Podcasts about LCMS

God's name is holy, and we are to proclaim His Word faithfully and live holy lives according to it. We not only watch our language but intentionally use our words to call upon God's Name in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks. “Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven!” We ask the LORD to keep us from speaking unholy words that do not glorify Him. “Protect us from this, heavenly Father!” To hallow is to praise, magnify, and honor Him in word and deed. Rev. Andy Wright, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 1st Petition of the Lord's Prayer. To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.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. 

How are church work students formed at Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP)? The Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich (President of Concordia University, St. Paul) and Breana Winnes (Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions for Concordia University, St. Paul) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what they love about what they get to do, an overview of the church work programs at CSP, why these programs are important to CSP, what makes these programs unique among the Concordias, what campus life is like at CSP, and how prospective students can learn more and visit campus. Learn more about Concordia St. Paul at csp.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.

Brian From welcomes Lois Stewart, Education Executive for the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS, to discuss the mission and impact of more than 70 Lutheran schools across Chicagoland. Stewart shares how these schools keep Christ at the center while delivering rigorous academics, accredited programs, and safe, nurturing environments for students. She also offers guidance for families weighing their schooling options and highlights the hope she sees in the next generation growing in faith each day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do the Formula of Concord and Scripture have to say about other factions and sects? The Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and host of KFUO Radio's Concord Matters, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Formula of Concord reading plan he created for 2025, including the questions concerning other factions and sects that are addressed in December's readings. How does this last reading sum up the year-long study? Who were the Anabaptists, and what were their false teachings? Who were the Schwenkfeldians, New Arians, and Anti-Trinitarians? What do we learn from understanding each of these groups? Find the full reading plan from The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2024/reading-plan, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord. December | Other Factions & Sects Week 1: Ep XII 1–11 (p. 500–501) SD XII 1–27 (p. 616–617) Week 2: Ep XII 12–19 (p. 501–502) SD XII 28–36 (p. 617–618) Week 3: Ep XII 20–31 (p. 502) SD XII 37–40 (p. 618–619) Week 4: Off for 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.

Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings from Pastor Tim?Join the LCMS Current: https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentIn this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Dr. Joel Biermann, Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary—one of the most influential voices in the LCMS today. They tackle some of the most misunderstood and debated topics in Lutheran life: Adiaphora, Christian freedom, pastoral formation, worship, and Lutheran identity.Dr. Biermann offers historical clarity, theological precision, and pastoral wisdom on issues shaping the future of the church. What counts as Adiaphora? Are we making rules where Scripture hasn't? What actually forms a pastor? How do congregations and seminaries work together? And how should pastors speak into cultural chaos without losing their footing in the gospel?Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, seminarian, or someone passionate about the future of the LCMS, this episode delivers clarity, challenge, and encouragement.Support the showWatch Us On Youtube!

Data analyst and LCMS lay leader Tim Wood joins Zach to break down why the Synod is declining so rapidly, what the numbers actually reveal, and why the real crisis is spiritual—not structural. He calls pastors and laity to urgent honesty, repentance, and reform. Visit www.redletterpodcast.com for show notes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join the LCMS Current!(weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentIn this special episode of Lead Time, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Pastor Jeff Sutherlin to walk through the LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee's newly released SMP policy requirements—including the widely debated 40-year-old minimum age, the restrictions on SMP placements, and the implications for the LCMS pastoral shortage.Together, they process the document line by line—affirming what is good, questioning what is unclear, and challenging the church to think creatively and relationally about raising up new pastors.With nearly 600 LCMS congregations currently unable to call a pastor, this conversation matters deeply. How do we balance rigor with accessibility? Tradition with innovation? Residential formation with local mentorship? And are these new policies moving the LCMS closer to health—or further away?Whether you're a pastor, district leader, seminarian, SMP graduate, or simply care about the future of the church, this episode provides clarity, context, and courage for the conversation ahead.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

