Podcasts about LCMS

https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentJoin the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) The Concordia Ann Arbor story continues to raise painful questions for many in and around the LCMS.In this episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with Paul Pollatz from Ann Arbor City on a Hill to talk about the group's behind-the-scenes efforts to preserve a Christian presence on the Concordia Ann Arbor campus. Paul shares how the group formed, what they hoped to build, why they submitted a letter of intent, and why they believe multiple Christian alternatives were not seriously considered before the sale to the University of Michigan.This is a conversation about mission, money, transparency, forgiveness, leadership, and what the church must learn before the next institution reaches a crisis point.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

What does "Kingdom of Heaven" mean in Scripture, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew? 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 Andy and Sarah to talk about what the phrases "Gospel of the Kingdom" or the "Kingdom of God" mean, the differences in these phrases between the Gospels and Matthew's unique take on it, how Jesus' disciples would have understood and not understood this phrase to mean, the significance of the particular phrase "Kingdom of Heaven," what "heaven" means in Matthew's Gospel, and how Matthew uses this phrase throughout the book. Hear Dr. Genter studying Matthew 1:1 on Sharper Iron (the episode that inspired this episode) at kfuo.org/2026/06/01/sharper-iron-the-reign-of-heaven-stands-near-060126-matthew-11-the-genesis-of-jesus. 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.

What do we know about Hermann Sasse's life as a pastor, theologian, and author? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison (President of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins us for Part Two of a three-part series on the life and work of pastor, theologian, and author Hermann Sasse to talk about how Sasse's time in the United States shaped his theology, why he was described as a Confessional Ecumenist and what that means, and how his experiences in the 20s and 30s influenced his theological writing. 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.

Third Sunday after Pentecost Church Service @ Redeemer Lutheran LCMS

Word & Sermon Weekly – Fourth Sunday after Pentecost – June 21, 2026 Jeremiah 20:7–13 Romans 6:12–23 Matthew 10:5a, 21–33 Learn more about Zion Lutheran Church and the Christian faith, by subscribing to this podcast, and joining us next Sunday by visiting www.zionhiawatha.org

In this Lutheran sermon on Romans 6:21–23, Pastor Balla of Peace Lutheran Church preaches on the devastating wages of sin and the free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus. What does sin actually produce? Shame. Death. Bondage. But God does not pay wages — He gives gifts. This Law and Gospel sermon walks through Paul's contrast between what sin earns and what Christ freely gives through His death and resurrection, connected to Holy Baptism and the promises of the Gospel delivered in Word and Sacrament. If you are searching for biblical preaching, confessional Lutheran sermons, LCMS worship, or Gospel-centered teaching on Romans, this message is for you.Support this ministry: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph#LutheranSermon #Romans6 #LawAndGospel #LCMS #EternalLife

The LCMS presidential election has moved into historic territory.After two rounds of voting, President Harrison's lead has narrowed from 228 votes to just 14 votes, while hundreds of eligible voters still have not cast a ballot. In this special timely edition of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman is joined by Tania Hilton and Pastor Jeremy Jacoby to talk about why Round 3 matters, what the numbers reveal, and why disengaged pastors and lay voters may now play a decisive role in the future direction of the LCMS.This conversation is not about attacking a person. It is about honest engagement, faithful leadership, pastoral formation, mission, unity, and the future of our church body.If you are a registered voter, please check your inbox — and your spam folder — when voting opens. Your vote matters.Round 3 voting: June 20–23And if you want to stay up to date on all things Lutheran Church Missouri Synod from the perspective of our team and network of trusted leaders - Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentSupport 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

How does campus ministry play a role in forming church workers? The Rev. Jay Winters (Pastor, University Lutheran Church in Tallahassee, FL) and second-year students at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Andrew Cheyne, Scott Swanson, and Richard Harry join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about Pastor Winters' journey into pastoral ministry, how he became a part of campus ministry, how University Lutheran Church is building a culture of church work formation and recruitment, and what is important to him as he serves and cares for students who are considering or preparing for church work. Andrew, Scott, and Richard share their stories of considering pastoral ministry, the conversations they had with others that helped them discern their vocations, their experiences during their first year at seminary, and how field work experience is helping form them into future pastors. 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.

