Podcasts about Concordia Seminary

Jesus called Matthew, the tax collector, to follow Him. In so doing, Jesus changed the course of Matthew's life entirely, making him an apostle and an evangelist. Matthew's account of Jesus' life and ministry proclaims that Jesus has brought the reign of the heavens to earth as the fulfillment of the entire Old Testament. The book begins by introducing Jesus as the main subject. He is the Anointed One who comes as the King greater than David and the Offspring of Abraham who blesses all nations.  Rev. Dr. John Genter, outgoing Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia University—Nebraska and incoming Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 1:1.  “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

What do writings from the fourth century have to do with Christians today? Why do we frequently speak one out loud together in church services? "The Nicene Creed provides a summary of what we believe as Christians," said Dr. Joel Elowsky, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, "but I wouldn't want to leave your listeners with the impression that it's just that." Join us to learn the history of the Nicene Creed and its relevance for today!

Your public confession matters. Melancthon warns that the public confession in the Roman Catholic Church is filled with abuses of the papacy, indulgences, invocation of saints, and celibacy of the priests. He explains that these abuses hide Christ's glory and rob consciences of firm consolation. As the Church battles through the questions of the day, she calls out sin and lack of faith as the LORD does and leans upon the full and sufficient work of Christ for forgiveness. Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern for our study of the Power and Primacy of the Pope. To learn more about Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, visit csl.edu. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

Even though the prayers of David, son of Jesse, are said to have ended in Psalm 72, the Psalter records more Davidic psalms. In this way, the Psalter teaches us to look for the coming King who is both David's son and David's Lord. In Psalm 108, this Davidic king leads the people of God in rejoicing and giving thanks to the LORD for His steadfast love and faithfulness. He has shown His steadfast love and faithfulness to the King and all His people by giving victory to His people over their foes.  Rev. Dr. Adam Hensley, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 108.  To learn more about Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, visit csl.edu. Join Sharper Iron this spring to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

The Gospel appears to be foolishness to the world. After all, we follow a Savior who wore a crown of thorns and was ridiculed in royal purple. Our old Adam desires to garner power and authority. Yet the Word is clear that Christian righteousness is not belonging to an outward form. The LORD changes our hearts to faith in Christ's righteousness no matter the outward manifestation. The declarations of the Pope (which were counter to the Word and made the assertion that one had to follow him for salvation) point to him being the Anti-Christ. Whenever one will establish godless doctrines and distract hearers from the Word of God, they have the marks of the Anti-Christ. “Lord, keep us from false doctrine and the marks of the Anti-Christ, that we may believe in the authority of Christ's cross. Amen.” Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern for our study of the Power and Primacy of the Pope. To learn more about Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, visit csl.edu. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

"The Lutheran church in Ethiopia is just under three times larger than all the Lutheran church bodies in America combined," said Dr. Samuel Deressa, Associate Professor of Theology and the Global South at Concordia University, St. Paul. "We can learn from each other to address and apply Lutheran theology in different contexts," said Deressa. He asked, "How can we embrace this diversity and move towards a multicultural and multiethnic kind of church?" Join Deressa and Dr. Leo Sánchez, Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in a conversation about Lutheranism in the Global South.

Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Dean of Chapel at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a brief history of the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord, where we see these observances throughout history, how we observe Ascension today, and the Scripture and hymns for this Feast. This episode originally aired on May 18, 2023. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Every congregation possesses the office of the keys, that is, the power to retain and forgive sins. This authority was not provided for the sake of power as the world sees it, but as a spiritual power to provide the full gifts of Christ to repentant sinners. We believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command, when they forgive and retain sins, it is as certain as it would be from God Himself. We receive this Word with joyful hearts as He works through His people to provide assurance of His salvation. Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of the Power and Primacy of the Pope. To learn more about Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, visit csl.edu. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman sits down with two longtime Concordia Seminary professors, Dr. Andy Bartelt and Dr. James Voelz, for a wide-ranging conversation on time, aging, biblical literacy, seminary history, SMP, distance education, churchmanship, and the future of pastoral formation in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.Dr. Bartelt and Dr. Voelz bring decades of experience teaching future pastors, shaping theological education, and wrestling with the big questions facing the church. Together, they explore why the LCMS has historically operated with more than one formation track, how the Springfield/Fort Wayne story shaped today's debates, why SMP and DELTO emerged, and why honest, humble conversation is needed now more than ever.If you care about the future of the LCMS, pastoral formation, biblical literacy, theological education, or mission in North America, this is a conversation worth hearing.Subscribe to Lead Time for conversations on Lutheran theology, church leadership, mission, pastoral formation, and the future of the LCMS.Support the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

