Together 4 Good

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

This Advent season, we're taking a few minutes each week to reflect on Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. And to mix things up a bit, I'm sharing a short spoken-word piece every week.This week, I'm talking about Peace.Advent Peace isn't the soft, candle-lit word we print on cards. It's not the “if I could just get my life together…” kind of peace. And it's definitely not the version we try to manufacture by control, comfort, or numbing.In the poem, I explore how real peace doesn't show up in palaces or power structures — it shows up in the wilderness. In unexpected places. In unlikely people. And ultimately in Jesus, who brings peace not by force, but by presence.If you're carrying worry, striving for calm, or trying to hold it all together during a season that promises “peace and quiet” but rarely delivers… this reflection is for you.Take a breath. Listen in. And let this be a reminder that peace isn't something we achieve — it's a gift already given.Watch, reflect, and share if someone in your life needs a small moment of peace today.Make a plan and join us this Advent: https://linktr.ee/bethanydenver00:00 — Opening Reflection: What Do We Mean by Peace?00:32 — The Peace We Chase (and Can't Quite Catch)01:13 — Peace in Jesus' Day: Power vs. Promise01:50 — The Wilderness Word: John's Message02:28 — Peace as Gift, Not Achievement03:05 — Peace in the Manger, Cross, and Resurrection03:48 — Closing Invitation: Stop Running, Receive Peace

Every year, Advent shows up with candles, wreaths… and, strangely enough, apocalyptic readings. And if you've ever thought, “Wait—why are we talking about the end of the world when we're gearing up for twinkle lights and baby Jesus?”—you're in good company.In this episode, I'm talking about why the church calendar always begins with the end. Why Jesus keeps bringing up apocalyptic moments. And why “apocalypse” doesn't really mean destruction—it's about transformation.I share a story about binge-watching House when my daughter Evelyn was a newborn (yes, really), and how a cliffhanger episode helped me understand what Advent is actually trying to teach us: We don't know every detail of what's ahead, but we do know how the story ends—with God gathering all things in love.And maybe that's why Martin Luther could say, “If I knew the world was going to end tomorrow, I'd still plant my apple tree today.” Because faith in an apocalyptic God isn't about fear—it's about hope. It's about trusting that God is already in the future, pulling us toward something good, something whole, something new.As we step into Bethany's Advent theme, The Beginning of Everything, I pray this episode helps you hear those apocalyptic texts not as doom, but as a promise: Something new is beginning. Something hopeful. Something God-shaped.Thanks for listening, and as always—stay in peace.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.

This Advent season, we're taking a few minutes each week to reflect on Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. And to mix things up a bit, I'm sharing a short spoken-word piece every week.This week, I'm talking about Hope.Hope and fear can live in the same space inside us — same heartbeat, same tight shoulders — but they push us in very different directions. Fear shuts us down. Hope asks us to open up, even just a little.In this reflection, I'm naming that tension we all feel when life is unclear, and why Advent is the perfect time to lean toward hope while we wait for Jesus to show up.If you're needing that shift toward hope this week, I'm right there with you.Join us this season https://bethany-denver.org

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?As I walk through the story, I share:Why this is one of the only miracles recorded in all four gospelsThe small detail most people miss, Jesus organizing the crowd into little communitiesWhat happens in our hearts when someone goes first in generosityWhy “You give them something to eat” might be the real invitationHow gratitude, neuroscience, and faith overlap in surprising waysWhy Thanksgiving is not only giving thanks but giving it backHow sharing even a little of what we have can bring God's kingdom closerMy 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. 

