Together 4 Good

In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with his oldest daughter, Evelyn, for a snow day conversation about faith, confirmation, doubt, church, and what it means to grow into your own understanding of God.Together, they talk about the questions many people carry but do not always say out loud: What if faith does not look the way we expected? What if the Bible is meant to be wrestled with? What if loving God is less about having everything figured out and more about remembering we are part of something bigger than ourselves?What You'll Learn:How confirmation classes can create space for honest questions about faithWhy Bible stories can still speak when we stop flattening them into easy answersHow young people wrestle with stereotypes around ChristianityWhy faith can change us in subtle but meaningful waysWhat it means to remember God in everyday lifeChapters: 00:00 Coming up on Together 4 Good 01:00 Meet Evelyn on a May snow day 02:14 Looking back on confirmation 04:10 Why “Tough Questions” mattered 05:20 Bible history, sacred texts, and big questions 08:05 Reading the Bible as story and metaphor 09:20 Jesus, parables, and flexible faith 11:00 Being stubborn, honest, and a pastor's kid 13:00 Assumptions about Christianity 16:00 Rethinking prayer, Bible study, and church language 18:30 Why Scripture can be read in new ways 21:00 Jesus, hospitality, and love of neighbor 23:00 What does it mean to love God? 26:00 Faith, science, wonder, and the universe 28:30 How do we love God in everyday life? 31:00 Faith changes us slowly 33:00 Compassion, judgment, and seeing people as people 35:00 Law, gospel, mercy, and love 36:00 Closing thoughtsIf this conversation resonates with you, like this video, subscribe to Bethany Lutheran Church, and share it with someone who is asking honest questions about faith, church, or God.Connect with Bethany:

In this Sunday School Remix I take another look at one of Jesus' most well known miracles, the feeding of the 5,000, and explore a different angle than what many of us learned in Sunday School. Yes, Jesus multiplies bread and fish, but what if that is not the only miracle happening on that hillside?You'll hear:00:00 – Introduction to the Episode01:00 – Why This Miracle Appears in All Four Gospels02:00 – “You Give Them Something to Eat” — Why This Line Matters03:00 – The Overlooked Detail: Communities of 50–10004:00 – Was the Miracle Multiplication… or Generosity?05:00 – Sharing What We Have: How Generosity Starts06:00 – Love One Another: How This Fits Jesus' Ministry07:00 – Thanksgiving & A Change of Heart08:00 – The Biblical Meaning of Thanksgiving09:00 – Gratitude, Neuroscience, and Healing10:00 – Why Telling Someone You're Grateful Matters11:00 – Receiving → Giving → Reflecting God's Love12:00 – Gratitude and Community Transformation13:00 – Give Thanks… Then Give It Back14:00 – Closing BlessingMy hope is that this story shapes your Thanksgiving week with a deeper sense of abundance, gratitude, and community.Thank you for being here. Truly.Stay in peace, friends.Sunday School Remix is a new Together 4 Good series re-examining familiar Bible stories to uncover what they really tell us about faith, humanity, and grace today.

In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate talks with Krista Kilgus, Executive Director of Urban Servant Corps in Denver, about service, community, and what it means to follow where the Holy Spirit is leading next. Urban Servant Corps has spent decades forming young adults through intentional community and service, and now the organization is entering a new chapter: creating a pilot program supporting re-entry work and hosting a community of formerly incarcerated women; offering belonging, community, vocational discernment, faith formation, and purposeful living. This conversation is about faithful change, honest discernment, and the kind of belonging that helps people heal, grow, and begin again.What You'll Learn:Learn the story and mission of Urban Servant Corps in DenverUnderstand how intentional community shapes faith, service, and belongingHear why traditional service-year programs have become harder to sustainExplore Urban Servant Corps' new pilot program with formerly incarcerated womenDiscover how churches and individuals can support this next chapterIf this conversation gives you hope, we invite you to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who cares about faith, justice, community, and the work of rebuilding lives with love.Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and introduction to Krista Kilgus 00:45 The founding story of Urban Servant Corps 02:20 Krista's own service year experience 03:15 What intentional community looks like in practice 05:00 Belonging, shared meals, and life skills 06:00 Why service years matter for young adults 06:55 Why interest in service-year programs has shifted 08:00 What “faith-based” means at Urban Servant Corps 10:00 Cultural pressure, independence, and countercultural community 11:25 Why Urban Servant Corps needed to reimagine its model 13:30 Discernment, sustainability, and community needs 15:15 New partnerships with New Beginnings and other Denver organizations 16:10 A new focus on formerly incarcerated women 18:30 What reentry support could look like 19:30 Co-creating the pilot program with participants 20:30 Timeline for launching the pilot 21:10 How congregations and individuals can support Urban Servant Corps 23:20 Where God has shown up in the process 25:00 Being surprised by God's call 26:30 Gratitude for the community's support 27:00 Closing reflections and invitation to shareConnect with Bethany:

What if discipleship is less about proving yourself and more about being invited into a new way of life? In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate looks at Matthew 4:18–25, where Jesus calls his first disciples and gives ordinary fishermen an extraordinary invitation: “Follow me.” This familiar Sunday school story becomes something deeper when we notice who Jesus calls, where he goes, and how he redeems the parts of us we think disqualify us.What You'll Learn:See discipleship as an invitation, not a spiritual task listUnderstand why Jesus calling fishermen was so meaningfulExplore repentance as a turning toward a new way of lifeNotice how Jesus crosses boundaries in his ministryRemember that God can redeem the parts of your story that feel like failureChapters: 00:00 What if discipleship is different than we thought? 00:44 Jesus begins calling the first disciples 01:36 “Follow me and I will make you fishers of people” 02:22 Discipleship is not just a spiritual checklist 03:07 Repentance as turning toward a new life 04:29 Faith as surrender and a new direction 05:15 James and John leave the family business 06:38 Tomorrow does not have to be like today 07:26 Jesus teaches, heals, and proclaims good news 08:35 The disciples learn by following Jesus 09:18 Jesus crosses every boundary 10:38 Why fishermen were unlikely disciples 11:37 What it meant to be a rabbi's disciple 12:27 Jesus offers a new opportunity 13:23 Discipleship as a gift, not a burden 14:16 Jesus redeems what feels like failure 15:23 God works through what we think disqualifies us 16:18 The story did not end in Sunday schoolIf this episode gives you a new way to think about faith, discipleship, or your own story, take a moment to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could use the reminder that grace often begins where we thought we were disqualified.Connect with Bethany:

What happens when you finally get everything you thought you wanted, and it still feels… empty? In this conversation, Pastor Nate sits down with longtime friend and filmmaker Nick Stroczkowski to wrestle with ambition, identity, faith, and the quiet realization that fulfillment might not be waiting somewhere in the future. Together, they explore what it means to live fully in the present, rediscover the purpose of church, and find something deeper than success.What You'll Learn:Why achieving your biggest goals doesn't guarantee fulfillmentHow to tell the difference between healthy change and restless dissatisfactionWhat church looks like at its best—and why it sometimes falls shortHow spiritual practices help you slow down and notice what mattersWhy authenticity matters more than perfection in faith and lifeIf this conversation resonates with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need it.Chapters:00:00 – Intro: When Success Doesn't Feel Like Success02:00 – The “Empty Box” Problem05:30 – Why We Keep Chasing What's Next08:00 – Is Change Necessary or Just Restlessness?12:00 – Don't Mess With Happy13:30 – Rediscovering Church in a New Season18:00 – When Church Feels Real (and When It Doesn't)21:00 – Church as Product vs. Sacred Space27:00 – What Actually Sticks After a Sermon31:00 – Is It God or Just an Idea?34:00 – The Problem with Being “A Good Person”38:00 – Ego, Identity, and Wanting to Be Seen43:00 – Vulnerability, Community, and Healing46:30 – Why Ritual Still Matters50:00 – The Power of Slowing Down53:00 – Culture vs. Spiritual Practice56:00 – Finding Balance in Real Life57:30 – Closing ThoughtsConnect with Bethany:

What if the story of manna in the wilderness is about more than food? In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate looks at Exodus 16 and the Israelites' struggle to trust God after leaving Egypt. This story invites us to notice how often we long for the past, grasp for more, and miss the quiet gift of enough.What You'll Learn:Why the Israelites struggled to trust God after leaving EgyptHow manna teaches us that grace comes before faithfulnessWhy “enough” can be holier than “more”How Sabbath becomes an act of freedom and resistanceWhat Exodus 16 can teach us about scarcity, rest, and delightChapters: 00:00 Introduction: What Is the Story of Manna Really About? 00:55 The Israelites Leave Egypt and Enter the Wilderness 02:00 Why We Romanticize the Past 04:10 God Provides Before the Israelites Trust 05:55 Why “Manna” Means “What Is It?” 08:00 God Retrains the Israelites Through Daily Provision 09:00 Enough Is Holier Than More 10:50 What Happens When We Hoard God's Gifts 12:20 Sabbath Before the Ten Commandments 13:30 Sabbath as Freedom from Pharaoh's Ways 15:00 Remembering You Are Not in Egypt Anymore 16:20 Why Scarcity Is So Hard to Unlearn 17:00 The Sweetness of Trusting God 18:25 Learning to Delight in Enough 19:40 Closing: The Story Didn't End in Sunday SchoolIf this episode helped you see this familiar Bible story in a new way, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need a reminder that God's provision is not always what we expect, but it is often exactly what we need.Connect with Bethany:

Coming up on the Together 4 Good podcast, Pastor Nate sits down with his longtime friend Adam Arends, a pastor in the Buffalo, NY area. They've known each other for years, and this conversation goes right to the heart of a question a lot of people are quietly asking: what is church actually supposed to be about? Adam shares his story—growing up in the church, stepping away, questioning a lot of it, and eventually finding his way back. Not with perfect answers, but with a deeper sense of what really matters.What You'll Learn:Why people still show up to church—even with doubtsHow grace matters more than getting everything “right”What Jesus actually prioritized over rulesWhy community can carry your faith when you can'tHow church can be a space for truth, not certaintyChapters: 00:00 Introduction: Why This Conversation Matters 01:30 Life as a Pastor in Multiple Churches 04:00 Growing Up in the Church (Pastor's Kid Life) 06:00 Doubt, Logic, and Questioning Faith 08:00 What Keeps People Coming Back to Church? 10:00 What Is Truth? Faith Beyond Facts 13:00 Rules vs. Grace: What Jesus Actually Taught 16:00 Power, Humility, and Who “Gets It” 18:00 Why We All Fall Short (and Why That Matters) 21:00 Why Church Still Matters Today 24:00 What We Hope for the Next Generation 27:00 What Brings People Back to Church 30:00 Faith Isn't Solo: Doing Church Together 33:00 Final Thoughts: A Different Way ForwardIf this conversation resonates with you, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need it.Connect with Bethany:

What if the resurrection isn't just about what happens after we die—but about what God is doing in us right now?In this episode of Sunday School Remix, we revisit John 21 and Peter's story after the resurrection. It's a moment filled with confusion, shame, and unfinished business. But instead of avoiding it, Jesus steps right into it—offering not just forgiveness, but purpose.What You'll LearnHow Peter's shame shapes his actions—and why that mattersWhy Jesus revisits painful moments instead of skipping past themWhat the charcoal fire reveals about memory, guilt, and graceHow resurrection speaks to your life right now—not just somedayWhy your past might actually be part of your calling00:00 What if resurrection is about more than life after death? 01:00 Peter goes back to fishing 02:00 The miraculous catch and what 153 fish means 03:00 Peter's impulsive response and hidden shame 05:00 Trauma, guilt, and going back to what's familiar 07:00 Why Jesus eats with the disciples 08:30 What bodily resurrection really means 10:00 The charcoal fire and Peter's memory 11:00 “Do you love me?”—Peter's redemption 12:00 Resurrection as present-day transformation 13:00 How God redeems your past 15:00 Why your story still mattersIf this conversation resonates with you, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need it.Connect with Bethany:

Coming up on the Together 4 Good podcast, we're revisiting a conversation that feels especially timely this week. Over the last couple of months, I've had the chance to interview several of the speakers who will be part of the ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly. The theme this year is “Vida en Cristo / Life in Christ,” and it's been shaping a lot of what I've been thinking about. So while this episode is a repeat, it fits right into that theme.What am I supposed to do with my life? It's a question most of us carry at some point. But instead of offering one perfect answer, this conversation shifts the question—grounding us in identity first. In Christ, you are already loved, already enough, and already called. From that place, purpose becomes less about chasing something new and more about noticing what's already in your hands and how God is at work in your everyday life.What You'll Learn:How “life in Christ” reshapes the question of purposeWhy identity (not achievement) is the starting pointWhat it means to be named, claimed, and sent in baptismHow to recognize your gifts in ordinary, everyday lifeWhy you don't need one perfect calling to live with purposeChapters: 00:00 A Timely Conversation: Life in Christ 01:20 Why We Keep Asking “What Should I Do With My Life?” 04:00 You Are Already Loved: Identity Before Purpose 06:30 Baptism as Calling: Named, Claimed, and Sent 08:45 “What's in Your Hands?” (Moses and Everyday Gifts) 11:30 Giving Your Gifts Away for the Sake of Others 14:30 You Don't Have One Calling—You Have Many 17:30 The Myth of the Perfect Life or Career 19:30 Life in Christ Happens in Ordinary Moments 21:45 Letting Go of Pressure and Trusting Today 24:00 Noticing Where Christ Is Already at WorkIf this conversation resonates, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who's been asking these same questions.Connect with Bethany:

What if Jesus' most famous commands—turn the other cheek and love your enemies—aren't about weakness at all, but something far more radical? In this episode of Sunday School Remix, we take a closer look at Matthew 5 and the Sermon on the Mount, uncovering a deeper, more honest way of living that invites us into transformation rather than avoidance. It's a conversation about self-reflection, community, and a God who meets us right in the middle of our struggles.What You'll Learn:Rethink what “turning the other cheek” actually meansDiscover how loving your enemies reveals something within youUnderstand Jesus' “third way” beyond retaliation or submissionExplore how community forms through honesty and graceSee how God meets us in weakness, not perfectionChapters: 00:00 Introduction: Radical commands of Jesus 01:00 The upside-down nature of the Sermon on the Mount 02:10 Honor and shame in Jesus' time 03:00 What “turn the other cheek” really means 04:00 A third way: confronting injustice without violence 05:00 Why loving your enemies is so radical 06:00 The people who trigger us (and why) 07:00 Recognizing ourselves in others 08:00 Communion and confronting despair 09:00 Finding new life through honesty and community 10:00 Loving others by facing ourselves 11:00 Faith isn't about fixing—it's about going through it 12:00 Closing reflectionsConnect with Bethany:

What is worship actually meant to be? In this conversation, Pastor Nate sits down with Bethany's Director of Music, Rick Seaton, to talk about the role music plays in shaping faith, community, and the experience of worship. Together, they explore the depth of Lutheran musical tradition, the tension between old and new, and why worship is about something far deeper than personal preference. This is a fun conversation with two people who truly appreciate the power music can play in your life. What You'll Learn:Why music has always been central to the life of faithWhat makes worship feel grounded, meaningful, and aliveThe role of tradition in shaping how we experience GodWhy participation matters more than preferenceHow churches can think differently about worship todayChapters: 00:00 Why this conversation took 6 years to happen 01:00 Rick's journey into church music 03:00 Why Lutherans have such a strong musical tradition 06:00 Why churches don't create music like they used to 09:00 Why variety in worship actually matters 11:00 Contemporary vs. traditional worship 13:00 Why people are returning to deeper practices 17:00 Why quality and intention matter in worship 20:00 What churches should focus on moving forward 26:00 What music is really meant to do 27:00 A powerful Good Friday reflection 31:00 Why music has always been part of faith 34:00 The importance of singing together 36:00 Creating new music for the church 38:00 Final thoughts on worship and creativityAnd if you're in the Denver area join Rick for the Get Outta Here Postludes Concert at Bethany Lutheran Church, May 1st at 7pm! More info here: https://www.bethany-arts.org/Connect with Bethany:

What if the resurrection doesn't tie everything up neatly, but actually disrupts how we understand God, faith, and even reality itself? In John 20, the story is full of confusion, questions, and unexpected encounters—and maybe that's exactly the point.What You'll Learn:Why belief in John's Gospel is more about trust than certaintyHow the resurrection story invites questions, not just answersWhat it means that Mary “sees” Jesus but doesn't recognize himHow God can be at work even when things feel unclear or unsettlingWhy Easter is really about new beginnings, not perfect understandingChapters:00:00 What if Easter isn't clear?01:00 Belief as trust, not certainty03:00 The three ways of “seeing” in John05:00 The eighth day and new creation07:30 Different responses to the empty tomb09:00 When we misread what God is doing11:00 God's presence in unexpected places13:00 Mary is called by name14:30 The garden and new creation15:30 Why the story isn't overConnect with Bethany:

You wouldn't expect a conversation about Robert's Rules of Order to say something meaningful about faith—but this one does. Pastor Nate sits down with Kirby Glad to explore how structure, fairness, and even the way we run meetings can reflect something deeper about life in Christ. It's thoughtful, surprisingly engaging, and grounded in a simple truth: when people come together with different perspectives, what holds it all together isn't perfection—it's grace.What You'll Learn:Why structure can actually create space for belongingHow disagreement can deepen understanding—not divide usWhat “life in Christ” looks like in real communityWhy grace matters more than getting everything rightHow every voice plays a role in the body of ChristChapters: 00:00 Why this conversation matters more than you think 01:00 What a parliamentarian actually does 03:00 The real purpose behind Robert's Rules 07:00 Why structure helps people participate 09:00 Life in Christ and unity in disagreement 12:00 Why no one person has all the answers 16:00 When rules fall short (and grace steps in) 20:00 Faith, imperfection, and real life 31:00 Connecting Robert's Rules to Christian life 34:00 Grace, striving, and what really mattersIf this conversation resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who's navigating faith, community, or even just hard conversations.Connect with Bethany:

What if the cross isn't just about what happens after we die, but about how we live right now? In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate reframes the crucifixion—not as a transaction, but as liberation. Instead of asking how we earn God's favor, we're invited to see how God meets us in the middle of real life: in struggle, in grief, and in the mess we try to hide.This conversation opens up a deeper, more honest way of understanding faith—one rooted not in fear or performance, but in presence, grace, and freedom.What You'll Learn:Why the cross is about freedom, not just forgivenessHow transactional faith can lead to burnout and despairWhat it means that God meets us in sufferingHow the crucifixion reframes how we live and loveWhy you don't have to “get it all right” to belongChapters:00:00 What if the cross is about now?01:00 The limits of “Jesus died for your sins”02:00 Why the crucifixion mattered most04:00 Rome tried to end it—why it didn't work06:00 A Savior who saves by dying08:00 The human experience and “sonder”10:00 God enters the mess of being human12:00 Where is God in suffering?14:00 Betrayal, shame, and the cross15:30 Freedom from performance16:30 Living without spiritual anxiety17:30 What the cross means for your life todayIf this conversation encouraged you, take a moment to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need it.Connect with Bethany:

What does it look like to show up for people on the hardest days of their lives? In this episode, Pastor Nate sits down with Pastor Laurie Jeddeloh, a hospital chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care, to talk about faith, grief, and what it really means to care for people in moments of uncertainty. Together, they explore how God meets us not with easy answers, but with presence, compassion, and grace.What You'll Learn: What chaplains actually do in hospitals day-to-dayHow to support people without forcing beliefsWhy faith isn't about having all the answersWhat “destructive spirituality” looks like—and how to reframe itHow presence can matter more than words in hard momentsChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Pastor Laurie & Chaplaincy 02:00 What Does a Hospital Chaplain Do? 04:00 Faith, Ethics, and Hard Decisions in Healthcare 07:00 Why We Blame Ourselves—and How to Let Go 11:00 Showing Up in Life's Hardest Moments 15:00 Why Presence Matters More Than Answers 19:00 Sacred Moments at the End of Life 25:00 Following a Call into Chaplaincy 29:00 Leaving Parish Ministry Behind 35:00 Why Church and Community Still MatterIf this conversation encouraged you, take a moment to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need it.Connect with Bethany:

What if we've been reading the story of the prodigal son all wrong? In this episode, Pastor Nate invites us to look again at Luke 15 and notice the tension we often miss—who is actually lost, and what does grace really look like? This is a story about more than one son, and a God whose love doesn't wait for us to get it right.What You'll Learn:Why context changes how we understand Jesus' parablesHow grace moves before we finish our apologyWhat the older brother reveals about judgment and belongingWhy this story is about community, not just individualsHow God's love restores dignity, not just forgivenessChapters:00:00 What if we've misunderstood the story?01:00 Why context matters in Jesus' parables02:00 Lost sheep, lost coin, lost son04:00 The younger son's story and cultural context08:00 Why the son's downfall looks different to different people11:00 The turning point: returning home12:00 The father runs—what that means14:00 Grace interrupts the apology15:00 The older brother's response17:00 Who is really lost?18:30 Grace doesn't negotiateIf this conversation gave you a new way to see this story, take a moment to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need to hear it too.Connect with Bethany:

What is it about camp that stays with us long after summer ends? In this conversation, Pastor Nate sits down with Dave “Packer” Gunnlaugsson, the new executive director of Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, to talk about calling, leadership, and the kind of faith formation that happens when kids are given space to be fully themselves. Together, they explore how camp becomes a place where anxiety can loosen its grip, where leadership is discovered, and where God meets people exactly as they are.What You'll Learn:How camp creates space for kids to discover who they areWhy leadership development is at the heart of outdoor ministryWhat faith looks like in the middle of anxiety and uncertaintyHow the church can better support young people beyond Sunday morningsWhy relationships—not programs—shape lasting faithChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dave & Rainbow Trail 02:00 Dave's journey into ministry and camp 05:00 A calling that never quite let go 08:00 Why camp helps kids discover who they are 11:00 The summer theme: faith and anxiety (Philippians 4) 14:00 Leadership, transition, and listening well 17:00 Bringing camp into everyday church life 20:00 Why stay connected to the church? 22:00 The impact of camp on future leaders 25:00 What makes Rainbow Trail so special 27:00 Closing reflections on faith and callingCall to Action:If this conversation encouraged you, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who could use a reminder that faith is still alive and active in the world.Connect with Bethany:

What if Genesis 1 isn't just about how the world was made—but about how we're meant to live within it? In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate explores the deeper structure of the creation story and what it reveals about God, humanity, and the rhythm of life itself. From chaos to order, from constant work to intentional rest, this ancient text speaks directly into our modern, overwhelmed lives.What You'll Learn:Why Genesis 1 is more about meaning than mechanicsHow God brings order out of chaos—and still doesWhat it means to be created in the image of GodWhy rest is not optional, but essentialHow rhythm shapes a faithful and grounded lifeChapters:00:00 What if Genesis 1 isn't about creation mechanics?01:00 God brings order out of chaos03:00 Water, Spirit, and the presence of God05:00 Creation through Word and meaning07:00 Silence and spiritual practice08:00 Light, darkness, and separation10:00 Creation as structure and intention13:00 Filling creation: sky, sea, and land16:00 Created in God's image (Imago Dei)18:00 Why rest is built into creation20:00 The rhythm at the center of Genesis23:00 Sabbath as resistance to constant work26:00 Living differently in a restless worldCall to Action:If this conversation gave you a new way to see an old story, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who could use a little more rhythm and rest in their life.Connect with Bethany:

Life in Christ is more than a personal belief—it's a way of living together. In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Imran Siddiqui, Vice President of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), to talk about the upcoming Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly and its theme: Vida en Christo — Life in Christ. Their conversation explores how congregations, synods, and the wider church work together, why conversation matters in a divided world, and why grace remains at the heart of Lutheran faith. They also discuss a renewed focus on connection across the church, and what it means for congregations navigating an increasingly disconnected culture.About the GuestImran Siddiqui serves as Vice President of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Raised in the Muslim faith and later identifying as an atheist during college, he eventually became Lutheran after being drawn to the church's liturgy and its emphasis on God's grace.How congregations, synods, and churchwide leadership connect in the ELCAWhy conversation and disagreement are essential for Christian communityWhat “Life in Christ” looks like through unity and shared missionWhy grace is central to Lutheran theology and still deeply relevant todayHow churches can speak more boldly about hope, compassion, and justiceChapters:00:00 Introduction and Synod Assembly Preview01:00 What the ELCA Vice President Actually Does03:00 How Congregations, Synods, and Churchwide Connect05:00 Why Conversation Matters in the Church08:00 Dialogue in a Divided Culture11:30 The Theme: Vita in Christo — Life in Christ13:00 Community in the Early Church16:00 Competition Between Churches18:00 Why Churchwide Reps Attend Synod Assemblies21:00 New Leadership and Rebuilding Connection26:00 Why Churches Are Declining28:00 Why Lutherans Don't Talk Enough About Grace31:00 Lutheran Theology in Today's World33:00 Final ReflectionsIf this conversation helped you think differently about faith, grace, and the church, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might find encouragement here.Connect with Bethany:

What if Jesus' healing miracles were never just about physical healing?In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate explores one of the most dramatic healing stories in the Gospels. At first glance it looks like a story about demon possession and a miraculous healing. But when you look more closely, the story reveals something much deeper about how Jesus restores people, challenges social exclusion, and rebuilds community.The man in this story wasn't just suffering physically. He had been pushed outside society, labeled, and treated as if he were already dead. Jesus does something radical: he refuses to define the man by his illness and instead restores him fully—spiritually, socially, and personally.This episode explores what this story teaches about healing, dignity, and how Jesus consistently moves toward the people others push away.If you've ever wondered what the story of Legion means or what Jesus' healing miracles are really about, this episode helps unpack the deeper message.• Why Jesus travels to the “other side” and why that matters• How Jesus separates a person from the illness that defines them• What the drowning pigs reveal about freedom and liberation• Why the community reacts with fear after the man is healed• How Jesus restores people not just physically—but socially0:00 Intro0:30 Why Jesus Goes to the “Other Side”2:00 A Man Cast Out by His Community4:00 Jesus Sees the Person Behind the Illness6:00 The Meaning of “Legion”7:30 The Mini Exodus Moment9:00 Healing as Social Restoration10:30 Why the Crowd Becomes Afraid12:00 Comfort vs Compassion13:00 The Man Becomes a Messenger15:00 What This Story Reveals About JesusIf this conversation helped you see scripture in a new way, consider liking the video, subscribing to the channel, and sharing this episode with someone who enjoys thoughtful conversations about faith and scripture.What You'll LearnChaptersConnect with Bethany:

What does faith look like through the eyes of a child? In this special episode of the Together 4 Good podcast, Pastor Nate sits down with his kids, Miriam and Solomon (who is now twelve for the record), for a spontaneous conversation about church, Bible stories, confirmation, and what it's like growing up in a pastor's family. Along the way, they reflect on the feeding of the 5,000, favorite Bible stories, and the small everyday moments where faith shows up in family life.It's a joyful and honest conversation about Christian parenting, curiosity, and how children often see God's love in ways adults sometimes miss.What You'll LearnHow kids interpret Bible stories like the Feeding of the 5,000What it's like growing up as a pastor's kidWhy small acts of sharing and kindness matter in faithHow everyday family traditions shape spiritual lifeWhy curiosity and asking questions are part of faithChapters0:00 Kids Take Over the Podcast1:00 Growing Up as a Pastor's Kid3:30 Church, Friends, and School4:00 The Feeding of the 5,000 Through a Child's Eyes6:00 Faith, Trust, and Believing in Something Bigger7:30 What Happens in Confirmation Class9:00 Why the Tower of Babel Still Matters11:00 Everyday Faith in Family Life14:00 The Christmas Eve Hike Tradition16:00 What Does It Mean When Your Heart Feels Full?18:00 Favorite Bible Stories23:00 Final Words of Wisdom From KidsIf this conversation encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder of God's grace.Connect with Bethany:

The story of Cain and Abel is one many people remember from childhood—but often in a simplified way. We're told it's a story about jealousy. But when we slow down and actually read the text, something deeper begins to emerge.In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate explores how this ancient story raises important questions about worship, responsibility, and what happens when our hearts turn inward. At its core, the story asks a powerful question that still echoes today: Are we responsible for one another?Why the Cain and Abel story may not be primarily about jealousyWhat Genesis teaches about worship and “first fruits”How inward-focused anger can lead to destructionWhat it really means to ask: “Am I my brother's keeper?”Why God's mercy still shows up—even after failure00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Cain and Abel00:58 Why the story is usually framed as jealousy02:05 Did God actually reject Cain?03:10 What the text really says about their offerings04:25 First fruits vs. leftover worship05:20 God's warning to Cain06:35 “Am I my brother's keeper?”08:00 What happens when we turn inward09:05 The human heart and the danger of anger10:15 Mercy, judgment, and the mark of Cain11:10 The meaning behind Abel's name12:10 Why vulnerability matters13:00 Final reflections on responsibility and graceIf this conversation helped you see an old story in a new way, make sure to like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who might be wrestling with questions of faith.What You'll LearnChaptersConnect with Bethany:

What does it mean for the church to show up faithfully in a digital world? In this conversation, Pastor Nate Preisinger sits down with Pastor Joseph Wolyniak to talk about the Narthex Project — a Lilly-funded initiative helping churches rethink digital ministry in a post-Christian age. Together they explore storytelling, online faithfulness, loving enemies in comment sections, and how the gospel speaks to deep human woundedness.This isn't about chasing trends. It's about sharing hope in a noisy world.What You'll Learn:Why digital ministry is a bridge, not the destinationHow storytelling reflects the heart of Jesus' ministryWhat it means to choose faithfulness over visible resultsWhy “love your enemies” matters onlineHow everyday Christians can practice digital evangelismChapters:0:00 Introduction to the Narthex Project2:00 Why churches had to pivot online4:30 Who are the “nones” and the spiritual-but-not-religious?10:00 Faithfulness vs. measurable success12:00 Is the church just playing the algorithm game?16:00 Digital evangelism and digital tithing21:00 Building church for people who aren't here yet26:00 Jesus as storyteller31:00 Reintroducing people to Jesus34:30 Trauma, original sin, and healing37:30 Loving enemies in a digital world44:00 Marching toward, not againstIf this conversation encourages you, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who's wrestling with faith in a digital world. Your engagement helps more people encounter hope.Connect with Bethany:

Are sheep and goats really that different? In Matthew 25, Jesus paints a powerful vision of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the imprisoned. But is this story about sorting good people from bad people—or something much deeper?In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate reframes the “sheep and goats” passage not as a moral scoreboard about heaven and hell, but as an unveiling of God's heart for compassion. What if this isn't about fear of judgment—but about living with a bigger heart right now?What You'll Learn:Why this passage may not be a classic parable at allHow Jesus challenges rule-focused religionWhat “apocalyptic” really means in the BibleWhy compassion is central to the Kingdom of GodWhat sheep and goats biologically reveal about the messageChapters: 00:00 Are sheep and goats really that different? 00:40 Rethinking the “parable” of Matthew 25 02:00 Is this about heaven and hell? 02:45 Pharisees, rules, and missing compassion 05:00 What “apocalyptic” actually means 06:30 Jesus' vision of the Kingdom of God 08:30 A judgment for now—not just eternity 10:15 Why sheep and goats are so similar 12:00 The surprising difference: bigger hearts 13:30 What this means for us todayIf this episode gave you a new way to see a familiar passage, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who grew up hearing this story a different way.Connect with Bethany:

Why do people stay connected to church in a world where belief feels uncertain and worship can sometimes feel ordinary? In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Senior Ministries Co-Coordinator Pastor Jane Ritterson to talk about “thin spaces,” embodied prayer, doubt, death and dying, and why community still matters. This conversation explores the tension between belief and trust—and the quiet hope that God often shows up through other people.What You'll Learn:What “thin spaces” are and how they shape faithWhy embodied prayer can matter more than perfect wordsHow faith and doubt can coexist honestlyWhy church is grounding—even when it isn't excitingHow humility and community sustain us in hard seasonsIf this conversation resonated with you, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who might be asking similar questions about faith, doubt, and community.Connect with Bethany:

What if the Book of Jonah isn't really about a fish at all—but about mercy? In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate takes us beyond the familiar children's version of Jonah and invites us to wrestle with the deeper question at the heart of the story: Have we turned God's blessings inward, or are we living as a blessing to others?This isn't a story about being afraid of running from God. It's a story about grace that extends further than we expect—and a calling that sends us toward compassion, not comfort.What You'll Learn:Why Jonah is likely a theological parable, not just historyHow the plant in Jonah 4 reframes the entire storyWhat it means to be “blessed to be a blessing”Why God's mercy toward others can unsettle usHow this story shapes our calling todayScripture:Jonah 1–4Genesis 12 (covenant and blessing)Luke 15 (The Prodigal Son)Matthew 20:15 (“Are you envious because I am generous?”)If this episode helped you see Jonah in a new way, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who might need a fresh word about grace.Connect with Bethany:

This week on Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi, Associate Professor of Leadership and Formation at Iliff School of Theology and keynote speaker for the upcoming Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly.Together, they explore:Why vocation is more than employmentHow congregations discern their callingThe difference between growth and vitalityWhy numbers don't define faithfulnessAnd how “Life in Christ” is a call to abundance, not scarcityDr. Lizardy-Hajbi shares a powerful story of a rural congregation that responded to the opioid crisis not by trying to fix it — but by doing what the Church uniquely can do: holding sacred space for grief.This episode invites both individuals and congregations to ask:What are our gifts?What does our community need?What has God already placed in our hands?Because life in Christ isn't about becoming something else. It's about living fully into who Christ already created you to be.Chapters:00:00 – Coming Up: Life in Christ & Vocation 01:05 – What “Vida en Christo” Really Means 03:00 – Why Vocation Is Always Communal 06:00 – Congregations Have Vocations Too 08:00 – The 4 Circles of Discernment 11:00 – Scarcity vs. Vitality in the Church 14:30 – A Church Responds to the Opioid Crisis 18:30 – Why Storytelling Matters in Discernment 22:00 – Dr. Kristina's Personal Vocation Story 26:00 – “What Do You Do?” vs. “Who Are You?” 28:00 – Parenting as Vocation 29:30 – Life in Christ Is Abundance 32:00 – Preparing for Synod Assembly

What if the story of Jesus turning water into wine isn't really about wine at all?In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate revisits one of the most talked-about (and most misunderstood) miracles in the Gospels: Jesus at the wedding in Cana. On the surface, it feels like a lighthearted story—Jesus keeps the party going. But when you slow down and look at the cultural, historical, and theological layers, something much deeper is happening.This is Jesus' first miracle in the Gospel of John, and it's not flashy on purpose. It happens quietly, in the background, at a wedding on the “wrong side of town.” And what Jesus is really doing isn't showing off power—it's protecting a family from deep, public shame.In a world shaped by honor and shame, running out of wine at a wedding wasn't embarrassing—it was devastating. And Jesus steps in, not to draw attention to himself, but to restore dignity, preserve relationships, and quietly reveal the heart of God.In this episode, Pastor Nate explores:Why Cana and Galilee matter more than we realizeHow weddings connect to Old Testament messianic promisesWhy shame—not wine—is the real crisis in this storyWhat Jesus reveals about himself by using purification jarsWhy “the best wine saved for last” points to the cross and resurrectionThis story reminds us that Jesus doesn't avoid our most vulnerable moments. He meets us there. He redeems what feels ruined. And he shows us, again and again, that Sunday School was just the beginning.