In this episode, we explore the story behind The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) and the remarkable collaboration that brought it into existence. Drawing on Elisabeth J. Urtel's recent dissertation, the conversation traces how the Missouri, Wisconsin, Norwegian, and Slovak synods of the Synodical Conference worked together to produce a shared English-language hymnal during a time of profound cultural change. The discussion examines how the shift from German and other immigrant languages to English shaped Lutheran identity in America, the theological and musical principles that guided the hymnal committee, and the challenges of translating and selecting hymns that would faithfully carry the Lutheran confession into a new cultural setting. Along the way, we ask how hymnody forms theology and devotion, how different Lutheran traditions negotiated their distinctive musical heritages, and how the publication of The Lutheran Hymnal helped foster a shared American identity among confessional Lutherans. The episode also reflects on the reception and lasting influence of TLH and what its history reveals about the relationship between tradition, language, and church life. 1941 Recording of a TLH model service (misleadingly described as just "Missouri Synod.")Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!NEW PODCAST: American Evangelicals - A History PodcastA thoughtful, deep dive into one of the most talked-about movements in American history.Support the showConfessional Languages ScholarshipThe Wauwatosa Diary (book)Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers)FacebookWebsiteInterview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.comAbout the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018.  Ben has been a regular writer and presenter on various Lutheran history topics.  His 2018 thesis on Wyneken won the John Harrison Ness award and the Abdel Ross Wentz prize. He is also the recipient of several awards from the Concordia Historical Institute.Ben is currently a doctoral student in historical theology through Concordia Seminary's reduced residency program in St. Louis.

The testimony of Scripture and the early Church do not support the Roman Bishop's sole authority over the universal Church. Not only would it be impossible for one man to oversee every church, ordination, and doctrinal issue, but Scripture shows us that hope for the Church is founded in Christ's oversight. When interpreting Matthew 16:18, “upon this rock”, the emphasis was not on Peter, but on the Church's confession of the salvific work of Christ for the entire world. Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of the Power and Primacy of the Pope. To learn more about Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, visit csl.edu. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

How is the Church across nations united in praise to God? The Rev. Dr. Ely Prieto (Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Chairman Multiethnic Symposium Committee, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and Erika Petsch (Director of Continuing Education, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah to talk about Concordia Seminary's Multiethnic Symposium! They discuss how this Symposium fits within the broader mission of educational events at the Seminary, this year's theme and speakers, how the church is equipped to bear witness to God's love and faithfulness across all nations through the Symposium, and why an event like this is important in continued learning. Learn more and register at csl.edu/multiethnic. United in Praise: Multiethnic Symposium 2026 May 5-6, 2026 Registration closes April 20 csl.edu/multiethnic As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Pastor Jesse Kueker shares the story of his youngest son Creed, who received surgery in utero for a rare health condition. Creed's life – both within the womb and after birth – continues to be a testament of God's power and presence.   Bio: Rev. Jesse Kueker is Director of Enrollment at Concordia Seminary. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO and his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He previously served as pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton, MO from 2015-2022. His hobbies include running, gardening, raising chickens and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball.  Resources: Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life  Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

What role does music play in the formation of Christians for daily living and church work? Dr. Sam Eatherton (Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, Kantor, and the Kreft Professor for Music Arts at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and Lois Eatherton (teacher of music at St. Paul's Lutheran School, Des Peres, Missouri, and Project Coordinator, Children in Worship Initiative, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about how both of them pursued full-time church work, why they love to teach music both in academic settings and in the home, how music plays a role in their home with their children and grandchildren, why music is essential in Christian formation, and the joys and challenges of serving the church. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Ronald Rittgers about his book The Reformation of Suffering: Pastoral Theology and Lay Piety in Late Medieval and Early Modern Germany.  Join us for a fascinating discussion of what was retained from the Late-Medieval focus on human suffering in the Reformation, and what was incompatible with the renewed focus on the biblical doctrine of salvation.Finally, we discussed how our current age seeks to distance itself from questions and acknowledgment of suffering and its proper theological framework and pastoral applications. Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the showConfessional Languages ScholarshipThe Wauwatosa Diary (book)Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers)FacebookWebsiteInterview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.comAbout the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018.  Ben has been a regular writer and presenter on various Lutheran history topics.  His 2018 thesis on Wyneken won the John Harrison Ness award and the Abdel Ross Wentz prize. He is also the recipient of several awards from the Concordia Historical Institute.Ben is currently a doctoral student in historical theology through Concordia Seminary's reduced residency program in St. Louis.