You've heard the story of Adam and Eve before: a snake, an apple, a garden, and a whole lot of trouble.But what if that's not what the story was ever meant to be about?In this first episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate digs into the Garden of Eden story with grown-up eyes. Together, we look at how this ancient story speaks to our world today, where we still wrestle with control, guilt, and the temptation to “play God.”Maybe the serpent wasn't Satan.Maybe the fruit wasn't an apple.And maybe the real “fall” was never about disobedience at all — but about shame and blame.In this episode:The surprising details Genesis actually says (and doesn't say)Why calling the serpent “Satan” misses the pointThe connection between the fig tree and Jesus' last weekHow shame and blame became humanity's oldest reflexWhat it means to let God be God — and live unashamed✨ 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.

When faith feels complicated or life gets messy, why do we still show up?In this guest-hosted episode of Together 4 Good: Making Sense of Life and Faith, Kimberly—Bethany's podcast producer—takes over while Pastor Nate is away and looks back at our summer series, Why Are You Still Here? This collection of stories from the Bethany community reminds us what keeps us grounded in faith—hope, belonging, and grace.From the “God-size hole” that faith fills to the “foreverness” of church that anchors us, these voices reflect what it really means to be part of something bigger than ourselves. You'll hear moments of honesty, humor, and deep connection that show how faith is lived through people—on mountaintops, in worship, and everywhere in between.

It's Pastor Nate's birthday episode and he's using it to talk about one of his favorite topics: spirituality in everyday life.Because let's be honest sometimes faith can start to feel like another thing on the to-do list.Go to church. Read your Bible.Say your prayers.And all of that matters, but having faith is so much more than just going to church or reading your Bible.It's about connection and relationships. Remembering that God is bigger than any one practice or person.After 15 years as a pastor, Nate admits that worship and Bible study can sometimes feel more like work than rest, so he's learned to look for God in other places, too:in gratitude before a meal,in a walk under the trees,in the rhythm of a ritual that brings you peace,or even in a sticky note on your bathroom mirror that reminds you:God's here.He shares how the Bible talks about forgetting and remembering God and how spiritual practices are really just ways to help us remember who God is, who we are, and who we're called to love.

Everyone's talking about artificial intelligence, but beneath the headlines and hot takes, many of us are quietly wondering: what does this mean for our faith?In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate explores our shared AI anxiety, that uneasy feeling that technology might outpace our humanity, and what Scripture has to say about it. From the story of creation to the healing miracles of Jesus, this conversation reminds us that the heart of the Gospel has always been about relationship, incarnation, and community.As AI reshapes how we live, learn, and even pray, Nate challenges us to see the hope within the change, that God is still at work, calling us back to real human connection and reminding us that we are more than what we produce.You'll hear about:Why AI is changing everything — but maybe for the betterHow technology can push us toward deeper community instead of away from itWhat Jesus' incarnation teaches us about the importance of being physically presentThe danger of idolatry when we start thinking we can “save ourselves”How faith invites us to hope beyond our fears of the future

What if the moment you thought your faith was slipping away… was actually the moment it started growing deeper roots?In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate wrestles with a truth that's both unsettling and freeing: sometimes, you have to lose your faith to find it again. He explores why doubt isn't a failure—it's often the beginning of a more honest, mature faith.This episode unpacks how God meets us in our uncertainty, how compassion heals more than clichés ever could, and how even in the silence, God is already showing up, sometimes right in the palm of your hand.You'll hear about:Why “childlike faith” isn't the same as childish faith.The harm in faith clichés like “God never gives you more than you can handle.”What it really means to suffer with someone (compassion's truest definition).How doubt and belief can coexist and why faith actually requires both.A personal story about doubt, communion, and discovering God in the middle of it all.Whether you've ever felt disconnected from church, uncertain about your beliefs, or frustrated by easy answers, this episode is for you. It's a reminder that resurrection comes after death of faith, of certainty, of what we thought we knew.Maybe what feels like losing faith is really God inviting you into something more real.