What does the Concordia University System Board of Directors do? The Rev. Mark Braden (Chairman, Concordia University System Board of Directors) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his experience prior to serving on the CUS Board of Directors, how that experience helps him lead this group, why the Board of Directors is important and how they serve the Concordia University System, how the campus visitation process works and the Lutheran Identity Mission Outcome Standards, and updates on the CUS Scholarships, Direct Admit, and other current CUS news. Learn more about the Concordia University System at CUS.edu. 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.

Éamonn Quinn and his wife Gemma Murray founded Louth Contemporary Music Society (LCMS) in Dundalk in 2006.After settling in Dundalk in 2002, the couple found themselves travelling regularly to Dublin and Belfast to hear contemporary music and began to wonder why artists of that calibre never came to Dundalk.Twenty years later, LCMS has become one of Ireland's most respected contemporary music organisations, presenting internationally renowned composers and performers.Éamonn Quinn, founder of the Louth Contemporary Music Society joined Sean to discuss.

For the first time in LCMS history, the synodical presidential election has advanced to a third ballot. With only 14 votes separating incumbent President Matthew Harrison and challenger Dr. Joel Biermann, Zach Zehnder and Matt Popovits discuss what this unprecedented election reveals about the state of the LCMS, the future of pastoral formation, and why every vote matters. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Rev. Jason Braaten welcomes back Rev. John Bussman to work through the CTCR's December 2025 report, "The Proper Administration of the Lord's Supper: Applying Scripture and the Confessions to Contemporary Issues." Prompted by 2023 Synod Convention resolutions, the report addresses three practices that have crept into LCMS congregations: substituting grape juice for wine, using prepackaged communion elements, and substituting non-wheat bread for those with gluten intolerance. Braaten and Bussman walk through each section, weighing the report's appeal to the words of institution and the Lutheran Confessions against its reluctance to flatly call these practices illegitimate. They discuss why clarity—not nuance—serves the truth, how exceptions tend to become rules, and what faithful, pastoral care looks like when a congregation's practice doesn't match Christ's institution. A frank conversation for pastors who want to know not just what the document says, but where it falls short. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Guest: Fr. John Bussman ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

We head to Nebraska for today's conversation! The Rev. Richard Snow (President, Nebraska District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing and early years of school, the journey that led him to seminary and how he has served the church, how his experiences shaped him into the pastor he is today, what makes Nebraska a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. 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.

Vicar Meseret Gobena joins Tim to share his journey from Ethiopia to the LCMS, the missionary legacy of his grandmother, the growth of the Ethiopian Lutheran church, and what the LCMS can learn about evangelism, prayer, hospitality, and courage.Support the showWatch Us On Youtube! Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current!(LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman welcomes back Jim Sanft, former President and CEO of Concordia Plans, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, trust, Lutheran education, lay leadership, LCMS bureaucracy, and what it means to steward faithfully in a changing church.This conversation is honest, hopeful, and deeply practical for pastors, school leaders, commissioned ministers, lay leaders, and anyone who loves the church enough to want her to flourish.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

You know him as a host of KFUO's Thy Strong Word. But did you know he was a private investigator before becoming a pastor? The Rev. Dr. Phil Booe (pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Luverne, MN, and host of Thy Strong Word on KFUO Radio) and his wife Becky Booe join Andy and Sarah to talk about their journeys into the Lutheran Church, what life was like for them prior to seminary, the discerning process leading to seminary life, their transitions through seminary and into pastoral ministry, and the wisdom they've gained from their experiences that they share with others considering their vocations. 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.

Director of Louth Contemporary Music Society, Eamonn Quinn, joins Marty ahead of their exciting contemporary music festival this weekend

Who was Hermann Sasse, and why is it important to study his work today? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison (President of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins us for part one of a three-part series on the life and work of pastor, theologian, and author Hermann Sasse to talk about Sasse's early life, the political and religious context surrounding his early years, and the theological influences that shaped his formation as a pastor and theologian. 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.

