Podcasts about LCMS

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. 

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

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

Word & Sermon Weekly – Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost – November 11, 2025 Malachi 4:1–6 2 Thessalonians 3:1–13 Luke 21:5–36 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 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.

All The Characters / Luke 20:27-40Get the episode here.                                                                                                                     

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.

It's the 3rd Annual KFUO Radio Pie Social! The Rev. Dr. Matthew Clark (Senior Pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO; Co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio; Card Carrying Member of The American Pie Council) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about pie! They eat varieties of pie and discuss favorite pie memories, favorite pie recipes, and why pie and food are good for connecting with others. ------------------------------------ Ode to Pie by Lisa Clark Apple, pumpkin, peach and cherry Baked inside a flaky crust . . . Choc'late silk and glazed strawberry, Rich black bottom is a must! Cream, meringue, and creamy custard, Crumb and lattice: works of art. With such options, don't get flustered; You could simply choose a tart! Twenty-third of January, Or the fourteenth day of March, Twenty-ninth of February, Underneath the Gateway Arch, Church potluck or at a wedding,  Even on KFUO: Where you're from or where you're heading,  Pie is ev'rywhere you go!  (c) 2025 Lisa M. Clark ------------------------------------ Cranberry Jam Pie from Sarah Gulseth Crust: 1.5 cups almond flour (superfine ground) 3 Tablespoons maple syrup 1 Tablespoon almond butter 1/4 tsp cardamom 1/4 tsp ginger 1/4 tsp salt Filling: 1 12oz bag cranberries (frozen) 2/3 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup water For the crust: Mix dry ingredients, then mix in maple syrup and almond butter. Mix until very stiff. Spread into 9" pie pan. Bake at 375 (regular oven) or 400 (convection bake) for 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove and cool. For the filling: Heat cranberries, maple syrup, and water in a saucepan on high heat until cranberries begin to pop. Turn heat down to medium-low, using a potato masher to smash the cranberries. When cranberries are fully mashed, turn heat to low and simmer while stirring until water is boiled off and the sauce is very thick. Remove from heat, let cool, and put it bowl to keep in refrigerator until ready to use. For serving: Scoop cold cranberry into pie crust and serve. 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. 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.

Join the LCMS Current!(bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentWhat if we could see how the LCMS is really doing — district by district?Today, Pastor Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor Jonathan Buescher, who compiled a comparative data study on all 35 LCMS districts — revealing surprising insights about membership, budgets, schools, and new church starts.They explore:- Which districts are growing and which are declining- How funding and schools correlate with church vitality- The future of circuits and district collaboration- Why contextualization (not compromise) is key to mission growth- What the data means for pastors, lay leaders, and the future of the LCMSCatch 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 know that things exist? The Rev. Dr. Mark Wood (Pastor of Shepherd of the Canyon Lutheran Church in Gold Canyon, AZ, former managing director of Church Planting, Renewal and Support for the LCMS Office of National Mission) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 3 of our “Prepared with a Reason” series to talk about how we know that things exist, what we do with the supernatural, when our cultural perceptions or understandings of the relationship between the natural and supernatural change, what makes existence purposeful and meaningful, and how to respond to worldly assumptions about existence. 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 do the Formula of Concord and Scripture have to say about election? 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 election that are addressed in November's readings. What were the disagreements on election at this time? What are important distinctions to remember when studying election? What other parts of Scripture should we study when meditating on election? Where do we see different views of election in church bodies today? 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. November | Election Week 1: Ep XI 1 (p. 497–498) SD XI 1–12 (p. 602–604) (Romans 1-2) Week 2: Ep XI 2–15 (p. 498–499) SD XI 13–32 (p. 604–607) (Romans 3:1-5:21) Week 3: SD XI 33–49 (p. 607–609) (Romans 6-8) Week 4: Ep XI 16–23 (p. 499–500) (Romans 9-11) 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.

