Podcasts about LCMS

What is it like to serve overseas as a Regional Business Manager with the LCMS Office of International Mission? Regional Business Managers Joyce Erber (Africa Region), Stan Stigdon (Latin America and the Caribbean Region), and Sam Borgwardt (Asia Region), along with Rev. Dr. Mark Rabe, Director of Missionary Recruitment for the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy to talk about their roles as Regional Business Managers in the field, including how they serve on the field and some of the duties they have, who they get to work with, how their work supports those they serve alongside in their regions, what they've come to appreciate about the cultures in which they serve, and what makes a great candidate for service as a Regional Business Manager in the LCMS Office of International Mission. Find opportunities to serve at servenow.lcms.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.

How do we equip youth with the tools to weather life's ups and downs? Dr. Belinda Karge (professor in the School of Education at Concordia University Irvine), Dr. Kara Bratton (assistant professor in the School of Education at Concordia University Irvine), and Dr. Jeremiah Stokes (licensed psychotherapist, owner and clinical director of Stokes Counseling and Consulting in Maitland, Florida, and adjunct professor at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Resilient Minds Curriculum for Middle School and High School from Concordia Publishing House. They discuss the state of mental health among youth in the U.S. today; where the idea for this curriculum came from; and how each of them became connected to the project. They also explain how the curriculum equips students to face life's challenges, how teachers are supported in helping students manage mental health in healthy ways, and what makes the Christ-centered approach of Resilient Minds unique. Learn more and find the curriculum at teachthefaith.cph.org/resilient-minds. 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.

Much To Teach / John 16:12-22Get the episode here.                                                                                    

Acts 11:1-18 / Revelation 21:1-7 / John 16:12-22Get the episode here.                                                                                                

Word & Sermon Weekly – Fifth Sunday of Easter – May 18, 2025 Acts 11:1–18 Revelation 21:1–7 John 13:31–35 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

The Office of the Keys is an aid to all believers in the battle against sin and provides consolation for those with a guilty conscience. The Roman Church taught that those who confessed all their sins to a confessor would find comfort. Enthusiasts looked within for a good conscience, apart from the Word of God. However, we know that God does not deal with us in any way other than through His spoken Word and Sacraments. By this same Word, the binding key is meant to call sinners to repentance in the promise of reconciliation in Christ. “Lord God, bring us to repentance by Your Holy Spirit and drive us back to Christ for His forgiveness through our pastor as from Christ Himself. Lord have mercy. Amen.” Rev. Paul Cain, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and headmaster of Martin Luther Grammar School in Sheridan, WY, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study confession and excommunication. To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit immanuelsheridan.blogspot.com/. 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. 

What have you always wanted to know about LCMS International Missions (but were maybe afraid to ask)?   In this second International Missions 101 conversation, Erin draws on insights from her day job as Director of Short-term Mission for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to answer common questions about how the LCMS equips and sends missionaries and engages in missions throughout the world.   How does the LCMS do missions? What is the central focus and goal of all mission activities? How do we decide where to plant new missions? What kinds of people become missionaries (are they all pastors?), and what kind of work do they do?   To learn more, check out the following links:   International Mission – The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod  LCMS International Mission Facebook Page How you can serve: Missionary Service – The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod  Short-term mission opportunities: Serve Now – Mission service opportunities  Erin's *other* podcast: 5 Minutes with a Missionary Archives – KFUO Radio  Coffee Hour episodes with missionaries: Short Term Mission Stories  Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

How does an entire family become involved in church work vocations? David Beikmann (principal and teacher at Linn Lutheran School, Linn KS, moving to Zion Lutheran School in Pierce, Nebraska), his wife Diane Beikmann (Lutheran teacher) and daughter Camryn Beikmann, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about who encouraged each of them to pursue church work, David's time serving at Linn Lutheran School, the chapel service at Linn Lutheran that focused on Set Apart to Serve, how David and Diane have created a culture of church work formation and recruitment at Linn Lutheran, Camryn's journey into church worker formation at Concordia University, Nebraska, and the letter of intent she signed to attend CUNE for Lutheran Teacher Education. 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.