Have you heard the 1725 version of Bach's St. John Passion? You have a chance to hear it live in St. Louis during Holy Week! Dr. Maurice Boyer (Artistic Director of the American Kantorei) and the Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker (Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Dean of Chapel, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Sarah to talk about what Bach's St. John Passion is, how it is different from the more popular version that the American Kantorei performed two years ago, the highlights of this Passion, what sets the Passion apart from Bach's other works, and how this can be a part of a listener's Holy Week journey. Learn more at american-kantorei.org and csl.edu/event/st-john-passion-by-johann-sebastian-bach-1725. Sunday, March 29 3:00 p.m. CT Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Tuesday, March 31 7:30 p.m. CT St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Des Peres, MO Both performances are free admission. A door offering will be collected. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Laban heeds the LORD's Word not to speak bad or good to Jacob, but he does question why Jacob stole his household gods. Laban's unsuccessful search for these little statues hidden under his daughter's uncleanness reveals the futility and foolishness of idolatry. Jacob's temper flares, even as he confesses the LORD's faithfulness in the midst of Laban's deceit. Laban concedes that there is nothing else he can do, and so the two men make a covenant. Jacob takes the opportunity to worship in recognition of God's faithfulness before the two parties go their separate ways.  Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Ministerial Formation at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 31:25-55.  “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God's entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy's head.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Class is back in session, Ladies, as Sarah continues her diaconal studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis!   In this episode, Sarah invites listeners to look over her shoulder as she reviews notes from her first intensive: Intro to Spiritual Care and condenses 20 hours of class material into five key takeaways useful for the “Everyday Lutheran Lady™.”  Covering core concepts like the four directions of worship, the different levels and layers of tradition, theologies of glory and the cross, the theology and practice of prayer, principles of spiritual caregiving and visitation, and the art of active listening, Sarah offers a crash course survey that's as edifying as it is educational.   Resources referenced include the following:  Gathered Guests: A Guide to Worship in the Lutheran Church by Timothy H. Maschke  Is God Listening? Making Prayer a Part of Your Life by Andrew E. Steinman  Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

There is a time for peace and a time for war, according to God's Word in Ecclesiastes. With American forces engaged in combat operations in Iran and many in our communities and congregations divided over the conflict, the question is unavoidable: Can war ever be just before God? Does He sanction the sword or merely tolerate it? And what about the Christian who puts on a uniform and picks up a rifle? Drawing on Romans 13, Augsburg Confession Article XVI, and Luther's treatise "Whether Soldiers Too Can Be Saved," we explore the just war tradition through the lens of the two realms, vocation, and the conscience of the baptized believer. We also ask the harder questions: What restrains us from bloodlust when our cause is right? How do we care for the veteran whose memories still trouble him decades later? And where does the cross fit when the sword has done its terrible, necessary work?  The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss “Just War.”  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Image: Mythic depiction of PETER MUHLENBERG AT WOODSTOCK, VIRGINIANote: the guest wishes to clarify that he meant a $10 bill, not $100, in reference to Hamilton.In God on Three Sides, Jonathan M. Wilson explores how German Pietist communities experienced and interpreted the American Revolution, a war that forced believers to wrestle with loyalty, violence, and obedience to God in a time of political upheaval. Drawing on sermons, letters, and personal writings, Wilson shows how Pietists on all sides of the conflict—Patriot, Loyalist, and neutral—understood the war through a shared theological vocabulary of providence, suffering, discipline, and faithful endurance.Wilson treats Pietism broadly, using the term to describe a transatlantic devotional culture rather than a narrowly defined movement. In his account, Lutherans, Reformed, Moravians, and related German-speaking Protestants participate in a common pietist world shaped by intense Scripture use, moral seriousness, and the conviction that God was dwelling within them by faith.Rather than resolving the moral tensions of war, God on Three Sides highlights how pietist faith absorbed and interpreted political crisis: some read the conflict as divine chastisement, others as a call to reform, and still others as a trial demanding patient submission. For Lutheran listeners, the book is especially illuminating in showing how traditional Lutheran language of vocation, suffering, and obedience functioned within this broader pietist framework—often without sharp confessional self-consciousness, yet still grounded in inherited theological instincts.God on Three Sides offers a comparative compilation of how early American German Protestants experienced revolution, revealing the temporal costs of war and the complexity of Christian conscience in a divided world.Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018. Ben has been a regular writer and presenter on various Lutheran history topics. His 2018 thesis on Wyneken won the John Harrison Ness award and the Abdel Ross Wentz prize. He is also the recipient of several awards from the Concordia Historical Institute.Ben is currently a doctoral student in historical theology through Concordia Seminary's reduced residency program in St. Louis. ...

How are students formed into faithful future pastors and deaconesses at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis? The Rev. Dr. Jason Lane (Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and the Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger (Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what they love about their work at Concordia Seminary, their areas of theological expertise and why they were drawn to those areas, how these branches of theology intersect for seminary students, the classes that fall under each branch of theology, how their areas of expertise are important in the forming of future pastors and deaconesses, how students are fed spiritually on campus, and the students' academic and social experience on campus. Learn more about formation at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis by visiting csl.edu. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Do you know a high school student who might be interested in becoming a church worker? The Rev. Craig Reiter (Admissions Officer, Director of Vocatio – High School, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis), the Rev. Christian Schultz (Admission Counselor and Director of Christ Academy, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne), and Nate Demlow (Student Director of Christ Academy, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Vocatio – High School program at Concordia Seminary and the Christ Academy program at Concordia Theological Seminary. They share what a typical day looks like in these programs, what students learn and experience, why chapel is a central focus of these programs, and why each program is helpful for high schoolers considering church work. Learn more about Vocatio at csl.edu/admissions/admissions-visit/vocatio-high-school and Christ Academy at ctsfw.edu/about/events/christ-academy. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