Let's be honest, a lot of us are doing everything right. We've got the job, the family, the house, the hobbies. Maybe even a decent morning routine. And yet…we're not happy.Why?In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate digs into that question we all wrestle with but rarely say out loud. Why do we keep chasing the next thing, the next achievement, the next purchase, the next version of ourselves, only to end up feeling restless again?It's what psychologists call the hedonic treadmill: the more we get, the more we want. And that cycle can leave even the most faithful among us exhausted and unsatisfied. But grace tells a different story. Grace says you don't have to keep running. Grace says you are enough, right now, exactly as you are. Nate shares a real-life confession about stress-buying on Amazon (because we've all been there) and even pulls a surprisingly wise lesson from NBA star Kevin Durant. This episode paints a picture of how our endless pursuit of happiness, more stuff, more success, more “nexts” can blind us to the joy that's already sitting right in front of us.Because maybe the question isn't “Why am I not happy?” Maybe it's “What if I already have everything I need?”Listen if you've ever felt like:You should be happier than you areYou're stuck chasing “the next thing”You can't rest until life finally feels perfectYou want to find a joy that actually lasts

Have you ever sat with the question, “What am I supposed to do with my life?” You're not alone. In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate wrestles with the big questions of purpose, vocation, and identity, and why chasing the “perfect” career or calling often leaves us more restless than fulfilled.Through scripture, stories, and some honest reflection, Nate reminds us of an important truth: you are already loved, already blessed, and already enough in God's eyes. Instead of searching endlessly for the next big thing, maybe God is inviting you to notice what's already in your hands.You'll hear about:Why our culture pushes us to believe something better is always around the corner.How the story of Moses and the burning bush invites us to look at the gifts we already carry.The difference between original sin and “original blessing” in understanding who we are.Practical ways to discern identity, belonging, and purpose through faith.Why gratitude and joy are linked—and how that can shift your perspective today.This episode is for anyone feeling restless, burned out, or stuck in the constant “what's next?” cycle. Instead of chasing greener grass, learn how faith roots us in the moment, teaches us to love what's in our hands, and shows us that there is more than one way to live a purposeful life.

Why doesn't prayer work the way we want? You pray for healing, peace, or even a new job…and instead of a clear answer, it feels like God left you on “read.” If you've ever wondered why God doesn't answer prayers, you're not alone.In this episode of Together for Good, Pastor Nate explores the purpose of prayer from a Lutheran perspective, with a little help from three German theologians (Schleiermacher, Tillich, and Martin Luther). Think of it as a crash course in “Prayer for Real Life,” with fewer halos and more honesty.✨ What you'll hear:Why prayer isn't a vending machine (sorry, no button for instant miracles).How Christian theology explains unanswered prayers.Why even Jesus prayed for something and didn't get it.What prayer is really about: connection, trust, and God's presence in suffering.Whether you're searching for “why doesn't God answer my prayers,” “Christian teaching on unanswered prayers,” or just curious about how prayer actually works, this conversation is for you.

Parenting is messy, beautiful, and exhausting. And for many of us, one of the big questions we carry is: How do I raise my kids in the Christian faith?In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate shares Christian parenting tips that he and his wife are learning as they raise their three kids; what's working, what they're still figuring out, and why faith has to be about more than just “good morals.”You'll hear stories about family traditions that nurture Christian faith (like Christmas Eve hikes with hot cocoa), simple rituals that help children connect with God (their sign-language mealtime prayer is a favorite), and why curiosity, awe, and wonder might be the best tools parents have for passing faith to the next generation.In this episodeHow to raise kids in the Christian faith without just teaching rulesWhy “faith is caught, not taught” matter for parenting todayFamily traditions and rituals that ground children in faithSimple ways to teach children about God through wonder and curiosityWhy asking “when did your heart feel full?” is a better spiritual practice than focusing only on morals.If you're looking for practical ways to raise kids with faith, love, and humility, this episode will give you encouragement and ideas to bring into your everyday family life. And if you need to hear it today: you're doing a great job.Special Bonus: As a companion to this episode, you can also watch or listen to a bedtime story of God's love, Bible stories for sleep, relaxation, and faith. A gentle way to end the day and remind your children that they are deeply loved. You can tune in here: https://youtu.be/xYUWupzgZrY