There so many ways Christians can serve and live out their vocations. The church also needs professional church workers! In this episode, Rev. Dr. Jim Baneck talks about how youth ministry can encourage young people to consider church work.   Bio: Rev. Dr. Jim Baneck is the executive director of LCMS Pastoral Education. In this role, he encourages the spiritual, character, confessional, physical, emotional and intellectual development of LCMS pastors and other church workers. He and his wife, Myrna, live in St. Louis and are blessed with four grown children and ten grandchildren.    Resources: Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Set Apart to Serve: https://www.lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve 

How does Jesus use parables to teach the Truth of God? The Rev. Dr. James Fickenscher, assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Lay Bible Institute "And He Spoke Many Things to Them in Parables" happening August 2 at Concordia Seminary, including what a parable is, what is unique about the parables of Jesus, faithful approaches to interpreting parables, how Jesus uses parables to teach the Truth of God, and what attendees will learn at the Lay Bible Institute. Learn more and register  at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/lay-bible-institute. 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.

Are work and Sabbath polar opposites? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode on chapter 3, they discuss how the “Protestant Work Ethic” affects how we consider work, our culture's “therapeutic” mindset, how the concept of being “made to work” is affected by the fall, the ways in which work and Sabbath are related, how we define and categorize work, whether work is part of what it means to be human, and what we learn about vocation from Luther's teaching. Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play. 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.

Dan and Jordan begin a reading club (sort of) by starting to talk through "Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry" from the LCMS.If you'd like a copy of this resource, reach out to AFLC Youth Ministries, or head over to Amazon.

What's it like to graduate from a Concordia University? The Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy (President, Concordia University System) and the Rev. Dr. Douglas Spittel (Vice President, Concordia University System) join Andy to talk about Graduation 2025, including what happens at graduation ceremonies around the Concordia University System, other activities surrounding graduation, and the outlook for future church workers and others heading towards careers and the workforce. 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.

Where do we see traces of Puritanism in today's American religious landscape? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 9, we come to the end of this series to learn about the relationship of the Quakers to the Puritans, the founding of Harvard and Yale Universities, and where we see traces of Puritanism in today's American religious landscape. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. 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.

Today we are joined by Sam Landon as he shares his story of growing up LCMS Lutheran and converting to Catholicism in college. Sam grew up in east Tennessee but has lived in Chicago since 2017. He received his Master's Degree in Religious Studies, specializing in New Testament and Early Christianity, from the University of … Read More Read More

The Problem / John 10:22-30Get the episode here.                                                                                   

Acts 20:17-35 / Revelation 7:9-17 / John 10:22-30Get the episode here.                                                                                               

The Sacrament of the Altar and the Office of the Keys were sticking points for many in the Church during the 1530s and still are today. In addressing these doctrines, the Concordians made sure their words were very clear: Christ has given us these gifts to be faithfully given to sinners. Misunderstandings about Christ's presence in the Sacrament, overly sophisticated thought on how the Sacrament is Christ's body, and confusion over who can forgive sins remain common today, calling for a return to the clear words of Christ. Rev. Sean Willman, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hillsdale, MI joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Sacrament of the Altar and the Keys. 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. 

John 10:22–30 Fourth Sunday of Easter May 11, 2025Experience deep biblical comfort in this Good Shepherd Sunday sermon from LCMS Pastor Balla, based on John 10:22–30. In “Held in the Hands of God,” discover the powerful promise that Jesus Christ, the risen Shepherd, holds His sheep with divine strength and eternal care. This Lutheran sermon proclaims the unshakable security believers have in Christ, rooted in His Word, His death, and His resurrection. Whether you're seeking assurance of salvation, struggling with doubt, or looking for a confessional Lutheran message of grace, this sermon offers hope and truth grounded in Scripture. Perfect for Mother's Day and the Easter season, this Christ-centered message emphasizes God's faithfulness, the power of the Gospel, and the unity of the Father and the Son. Subscribe for weekly Lutheran sermons, LCMS preaching, and encouragement rooted in the ESV Bible. Watch now and be reminded: You are held in the hands of God, and no one can snatch you away.