What is beauty? What is art? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Rosebrock (Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lindenwood, IL) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 7 of our “Prepared with a Reason” series to talk about how the concepts of beauty and art intersect with our contemporary life, the discipline of philosophy that considers beauty and art, some worldly assumptions about beauty and what is beautiful, what happens when we try very hard to call things beautiful that really aren't, whether religion has a place in understanding or finding beauty, what God's Word teaches us about beauty, and how we can respond to worldly assumptions about beauty. Find the “Prepared with a Reason” curriculum at cph.org/prepared-with-a-reason-leaders-guide-digital-edition. 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 do the people of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in O'Fallon, Missouri serve the community around them? The Rev. Jason Kohm (Associate Pastor, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, O'Fallon, MO) and Charity Smith, DCE (Director of Christian Education, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, O'Fallon, MO) join Andy and Sarah as our Church of the Week to talk about the community of O'Fallon, how Holy Cross Lutheran Church is a part of the O'Fallon community, the special events happening at Holy Cross this Advent and Christmas season, and how visitors can find Holy Cross. Learn more at hcross.com. 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 are the beloved Christmas traditions that make Concordia University Chicago unique, and how can you participate in them? Dr. Charles Brown (Professor of Music, Arts Division Chair, Music Program Leader for Concordia University Chicago) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming special music events at Concordia University Chicago, including the University Band concert and the traditional Lessons and Carols services, why these services are special for students and attendees, and the various options available for participating. Learn more at CUChicago.edu/music. December 5 - University Band Christmas Pops Concert December 6-7 - Lessons and Carols (Streaming December 7 beginning at 6:40pm at cuchicago.edu/events/streaming-video) 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.

11/30/2025

Word & Sermon Weekly – First Sunday in Advent – November 30, 2025 Isaiah 2:1–5 Romans 13:8–14 Matthew 24:36–44 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

Prayer is filled with promise. The Lord hears and answers us according to His gracious will. He provides us with the gift of the Lord's Prayer, that we may confidently come to Him, knowing He will give us what we need. Our shelter and protection rests in our prayers as a weapon against the devil and the sinful world, not because of the prayers themselves, but because of the power of the One who hears. We can utilize His Word for prayer, especially when we are at a loss for words. It is His Words that give us the Holy Spirit and provide a clear conscience in Christ. Rev. Ben Meyer, pastor at Hope Lutheran Church, Sunbury, OH, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Lord's Prayer as found in the Large Catechism. To learn more about Hope Lutheran, visit hopelutheransunbury.org/home.html. 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. 

Word & Sermon Weekly – Thanksgiving Eve– November 26, 2025 Deuteronomy 8:1–10 1 Timothy 2:1-4 Luke 17:11–19 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

Join the LCMS Current!(bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentIs pastoral formation reform in the LCMS really a “threat to the Synod”?Pastor Joe Beran joins Tim Ahlman for an honest, thoughtful conversation about fear, change, seminary pathways, SMP restrictions, and why this topic has become so emotionally charged across Lutheran circles.In this episode, Joe responds directly to concerns raised across the LCMS—especially the claim that conversations around alternative or adaptive pastoral formation models could “threaten the fabric of the Synod.”We explore what's actually happening, what people fear losing, and how the church can navigate these conversations with clarity, charity, and courage.Topics we cover:Why pastoral formation is so controversial right nowThe real fears behind “threat to the Synod” languageHow SMP changes impact large and small congregations differentlyResidential seminary vs. contextual seminary: what are we actually debating?Why younger pastors feel misunderstood and unheardJoe's experience speaking at the ACELCThe need for honest, public debate in the LCMSWhy the future may require more—not fewer—formation pathwaysHow we can preserve confessional integrity and raise up more workersWhether you're an LCMS pastor, delegate, seminarian, church leader, or simply someone trying to understand this conversation, you'll find clarity, nuance, and hope here.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

How does the Divine Service form Christians and church workers? Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and LCMS International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how the Lord guided him to become a pastor, how his love for church music and worship developed, who has most shaped his understanding and love of worship, how the Divine Service formed him as a Christian and pastor, and the importance of the Divine Service in forming church workers. This program originally aired on May 24, 2024. 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.

“Bring us some Figgy Pudding!” Inspired by the traditional Christmas carol, Andy Bates joins Sarah and Erin in the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge for a festive, fig-filled crossover episode all about the legendary dish everyone's heard of (but few have ever actually tasted): Figgy Pudding, also known as Christmas Pudding. What is it made from? Is it secretly its own food group? Will Erin try it again? From its origins as a savory dish, through the faux liturgical feast day of “Stir Up Sunday,” and ending with Andy sharing his first go at making this dish at home, this episode invites you to celebrate the holiday season with the hosts of The Coffee Hour and The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Podcast. In this episode: Find the recipe Andy adapted: food.com/recipe/figgy-pudding-337148 (Replaced butter with plant butter, milk with oat milk, and brown sugar with madhava raw sugar) A Lutheran Witness article mentioning Stir Up Sunday: witness.lcms.org/2025/all-saints-day-the-last-sunday-of-the-church-year-stir-up-sunday-pudding The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge covers Fruitcake in this Recipe Card episode: kfuo.org/2021/11/19/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-112-erins-recipe-card-the-fruitcake-even-skeptics-will-love 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.