The subscribers of the Treatise publicly confessed that the Lord had given the Church to call, elect, and ordain qualified ministers for the office of the Ministry.  The subscribers affirmed that the Pope had no divine right to universal supremacy over the Church as Christ and Christ alone is head. Thanks be to God that the confession of the subscribers of the 16th century is still our confession today. Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Overland, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Subscribers of the Treatise. To learn more about Our Redeemer, visit ourredeemerstl.org. 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.

For the first time in years, the LCMS presidential election is headed to a second ballot. Tim Ahlman and Zach Zehnder break down the results, discuss the growing support for Dr. Joel Biermann, and explore what these numbers reveal about the future of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

The LCMS presidential election is heading to a runoff — and the numbers are impossible to ignore.President Matthew Harrison received 43.8% on the first ballot. Dr. Joel Biermann received 39.0%. For the first time in this election cycle, the Synod is now moving into a second round of voting, and the future direction of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is very much in the balance.In this special joint episode of Lead Time and Red Letter Living, Tim Ahlman and Zach Zehnder unpack what this moment reveals about the LCMS: pastoral formation, vacant pulpits, trust, leadership, the Eighth Commandment, church growth, unity, and the urgent need for honest conversation.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

How do LCMS District leaders support church work recruitment on the ground? Deaconess Melissa DeGroot (Assistant to the President for Mission and Mercy, LCMS Rocky Mountain District) and Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola (President, LCMS Mid-South District) join Andy and Sarah to talk about Deaconess DeGroot's path to church work, her role in the Rocky Mountain District, the work she and Pastor Paavola do in their respective districts to form and recruit church workers, how face-to-face conversations make a big difference in formation, and what they're excited about when it comes to church worker formation. Find the Rocky Mountain District at rm.lcms.org and the Mid-South District at mid-southlcms.org. 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.

Why is there a Bible study for the LCMS Convention, and how does this study help us walk together as Synod? The Rev. Timothy Pauls (Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Boise, ID, and author of the 2026 Convention Bible Study) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we have a Bible study written specifically for the Convention, the theme for this Convention and Bible study, why this theme is significant to us today, the structure of the Bible study, a few of the emphases in the study, and how these themes encourage us as we walk together as Synod. Find the Bible Study at lcms.org/convention/national/worship/bible-study. 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 Paul Schultz sits down with Pastor Zelwyn Heide of the North Dakota District to talk about one of the most neglected aspects of pastoral formation — the craft of preaching. The conversation moves from the theoretical to the practical: why content alone isn't enough, how persuasion is inseparable from faithful proclamation, an where to find the best resources outside LCMS circles for sharpening that craft. Heide walks through several key works, including John Broadus's classic Treatise on the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, Hugh Oliphant Old's seven-volume history of preaching, and examples drawn from Chrysostom, the English Puritans, and others — all in service of helping Lutheran pastors preach with greater clarity, depth, and effect. The goal isn't imitation but formation: learning from the best so you can preach with your own voice, to your own people, in your own context.   ----more---- Host: Fr. Paul Schulz Guest: Fr. Zelwyn Heide ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

We hear a familiar voice today as we go to northern Minnesota for our conversation! The Rev. Brady Finnern (President, Minnesota North District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and host of Concord Matters on KFUO Radio) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing in Minnesota, the journey that led him to seminary, how he has served along the way, how his experiences shaped him into the pastor he is today, what makes the Minnesota North District a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS. Listen to Rev. Finnern on Concord Matters at kfuo.org/concordmatters. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. 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.