What is life like as an Early Childhood Educator in a Lutheran School? Gretchen Gosch (1st grade teacher at Unity Ridge Lutheran School in Denison, IA), Heather Nitzel (2nd Grade teacher at Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School in Spencer, IA), and Chelsea Adams (Kindergarten teacher at Mt. Olive Lutheran School in Des Moines, IA) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their journeys to becoming Lutheran teachers, what they love about teaching, and specifically, teaching in Lutheran schools, what motivates them in their vocations through the good and bad days, who encouraged them to pursue becoming a Lutheran educator, and how their schools form future church workers. 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.

It's a graduation celebration! Sarah Gulseth (Digital Media Manager, co-host of The Coffee Hour and The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Podcast) join Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms to talk about her journey to getting a master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University Irvine's Townsend Institute, including how her career path has changed over the years, why she decided to go back to school, why she chose Concordia Irvine and this program in particular, what she's learned through her coursework, and how this knowledge has benefitted her and the entire KFUO team. Listen to Sarah's study notes from her graduate courses on the "Sarah Goes to School" episodes of The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge podcast at kfuo.org/tag/sarah-goes-to-school and find more information on CUI's Organizational Leadership programs at the Townsend Institute at cui.edu/townsend/programs/masters/organizational-leadership. 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 does Jesus say and show us about the true significance of the Sabbath? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode on chapter 2, they discuss why God chose to rest on Day 7 of creation, whether rest equals inactivity, what we learn about rest from God delighting in His creation, how the Third Commandment includes both our vertical relationship with God and our  horizontal relationship with creatures, how Jesus is the Sabbath Incarnate, and the Sabbath rest to come. Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play. 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.

Who were Increase and Cotton Mather, and what happened with the Salem Witch Trials? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 8, we learn about the influence of both Increase and Cotton Mather (including how they got their names), the religious context in Salem, and what happened during the Salem Witch Trials. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. 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.

From Ignorance / Acts 9:1-22Get the episode here.                                                                                  

The Gospel is God's work through Christ's death and resurrection for the sake of our forgiveness, life, and salvation. This Gospel is lavishly generous with His gifts: spoken Word, Baptism, the Sacrament of the Altar, the Office of the Keys, and the mutual consolation of the saints. By His grace, God provides these gifts, so that His people might receive this undeserved salvation. Rev. Joshua Willadsen, pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church, Fort Smith, AR and Trinity Lutheran Church, Sallisaw, OK, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Gospel and Holy Baptism. 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. 

Experience the power of the risen Christ in this Easter sermon titled “From Empty Nets to Abundant Grace and Truth,” based on John 21:1–14. Pastor Balla of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) explores the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias, drawing rich, biblical insight into how Christ meets us in our emptiness and fills our lives with His grace. This Gospel-centered message is perfect for those seeking a Christ-focused sermon, confessional Lutheran preaching, or an uplifting Second Sunday of Easter devotion.Learn how Christ restores, provides, and feeds His Church — not only with daily bread, but with His very Body and Blood. Whether you're searching for LCMS sermons, Law and Gospel preaching, Easter season messages, or biblical teaching on Holy Communion, this sermon will deepen your faith and point you to Christ crucified and risen.Subscribe for weekly Lutheran sermons grounded in the ESV Bible, emphasizing Word and Sacrament, the real presence in the Lord's Supper, and the comfort of Christ's finished work for you.