Disclaimer: The audio is slightly less than optimal in this episode. Pastor Nate is aware of the issue and working on resolving it. In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Deacon Debra to talk honestly and thoughtfully about immigration, social justice, and why the Bible keeps calling us back to compassion — especially for people on the move.Debra shares stories from Bethany's Social Justice Ministry, reflects on why food and storytelling matter so deeply in faith formation, and introduces two upcoming events designed to help our congregation listen, learn, and engage without fear.This conversation isn't about politics. It's about Scripture, community, and learning how to see our neighbors the way God does.Why immigration shows up everywhere in Scripture — from Abraham to JesusWhat children's faith formation teaches us about repetition, grace, and growthHow reading The God Who Sees reframes biblical stories we think we already knowWhy sharing food lowers defenses and opens deeper conversationsHow Bethany is creating safe spaces for honest dialogue across differences

In this Sunday School Remix episode, Pastor Nate revisits one of the most misunderstood disciples in the Bible. The story of Thomas (John 20:19-31) is often used as a warning about doubt—but what if it's actually a story about trauma, fairness, and Jesus meeting people exactly where they are?Through fresh storytelling and historical context, this episode reframes Thomas not as weak in faith, but deeply human. After witnessing the brutal crucifixion of Jesus, Thomas isn't asking for proof out of stubbornness—he's asking for healing.This episode explores:Why Thomas gets an unfair reputationHow trauma shapes faith and beliefWhat it means that Jesus comes back just for one personWhy doubt, questions, and locked doors are not barriers for JesusHow this story speaks to anyone who has ever felt left out, unsure, or behind in their faithIf you've ever thought, “I wish my faith felt easier,” or “Why don't I experience God the way others do?”—this episode is for you.Sunday school was just the beginning. Faith is still unfolding.00:00 – Intro: What If Thomas Was Just Having a Bad Week?01:05 – Why Pastors Always Preach This Text02:10 – Why Thomas Wasn't There03:00 – Roman Crucifixion & Trauma04:45 – Why Doubt Makes Sense06:15 – From “Doubting” to Honest Thomas07:30 – Jesus Comes Back for the One09:00 – Jesus, the God of Locked Doors10:45 – Breaking the Fourth Wall in John's Gospel12:15 – What This Story Asks of Us Today13:30 – Closing: Sunday School Was Just the Beginning

The episode everyone has been waiting for is finally here.In this conversation, I sit down with Addison Andrix, Bethany's newly hired Coordinator of Confirmation, High School, and Young Adult Ministry.Addison shares his story and what brings him to Bethany Lutheran Church. Addison grew up Lutheran in Minnesota and stayed connected to church through high school. And as most college kids he drifted a bit before finding his way back and rediscovering a deeper relationship with God through prayer, rest, Scripture, and community. During this conversation we talk about:Growing up with faith as routine and stabilityHow ministry can quietly turn into a jobThe difference between religious participation and a relationship with GodWhy pray isn't magic, but it does reorient usGrace vs. performance (and why God isn't keeping score)What Sabbath can teach us about the freedom to stop pretending we're in controlWhy unconditional love is both central to faith and incredibly hard to live outThis conversation is more than meeting Addison, it's about grace, burnout, trust and learning to navigate faith in real life.

In this episode of Together 4 Good, I'm joined by Kate Souther, who just completed her first semester at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. During our conversation we talk about what seminary is really like, why theology still matters, and how faith can grow not just through prayer and worship, but also through reading, studying, and thinking deeply. Kate shares her experience studying pastoral care, Christian history, and contextual education. She reflects on her work with refugee children in an afterschool program and gained the knowledge that play, presence, and community impact ministry. We also talked about calling: how Kate first fell in love with theology in middle school, how being told “no” pushed her into becoming a Pastor, and what draws her into the idea of being a parish pastor. You'll learn:Why seminary still mattersHow theology connects to everyday lifeWhat is means to feel “where you're supposed to be”How faith can be strengthened through learningConnect with us wherever you get your podcasts and for more on Bethany Lutheran Church in Denver, CO visit: https://linktr.ee/bethanydenver

What does faith actually look like for Gen Z right now?In this episode of Together 4 Good, I sit down with two incredible young people, Addison, a high school sophomore, and Sophie, a first-year college student at Virginia Tech, to talk honestly about faith, friendship, and belonging in high school and college today.We talk about:How friendships shift from middle school → high school → collegeWhy community matters more than having all the right answersWhat it's like to be Christian without making it your entire personalityHow Wednesday night youth group became a lifelineWhy service, mission trips, and shared experiences shape faith more than lecturesNavigating faith with friends who believe differently — or not at allThis conversation is thoughtful, funny, deeply human, and refreshingly honest. It's not about forcing belief or having perfect theology — it's about connection, curiosity, and finding people who help you feel less alone.Whether you're a student, a parent, or someone wondering how faith connects to real life today, this episode offers a hopeful glimpse into what Gen Z is actually experiencing.

We all know the story of the Good Samaritan. Most of us learned it in Sunday school as a lesson about being kind, helping others, and doing the right thing.But Jesus wasn't just giving us another moral rule to follow.In this Sunday School Remix episode, I take a deeper look at Luke 10:25–37 and the moment that prompted Jesus to tell this parable in the first place. A lawyer—someone who knew all the religious rules—asked Jesus a familiar question: “Who is my neighbor?” Luke tells us he asked it hoping to justify himself.That detail matters.Because this story isn't about earning goodness or proving you're right. It's about how easily religious rules can distract us from mercy—and how God keeps placing opportunities for compassion directly in our path.Why Jesus tells this story in response to self-justificationHow religious rules can become barriers to compassionWhy the priest and Levite walk by—and why that made sense religiouslyWhy making the Samaritan the hero was so shockingHow humility is the starting point for real compassionWhat it looks like to notice the needs God places right in front of usThe Good Samaritan isn't a story about being a better rule-follower. It's an invitation to live a life shaped by mercy—again and again.

This is not a Christmas story.This is a story about perspective.About how the same moment can mean everything to one person—and almost nothing to another.Over the next twelve episodes on Together 4 Good, we're sharing real stories that remind us we don't all experience joy, meaning, or even God in the same way.This is not a Christmas story.But it is a real one.In this episode of Together for Good, Pastor Gary shares a formative story from his teenage years—one that begins with a brand-new Schwinn bike, a scorching summer day, and a long ride toward Kings Island that didn't exactly go as planned.What started as a straightforward journey quickly turned into a series of wrong turns, repeated hills, and decisions made without a map. And somewhere along those winding country roads, a deeper truth emerged: faith often works the same way.Many of us know where we hope our faith will lead—a deeper relationship with God, a sense of peace, meaning, or trust. But getting there isn't always clear. Do we pray more? Read Scripture differently? Join a group? Try something new? Sometimes we choose a path that feels right… only to find ourselves back where we started, facing the same challenges again.In this reflection, Pastor Gary reminds us that those moments aren't failures. They're part of the journey. Sometimes the road that feels like a setback is actually teaching us something essential. And sometimes we have to climb the same hill more than once before we discover what truly bears fruit.The good news? God doesn't disappear at the fork in the road. God stays—inviting us to choose again, to keep moving, and to trust that even the wrong turns can lead us closer to love.Learn more: https://bethany-denver.orgfaith stories, Christian storytelling, everyday faith, modern Christianity, spiritual reflections, faith and life, lived faith stories, faith beyond certainty

This is not a Christmas story.This is a story about perspective.About how the same moment can mean everything to one person—and almost nothing to another.Over the next twelve episodes on Together 4 Good, we're sharing real stories that remind us we don't all experience joy, meaning, or even God in the same way.This is not a Christmas story.But it is a real one.It starts with a snowy football game in Buffalo… and an eight-year-old who genuinely didn't care who won.In this episode, Pastor Nate reflects on a moment that seems small—but ends up saying something big about faith, God, and the many ways people experience the divine. From family, football, and pancakes to worship styles, prayer practices, and spiritual assumptions, this story becomes an invitation to loosen our grip on certainty and make room for a God who can't be reduced to one voice, one style, or one “right” way.If you've ever wondered whether your way of experiencing God counts—or felt uneasy when someone claims to have all the answers—this episode is for you.Learn more: https://bethany-denver.orgfaith stories, Christian storytelling, everyday faith, modern Christianity, spiritual reflections, faith and life, lived faith stories, faith beyond certainty