Tom Halvorson, attorney and author, “Complaint Filed in LCMS v. Christian, Bannwolf & Concordia University Texas” LCMS Persists in Asserting Federal Jurisdiction of Concordia University Texas Case Complaint Filed in LCMS v. Christian, Bannwolf & Concordia University Texas The Sovereignty of Nebulous Ethos at Concordia Texas Two Simple Questions about Concordia Texas Throwing Off the Bylaws of the LCMSThe post An Update on a Lawsuit Between Concordia University Texas and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod – Tom Halvorson, 6/9/26 (1603) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Philip Meinzen, a longtime LCMS educator and creator of The Grace Formula, for a powerful conversation about stewardship, generosity, tithing, debt, vocation, and the mission of the local church.Philip argues that the church has often allowed the culture to disciple Christians in money, resources, debt, and scarcity — while Scripture gives us a much richer vision of life under grace. The question is not, “How much does the church need?” The better question is, “What does God's grace mean to us, and how does it shape the way we live?”Learn more about Philip's work at https://graceflows.orgSupport 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

What are the needs of those serving in mental health and faith-based helping professions? Professor Kathy L'Heureux (Director of Counseling, Concordia University, Nebraska), Professor Kathleen von Kampen (program director, Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Family Life Education (FLE) graduate programs, Concordia University, Nebraska) and the Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs (Senior Professor of Practical Theology and Licensed Psychologist, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming "Rooted & Restored: Soul Care for Those Who Serve" event at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE). They discuss their backgrounds and why Professors L'Heureux and von Kampen chose to serve at CUNE, the unique aspects of mental health and faith-based helping professions, the challenges faced by these types of professionals, how this event will care for professionals, and who this event is for. Learn more at cune.edu/news/concordia-nebraska-present-rooted-restored-event and go.cune.edu/rootedrestored26. 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.

Most churches want to make disciples. Few have a clear strategy for multiplying them. In this episode, Zach sits down with LCMS pastor, church planter, and Kairos Network founder Matt Peeples to discuss micro-groups, disciple-making, and why simplicity may be the key to reaching the next generation. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

How does CCLE support families considering Classical Lutheran education for their family or school? The Rev. Robert Paul (Vice Chair and Permanent Director, Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education; associate pastor and headmaster at Memorial Lutheran Church and School, Houston, TX) joins Andy to talk about why Pastor Paul is invested in the work of Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education (CCLE), how CCLE supports families and schools, this summer's CCLE conference topic and speakers, the learning opportunities beyond plenary sessions, and how you can attend! Learn more about CCLE and this summer's conference at ccle.org. 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.

Second Sunday after Pentecost Church Service @ Redeemer Lutheran Fairhope LCMS

The Office of the Keys, the power to forgive and retain sins, has been given to the Church. This is why the Church has the right to elect and ordain qualified ministers. When one decides that the Church no longer has this authority, no matter their position, they are outside of the Lord's calling and are not to be followed. The Reformers began to elect and ordain their own ministers to assure that the pure Gospel was preached and souls received a clear conscience in Christ. Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Overland, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of the Power and Primacy of the Pope. To learn more about Our Redeemer Lutheran, visit ourredeemerstl.org. 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 powerful Lutheran sermon on Matthew 9:9–13, discover the comforting truth that Jesus Christ is the Great Physician for sinners. When Jesus called Matthew the tax collector and ate with tax collectors and sinners, He revealed the heart of the Gospel: salvation is not for those who think they are righteous, but for those who know they need God's mercy.This sermon explores repentance, forgiveness, justification by faith, and Christ's saving work for broken sinners. Drawing from Matthew 9:9–13, Hosea 5:15–6:6, and Romans 4:13–25, this biblical message proclaims the distinction between Law and Gospel, exposing self-righteousness while comforting consciences with the free forgiveness won by Jesus on the cross.If you are struggling with guilt, shame, sin, or questions about salvation, this Christian sermon points you to Christ alone. Learn how Jesus still calls sinners, forgives sins, and delivers His mercy through His Word and Sacraments.Support this ministry:☕ Buy Me a Coffee:  Website address:https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphSubscribe for more Lutheran sermons, Bible studies, Christian teaching, LCMS theology, and Gospel-centered content.Hashtags#Matthew9#LutheranSermon#LawAndGospel#JesusForgivesSinners#LCMS