The Thinking Fellows continue discussing the issue of a Lutheran identity crisis. This week, they deal with the moniker: confessional. They define confessional and explain why it is essential to Lutheranism. They also cover how the term has been used within specific movements in American Lutheranism, particularly the LCMS, to bludgeon people over a reasonable disagreement. Overall, Lutherans must subscribe to the Lutheran Confessions and thus be confessional, but it is not necessary to be involved in the gatekeeping that "confessional" movements can participate in today.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman  

Donna Laughlin (Principal of Immanuel Lutheran Church & School in Batavia, IL) and Sue Domeier (Principal of Zion Lutheran Church & School in Marengo, IL) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their respective journeys into school administration, why they love being educators in Lutheran schools, and what encourages them to keep going every day. They also share what it looks like to build relationships in their unique contexts, including what a strong foundation of healthy relationships allows them to accomplish.  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.

Just received a PFAS Notice at home? Don't panic - let's go through it together! #️⃣ All the Links Mentioned in this Video #️⃣ Johns Hopkins study on PFAS in Bottled Water: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34118648/ Study on PFAS in Beer: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40272161/ The Toronto Paper on LCMS to detect PFAS at ppt levels: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ac0100648 Decline in vaccine efficiency linked with blood PFAS levels: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22274686/ Increased cholesterol linked with PFAS in blood: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3116641/ Pregnancy disorders linked with PFAS: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35696844/ The AWWA vs EPA lawsuit: https://www.awwa.org/resource/pfas/ Tapscore's PFAS screening test: https://mytapscore.com/products/epa-8327-pfas-screen-water-test 10 PFAS questions answered: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dlH0RSCtH0

What does Scripture tell us about Law & Gospel? 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 Law and Gospel that are addressed in this month's readings. Why is Law and the Gospel an article in the Formula? What isn't the Gospel? What is Gospel Reductionism? What are some take aways to keep in mind when reading Law & Gospel this month? Why is proper understanding of Law and Gospel important in “soul care”? 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. May | Law & Gospel Week 1: Ep V 1 (p.484) SA III, Article 2 (p.271-272) Week 2: Ep V 2-10 (p.484-485) SA III, article 4 (p.278) Week 3: SD V (p.552-557) Week 4: Ep V 11 (p.485) Links mentioned in this episode: Confessional Subscription: What is Quia?  Confessional Subscription: Why is a Quia Subscription Still Vital for the Church Today?  Confessional Subscription in the ELCA: Past & Present Confessional Subscription in the AFLC  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.

If you have been a Christian for even a brief time you know that Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches clearly that salvation is by grace through faith. But ask ten different people to define faith, and you may get ten different answers! In this episode, Pat and Mike talk about matters related to faith. What is it? What about faithfulness? Do people really oppose sola fide? Resources mentioned in this episode: - What is Faith by J. Gresham Machen - The Giver of Life by J.V. Fesko - Subjective and Objective Justification from LCMS

What does Sabbath teach us about who we are—and what we're made for? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode, covering the introduction and chapter 1, they discuss why Dr. Biermann chose to write this book, why it matters that we understand what “Sabbath” means, the relationship between person and purpose (telos), Luther's context for writing the explanation to the Third Commandment, the fundamental principle for understanding both the commandment and the Sabbath, and how the Sabbath was built into the very rhythm of creation. Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Tim Ahlman shares important commitments being made to increase unity in the LCMS regarding pastoral formation discussions, explaining his decision to step back from public commentary on this topic while pursuing appropriate denominational channels for dialogue.• Tim commits to no longer discussing LCMS pastoral formation on his podcasts or promoting non-Synod-approved leadership training programs• Christ Greenfield Lutheran has historically served as a mentoring congregation for pastoral students in various LCMS programs• The congregation had been exploring alternative leadership development approaches while maintaining transparency about their methods• Recent confusion arose over a commissioning ceremony that was misinterpreted as an ordination• Tim will pursue the formal LCMS dissent process, organizing a private "fellowship of peers" for constructive dialogue• Both Tim and Chris affirm their commitment to the LCMS while seeking to address the shortage of pastors (over 700 vacant pulpits)• They emphasize creating "dialogue not discord" while honoring established ecclesiastical structures• The goal remains supporting the work of LCMS seminaries while exploring how to meet the church's growing leadership needsSupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