George Washington Proclamation / Philippians 4:6-20Get the episode here.                                                                                                                        

What do we learn about the people of Israel and God's promises to them in the last chapters of Numbers? The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry, Paul Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 4 of our series on his book Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers to talk about Israel's track record of idolatry, the account of Balaam and Balak and how it points us to Christ, why the account of Zelophehad's daughters is unique, the last Promised Land update in Numbers, and how Numbers point us to Christ, our Conqueror and Redeemer. Find Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/hope-in-the-wilderness-practical-insights-from-the-book-of-numbers. 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 and author Joe Beran breaks down what the data reveals about the LCMS: pastoral shortages, declining attendance, and the alarming loss of youth. He shares why innovation, experimentation, and deeper discipleship are essential for the next generation. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join the LCMS Current!(bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentDr. Mychal Thom joins Tim and Jack for a powerful conversation about belonging, Lutheran identity, and the future of Lutheran schools. From his own story of adoption to his leadership at Concordia St. Paul—and now his upcoming role as President & CEO of Faith Lutheran in Las Vegas—Dr. Thom brings wisdom, compassion, and clarity to one of the most important conversations happening in our church today.We explore:• The difference between welcoming and belonging• How Lutheran schools can reflect the communities they serve• What it means to be missional (not covenantal)• Why demographic shifts are an opportunity, not a threat• The simplicity (not simplistic nature) of the Gospel• How Lutheran identity can remain faithful AND adaptableWhether you're a pastor, educator, parent, or leader in the LCMS, this episode will challenge, encourage, and inspire you to see the mission of Jesus in a fresh and practical way.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

How do we know what is right and wrong? The Rev. Joe Cox (Director of Curriculum and Education at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, MO) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 6 of our “Prepared with a Reason” series to talk about what ethics is and how ethics has been used throughout history, how humans have known right from wrong and how these ideas or philosophies have changed over the years, the assumptions of the world regarding ethics, how we respond with God's Word, and how he uses these ideas as he teaches high school students. Find the “Prepared with a Reason” curriculum at cph.org/prepared-with-a-reason-leaders-guide-digital-edition. 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 does the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) support Seminary families with school-age children? Libby Gutberlet (Chief Executive Officer of the Lutheran Elementary School Association, St. Louis, MO) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Concordia Seminary Family Student Scholarship Fund, the challenges families face when moving to St. Louis for seminary, how the Fund supports families of seminarians, how this scholarship Fund has made a difference for families and children, and how our listeners can support this fund. Learn more about LESA at lesastl.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.

What's happening this Advent and Christmas season at Peace Lutheran Church? The Rev. Robert Brown (Associate Pastor, Peace Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO) joins Andy and Sarah on the show as they celebrate Peace as our Church of the Week! They talk about all the exciting things happening at Peace this season, including Peace's Thanksgiving services, Christmas Tree Lot, Boar's Head Festival, Christmas at Peace concert, special German Service, Christmas services, and more! Find Peace Lutheran in St. Louis at peacelutheranstl.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.

11/23/2025

Suffering Servant / Colossians 1:13-20Get the episode here.                                                                                                                       

The Lord invites us to believe that He is our True Father and that we may ask anything of Him as dear children. We pray to our gracious God, clinging to His promises of salvation. It is only by Him that we can receive or do anything good. In obedience to the Lord's command, we come to Him in prayer with every need of ours and the needs of others. Thanks be to God that He not only hears our prayers but answers them! Rev. Lewis Polzin, pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Belgium, WI, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to begin a study of the Lord's Prayer as found in the Large Catechism. To learn more about St. Mark Lutheran, visit stmarklutheranbelgium.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. 

Prophecy / Luke 21:5-28Get the episode here.                                                                                                                      

How are students at Concordia University Wisconsin formed into church workers? Dr. Erik Ankerberg (President of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor) and Jeff Frosch (LCMS Admission Counselor at Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor) joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about why they love working for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor (CUWAA), the church work programs available at CUWAA, why church work programs are important for CUWAA, why CUWAA is a unique place for forming and training church workers, and how prospective students can discover more about CUWAA. Learn more at cuw.edu and cuaa.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.

