Lent, St. Matthew's Passion. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for the Palm Sunday (with Confirmation Address) from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

What does it mean that Christ “descended into hell”? In this episode, we look into an often debated line in the Apostles' Creed. We explore how the doctrine of the Descent into Hell developed in early Church history, how it was understood by the Church Fathers, and how it shaped theological imagination through the centuries. We then trace the shift in interpretation during the Reformation, unpacking how Protestant traditions wrestled with—or rejected—this ancient teaching. Finally, we focus in on Lutheranism, where the Descent holds a unique and powerful place in Christology and the victory of the cross. Join us for a journey through Scripture, creed, and controversy as we uncover the rich and complex legacy of Christ's descent—and what it means for us today. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Special Guest: Fr. Ian Kinney ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, John 8:42–59. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

This is a recording of the sermon for the Fifth Sunday in Lent from George Stoeckhardt's book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press.  ----more---- Read by: Fr. Matt Moss ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

How did the early Christians persuade a skeptical world to embrace the Gospel? Before apologetics and theological debates, the early church used protreptics—a powerful form of invitation and persuasion—to call people to faith. In this episode, we explore how early Christian thinkers like Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen crafted compelling appeals that resonated with the Greco-Roman world. Through examination of texts from the early church fathers and their rhetorical techniques, this episode uncovers the lost art of Christian persuasion and its relevance for evangelism today. Join us as we rediscover the persuasive power of the early church. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Special Guest: Fr. Chad Kendall  ----more---- Become a Patron! WE HAVE MERCH! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support.