11/2/2025

Setting The Table / Matthew 5:1-12Get the episode here.                                                                                                                    

Jesus Christ is Lord. To be Lord is to redeem sinners from the devil, death, and all evil. We commonly hear the question, “Is Jesus your Savior AND your Lord?” Luther makes sure that we do not distinguish between Jesus' salvation and His lordship but helps us realize that He is the full meal deal of forgiveness, life, and salvation. Jesus is our Savior and our Lord. He has made us His own, and we follow Him as He governs us by His righteousness, wisdom, power, life, and blessedness. Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 2nd Article of the Apostles' Creed. To learn more about Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, visit csl.edu. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

Episode 99 – Liturgies: Finding Meaning in Sacred RhythmsPastor Dan and Shane are back with a reflective and relatable conversation on liturgies—the words, prayers, and habits that give rhythm to our walk with Christ. From the creeds we confess to the coffee we brew, these patterns shape who we are and remind us of God's presence in all things.They explore why crafted words matter, how repetition shapes our hearts, and what it looks like to bring ancient rhythms into modern life.Don't forget to continue the conversation at home, in the car, at work, or anywhere you can find someone to talk to! Thanks for walking with us!Support the show

What's it like to be a student in a church work program at Concordia University Irvine? The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Ruehs (Assistant Dean of Christ College at Concordia University Irvine) and Carrie Donohoe (Director of LCMS Recruitment, Christ College Program Coordinator, and Assistant Director of LCMS Placement at Concordia University Irvine) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what they love about working at Concordia Irvine (CUI), why church worker formation is important to them and to CUI, the church work programs available at CUI and what makes them unique, what students would experience on a visit day, and how to take the next steps to learn more. Find Concordia University Irvine online at cui.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.

What do we learn about disability and the resurrection body from the works of Flannery O'Connor? The Rev. Dr. Scott Stiegemeyer (Associate Professor of Theology and Bioethics at Concordia University Irvine and author of "Disability and the Resurrection Body in Light of the Works of Flannery O'Connor" in the Concordia Theological Quarterly) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about who Flannery O'Connor was and the Southern Grotesque style she wrote, what value we find in reading things that shock us to reality, how Flannery O'Connor reacts to the Enlightenment personal autonomy mindset through her writing, what we learn from her perspective on disability and suffering, what we learn from Scripture and the Church Fathers on suffering and the resurrection, and where we find our ultimate hope. Download a PDF of Dr. Stiegemeyer's article at ctsfw.net/media/pdfs/StiegemeyerDisabilityAndTheResurrection.pdf or find the landing page for the article at media.ctsfw.edu/Text/ViewDetails/21656. 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 it look like to step into the role of Regional Business Manager in Eurasia? Sean McHugh (LCMS Regional Business Manager for Eurasia) along with his wife Hanna, and Anne Gonzalez (Manager, Lay Missionary Recruitment, LCMS Office of International Mission) join Andy and Sarah to share Sean and Hannah's stories of coming to Lutheranism, how they learned about opportunities to serve as missionaries with the LCMS, their journey to accepting the appointment as Regional Business Manager, what they've found valuable in their training and preparation to deploy in 2026, and what they're looking forward to as they get ready to serve. Learn more about the McHughs and how to support their work at lcms.org/mchugh. Find your opportunity to serve at servenow.lcms.org and lcms.org/careers! 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.

Michael Newman reflects on lessons from his ministry and leadership, the future of the LCMS, why trust and humility matter, and why discipleship is about doing the Word, not just hearing it. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today's episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International. Thanks to this week's sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.For only $40 a month, you can help change a child's life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we're using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.Mike's ChallengeLive out James 1:22. Don't just listen to the Word—do it. Take action this week that aligns your faith with your works.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 EpisodeTexas District LCMSGospel DNA by Michael NewmanJames 1:22Concordia University TexasEvangelist Training in Texas DistrictSee 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!(sign up now so you receive the next Edition release on Thursday!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentThe LCMS is wrestling with a familiar question: are we keeping distinctions or breaking barriers?What does healthy leadership look like in today's church?Dr. Ben Haupt, Global Executive Director of PLI (Pastoral Leadership Institute), joins Tim Ahlman to unpack the powerful “Square and Tower” metaphor — a framework that exposes the tension between movement and institution, freedom and structure, and mission and maintenance in the Church.Together, they discuss:- Why both the Square and the Tower are necessary for a thriving LCMS- How Jesus modeled Kingdom leadership beyond institutional control- What the early church teaches us about multiplying leaders- How PLI is equipping thousands globally to lead with courage and adaptability- The dangers of over-centralization, control, and “over-resourcing”- Why the next era of ministry demands entrepreneurial discipleshipThis episode is a masterclass in adaptive, Spirit-led leadership — especially for pastors and church leaders navigating tension between innovation and tradition.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