On today's Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate pulls together two of our most recent conversations into one big theme: how to stop measuring yourself by the grind and start resting in God's peace.First up: hustle culture. You know the drill: more hours, more hustle, more “look what I did.” Nate shares some personal stories (yes, including his grandpa's trusty steel lunchbox) and the reminder that while hard work is good, it's not what gives us our worth. That's where Sabbath comes in, God's gift to remind us that we're already loved.Then we shift gears into what happens after you step off the hamster wheel: how do you actually protect that peace? Enter “spiritual sunscreen.” In a world that won't stop shouting at you to buy, produce, and perform, God flips the script with grace first, then gratitude.✨ You'll hear:Why hustle culture always leads to burnout and despair.How Sabbath is resistance against being defined by what you do.The Exodus story as a guide for a new way of living.What it means to put on “spiritual sunscreen” and guard your peace.Why grace—not hustle—is always God's starting point.

On today's episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Pastor Carrie Bayless and her daughter Emmy for a conversation that was totally unplanned, and turned out to be one of the most real, funny, and thoughtful episodes yet.We talk about what it's like growing up as a pastor's kid (fun fact: Nate's a PK too!), the expectations that come with being “the pastor's family,” and why Emmy, a high school senior, is still showing up for church when so many of her friends aren't. Along the way we swap stories about pajama pants vs. church clothes, why kids especially 6-and 7-year-olds are the most hilarious part of Sunday school, and how church can feel like home.This episode is about faith, family, and purpose, and why being known and welcomed in a church community makes all the difference.You'll hear:Honest stories about what it's like to be a pastor's kid and how expectations shape faith.How church challenges us to grow and why that's different from checking a box on Sunday.The difference between school friends and church friends and why it matters.Why church is still the one place we gather around love, belonging, and Jesus.Download the full podcast here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/together-4-good-conversations-on-faith-family-and/id1529196060Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFHcs9xjcRK54uXJzUBbH?si=VwBUEjyQQnieXyKHdkcfvAFollow Bethany Lutheran Church on social media for all the best moments from the show: https://linktr.ee/bethanydenverAnd keep up with us in the Bethany Connect app available in your app store!

On this week's episode of Together 4 Good, I sat down with Becky Robinson-Lavenburg. She grew up surrounded by music, sang with prestigious choirs as a kid, and now she's studying to be a mental health counselor. What I love about her story is the way music and faith keep circling back for her. She didn't stick around church because she had to, but because she found a community she actually wanted in her life.We get into everything from what Bach can teach us about freedom in faith, to why being a Christian isn't a destination, to how choir rehearsals and youth soccer practice teach kids about showing up and working together. Becky's story is thoughtful and real, and it's a reminder that faith isn't about “arriving,” it's about choosing community, staying curious, and letting God meet you right where you are.Download the full podcast here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/together-4-good-conversations-on-faith-family-and/id1529196060Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFHcs9xjcRK54uXJzUBbH?si=VwBUEjyQQnieXyKHdkcfvAFollow Bethany Lutheran Church on social media for all the best moments from the show: https://linktr.ee/bethanydenverAnd keep up with us in the Bethany Connect app available in your app store!

What does Division 1 football have to do with faith? A lot more than you might think. In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Michael Ziemba, former Indiana University football player, UPS “industrial athlete,” and Bethany member, to talk about how faith and football shaped his life. From growing up in Florida, playing under Coach Tom Allen in the Big 10, to navigating injuries, career changes, and a move to Colorado, Michael shares how faith, hard work, and community have carried him through. His story is one of optimism, perseverance, and trust that God really does have a bigger plan. You'll hear:How football taught Michael about teamwork, trust, and accountability.The way coaches and mentors wove faith into everyday life on and off the field.What it looks like to lean on God in the face of injuries, setbacks, and big transitions.Why community, whether on a team or in a church, is the key reason he's still here.Michael's story is down to earth, heartfelt, and full of reminders that faith isn't just for Sunday mornings, it's lived out in locker rooms, delivery trucks, and all the everyday places we show up. Listen in, share with a football fan in your life, and be reminded: it's always about the people, and it's always about God's bigger plan.Connect with us at Bethany-Denver.org or follow us on Instagram @Bethany_Denver