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman talks with Jim Simpson, a retired higher education leader with decades of experience in curriculum development, administration, accreditation, and student success. Together, they explore what higher education has learned about adult learners, hybrid models, mentorship, internships, and competency-based formation — and what those lessons might mean for Concordia seminaries and pastoral training in the LCMS.This conversation touches on residential seminary, SMP, hybrid learning, accreditation, prior approval, faculty development, and the need for local churches to identify, develop, and deploy leaders for mission.This is not about cutting corners. It is about asking whether the LCMS can adapt faithfully so more people are formed, equipped, and sent to proclaim the Gospel.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

What happens when a family relocates from Germany to study at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis? Stephen Guzik (seminarian at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and Stephanie Guzik (Support Coordinator, LCMS Office of National Mission) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about where they each grew up and how they met, how they ended up in Germany together, Stephen's journey into the Lutheran church in Germany, how he was formed along the way at Kaiserslautern Evangelical Lutheran Church and encouraged to consider a pastoral vocation, their discernment process and decision to come to St. Louis, how their transition has been going, Stephen's first year of seminary, and what they're looking forward to in this journey. 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.

How can pastors, church workers, and congregational leaders be encouraged as they are called upon to encourage and care for the souls of their congregations? The Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan (President of the Missouri District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his 2025-published book Faithful, Hopeful, and Bold: Encouragement for the Church available from Concordia Publishing House, including the personal challenge he's faced over the last year and how he has been recovering, the inspiration to write this book for congregational leaders, challenges and accomplishments in the writing process, how he imagines groups will use the book, the personal stories he incorporated into the book, and how church leaders may be encouraged as they read and discuss each lesson. Find Faithful, Hopeful, and Bold: Encouragement for the Church at cph.org/faithful-hopeful-and-bold-encouragement-for-the-church. 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.

This time we go to the west side of Iowa to continue our conversation with the Council of Presidents! The Rev. Paul Egger (President, Iowa District West of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing in Iowa, his path through schooling and into pastoral ministry, the congregations he's served along the way and how his experiences there shaped him into the pastor he is today, what makes Iowa District West a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. 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 this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman sits down with Coach Patrick Daberkow, head football coach at Concordia University, Nebraska. Together, they talk about what makes a healthy team culture, why football still matters in an age of individualism, how young men are formed through accountability and hardship, and why faith cannot simply be one priority among many — it has to shape the whole life.This conversation is about more than football. It is about discipleship, culture, character, and the kind of leaders the church and world desperately need.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

We're wrapping up Sharathon 2026 and also celebrating the work done through the By the Way program over the years! In this episode, we are highlighting this wonderful partnership. Joanie Harwell (former KFUO team member and member of the By the Way Board) and Jeanne Grone (member of the By the Way Board) join Sarah to talk about the work of By The Way, how they saw the work of the Rev. Dr. Paul Devantier positively impact the lives of listeners, how KFUO has been a partner to By The Way over the years, and the incredible ways By The Way is celebrating this partnership as their chapter closes. By the Way's website, bythewaytoday.org, will be available through September 1, 2026. 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.

Have you ever considered learning New Testament Greek? Concordia Seminary has an opportunity for exactly this! The Rev. Dr. John Genter (Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his own experience learning New Testament (Koine) Greek, the difference learning Greek has made for him in studying God's Word, the upcoming online Fall Greek language course at Concordia Seminary, how the class is structured, and who it's for. Learn more at csl.edu/2026/05/registration-opens-for-2026-fall-online-greek-course. 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.

With 88 overtures related to pastoral formation headed to the 2026 LCMS Convention, one of the most important conversations in the Missouri Synod is heating up.Former Concordia Seminary professor Dr. Andy Bartelt joins Zach Zehnder to explore the history, tensions, opportunities, and future of pastoral formation in the LCMS. To access the show notes visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