How does Numbers point us to Christ, our conqueror and redeemer? The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry, Paul Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 3 of our series on his book Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers to talk about the account of Moses striking the rock to receive water, why God barred Moses from the Promised Land, the account of the bronze serpent and how this points to Christ, what we learn about Israel's relationship with other nations, and an introduction to Balaam and Balak. Find Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/hope-in-the-wilderness-practical-insights-from-the-book-of-numbers. 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 are the pillars of fire and cloud, and what is the Israelites' attitude in the wilderness? The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry, Paul Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 2 of a series on his book "Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers" to talk about the place of the Passover in Numbers, the pillar of cloud and fire, the attitude of the Israelites when they have been out of Egypt and slavery for a little over a year, and the accounts of the call to march, the spies in Canaan, and Korah's rebellion. Find Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/hope-in-the-wilderness-practical-insights-from-the-book-of-numbers. 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.

Nebraska District President Richard Snow shares the joys and challenges of serving as a DP, from walking with pastors and congregations to raising up the next generation of leaders. He reflects on conflict, communication, and why the future of the LCMS depends on deeper discipleship and greater trust in God's Word. 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.Richard's ChallengeDo what you've been given. Instead of worrying about what others should be doing, identify one practice you need to put into action this week and start doing it.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 EpisodeNebraska District LCMS: ndlcms.orgMission Ignition (Nebraska District initiative)Everyone His Witness (LCMS resource)Joining Jesus on His Mission by Greg FinkeLutheran Hour Ministries evangelism toolsRed Letter Living's Spiritual Gifts Test“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.

Join the LCMS Current!(bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentWhy do some LCMS churches thrive—and others decline?Pastor Thomas Marcis, 36-year pastor of Zion in Bismarck and a Synodical Reconciler, joins Lead Time to talk about church health, conflict, rural ministry, next-gen engagement, and why pastors must get out of their bubble and into the community.From coaching high school soccer to navigating LCMS conflict processes to preparing for pastoral succession after nearly four decades, Pastor Marcis shares practical, hard-won wisdom every pastor and church leader needs right now.In this episode:• The real reasons churches get stuck• Why conflict shouldn't surprise us—and how to handle it biblically• What suburban pastors don't understand about rural ministry• How community engagement changes congregational culture• Generation Z: what they're really looking for• Why long-term pastorates create both blessings and blind spots• Preparing a congregation for pastoral transition• What the LCMS gets right—and where we need reformIf you care about the future health of the LCMS, this conversation is essential.Catch On Fire PodcastsThis channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

How do we determine what is important? The Rev. Dr. Jon Furgeson (Senior Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 5 of our “Prepared with a Reason” series to talk about what axiology is and why it's important, how we even know what is important, how humans determine their values, how our approach to assigning value to something might change throughout our lives, worldly assumptions about what gives something value or importance, and what God's Word says about determining our values. Find the “Prepared with a Reason” curriculum at cph.org/prepared-with-a-reason-leaders-guide-digital-edition. 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 if you could identify every structural variant in your biologics—without ambiguity, without massive sample requirements, and without the guesswork that plagues traditional mass spectrometry? Cryogenic infrared ion spectroscopy (CIRIS) makes it possible, transforming molecular characterization from frustrating puzzle to precise science.Today's guest, Professor Tom Rizzo, bridges the gap between academic innovation and industrial application. As former Dean of the School of Basic Sciences at EPFL in Lausanne and now Chief Scientific Officer at Isospec Analytics, Tom has spent over two decades developing analytical techniques that solve problems conventional methods can't touch.His journey from a childhood fascination sparked by chemistry demonstrations at the 1964 New York World's Fair to pioneering a breakthrough technology reveals both the persistence required for true innovation and the pathway from laboratory curiosity to commercial reality. For bioprocess scientists struggling with glycan characterization, isomer identification, or any structural puzzle where mass spec alone falls short, this conversation offers both validation and solutions.Episode Highlights:The fundamental limitations of current biomolecular analysis methods and why innovation is critical (02:51)From World's Fair chemistry demos to laser spectroscopy: Tom Rizzo's path to analytical innovation (03:31)The two-decade quest to combine mass spectrometry sensitivity with laser spectroscopy precision—and the machine that finally made it work (04:26)Why Tom transitioned from academic leadership to Isospec Analytics: bringing lab techniques to production environments (09:17)CIRIS fundamentals: how cooling ions to 10 Kelvin unlocks molecular fingerprints that room-temperature methods miss (11:14)CIRIS advantages for biologics: single-ion sensitivity, isomer discrimination, and unique molecular "fingerprints" for definitive identification (14:25)Integrating CIRIS into existing bioprocess workflows: LC-MS compatibility and the path to commercial instrumentation (17:29)Hard-won lessons from translating academic breakthroughs into industrial tools (17:43)When mass spectrometry hits its limits—distinguishing isomers, characterizing glycans, identifying unknowns in complex mixtures—cryogenic infrared ion spectroscopy provides the structural resolution you need. This isn't incremental improvement; it's a fundamental expansion of what's analytically possible.If you're facing molecular identification challenges that conventional methods can't solve, or if you're curious how next-generation analytical techniques will transform bioprocess development, this episode delivers actionable insights from a scientist who's lived both the innovation and implementation journey.Connect with Tom Rizzo:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-rizzo-4a0a6314/Contact email: tom@isospec.chIsospec Analytics website: www.isospecanalytics.comNext step:Book a 20-minute call to help you get started on any questions you may have about bioprocessing analytics: https://bruehlmann-consulting.com/call