In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Susan Junge to talk about why, after 27 years, she's still going to church.Her journey began in an interfaith marriage, sitting in a Lutheran church pew mostly so her husband could sing in the choir. But somewhere along the way, the Holy Spirit began tugging at her heart. She was baptized as an adult, dove into the church choir, Stephen Ministry, and found a depth of faith she never expected.Susan opens up about how worshiping together shaped her marriage, how centering prayer transformed her daily awareness of God, and why community, both here and in the Communion of Saints, still holds her steady today.It's a conversation about how faith grows quietly over time, why showing up matters, and how God uses community to meet us in joy, grief, and even in the search for a missing cell phone.What You'll Learn in this EpisodeHow an interfaith marriage became the starting point for a lifelong Lutheran journey. Why showing up in person changes how we experience God and each other. The spiritual depth found in choir, hymns, and weekly communion.What centering prayer is and how it can change your daily life. Why church isn't about what you “get” but also about who you walk alongside. How the Communion of Saints connects us to those we love, even after they're gone.Share this episode with a friend and to learn more visit bethany-denver.org or connect with us on Instagram @ bethany_denver

Four. Hundred. Episodes. What a journey, what a milestone, what a celebration!That's a whole lot of conversation, curiosity, and community.To mark this milestone, Pastor Nate sits down with someone who's been part of this journey from the beginning, Pastor Gary Sandberg, for a deeply personal conversation about what keeps us coming back to church.Yes, the headlines continue to shout about church decline.However, this episode serves as a reminder that staying is its own kind of testimony.They talk candidly about:The real reasons people leave church, and the quieter reasons people stayGrace, commitment, and why the church doesn't need to be perfect to be powerfulHow worship can ground us even when nothing else makes senseThe unexpected beauty of liturgy (and chanting in a Snuggie)What Pastor Gary still finds at the altar after 30+ years in ministryWhat You'll LearnWhy do people stay in church when the stats say otherwiseThe hidden value of participation over perfectionHow churches can offer peace in an anxious, overstimulated worldWhy liturgy might be weird at first—and why it's worth sticking withPastor Gary's car-shopping analogy for finding the right congregationThis episode isn't just a look back, it's a recommitment to the future. Whether you're a longtime listener or have just discovered us today, we want you to know that you're not just a part of this community, you're an integral part of it. Welcome. Learn more at bethany-denver.org

Today on Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate Preisinger sits down with longtime Bethany Lutheran member Sylvia Boedeker about her faith journey, from small-town Iowa to churches in Hawaii, Michigan, and beyond. Born to German immigrant parents, Sylvia shares how faith, family, and a deep reverence for nature have shaped her life and kept her rooted in church. Sylvia opens up about working as a physical therapist, attending Bible study, and why church is one of the only places where she truly feels like she can breathe. Whether you're someone who finds God on a mountain hike or in the rhythm of Sunday worship, Sylvia's reflections will help you see how faith weaves through every part of life, and why being part of a church community still matters.What You'll Learn in This Episode: How nature and liturgy can be both sacred spacesWhat it's like growing up as a child of immigrants with a strong sense of identityHow church provides a unique space for respectful dialogue and spiritual growthThe power of consistency, community, and connection in sustaining a lifelong faithWhy Sylvia says church is “one of the few places I can breathe”