What is a prelude, and why does it happen (or not happen) before a church service? Dr. Mark Bender (retired Minister of Music from St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Des Peres, MO), Phillip Magness (Cantor at Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, MO) and Cheryl Magness (Managing Editor of Reporter with LCMS Communications and International Center chapel musician) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what a prelude is and why we have it, how a person in the pew can make good use of the prelude, the thought and preparation that goes into picking and playing the prelude, whether there are times when it is more suitable to not have a prelude, and helpful ways to appreciate this musical offering. 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 did the fracturing of Christianity in Old England affect how churches were founded in New England? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 7, we learn about changes occuring in Old England affecting New England's religious landscape, the fracturing of Christianity in Old England, the secret Roman Catholic King of England and resulting secret partnership with France, Increase and Cotton Mather in New England, and the Church in Massachusetts. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. 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.

4/27/2025

A Bad Rap / John 20:19-31Get the episode here.                                                                                

Serious Business / Acts 5:12-20Get the episode here.                                                                                 

Repentance apart from Christ leads only to death. The Roman church had a very detailed system of repentance: contrition, confession, and satisfaction. Although the system was well defined, the premise for it began with the misunderstanding that a person could make their own satisfaction for sins. Yet we know that only Christ makes satisfaction for our sins, and, in faith, we confess, knowing that Christ truly forgives our sins on account of His cross. Sin always remains in us, but in Christ, it never reigns over us! Rev. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TX joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of repentance in the Smalcald. 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. 

Birgitte Katerine Boye (1742–1824) was a prolific and accomplished Lutheran poet, hymnwriter, and playwright in her native Denmark. In this episode — part Story Time, part Hymn Sing, part ode to Scandinavian Lutheranism — Sarah shares her story with a world that has largely forgotten her.   In and around rabbit trails on Mahler's Second Symphony, single-stanza festival hymns, and the wonderfully named Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock, Sarah examines the life and hymnody of this extraordinary Lutheran lady, with a special focus on the three Boye hymn lyrics that have appeared in recent LCMS hymnals: “Rejoice, Rejoice This Happy Morn” (LSB 391), “He Is Arisen! Glorious Word” (LSB 488), and “Holy Spirit, God of Love” (TLH 230).   For further reading, check out the following resources:  Birgitte K. Boye | Hymnary.org  He Is Arisen! Glorious Word — The Hymnal Project  Lutheran Service Book 391. Rejoice, rejoice this happy morn | Hymnary.org  Lutheran Service Book 488. He is arisen! Glorious Word! | Hymnary.org  The Lutheran Hymnal 230. Holy Spirit, God of Love | Hymnary.org  Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

Attorney Kurth Brashear doesn't shy away from addressing the challenging governance issues facing the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod today. Drawing from his extensive experience in both church leadership and legal practice, he offers a candid assessment of how the church's governance structures sometimes hinder rather than help our shared mission.• Developing a heart for church mission comes from understanding that God wants all people to be saved• The "clearinghouse concept" facilitates sharing of synodical resolutions across districts to improve communication• Prior approval process lacks transparency, leading to mistrust and uncertainty within church leadership• Many church leaders fear speaking openly about opportunities for improvement due to potential repercussions• Term limits for synodical officers would remind us that no one is irreplaceable in God's mission• Current electoral system gives equal weight to congregations regardless of size, creating representation imbalances• Commissioned ministers' voices need greater recognition in church governance and decision-making• Primary focus should remain on the 98% we agree on rather than the 2% where we differ• Healthy organizations handle difficult conversations well rather than avoiding themThe Balance of GrayGod, doubt, and proof walk into a podcast... it goes better than you'd expect!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