This is not a Christmas story.This is a story about perspective.About how the same moment can mean everything to one person—and almost nothing to another.Over the next twelve episodes on Together 4 Good, we're sharing real stories that remind us we don't all experience joy, meaning, or even God in the same way.This is not a Christmas story.But it is a real one.In this episode, Pastor Gary shares a story from his high school years—working late nights at McDonald's, cleaning the store after closing, and still showing up for church every Sunday morning.What began as a simple family rule slowly became something more: a life shaped by discipline, freedom, and faith.This story is about how structure can create space for growth—and how discipleship is often formed long before we realize it.Learn more: https://bethany-denver.orgfaith stories, Christian storytelling, everyday faith, modern Christianity, spiritual reflections, faith and life, lived faith stories, faith beyond certainty

This is not a Christmas story.This is a story about perspective.About how the same moment can mean everything to one person—and almost nothing to another.Over the next twelve episodes on Together 4 Good, we're sharing real stories that remind us we don't all experience joy, meaning, or even God in the same way.This is not a Christmas story.But it is a real one.In this episode, I tell a story from my early twenties—about roommates, late nights, creative energy, and a sitcom that never quite happened.What started as an ambitious idea turned into something else entirely: shared laughter, imagination, and the joy of making something for no other reason than that it was fun.This story is about creativity as a spiritual practice—and why success isn't always the point.Learn more: https://bethany-denver.orgfaith stories, Christian storytelling, everyday faith, modern Christianity, spiritual reflections, faith and life, lived faith stories, faith beyond certainty

This is not a Christmas story.This is a story about perspective.About how the same moment can mean everything to one person—and almost nothing to another.Over the next twelve episodes on Together 4 Good, we're sharing real stories that remind us we don't all experience joy, meaning, or even God in the same way.This is not a Christmas story.But it is a real one.In this episode, Sophie shares a childhood memory from summer camp—trapped on a bus in the middle of a terrifying Colorado thunderstorm.With hail pounding the roof, visibility gone, and fear rising, Sophie prayed—earnestly, desperately—for the storm to stop.Moments later, it did. This story is about fear, trust, and the kind of prayer that forms faith long before we know how to explain it.Learn more: https://bethany-denver.orgfaith stories, Christian storytelling, everyday faith, modern Christianity, spiritual reflections, faith and life, lived faith stories, faith beyond certainty

This is not a Christmas story.This is a story about perspective.About how the same moment can mean everything to one person—and almost nothing to another.Over the next twelve episodes on Together 4 Good, we're sharing real stories that remind us we don't all experience joy, meaning, or even God in the same way.This is not a Christmas story.But it is a real one.In this episode, I tell a story from ninth grade—one involving basketball, neighborhood friends, and an informal economy based entirely on Taco Bell chalupas.What started as a game turned into something more: shared joy, anticipation, and the simple pleasure of being together.This story is about abundance—not the kind that hoards or wins, but the kind that sustains, delights, and gives us enough for the day.Learn more: https://bethany-denver.orgfaith stories, Christian storytelling, everyday faith, modern Christianity, spiritual reflections, faith and life, lived faith stories, faith beyond certainty

This is not a Christmas story.This is a story about perspective.About how the same moment can mean everything to one person—and almost nothing to another.Over the next twelve episodes on Together 4 Good, we're sharing real stories that remind us we don't all experience joy, meaning, or even God in the same way.This is not a Christmas story.But it is a real one.In this episode, Janet shares a story from her teenage years—one involving a beat-up car, a lot of effort from a loving father, and a mistake made just days after everything was finally fixed.What follows isn't anger or disappointment, but restraint. Grace. Love that refuses to shame.This story reminds us that accidents happen, mistakes are inevitable, and grace is often shown in what isn't said.Learn more: https://bethany-denver.orgfaith stories, Christian storytelling, everyday faith, modern Christianity, spiritual reflections, faith and life, lived faith stories, faith beyond certainty

This is not a Christmas story.This is a story about perspective.About how the same moment can mean everything to one person—and almost nothing to another.Over the next twelve episodes on Together 4 Good, we're sharing real stories that remind us we don't all experience joy, meaning, or even God in the same way.This is not a Christmas story.But it is a real one.In this episode, I tell a story from early ministry—one that began with a locked church door and ended with a pastoral call I never could have imagined.What felt like a closed door, a clear “no,” turned out to be the beginning of something much larger.This story is about detours, human inconsistency, and trusting the God who keeps working—even when we think we've reached the end of the road.Learn more: https://bethany-denver.orgfaith stories, Christian storytelling, everyday faith, modern Christianity, spiritual reflections, faith and life, lived faith stories, faith beyond certainty

This is not a Christmas story.This is a story about perspective.About how the same moment can mean everything to one person—and almost nothing to another.Over the next twelve episodes on Together 4 Good, we're sharing real stories that remind us we don't all experience joy, meaning, or even God in the same way.This is not a Christmas story.But it is a real one.In this episode, Kate shares her story—one shaped not by certainty, but by experience.It's a reflection on how faith forms over time: through questions, shifts, and moments that don't always fit into clean categories.This story reminds us that faith doesn't have to be loud or fully resolved to be real. Sometimes it's something we grow into slowly, learning to carry it with honesty and care.Learn more: https://bethany-denver.orgfaith stories, Christian storytelling, everyday faith, modern Christianity, spiritual reflections, faith and life, lived faith stories, faith beyond certainty

This is not a Christmas story.This is a story about perspective.About how the same moment can mean everything to one person—and almost nothing to another.Over the next twelve episodes on Together 4 Good, we're sharing real stories that remind us we don't all experience joy, meaning, or even God in the same way.This is not a Christmas story.But it is a real one.In this episode, I tell a story from my first semester of college—one involving crutches, a prank gone too far, a stolen towel, and a very large offensive lineman.It's a funny story on the surface.But underneath it's about vulnerability, repentance, and what it means to repair relationships when we've crossed a line.Faith isn't just about confession in worship.It's about owning our mistakes, telling the truth, and doing the work of repair.Learn more: https://bethany-denver.orgfaith stories, Christian storytelling, everyday faith, modern Christianity, spiritual reflections, faith and life, lived faith stories, faith beyond certainty

This is not a Christmas story.This is a story about perspective. About how the same moment can mean everything to one person—and almost nothing to another.Over the next twelve episodes on Together 4 Good, we're sharing real stories that remind us we don't all experience joy, meaning, or even God in the same way.This is not a Christmas story.But it is a real one.In this episode, Addison shares her story of losing her mom at a young age—and how grief changed her relationship with faith and the church.After her mom's funeral at Bethany, returning felt impossible. The memories, the questions, and the weight of expectation made faith feel distant instead of comforting.This story is about grief, boundaries, and the slow work of finding support again—not all at once, but one step at a time.Learn more: https://bethany-denver.org

This is not a Christmas story.This is a story about perspective.About how the same moment can mean everything to one person—and almost nothing to another.Over the next twelve episodes on Together 4 Good, we're sharing real stories that remind us we don't all experience joy, meaning, or even God in the same way.This is not a Christmas story.But it is a human one.In this episode, I tell a story from high school—one that never really resolved.What started as a bike ride through an unfamiliar neighborhood turned into an unexpected encounter in the woods. No clear explanation. No tidy ending. Just a moment that stayed with us.This reflection isn't about fear—it's about courage, community, and the power of a simple question: Are you okay?Sometimes faith doesn't give us answers.Sometimes it gives us the courage to ask.Learn more: https://bethany-denver.org