Scott Zimmerman didn't join a bowling league when he moved across the country with the Navy—he joined the choir.Stacie Schubert joined a Bible study group that lasted 5 years and doubled as a Monday night dinner club and spiritual lifeline.Also, yes—there was liturgical dance. And calling cards. And a naked guy on a hike. (You'll have to listen for that one.)This week on Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate Preisinger sits down with Scott and Stacie—a married couple and longtime Bethany Lutheran members—for a deeply honest and unexpectedly hilarious conversation about what keeps them coming back to church.From youth camp mountaintop moments to the comfort of choir rehearsal, they talk about the power of spiritual routine, the beauty of multigenerational connection, and why Disciple Bible Study turned out to be the gateway to real belonging.Pastor Nate hosts the kind of conversation you wish more churches were having: real talk about doubt, community, and why church is still worth showing up for.And the answers? Let's just say, they're everything you hope church could be.Why Listen:You want to believe church can still be fun (spoiler: it can)You've had a complicated relationship with faith and want to hear from people who stuck around anywayYou like pastors who don't take themselves too seriously but still take faith seriouslyWhat You'll Hear About:Camp stories, calling cards, and the kind of friendships that started with letter writing and never really ended.Why choir is more than music—it's connection without the uniformWhat happens when Bible study turns into found familyHow church can hold grief, growth, questions, and the occasional dance videoWhy showing up still matters—even when you don't want to

In this heartfelt episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate Preisinger sits down with long-time Bethany member Stephanie Davy for a warm and honest conversation about the steady presence of faith and community throughout her life.Stephanie opens up about what it was like growing up at Bethany, surrounded by music, mentorship, and a church family that shaped who she is today. From her earliest days in the choir to raising her own children in the same congregation, Stephanie reflects on the way faith has grounded her in seasons of joy and grief, growth and uncertainty.Together, they talk about the importance of church as more than just a Sunday thing. For Stephanie, it's a space for connection, leadership development, spiritual formation, and perhaps most importantly, a constant reminder of God's peace and presence through every chapter of life.Whether you're raising kids in the church or wondering what it looks like to return after stepping away, this episode is a beautiful testament to why community still matters, and how faith passed down can become faith deeply rooted.What You'll Learn:How early church involvement can shape lifelong faithWhy community and leadership opportunities matter for youthThe role of music and service in spiritual growthHow faith helps us navigate grief and uncertaintyWhat it looks like to raise the next generation in church todayListen wherever you get your podcasts, and join the conversation.

In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate Preisinger sits down with Kate and Paige—two thoughtful and refreshingly honest Gen Z summer interns—to talk about what keeps them connected to church, and why so many of their peers are stepping away.They share personal stories about growing up in faith, the impact of the pandemic on their church habits, and what they've had to unlearn along the way. From Kate's call to become a pastor—which, in true Gen Z fashion, began the moment someone told her she couldn't—to Paige's deep connection to God through nature and working with kids, this episode offers a nuanced and hopeful look at the next generation's relationship with the church.The conversation also touches on big themes like Christian nationalism, deconstruction, and the disconnect between churches and their communities.Whether you're a church leader, parent, or someone curious about where the future of faith is headed, this episode is full of insight, laughter, and hope.What You'll Learn:How the pandemic disrupted Gen Z's relationship with churchWhy Paige feels most connected to God through nature and children's ministryThe surprising story behind Kate's call to ministry—and the power of being told “no”What Gen Z wishes the church would stop doing (and what they hope it starts)Why Christian nationalism is a major turn-off for young adultsHow churches can reconnect with younger generations in real, meaningful waysAnd yes... why Pastor Nate absolutely cannot handle ASMR

Welcome to Together 4 Good, a podcast from Bethany Lutheran Church ELCA in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado. This faith-filled podcast explores real-life topics through the lens of love, grace, and community, without judgment or expectations. Whether you're feeling spiritually disconnected, deconstructing your beliefs, or simply looking for authentic conversations about faith, we're here to walk alongside you.Each episode is designed to be practical, engaging, and rooted in home, making it easy to explore Christianity, Lutheran theology, and spiritual wellness at your own pace.