How can we view the medical and theological questions of IVF through the lens of Scripture? Dr. Donna Harrison (Director of Research, American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs) and the Rev. Dr. Scott Stiegemeyer (Associate Professor of Theology and Bioethics, Concordia University Irvine) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what in vitro fertilization (IVF) is and how it works, whether there are medical risks, how we define humanity according to Scripture, the moral and ethical complications surrounding IVF, alternatives to IVF, and how we can care for our neighbors who wish for children but have not been given that gift. Read the Lutheran Witness articles from both Dr. Harrison and Dr. Stiegemeyer at witness.lcms.org/tag/ivf. Also mentioned in this episode: Lutheran Ladies' Lounge episode on infertility: kfuo.org/2025/10/17/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-316-one-question-interview-infertility/ 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.

Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost - Church Service @ Redeemer Lutheran Fairhope LCMS

Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost - Church Service @ Redeemer Lutheran Fairhope LCMS

The Holy Spirit daily administers forgiveness and will continue to do so until the end. He increases holiness within the Christian Church that is not finished until Christ returns. There will be a time when forgiveness will no longer be needed. Until then, we see what we are to do as the baptized children of the Triune God who paid our ransom while still working on us. God continues to give Himself to us completely that we might live to His glory and rest in His grace! Rev. Nathan Scheck, Associate Pastor of St. John Lutheran, Seward, NE, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of the 3rd Article of the Apostles' Creed. To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit stjohnseward.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. 

How are church workers formed at Concordia University Chicago (CUC)? Dr. Russell Dawn (President of Concordia University Chicago) and Kyle Thoms (Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment at Concordia University Chicago) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about why they love being at CUC, the church work programs available at CUC and how each of them serves the church, why church work programs are important to CUC, and what makes CUC a unique experience for college students. Learn more about Concordia University Chicago at cuchicago.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.

How does the theme of “in between” that appears in Numbers relate to our present-day lives? The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry, Paul Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 1 of a series on his book Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers to talk about why we would want to read or study the book of Numbers, what this theme of "in between" is and how it relates to our lives, how the Lord speaks and what happens when He speaks, how the Lord's Word is different from the words of others, and what we learn from the words "holy" and "bless" in Numbers. Find Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/hope-in-the-wilderness-practical-insights-from-the-book-of-numbers. 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 comfort can believers find in the book of Revelation? The Rev. David Fleming (Associate Pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, MI, and Executive Director for Spiritual Care with Doxology: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why someone might invest time in reading the book of Revelation this time of year, where we find the real presence of God in Revelation, how we can prepare to read Revelation, themes to look for and helpful ways to approach the figurative language that is used, common pitfalls to avoid when reading Revelation, and how Revelation brings comfort to believers in Christ. Resources mentioned in this episode: Companion to Revelation (Martin Franzmann), ebook: cph.org/the-revelation-to-john-ebook-edition Concordia Commentary (Louis Brighton) on Revelation: cph.org/revelation-concordia-commentary 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.

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.