Christmas often feels like a finish line. The gifts are opened, the music fades, and life moves on. But what if Christmas was never meant to be the ending?In this episode of Together 4 Good, I reflect on the deep meaning of the incarnation — the bold claim that God didn't stay distant, but became human in Jesus. Christmas isn't just about a baby in a manger. It's about God entering real, messy, ordinary human life — and continuing to show up long after Christmas Eve.We explore why the incarnation matters so much for faith, especially in seasons of grief, doubt, or feeling like God is absent. From the overlooked details of Luke's Christmas story to the way the early church understood itself as the Body of Christ, this conversation invites us to see how God's presence continues through ordinary people showing up for one another.Christmas doesn't end. It expands. God keeps showing up — often through compassion, community, and small acts of grace.In this episode, we talk about:• Why the manger wasn't the end — it was the beginning• What the incarnation really means for everyday faith• How God shows up in messy, overlooked places• Why the church is called the Body of Christ• How God's presence continues through ordinary people• What it means to “make Christmas last all year”If you've ever wondered where God is in the middle of real life — this episode is for you.Scripture referenced: Luke 2:1–20 John 1:5Chapters00:00 – Christmas isn't over yet01:00 – The manger was the beginning, not the end02:00 – Why the incarnation matters04:00 – God enters real, messy ordinary human life06:00 – Luke's overlooked Christmas details09:00 – The Body of Christ and the church's role11:00 – God showing up through ordinary people14:00 – When God feels absent18:00 – Grace always comes first21:00 – Making Christmas last all year22:30 – The light shines in the darknessLearn More: https://linktr.ee/bethanydenver

This Advent season, we've been taking a few quiet minutes each week to reflect on Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love — not as abstract ideas, but as lived realities.This week, the focus is Love.Not the loud, flashy kind.Not the kind that arrives with certainty or spectacle.But the kind that shows up while we're still waiting.This spoken-word reflection centers on Mary — on waiting, on trust, and on a love that doesn't hesitate or hold back. Mary doesn't wait for proof. She doesn't speak in “someday” language. She sings in the past tense, trusting that when God speaks a promise, it's already true.And that matters, because we're still waiting.We're waiting for wars to end.For divisions to heal.For hearts to feel whole again.But Advent reminds us that love doesn't always arrive with thunder. Sometimes it whispers in hospital rooms. Sometimes it sits beside a bed. Sometimes it shows up at a neighbor's door or quietly wipes the table and sweeps the floor.This reflection is an invitation to notice where love is already present — even now — and to trust that God's love has come, and is still coming.Why Advent waiting isn't passive — it's expectantHow Mary models trust before certaintyWhy love doesn't wait for the ending of the storyWhere God's love shows up in ordinary, quiet waysWhat you'll hear in this reflection:What it means to be named Beloved before everything is resolved

Every December, it feels like the whole world is shouting buy more, hurry up, don't miss out. And honestly? Most of us listen. Whether it's a late-night Amazon cart or that one gift we're convinced will finally make Christmas feel right, we all know the rhythm.But underneath the purchasing and the pressure is something deeper — a soul-level ache that Advent invites us to notice rather than numb.In this episode, I talk about the strange ways consumerism shapes us, why our desires feel endless, and how Advent meets us right in the middle of that frustrated longing. With a little help from Hagel, Lacan, and Peter Rollins (yes, we're getting philosophical — but I promise, gently), we explore why waiting matters and how God might already be meeting us in the places we feel most incomplete.Advent isn't asking you to buy less stuff to be a better person. Advent is asking you to make space — in the ache, the boredom, the wanting — for the God who calls you enough before you even begin.If you've ever wondered why the thrill of buying fades fast… or why your soul feels restless in December… this one's for you.00:00 — The weird thrill of online shopping01:00 — Why we buy more than we need03:00 — Capitalism, wants vs. needs, and the December pressure cooker05:00 — 3,000 ads a day: how marketing shapes our souls07:00 — The ache beneath our desire to buy09:00 — Advent as a season of lack, waiting, and holy discomfort10:00 — Hagel: God at work in tension and contradiction12:00 — Lacan: Why desire never satisfies14:00 — The secret is the lack15:00 — Peter Rollins: Christianity doesn't erase the ache17:00 — God enters the messy, restless, lacking human experience18:00 — The Word tabernacles among us19:00 — Centering prayer and learning to sit with the ache20:00 — The manger as a space made ready21:00 — Asking better questions of our desires22:00 — A more abundant way to live this seasonChapters

This Advent, I've been sharing a short spoken-word piece each week—little moments to help us breathe, pay attention, and remember what God is growing in us during this season.Today, we're talking about Joy and not the thin, glittery version December tries to sell us, but the deeper kind. The kind that actually holds.Because if you're anything like me, joy can feel a little buried this time of year. The lists get long.The lights get loud. And somewhere between “too much” and “to-do”… joy gets jammed.But Scripture reminds us: joy isn't about pretending everything's fine. Joy is what happens when grace finally gets our attention.In this reflection, I explore the connection between the Greek words for joy and grace, why John the Baptist is such a surprising teacher of joy, and how stepping out of the spotlight might actually be the place where joy grows deepest.My hope is that this simple poem gives you permission to stand where grace has placed you, breathe a little deeper, and recognize the light that God is already shining through you.Make a plan and join us this Advent: https://linktr.ee/bethanydenver00:00 — Welcome & Advent mini-episode introduction00:37 — When joy gets buried under December01:15 — Joy vs. momentary happiness01:40 — The Greek roots of joy & grace02:08 — John the Baptist and the joy of knowing who you're not03:05 — Why we chase titles—and why grace tells the truth03:40 — Joy as standing where grace has placed you04:10 — The good news of who you are (and who you're not)04:40 — Blessing & Amen

Have you ever felt like the anticipation of Christmas is better than the arrival? My kids said that to me recently and honestly…they're onto something. There's something about the lead up. The lights going up, the music (I bet your favorite Christmas songs are actually hymns, looking at you “Joy to the World,”) the catalogs arriving, that stirs more excitement in us than the day itself.And believe it or not Advent has always been focused on the magic of waiting.  Today I'm talking about why waiting isn't wasted time, and how Advent invites us to slow down, breathe a bit deeper, and resist the cultural pressure to hurry, buy, and cram every moment full. If the pace of this season feels more frantic than hopeful, consider this an invitation to step back for a moment and listen again for the quieter story Advent is trying to tell.Make a plan to join us this season in-person or online: https://linktr.ee/bethanydenver00:00 — A very Advent greeting (and a nod to John the Baptist)01:00 — Why Advent hymns might just be the best hymns01:40 — Advent as a season of holy anticipation02:10 — The “almost” feeling we love more than arrival03:05 — Why we're wired to enjoy the build-up04:00 — Packaging, Oreos, and the psychology of wanting06:10 — Is Advent playing into this? A surprising “yes and no”07:20 — How Advent helps us unlearn the hurry08:30 — Centering prayer and the gift of slowing down10:10 — What surfaces when we finally get quiet11:10 — Wilderness stories and the importance of in-between time12:35 — Why we need space before we're ready for Christmas13:40 — Advent vs. cultural Christmas: two different rhythms14:45 — Letting Advent reshape our pace15:15 — A blessing for slowing down