The authority of ministers consists in preaching the Gospel, forgiving sins, administering the sacraments, and excommunicating persons guilty of public sins. The Church, as she possesses the office of the keys, has the right to call and ordain qualified pastors. Bishops have traditionally overseen the ordination of ministers, but they cannot deprive congregations a pastor due to unbiblical additions to their responsibilities. Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Overland, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of the Power and Primacy of the Pope. To learn more about Our Redeemer, visit ourredeemerstl.org. 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—Missouri Synod loves its history. But what if we have forgotten one of the most important parts of it?In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman talks with Pastor Mark Brandt about the story of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan, the missionary vision of Wilhelm Loehe, the early tensions between mission and doctrine, and what today's LCMS can learn from its own complicated beginnings. Are we willing to learn from history before we repeat it?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

We celebrate the two recipients of the merit-based Regents' Scholarship at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne! Recipient Robert Finch (2026 graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul) and recipient Evan Magness (2026 graduate of Concordia University, Chicago) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about why they chose to study at their respective universities, their experiences at their universities and their formation into future church workers, how they feel their university educations prepared them for their next chapter at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, what kind of impact this scholarship makes for each of them, and what they're looking forward to at CTSFW this fall. Learn more about the Regents' Scholarship at ctsfw.edu/?scholarship=scholarship-mdiv-the-regents-scholarship. 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.

How can congregations make physician assisted suicide an unthinkable option for those who are suffering? Benjamin Parviz (Philosopher and Bioethicist at St. Louis University and undergraduate instructor) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why this topic is so important for him, what physician assisted suicide is and how it differs from removing someone from life support, how we got to where we are with physician assisted suicide in the United States, and the Christian response that makes physician assisted suicide "unthinkable" as we love our neighbors in our church communities. Read Benjamin's article at cbhd.org/intersections/making-physician-assisted-suicide-unthinkable. 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.

We go Mid-South today to continue our conversation with the Council of Presidents! The Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola (President, Mid-South District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his interesting childhood and how that influenced his vocational path, his path to pastoral ministry, the congregations he's served along the way and how his experiences there shaped him into the pastor he is today, where the Mid-South District is and the people in it, and why President Paavola loves being a pastor in the LCMS. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. 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 Bryan Wolfmueller returns to Lead Time for a conversation that begins with the Prodigal Son… and ends up exposing something much closer to home.Most Christians know the story of the younger son who runs away, wastes everything, and comes home in shame. But what if Jesus' sharpest warning is actually aimed at the older brother — the faithful, obedient, religious one who cannot rejoice when mercy is given to someone else?Check out Bryan's New Book Here:https://www.amazon.com/Finally-Free-Bryan-Wolfmueller/dp/0758681569In this episode, Tim Ahlman, Jack Kalleberg, and Bryan Wolfmueller dig into pride, despair, passive faith, Lutheran worship, church systems, contemporary vs. liturgical tensions, and what the LCMS can learn from the Father's joy.This is a conversation for every Lutheran who cares about doctrine, mission, worship, and the future of the church — especially if you've ever wondered whether we are better at defending the feast than actually rejoicing in it.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

How does a retreat discussing Lutheran political theology, the doctrine of two kingdoms, vocation, and the limits of politics shape future church workers? Dr. Rachel Ferguson (Professor of Business Ethics & Assistant Dean of the College of Business/Director of the Free Enterprise Center, Concordia University Chicago), Jonah Witte (rising sophomore at Concordia University Chicago pursuing dual certification in secondary education–biology and Director of Christian Education), and Grace Levitt (rising junior at Concordia University Chicago in Lutheran Teacher Education, studying secondary education social sciences) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Dr. Ferguson created the idea for this invitation-only retreat at the Kirk Center, what she hoped students would gain from the discussion-based format, how something like this is important for Lutheran church work students, what Jonah and Grace experienced along with six other CUC students, how their experiences will shape how they approach their future vocations, and how they were challenged to think more deeply about these topics. Learn more about the Free Enterprise Center at Concordia University Chicago at cuchicago.edu/academics/centers-of-excellence/free-enterprise-center. 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.

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.

Dr Adam Koontz answers a listener question about LCMS internal conflicts and why the structure of synodical polity isn't designed for the people who now comprise it. Visit our website - A Brief History of Power Sign up for Memento, a Lutheran devotional for men. Dr Adam Koontz - Redeemer Lutheran Church Music thanks to Verny