Join the LCMS Current!(bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentIn this episode, Dr. Jamison J. Hardy, President of the Concordia University System, joins Tim to discuss the exciting progress being made across LCMS universities — from record growth in church work enrollment to new scholarship initiatives and strategic partnerships.Dr. Hardy unpacks the $5,000 Church Work Scholarships, the refocus on Lutheran identity, and how the CUS is working with Set Apart to Serve and the seminaries to strengthen pathways for the next generation of pastors and teachers.They also discuss:- The latest on Concordia Ann Arbor- The push to unite around mission rather than division- Transparency in the “prior approval” process- What it really means to uphold “Lutheran identity”- How the LCMS can move forward together in love, truth, and courageThis candid, hope-filled conversation models how LCMS leaders can engage tough topics with both conviction and grace.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

What is a human being, and why do we exist? The Rev. Dr. Pete Jurchen (Assistant Professor of Lutheran Education and Faith Formation at Concordia University, Nebraska) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 4 of our “Prepared with a Reason” series to talk about what anthropology is and why he finds it interesting, some common assumptions in the secular view of origins and history of humans, how these views shape us even if we don't claim to believe the worldviews, why it's important to know where to properly place our identity, and how we can faithfully reply to secular assumptions of the history of humans. Find the “Prepared with a Reason” curriculum at cph.org/prepared-with-a-reason-leaders-guide-digital-edition. 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 does Lutheran Counseling and Family Services of Wisconsin (LCFS) support families through adoption programs? Carol Flanary, MS, LPC (CEO of Lutheran Counseling and Family Services of Wisconsin) joins Andy and Sarah during National Adoption Month to talk about the history of LCFS of Wisconsin, what brought them to the Youth Gathering over the summer and what they learned from interacting with the young people there, the services available through LCFS today, how they support the community through these services, why this work is important to Carol personally, and how they support pastors in their vocations. Learn more about LCFS of Wisconsin at lcfswi.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.

The Holy Spirit makes one holy by His Word. Sanctification is the understanding that the Holy Spirit makes us holy and leads us to live a holy life. The Spirit creates faith in Christ and then gathers His people into the Church. In this Church, He continues to bring salvation to sinners by the Word and still makes them holy. This holiness is brought by the clear proclamation of forgiveness in Christ (Word and Sacrament). “O Holy Spirit enter in, that Your people confess Christ as Lord, and they gather around Your gifts. Amen.” Rev. Nathan Scheck, Associate Pastor of St. John Lutheran, Seward, NE, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 3rd Article of the Apostles' Creed. To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit stjohnseward.org/home/church. 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. 

Information and Registration:https://www.psd-lcms.org/koinonia-gatheringThis special bonus episode of Lead Time features Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson, President of the Pacific Southwest District (LCMS), joining Pastor Tim Ahlman to announce a historic upcoming event — the Koinonia Gathering, January 7–8, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.The Koinonia Gathering isn't a debate. It's a moment for honest, face-to-face conversation among pastors and lay leaders across the LCMS — a space for listening, understanding, and unity in Christ.Tim and President Gibson unpack:- The heart and history of the Koinonia Project.- Why open, charitable dialogue is essential for our Synod's health.- What participants can expect from this Las Vegas gathering.Whether you agree or disagree on issues like pastoral formation, this is an invitation to talk, not type — to model Christlike love in disagreement and pursue the harmony our Synod longs for.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

What makes church worker formation programs at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE) unique for students? Dr. Bernard Bull (President of Concordia University, Nebraska) joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about how long he has served at CUNE and what he enjoys most about his role, the church work programs available at CUNE, why these programs are so important to him and to CUNE, what makes CUNE a unique place for students to be formed for future vocations, and how people with different personalities and skillsets can serve the church. Learn more about Concordia University, Nebraska at cune.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.

Dr. Rich Rudowske, Executive Director of Lutheran Bible Translators, unpacks why Bible engagement is declining in America, what research says about its impact, and why Scripture is vital for the flourishing of the church. Together we explore the global 2033 Bible translation goal and the unique opportunity the LCMS has to play a key role. 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.Rich's ChallengeRead your Bible every day, and take it a step further by reading with a group. Use an app like YouVersion, invite friends, and share comments to sharpen and encourage one another.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 EpisodeLutheran Bible Translators (LBT)God Speaks Challenge BookYouVersion Bible App (1 billion downloads milestone)Collective Impact Alliance (global Bible translation collaboration)American Bible Society research on Scripture engagementAugsburg Confession and the Lutheran Confessions“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.