What is truth, and how can we know it? The Rev. Dr. James Pierce (pastor of Emmaus Lutheran Church in Pasco, WA, and Messiah Lutheran Church in Basin City, WA) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 2 of our “Prepared with a Reason” series to talk about how we define truth and how we know it's true, whether talking about truth is too academic for real life discussion, why it matters if we know what truth is, what we know about the study of truth (epistemology), and how we respond to worldly assumptions about truth from the Word of God. 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 Are We Celebrating? / Romans 3:19-28Get the episode here.                                                                                                                   

What makes leadership training for youth in the church so valuable? Julianna Schults, DCE and Program Manager of Resources and Leadership for LCMS Youth Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what happens during YouthLead training, why it's important, and how empowering youth equips them to lead in their communities. She also shares details about the upcoming YouthLead Training and YouthLead Servant Event happening in 2026. Learn more and register at lcms.org/youthlead. 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.

God the Father created heaven and earth; nothing and no one else is equal to Him. He constantly preserves us in all that we need to support this body and life. We humbly receive all that He gives and remember that He protects us from evil out Fatherly goodness and mercy. “Lord God, open our eyes that, in faith, we may remember that all we possess is a gift from You and give thanks for your goodness. Help us to steward your gifts so that all our doings and life may be pleasing to You. Lord have mercy. Amen.” Rev. Peter Schmidt, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Waukesha, WI, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 1st Article of the Apostles' Creed. To learn more about Beautiful Savior, visit beautifulsaviorwaukesha.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 did two brothers both end up in church work programs at Concordia University, Nebraska? Daniel Ascher (sophomore at CUNE in Secondary Education, Science) and Luke Ascher (freshman at CUNE in Elementary Education) join Andy and Sarah to continue our conversation with the Ascher siblings! The brothers share where they grew up and when they began to consider church work, who encouraged them to pursue church work in college, how growing up in a ministry family (along with their sister Elizabeth) influenced them to consider church work vocations, what life is like for them at CUNE, and their advice for other young adults considering church work vocations. Hear our previous conversation with Elizabeth (Ascher) Henschen at kfuo.org/2025/09/12/coffee-hour-091225-set-apart-to-serve-formation-to-serve-as-a-high-school-teacher. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How can we study the Nicene Creed for its historical and theological significance? The Rev. Timothy J. Winterstein (pastor of University Lutheran Church on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and author of Worshiped & Glorified: A Study of the Nicene Creed from CPH) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what creeds are and what we mean when we say we confess something, why it's important to have a clear confession, why the Nicene Creed is significant in church history, the controversies it addresses, how the Nicene Creed has been used in the life of the Church, and why it matters that we still recite it today. Find Worshiped & Glorified: A Study of the Nicene Creed from CPH at cph.org/worshiped-and-glorified-a-study-of-the-nicene-creed. 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.

Early detection saves lives, but today's tools are often invasive, slow, or used too late. In this episode, Breath Diagnostics CEO Ivan Lo explains how a non-invasive breath test can detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with disease—positioning breath as a first-line screen for early-stage lung cancer and potentially pneumonia and TB. We cover the science (why breath can capture near real-time biological change), sensitivity/specificity signals from 800+ patients, and a go-to-market/regulatory plan that prioritizes post-op pneumonia (shorter trials, no entrenched standard of care) before lung cancer screening. We also discuss platform economics (low-cost disposables, existing LC-MS infrastructure), trial scale and cost, and how breath could support ongoing monitoring after treatment. Investors get a clear view of timelines, risks, and upside; founders get lessons on platform positioning, capital efficiency, and sequencing indications. Highlights include...Why breath (VOCs) can surface disease signals minutes–hours after biological changeFirst-line screening thesis vs. liquid biopsy and CT workflowsEarly data: ~94% sensitivity / 85% specificity across 800+ patients (lung cancer context)Regulatory path: post-op pneumonia first (faster FDA route), lung cancer nextUnit economics: low-cost cartridge + existing LC-MS labs (hub-and-spoke)Clinical design: trial scale, costs, and companion-diagnostic “cocktail” potentialPlatform beyond oncology: pneumonia, TB, inflammation, RUO for pharmaChapters00:00 Intro & why early detection needs a rethink00:47 What Breath Diagnostics does (the “breath bag”)03:34 VOCs 101: why breath can be earlier than blood06:41 First-line screen vs. confirmatory tests08:19 Will this be ubiquitous at annual visits?11:53 Commercialization path & funding realities12:37 Pneumonia first: faster FDA route14:09 Lung cancer timeline & business model15:34 Hospital economics & pneumonia savings18:24 Trial scale/costs; disposable chip economics20:34 Team, funding strategy, and sequencing22:08 Early data and a “false negative” biopsy case24:12 TAM & eligibility (20M Americans qualify)25:06 What success looks like (2–3 years)27:00 Investor closing thoughts