In honor of the world's most prestigious winter sporting event, the Lutheran Ladies have embarked upon their own Winter Hymnastics series. Throughout this series, they'll laugh, they'll cry, they'll sweat (sometimes literally), and above all, they'll sing as they celebrate some of the greatest hymns and hymnwriters past, present, and even yet to come.   In this (surprise!) (bonus!) third of four episodes, Sarah, Erin, and Rachel welcome fellow Lutheran ladies and ardent #hymnnerds Katie Schuermann and Lisa Clark to the Lounge. Both Katie and Lisa will be keynote presenters at the upcoming fifth annual Prevallet Hymn Writing Workshop scheduled for February 28 on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.   After offering the Ladies an enticing preview of their workshop presentations, Katie and Lisa embark on a few “hymnastics” challenges of their own. Can they identify — from lyrics alone — whether a hymn was written by a male or female hymnwriter? How will they fare when put on the spot with a lightning-fast popcorn interview and a challenging game of “this or that”?   Come for the inspiration — stay for the fun! — as you enjoy this lovely, lively conversation.   Listeners within driving distance of Saint Louis, don't miss your chance to see Katie Schuermann and Lisa Clark in person at the Prevallet Hymn Writing Workshop on Saturday, February 28. The cost is $15 to attend; registration closes February 24. Learn more at csl.edu/event/prevallet-hymn-writing-workshop-2026. For those who aren't local, the hymn festival following the workshop will be livestreamed on March 1. Learn more at csl.edu/event/a-hymn-festival-featuring-the-hymns-of-lisa-clark-and-katie-schuermann. Katie Schuermann is an author and storyteller whose books include the Anthems of Zion series from CPH, The Saints of Whistle Grove (a Lutheran Ladies' Book Club pick), and most recently, the Creed series, including The Big Father and His Little Boy and The Beloved Son and His Brother.  Dr. Lisa M. Clark is senior editor of curriculum resources at CPH and one of the LCMS's most beloved and prolific hymn writers. Find a complete list of her available novels, devotionals, Christmas programs, picture books, choral music, and more at CPH.org.  Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

Please excuse the internet issues experienced during today's episode.Is Concordia Seminary embracing “Seminex 2.0”?Does modern linguistic theory make Scripture meaningless?Can Christians interpret the Bible “objectively”?In this episode of LEAD TIME, Pastor Tim sits down with Jim Voelz, longtime professor at Concordia Seminary, to respond directly to recent critiques surrounding his books:- What Does This Mean?- Principles of Biblical Interpretation for EveryoneThis conversation tackles some of the most important theological questions facing the LCMS right now: hermeneutics, authority, objectivity, and confession.If you care about faithful biblical interpretation, Lutheran theology, and the future of our church — this episode is for you.Concerned about what is happening in the wider LCMS? Check this out: http://amazon.com/Confessing-Jesus-Mission-Pastors-Prayer-ebook/dp/B0FZW7MSTVSupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Why is it important for the Church to encourage the creation of theologically rich and musically beautiful hymnody? Dr. Jon Vieker (Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Dean of Chapel, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis), Katie Schuermann (author and storyteller, most notably of the Anthems of Zion series from CPH), and Dr. Lisa Clark (hymn writer, Senior Editor of Curriculum Resources at CPH) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Prevallet Hymn Writing Workshop. They share what each of them will be speaking on at the workshop, why this workshop is so important for the future of hymn writing, the companion hymn festival celebrating women hymn writers, and how community members can attend each event. Learn more about the Prevallet Hymn Writing Workshop at csl.edu/event/prevallet-hymn-writing-workshop-2026 and the companion Hymn Festival at csl.edu/event/a-hymn-festival-featuring-the-hymns-of-lisa-clark-and-katie-schuermann. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Tim and Jay talk to Ryan Tinetti, professor at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, about the newest Knives Out mystery, Wake Up Dead Man. Religion in movies, Christianity, pastors, and culture war in the church and in the world. Check it out!Also, Ryan has a new book out (which we should have mentioned!), Quiet Ambition, which you can find here.Some of the films we mention in this episode: Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Silence, Godfather Part III, Calvary, Stars in My CrownCome find us:Website Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube (starting with Episode 81) Opening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Dr. W. Mart Thompson, Director of the SMP Program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis joins Zach to explain how SMP works, who it's for, why it exists, and what outcomes the LCMS should actually expect—cutting through confusion in a convention year. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Image: German and British officers with a chaplain in 1777. In God on Three Sides, Jonathan M. Wilson explores how German Pietist communities experienced and interpreted the American Revolution, a war that forced believers to wrestle with loyalty, violence, and obedience to God in a time of political upheaval. Drawing on sermons, letters, and personal writings, Wilson shows how Pietists on all sides of the conflict—Patriot, Loyalist, and neutral—understood the war through a shared theological vocabulary of providence, suffering, discipline, and faithful endurance.Wilson treats Pietism broadly, using the term to describe a transatlantic devotional culture rather than a narrowly defined movement. In his account, Lutherans, Reformed, Moravians, and related German-speaking Protestants participate in a common pietist world shaped by intense Scripture use, moral seriousness, and the conviction that God was dwelling within them by faith.Rather than resolving the moral tensions of war, God on Three Sides highlights how pietist faith absorbed and interpreted political crisis: some read the conflict as divine chastisement, others as a call to reform, and still others as a trial demanding patient submission. For Lutheran listeners, the book is especially illuminating in showing how traditional Lutheran language of vocation, suffering, and obedience functioned within this broader pietist framework—often without sharp confessional self-consciousness, yet still grounded in inherited theological instincts.God on Three Sides offers a comparative compilation of how early American German Protestants experienced revolution, revealing the temporal costs of war and the complexity of Christian conscience in a divided world.Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018. Ben has been a regular writer and presenter on various Lutheran history topics. His 2018 thesis on Wyneken won the John Harrison Ness award and the Abdel Ross Wentz prize. He is also the recipient of several awards from the Concordia Historical Institute.Ben is currently a doctoral student in historical theology through Concordia Seminary's reduced residency program in St. Louis. ...