This week on Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate welcomes a guest who's not often in the spotlight but whose story is worth hearing. Josh Ehlers – Bethany's accountant, runner, numbers guy, and quietly faithful presence in the church community, joins the podcast to talk about what keeps him showing up: to church, to community and to a life grounded in faith.Josh opens up about growing up in a small-town Ohio church, how his grandparent's faith shaped his own, and how that foundation stayed with him, even when church attendance waned, life shifted, and direction felt unclear.Their conversation weaves through the college years, a cross-country move to Denver, and the very unexpected path that led Josh to his current role at Bethany. While he didn't set out to work at a church, what he found was more than just a job, it was a sense of purpose and a space where faith and real life intersected.This episode is a reflection on why young adults still choose church. It's more than tradition. It's about connection, meaning, and showing up even when things are uncertain. Josh's story is honest, grounded, and filled with the kind of hope that can only come from staying rooted through it all.Why Listen:Hear how a rural Ohio church shaped a lifelong faith journeyExplore how young adults wrestle with and return to spiritual communitySee how purpose often shows up in unexpected waysBe encouraged by a story of resilience, faith, and quiet commitment

Questioning your faith? This episode explores deconstruction, doubt, and deeper Christian connection. If you've ever thought, “I'm not sure I believe this anymore” or “Does asking questions make me a bad Christian?” — you're not alone. And you're not wrong for asking. In fact Pastor Nate Preisinger argues that asking hard questions is part of being Christian.What you'll learn:What faith deconstruction is (and what it's not)Why doubt and curiosity can actually strengthen your faithHow the church can do better at making space for questionsThe difference between abandoning faith and rebuilding itWhy Jesus was the OG question-askerWhether you're going through a spiritual shift, raising kids who are asking hard questions, or just thinking that church = certainty, this one's for you.

Why is church work so exhausting? Nate and Kevin get honest about what's working and what could change.In this episode, Pastor Nate Preisinger sits down with Kevin Dragseth (aka Bethany Lutheran's Program Admin Extraordinaire and Volunteer Coordinator) to talk about what it's really like working for the church, especially in ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). From youth ministry burnout to underfunded programs, duplicated efforts, and too many churches doing the same thing on their own, this convo is real, honest, and even a little funny (because it's Kevin and Nate). Kevin brings years of experience, sharp insight and a whole lot of heart to the table as they talk about why things feel stuck and what needs to shift if the church is going to move forward. They also dig into the emotional weight of closing church buildings, what faithful change could look like, and why collaboration isn't just a nice idea, it's necessary.

Feeling burned out? Discover how Sabbath rest and God's peace protect your soul in a world that won't slow down.Let's face it, peace can feel pretty hard to come by these days. The noise, the pace, the pressure to keep going…it adds up fast.  And suddenly we're exhausted. Spiritually, emotionally, even physically.This week on Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate Preisinger talks about what he calls "Spiritual Sunscreen,” the kind of peace that doesn't just feel nice in theory, but actually protects us in the middle of our everyday chaos.  Rooted in the story of Exodus and the command to keep Sabbath, this episode is all about learning how to slow down, not out of laziness, but as an intentional act of faith. Because when God invites us to rest, it's not a suggestion. It's a gift. One that helps us remember who we are and who God is.Whether your calendar is overflowing or your soul just feels tired, this conversation is for you. It's a reminder that rest is holy. And peace isn't something we earn, it's something we receive.You'll walk away with: A better understanding of why Sabbath matters (and why it's still relevant today)Encouragement for when you're feeling spiritually depletedPractical ways to create space for rest, rhythm, and God's grace in your life.Key Takeaways: 