What is it like to serve as a Lutheran school principal? Sarah Popp (Principal of Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School in Spencer, IA) and Cory Emily (Principal of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church and School in Des Moines, IA) join Sarah to talk about how they serve as principals in their respective schools, who encouraged them to become educators, why they love their work and especially serving in a Lutheran school, what keeps them going even through challenging times, and how a Lutheran environment provides a unique space for them as administrators. 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 Adam Koontz talks about the history of women's suffrage in the LCMS, obstacles to fellowship with WELS, and whether the LCMS will ever ordain women. Check out What God Has Joined Together Visit our website - A Brief History of Power Dr Koontz - Redeemer Lutheran Church Music thanks to Verny

What is unique about Concordia University Wisconsin's approach to engineering education? Subha Kumpaty, D.Min., Ph.D. (Engineering Program Chair for Concordia University Wisconsin) and Lucas Kearny (Concordia University Wisconsin Industrial Engineering Student) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the increase of interest in careers in engineering, how CUW is meeting the need for engineering education, the newest program in Mechanical Engineering, how students gain hands-on practical experience and real-world preparation in this program, and what Lucas has experienced so far in his program. Learn more about CUW Engineering programs, specifically the new Mechanical Engineering degree, at cuw.edu/academics/programs/mechanical-engineering-bachelors/index.html. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How are international students brought into community with Lutherans around the world? Sue Hasselbring (Ministry Catalyst for International Student Ministry, Inc.) and Ken Bickel (Board President for International Student Ministry, Inc.) join Andy and Sarah to talk about why International Student Ministry exists and how they serve students, how each of them got involved, what occurs through each ISM site, and information about two upcoming events: In Depth Bible seminar and Equipping Conference. Learn more about International Student Ministry, Inc., and how to get involved at isminc.org or by contacting sue@isminc.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.

Deaconess Sandra Rhein, Sacred Music Educator in Asia for the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Easter hymns! Learn about Lutheran Service Book 458 "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands," Lutheran Service Book 476 "Who Are You Who Walk in Sorrow," and Lutheran Service Book 466 "Christ is Arisen, Alleluia." Read Deaconess Rhein's story and how to support her work at lcms.org/rhein. This episode originally aired on April 6, 2021. 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 happens when the church in New England grows and the Halfway Covenant is established? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 6, we learn about Roger Williams and Rhode Island, declension of the church, issues that start to arise in New England, and how the Halfway Covenant was established. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. 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.

Repentance has two parts: first, contrition—sorrow for sin—and second, faith in the Gospel. The Lord delivers His Law as a thunderbolt and hammer, striking the heart and stirring it toward newness of life. True contrition is not merely sorrow for sin but the realization that we deserve death because of it. In faith, we repent, knowing that there is One who will save us from this body of death. The goal of repentance is always forgiveness and hope in Christ. God calls us to repentance, daring us to believe that He will give exactly what He promises: forgiveness, life, and salvation in Christ. Rev. David Buchs, pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven, MN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study repentance in the Smalcald. 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. 

Tim and Jack welcome Tyree Toney (aka Lex Lutheran) to discuss his transition from a Baptist background to confessional Lutheranism, the Wittenberg Project, and opportunities for growth and enhanced mission within the LCMS.• Lex shares his journey from a Baptist upbringing through Catholicism and Methodism before finding his home in confessional Lutheranism• The Wittenberg Project began as an online effort to provide Black Lutheran representation and theological perspective• Discussion of collaboration opportunities between LCMS congregations rather than operating independently• Exploring the tension between traditional and contemporary worship while maintaining Lutheran distinctives• Insights on how Lutheran churches can better welcome people across different cultural backgrounds• Addressing the challenges of the Lutheran "brand" and whether to emphasize or downplay denominational identity• The importance of building an online presence for Lutheran theology in a digital-dominant world• Reflections on congregational growth strategies and learning from innovations in other denominationsAshley T Lee PodcastAshley T. Lee Podcast will cover many life issues such as overcoming stress, anxiety...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Dr Adam Koontz talks with guest Pr Joseph Beran about educating pastors, church planting, demographic decline, and more. Check out the Maier Conference and What God Has Joined Together Visit our website - A Brief History of Power Dr Koontz - Redeemer Lutheran Church Music thanks to Verny