Dr. Kevin Golden joins host Elizabeth Pittman to unpack the Old Testament prophet Hosea and his newly released Hosea volume in the Concordia Commentary series. Discover the historical context of eighth-century Israel, the shocking symbolism of Hosea's marriage to Gomer, and the profound meaning behind their children's names. Dr. Golden unpacks how law and gospel intertwine throughout Hosea's prophecy, revealing God's relentless pursuit of His people despite their unfaithfulness. Learn practical applications for marriage, reconciliation, and preaching that resonate today.In This Episode:3:17 - Dr. Golden's BackgroundHow Dr. Golden became fascinated with the Book of Hosea7:57 - Historical ContextThe eighth-century BC setting and Israel's spiritual decline15:01 - Marriage to GomerUnderstanding Hosea's shocking call to marry an adulterous woman23:52 - The Children's NamesJezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, and Lo-Ammi—names that speak judgment and grace31:18 - Lessons for MarriagePractical applications for reconciliation in Christian relationships35:13 - Preaching Like HoseaHow pastors can learn from Hosea's use of law, gospel, and metaphor37:44 - Using the CommentaryAdvice for pastors, students, and laypeople on getting the most from the Hosea commentaryLearn more about Hosea—Concordia CommentaryAbout the GuestRev. Dr. Kevin S. Golden is director of resident field education, associate professor of exegetical theology, and dean of theological research and publication at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. Concordia Publishing House – Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world.

In an ever-increasingly digitized world, isolation from true community has become the reality of many. God has a better vision for His people – a way of life that makes people members of each other through their connection to Christ. Listen in as Pastor Brian Davies talks about the Christian community as remedy for isolation.   Bio: Brian Davies serves as pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, Illinois, and as chaplain for the Grayslake Fire District and the Round Lake Fire Protection District. Rev. Davies graduated from Concordia River Forest (now Concordia Chicago) in 2002, studying communications and biblical languages, and then went on to earn his master of divinity at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He is the author of Captivating Conversations: How Christians can Reclaim the Lost Art of Listening (CPH, 2024) and Connected to Christ: Overcoming Isolation through Community (CPH, 2021). He is married to his wife, Elizabeth, who serves as the Mayor of Grayslake. Together they have three children: Kate, Megan, and Luke.  Resources: Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life LCMS Family Ministry: lcms.org/family Find Rev. Brian Davies' books at cph.org     Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

In today's episode, we welcome back Dr. Tim Grundmeier from MLC to talk about his newly published book.Lutheranism and American Culture examines the transformation of the nation's third-largest Protestant denomination over the course of the nineteenth century. In the antebellum era, leading voices within the church believed that the best way to become American was by modifying certain historic doctrines deemed too Catholic and cooperating with Anglo-evangelicals in revivalism and social reform. However, by the mid-1870s, most Lutherans had rejected this view. Though they remained proudly American, most embraced a religious identity characterized by a commitment to their church's confessions, isolation from other Christians, and a conservative outlook on political and social issues.Grundmeier shows that this transformation did not happen in a vacuum. Throughout the Civil War and early years of Reconstruction, disputes over slavery and politics led to quarrels about theology and church affairs. During the war and immediately after, the Lutheran church in the United States experienced two major schisms, both driven by clashing views on the national conflict. In the postbellum years, Lutherans adopted increasingly conservative positions in theology and politics, mainly in reaction to the perceived “radicalism” of the era. By the final decades of the nineteenth century, Lutherans had established a rigorously conservative and definitively American form of the faith, distinct from their coreligionists in Europe and other Protestants in the United States.Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018. Ben has been a regular writer and presenter on various Lutheran history topics. His 2018 thesis on Wyneken won the John Harrison Ness award and the Abdel Ross Wentz prize. He is also the recipient of several awards from the Concordia Historical Institute.Ben is currently a doctoral student in historical theology through Concordia Seminary's reduced residency program in St. Louis. ...