Wondering if church still matters in today's world? Pastor Nate Preisinger discusses why faith, community and worship are more important than ever. We get it, church isn't what it used to be for a lot of people. Maybe you've stepped away, felt burned, or just drifted. We're diving into why church still matters, not just as a tradition, but as a life-giving, soul-nourishing practice.You'll hear: Why intergenerational community is so rare and powerful, and how church offers it in a way that few others do.How regular spiritual practice builds emotional and spiritual resilience (and what Allen Iverson has to do with it.)The surprising role communal singing plays in shaping us, yep even if you're off-key.How the church's message of “you are loved” can counter burnout, hustle, and the never ending to-do list.Whether you've been faithfully attending for years or haven't set foot in a sanctuary in a while this conversation is an invitation, not of guilt, but of Grace. Explore what it could mean to belong, to sing together, and to be reminded: you are already enough.Connect with us! Check out Bethany-Denver.org for more information!

Pastor Nate explores a faith-filled morning routine, less about productivity, more about presence with God.So often, we're told that the key to a better life is to optimize everything, including our spiritual practices. But what if faith isn't something to "hack" or master? What if it's about showing up, slowing down, and trusting God more than ourselves?Through Scripture readings, prayer journaling, and honest reflection, this episode encourages listeners to trade performance for presence and start the day with intention and grace.What you'll learn in this episode:How to shape a simple, sustainable morning routine centered on faithWhy Scripture and prayer are powerful ways to start your dayThe danger of turning faith into a self-improvement projectWhy connection with God matters more than spiritual perfectionHow rest, humility, and trust form the foundation of a faithful lifeLinks and Resources: Download the Bethany Connect App to stay inspired and connected! Search “Bethany Connect” in your phone's app store.Learn more or plan a visit: https://www.bethany-denver.orgA Special Invitation: Subscribe to the Together 4 Good podcast today and share this episode with someone you care about. Start a healthy, respectful conversation rooted in love and faith.Together 4 Good: Faith, Love, Community and Conversations for Everyday Life is a podcast from Bethany Lutheran Church ELCA in Cherry Hills Village, CO, designed to offer practical and engaging episodes that support you without expectations. Whether you're feeling disconnected from traditional religion or exploring faith, we're here to walk alongside you.Stay Connected with use: https://www.bethany-denver.org

Welcome to the Together 4 Good podcast!In this week's episode, Pastor Nate dives into the complicated intersection of religion and politics and why we need to talk about both. While these topics are often labeled “too divisive” for polite conversation, Nate offers a different vision—one grounded in humility, compassion, and the Gospel message.He explores how faith informs our values and civic life, how churches can speak into political issues without endorsing candidates, and what it means to be a people guided first by Christ and not by party lines.What you'll learn in this episode:Why religion and politics feel so personal and polarizingHow Jesus was deeply political without being partisanA faithful way to approach civic life rooted in love and humilityThe role of church in a divided cultureWhy conversations (not silence) are crucial for spiritual growthLinks and Resources:

Welcome to the Together 4 Good podcast! In this deeply moving episode, Pastor Nate Preisinger sits down with Kyra Morgan to hear her powerful story of transformation—from atheist and skeptic to active member of a faith community.Kyra shares her experience of religious trauma and alienation, and how shame shaped her perception of faith for years. But it was love—first through her husband and then through unexpected moments of grace—that ultimately cracked her heart open. Kyra's honesty and vulnerability offer a compelling and compassionate look at how faith can be reclaimed in a world filled with hurt and doubt.

In this powerful and deeply moving conversation, Pastor Nate Preisinger sits down with Bethany Young Adult Matt Pane, to explore how personal tragedy, doubt, and loss can shape a more authentic, resilient faith. Matt shares his remarkable story of walking through grief after the loss of a close friend, grappling with the "everything happens for a reason" narrative, and discovering how God uses our most broken moments to bring hope and healing to others.This episode reminds us of the beauty of testimony, the sacredness of community, and the grace that meets us right where we are. Whether you're in a season of questioning, healing, or simply needing encouragement, this one is for you.