What does deaconess service look like in Asia and Germany? Deaconess Sandra Rhein (serving the Lord in Asia as a Sacred Music Educator) and Deaconess Kim Bueltmann (serving the Lord in Germany as a missionary in Leipzig and Chemnitz) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their recent projects and some mission work highlights, how deaconesses are perceived in Asia and the Philippines specifically, challenges they face and how the Lord provides through them, and the exciting things happening in both of their regions. Learn more about Deaconess Rhein at lcms.org/rhein and Deaconess Bueltmann at lcms.org/bueltmann and facebook.com/DeaconessKim. Find out how you can serve at servenow.lcms.org. Deaconess Rhein is leading a tour of Germany! Learn more in "Lutheran Women on a Journey" on Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578587306443 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 lessons from his sabbatical, why leadership rhythms matter, and how local churches and institutions can build trust together for the future of the LCMS. He also talks deeply and personally about what it was like to be silenced on his own podcast, how it feels to be misunderstood, and what he said to LCMS President Matthew Harrison. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.Today's episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International. Thanks to this week's sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.For only $40 a month, you can help change a child's life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we're using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.Tim's ChallengeDisciple one and be discipled by one. Find a Timothy you can pour into, and a Paul who can pour into 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 EpisodeChrist Greenfield Lutheran Church: christgreenfield.churchUnite Leadership Collective: uniteleadership.orgConfessing Jesus Mission (forthcoming book, 2026)Lead Time PodcastThe Tim Ahlman PodcastGospel DNA by Mike NewmanUnstuck Group (Paul Alexander)Serving Challenge by Zach ZehnderVoices mentioned: President Matthew Harrison, President Tom Egger, Brian Wolfmueller, Mike Gibson, Ryan BarlowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings from Pastor Tim?Join the LCMS Current: https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentThe LCMS is wrestling with a familiar question: are we keeping distinctions or breaking barriers?Pastor Tim Ahlman, Jack Kalleberg, and Pastor Jonathan Dinger return to one of Lead Time's most popular conversations—this time reframed around access.- What does it mean to create access to the Gospel without compromising theological depth?- How do local contexts—from Arizona to Idaho—shape the way churches live out the confessions?- And what happens when fear, control, or mistrust shape our leadership more than faith and freedom?

Why should and how can adults and young adults be prepared to enter challenging conversations in the public square? The Rev. Dr. Mark Wood (Pastor of Shepherd of the Canyon Lutheran Church in Gold Canyon, AZ, former managing director of Church Planting, Renewal and Support for the LCMS Office of National Mission) and Dr. Lisa Clark (Senior Editor, Curriculum Resources, Concordia Publishing House) join Andy and Sarah for episode 1 of our "Prepared with a Reason" series to talk about why a curriculum on being prepared for challenging personal and public conversations was important for CPH to create, some scenarios that exemplify the need for education and training in this area, the topics covered in "Prepared with a Reason," how the curriculum prepares us in each of these topics, how this curriculum is different from other apologetics curriculum from CPH, and what readers and listeners can expect to learn. Find the curriculum at cph.org/prepared-with-a-reason-leaders-guide-digital-edition. Other helpful books mentioned by Pastor Wood include: The Universe Next Door: ivpress.com/the-universe-next-door Naming the Elephant: ivpress.com/naming-the-elephant 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 "feeling" of God's call, teaching former God-haters, Paul addresses the Corinthian church, and the LCMS having a "PR problem".   Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity, Deut. 10:12–21, 1 Cor. 1:(1–3)4–9, Matt. 22:34–46