What do we learn from The Feast of the Confession of St. Peter, celebrated by the Church on January 18? The Rev. Dr. David Lewis (associate professor of Exegetical Theology, director of the Master of Divinity and Residential Alternate Route Programs, Student Association adviser and the Dr. Jack Dean Kingsbury Professor of New Testament Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about The Confession of St. Peter, including this Sunday's Gospel reading from Mark 8:27–9:1, what we discover in Jesus' words to his disciples and Peter's reply, and how we can learn about our own lives in the church from this story of St. Peter. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

It's a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. James Fickenscher (Assistant Professor of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO) who joins us to talk about Jesus being the Light in John 1 during the Christmas season. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

It's a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Leopoldo Sanchez (Professor of Systematic Theology, Werner R.H. Krause and Elizabeth Ringger Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO) who joins us to talk about the Holy Spirit's work in the Christmas story. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

It's a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Adam Hensley (Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO) who joins us to talk about Christ Incarnate in Hebrews and the Psalms during the Christmas Season. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

It's a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger (President, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO) who talks about Old Testament types of Christ during the Christmas Season. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

It's a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden (Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO) who joins us to talk about Old Testament prophecy in Hosea during the Christmas Season. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

It's a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky (Professor of Historical Theology, Dean of Advanced Studies, Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO) who joins us to discuss why the Church Fathers talk about two births for Jesus during the season of Christmas. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

It's a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann (Professor of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO) who joins us to talk about true leisure in Christ during the Christmas Season. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How are future pastors and deaconesses formed at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis? The Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger (President, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and the Rev. Jesse Kueker (Director of Enrollment, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what they love about their work at Concordia Seminary, the church work programs available at Concordia Seminary, why these programs are unique, what students experience in these programs, events that serve the church globally, why listeners should consider formation at Concordia Seminary, and first steps for someone considering church work. Learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Politics can be a divisive thing to discuss, but it's an important part of engaging in our vocations. Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies comes in to discuss how we can have healthy conversations about politics in our youth ministry.   Bio: Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies is the Vice President for Ministry Engagement with Lutheran Hour Ministries. His work centers around helping the church become more outreach focused by empowering it to share the Gospel with non-churched individuals at more personal levels. His former life as a non-believer provides exceedingly relevant experience for thinking about how to engage with our friends and neighbors outside the kingdom of God. Lakies regularly speaks at national conferences for pastors and church professionals and has published in several journals on the topic of faith and culture. He is the author of How the Light Shines Through: Resilient Witness in Dark Times (Concordia Publishing House, 2024), a guide for helping the church engage in winsome witness while facing the challenges of contemporary culture.  Prior to his time with Lutheran Hour Ministries, Lakies served as department chair and associate professor of religion at Concordia University in Portland, OR. He holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy and psychology from the University of Michigan and an M.Div. and Ph.D. in systematic theology from  Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He and his wife Bethany have two daughters.   Resources: YouthESource Website – youthesource.com  How the Light Shines Through by Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies - cph.org/how-the-light-shines-through-resilient-witness-in-dark-times   The Two Realms and the Separation of Church and State by Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann - cph.org/the-two-realms-and-the-separation-of-church-and-state  

The most important WELS history resource might not sit on a shelf — it's already in your browser.In this episode, we sit down with Professor Nathan Ericson, Library Director at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and Editor of the Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, to explore the quiet engine behind much of modern WELS scholarship: Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Digital Library. We discuss how thousands of digitized papers—from convention essays to rare historical documents—form an indispensable record of the synod's past and a living resource for pastors, teachers, researchers, and congregational historians today. Ericson unpacks how these materials are curated, what hidden gems lie inside, and how a new generation can use them to build a clearer, richer understanding of our church's story. This is the episode for anyone who loves archives, theology, or the thrill of finding the perfect source—right when you need it most.WLS online collectionsSupport the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018. Ben has been a regular writer and presenter on various Lutheran history topics. His 2018 thesis on Wyneken won the John Harrison Ness award and the Abdel Ross Wentz prize. He is also the recipient of several awards from the Concordia Historical Institute.Ben is currently a doctoral student in historical theology through Concordia Seminary's reduced residency program in St. Louis. ...

War is not a new topic, but it is one our young people may be asking about. In this episode, Mark and Julianna are joined by Rev. Dr. Joel Lehehbauer, the Executive Director of the Commission on Theology & Church Relations (CTCR) for the LCMS to give us a brief understanding of how we talk about war in the church.  Bio: Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer is the Executive Director of the Commission on Theology & Church Relations (CTCR) for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. He has been on the executive staff of the CTCR since 1991, having previously served as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hillsdale, Mich. (1985-1990). He is a frequent speaker at church-related conferences on a wide variety of theological topics, and has a special interest in current issues, challenges, and opportunities in areas involving the intersection between church and culture. Dr. Lehenbauer attended Valparaiso University, Concordia College, Ann Arbor (B.A.), and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. (M.Div., STM, Ph.D.). He and his wife Hope live in Union, Mo. and have four grown children and five grandchildren.  Resources: YouthESource Website – youthesource.com  Commission on Theology and Church Relations Library - resources.lcms.org/reading-study/theology-and-church-relations-library Holy Resolve Bible Study from Concordia Publishing House - cph.org/holy-resolve-terror-war-today-downloadable End Goals is the podcast of LCMS Youth Ministry in the Office of National Mission. LCMS Youth Ministry Staff discuss practices for healthy youth ministry and interview practitioners who provide insight for experienced and new youth leaders.

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, she responded in obedience and in song. The season of Advent has motivated poetry ever since. Join Dr. Tim Saleska, professor of exegetical theology, and Dr. David Schmitt, professor of practical theology, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as they discuss the beauty and the power of their favorite Advent poems.

Although Scripture is never trivial, Bible trivia games can be an effective and motivational teaching tool — as the Ladies discover in this week's episode.   Inspired by Sarah's account of the New Testament knowledge exam she took upon matriculating into Concordia Seminary's deaconess program, Rachel here quizzes her friends — and all the ladies listening at home — on their New Testament acumen.   From sleepy sermon-goers to sparring sisters-in-Christ to Greco-Roman power couples, Rachel's questions will help you test your own biblical literacy — even as they inspire you to dig in and get even better acquainted with the people, places, numbers, and key passages of the New Testament.  Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

Kelsi chats with professor, pastor, and author Ryan Tinetti about his new book, The Quiet Ambition: Scripture's Surprising Antidote to Our Restless Lives. Based on 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, The Quiet Ambition argues the life of the Christian often has much less to do with changing the world than it does faithfully trusting our work matters because we matter to God. Ryan P. Tinetti is a pastor who now serves as a professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary (Saint Louis). He is the author of Preaching by Heart and writes the regular column "The Preacher's Toolbox" on 1517.org. Prior to his call to Concordia Seminary, Ryan served for fourteen years in parish ministry. Ryan lives with his wife, Anne, and their four children in St. Louis on the campus of the seminary.Show Notes:⁠⁠⁠Support 1517 Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1517 Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠1517 on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1517 Events Schedule⁠⁠⁠1517 Academy - Free Theological Education⁠⁠⁠What's New from 1517:Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional⁠More from Kelsi:⁠⁠⁠Kelsi Klembara⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Kelsi on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Kelsi on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kelsi's Newsletter⁠More from Ryan:Order The Quiet AmbitionRead Ryan's Substack

Class is back in session, Ladies, this time at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis!   What even is deaconess ministry, and how do deaconesses serve the church? Sarah begins her studies in the Online Deaconess Studies program at Concordia Seminary, and she's revisiting experiences from Orientation Week at the Seminary and her first class in Deaconess Ministry, including insights into personality types and theological frameworks.  Are you an eagle, parrot, dove, or owl? Sarah shares how understanding another person's tendencies in group work, stressful situations, or everyday relationships helps you walk better together. Building on this understanding of self and others, she briefly describes how we can rightly understand insights from God's First Article Gifts and discern theological wisdom to grow into better leaders and guides for those around us.  “I'm understanding more and more why they call it church worker formation. Wearing the blue, putting on my crucifix every day, being more bold about talking theology with people, it's all part of the formation. This program isn't just to learn theology and be let free in the wild. We're learning about what it means to serve people, to serve in the church, to really bring God's Word to people in a hugely wide variety of ways. It's the unexplainable feeling of growth. You are wildly conscious that you're a different person than you were a week ago because of what you've learned and experienced, and it's wonderfully scary and amazing.”   Next time, Sarah will share insights from her Introduction to Spiritual Care class. Stay tuned!   Click to learn more:   Concordia University's Online Deaconess Studies The DISC Assessment Birds and Taking Flight Profiles  Dr. Mark Rockenbach's Practical Theological Framework  Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

“The Lord says to Edom, ‘I will cut you down to size among the nations; you will be greatly despised. You have been deceived by your own pride because you live in a rock fortress and make your home high in the mountains. “Who can ever reach us way up here?” you ask boastfully. But even if you soar as high as eagles and build your nest among the stars, I will bring you crashing down,' says the Lord.” - Obadiah 1:2-4Obadiah is the shortest book of the Old Testament. Standing at one chapter, 21 verses, it's a quick yet pointed announcement of judgment against the land of Edom. While the book is short, it didn't stop my guest and me from talking about it for nearly 45 minutes. Obadiah has a lot to teach us on what God is judging Edom about, while also warning us what to be on the lookout for in our own lives. It's a book about the results of pride, violence, and apathy. To help us navigate the book of Obadiah is Dr. Paul Raabe, Professor Emeritus of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, author of a commentary on Obadiah, as well as a new commentary on Isaiah and Reclaiming the Creedal Jesus in America. Doable Discipleship is a Saddleback Church podcast produced and hosted by Jason Wieland. It premiered in 2017 and now offers more than 450 episodes. Episodes release every Tuesday on your favorite podcast app and on the Saddleback Church YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/saddleback).Resources Related to This Episode:https://www.amazon.com/Obadiah-Anchor-Yale-Bible-Commentaries/dp/0300139713https://www.amazon.com/Isaiah-13-27-Commentary-Paul-Raabe/dp/0758681267/Subscribe to the Doable Discipleship podcast at Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doable-discipleship/id1240966935) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1Zc9nuwQZOLadbFCZCmZ1V)Related Doable Discipleship Episodes: Navigating the Bible: Amos - https://youtu.be/8DqVHu7leDUNavigating the Bible: Joel - https://youtu.be/Ilg6r300q4UNavigating the Bible: Hosea - https://youtu.be/nWZ4TuAUSRQNavigating the Bible: Daniel - https://youtu.be/bnQ-PioWxfgNavigating the Bible: Ezekiel - https://youtu.be/hlg6gBYxqsgNavigating the Bible: Lamentations - https://youtu.be/6rrizlXeYXENavigating the Bible: Jeremiah - https://youtu.be/lXPjWl8PdRkNavigating the Bible: Isaiah - https://youtu.be/NZJLaPkgEgsNavigating the Bible: Song of Songs - https://youtu.be/Sg0CYlNBVMgNavigating the Bible: Ecclesiastes - https://youtu.be/-Wr7LCh8F9ENavigating the Bible: Proverbs - https://youtu.be/DytRT5AsZg8Navigating the Bible: Psalms - https://youtu.be/oZeesooAYUINavigating the Bible: Job - https://youtu.be/14jaf2T1eCQNavigating the Bible: Esther - https://youtu.be/7RZ7ATWQZucNavigating the Bible: Nehemiah - https://youtu.be/Gok4WDgwn5INavigating the Bible: Ezra - https://youtu.be/aBC0nEjYeyoNavigating the Bible: 2 Chronicles - https://youtu.be/OG3rHTgMgEINavigating the Bible: 1 Chronicles - https://youtu.be/lQ_Qc4zbfgANavigating the Bible: 2 Kings - https://youtu.be/04q9gDhBKTkNavigating the Bible: 1 Kings - https://youtu.be/aS-KoeQXl2kNavigating the Bible: 2 Samuel - https://youtu.be/ZbpafGgOW7cNavigating the Bible: 1 Samuel - https://youtu.be/lY8wPElSFMYNavigating the Bible: Rute - https://youtu.be/YaH-t-ZzTaMNavigating the Bible: Judges - https://youtu.be/qNGcOf2o0NUNavigating the Bible: Joshua - https://youtu.be/hF28aThBtFsNavigating the Bible: Deuteronomy - https://youtu.be/HzmNgPOM4zUNavigating the Bible: Numbers - https://youtu.be/H1HO6V9HDxsNavigating the Bible: Leviticus - https://youtu.be/08RhDCXYex4Navigating the Bible: Exodus - https://youtu.be/NB9UTpS1F3MNavigating the Bible: Genesis - https://youtu.be/ddhjMfOoasAInspiring Dreams by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoonMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Dr. Joel Biermann of Concordia Seminary unpacks the good and bad of Lutheran identity, debates the effectiveness of online seminary, and explains why theology matters not just for pastors but for every disciple of Jesus. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.Sponsor SectionToday's episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources to help the church produce greater disciples. This season we are launching a series of videos on our YouTube channel called “The Voices of the LCMS,” where we are unpacking data from our survey of 1054 Lutheran leaders. These videos are opening up questions, conversations, and opportunities to help us walk together in the future.Joel's ChallengeSlow down this week and delight in God's creation. Notice a tree, a person, a cloud—something ordinary—and thank God for the beauty He's placed around you.Are You Following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don't know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going. In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it's free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. Watch the Entire Season on YouTubeWe upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeDay 7 by Joel Biermann (CPH / Amazon)Concordia Seminary, St. LouisThe Book of ConcordNorman Nagel (systematic theology influence)Robert Benne (Reasonable Ethics)On the Line Podcast – Debate on Christian NationalismYouTube: @JoelBiermann“Voices of the LCMS” VideosSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Following their recent book club discussion of Joel Biermann's Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play, the Ladies welcome Dr. Biermann himself to the Lounge for a Kitchen Table Talk conversation all about Sabbath-keeping and the Third Commandment.   What does Sabbath have to do with the meaning of life? What does the Bible teach us about how we are to “remember the Sabbath”? How are work, leisure, sleep, play, and worship all woven together in the fabric of creation and the life of the believer? How does Christian theology inform how we spend our time?   The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann is professor of systematic theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. His books include Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play (CPH) and Wholly Citizens: God's Two Realms and Christian Engagement with the World (Fortress). Hear more from Dr. Biermann on his YouTube channel, in our previous Kitchen Table Talk episode with him, or his interviews on The Coffee Hour with Andy and Sarah.   Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.