Podcasts about Synod

What would you do if you lost your keys?...

“You just gotta believe!”...

Have you ever bitten into a bland meal...

Jesus never sugarcoated discipleship...

Jesus had a way of thinning crowds...

It's not always easy to forgive...

The LCMS wrestles with real division — often labeled “confessional vs. missional.” But is the deeper tension actually between Barrier Breakers and Distinction Keepers?In this episode, Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller joins Tim and Jack for an honest dialogue about the state of the Synod — and whether conversations like this podcast are helping or hurting. Together they explore:- What drives “barrier breakers” and “distinction keepers”- Why polarization happens inside the church- How confession and absolution can restore unity

Life is full of choices...

Did you ever have anyone dump a bucket of cold water over you...

The Bible describes Jesus as an advocate...

Sometimes your work will go unnoticed...

In this episode of The Lutheran History Podcast, we talk with Dr. Timothy D. Grundmeier about his recent article, “Pennsylvania's ‘Youthful Daughter': Reexamining the Early History of the Wisconsin Synod,” featured in the Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly (Spring 2025). While many are familiar with the Wisconsin Synod's early ties to German mission societies and eventual fellowship with the Missouri Synod, Dr. Grundmeier highlights an often underappreciated chapter in WELS history: its formative partnership with the Pennsylvania Synod. Drawing on rich archival sources, he paints a fuller picture of how eastern Lutherans supported and shaped the growing church in the Midwest through financial aid, pastoral connections, and shared theological commitments. This episode invites listeners to reflect on the blessings of intersynodical cooperation and the broader roots of confessional Lutheranism in America.Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018. Ben has been a regular writer and presenter on various Lutheran history topics. His 2018 thesis on Wyneken won the John Harrison Ness award and the Abdel Ross Wentz prize. He is also the recipient of several awards from the Concordia Historical Institute.Ben is currently a doctoral student in historical theology through Concordia Seminary's reduced residency program in St. Louis. ...

“Walk humbly with your God”...

You are the Son of God's honored guest...

Imagine that you are at a wedding reception...

Twelve months ago we heard the sobering news of a significant attendance drop in Sydney Anglican Churches. Over the decade from 2013 to 2023, weekly attendance fell by 7% – and when you factor in population growth, attendance was 14% behind.At last year's Sydney Anglican Synod, the mood was serious. A resolution was passed calling for confession and humble repentance – acknowledging that their hadn't been sufficient priority, attention, reflection, or resources to seeing the lost saved by Jesus. Synod called for a five-year focus to reverse the decline – putting prayer, evangelism, church health, and leadership development at the very centre of priorities.Ahead of this year's Synod, there is a response. The Standing Committee appointed a subcommittee, led by the Archbishop, to bring forward concrete proposals. And what they have come back with is significant:A galvanising target – to pursue 5% annual growth through conversion for the next five years.A range of initiatives and actions designed to support churches, leaders, and congregations in this mission.Our guests are Pete Stedman, senior minister at Norwest Anglican Church, and a member of the Archbishop's subcommittee that has proposed the new goal, Jon Kwan, lead pastor at St. David's Forestville and Jo Gibbs, senior consultant with Reach Australia.The Church Cothechurchco.com is a website and app platform built specifically for churches. Advertise on The Pastor's HeartTo advertise on The Pastor's Heart go to thepastorsheart.net/sponsorSupport the show

In his world, humility rules...

What would Jesus do?...

How can we comprehend an enduring future...

Support the show

But Jesus knows the devil's schemes...

How was Set Apart to Serve part of summer activities for youth around the Synod? The Rev. Dr. James Baneck (LCMS Executive Director of Pastoral Education and Set Apart to Serve) joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about the extensive summer travel that took SAS around the country, the work he sees other people doing to recruit future church workers, why SAS is such a passion for him, and an important message for our listeners. 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.

The first episode of the 2025-26 season of WELSTech is unlocked! Martin and Sallie kick off with a Lutheran-flavored AI theme for the season and share resources to assist with school AI policies. Sallie has a random pick of the week, and Martin shared Gmail keyboard shortcuts. All this and more. Let's go! The discussion […]

Some have called the Valleys of Kashmir “Heaven on Earth.”...

The North American Final Document for the Continental Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod was recently released. It marks the end of the Continental Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. Read the document and learn more at https://www.usccb.org/synod. Before reciting the "Regina Caeli" prayer April 16, Pope Francis spoke about the day's Gospel reading and how the wounds still visible on the Risen Lord are signs of God's love and a call to the church to welcome all who have been wounded into the church, the body of Christ. Read more at CNS Rome: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/people-wounded-life-should-find-welcome-church-pope-says.

In my 21st-century lifestyle...

The Catholic bishops of the United States are preparing to meet in Orlando, Florida for their spring plenary assembly. Agenda items include the upcoming Synod on Synodality, a new national pastoral plan for Hispanic ministry, a plan for the ongoing formation of priests, the 2025-2028 USCCB strategic plan, revisions to certain English liturgical texts, and more. Watch the plenary assembly either live or as video-on-demand at www.usccb.org. The bishops of Florida have appealed a planned execution. Catholic Current spoke with Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy of the Catholic Mobilizing Network about alternatives to the death penalty. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the USCCB, asks for prayers as Pope Francis recovers from recent abdominal surgery.

As millions of students return to school after summer break, Bishop Thomas Daly of Spokane spoke with Catholic Current about the importance of Catholic Education. He is chair of the Committee on Catholic Education, which provides guidance for the educational mission of the Church in the United States in all its institutional settings. Learn more at https://www.usccb.org/committees/catholic-education. With its Rome bureau founded in 1950, Catholic News Service has been providing complete, in-depth coverage of the popes and the Vatican for more than 70 years. CNS-Rome Bureau staff members Carol Glatz and Justin McLellan joined Catholic Current to discuss what it is like working as a journalist in the Vatican and what we can look forward to in the upcoming Synod. Read the latest from CNS Rome at https://www.usccb.org/newsroom?f%5B0%5D=type%3A9043.

The bishops' plenary assembly held its first public session on June 15th in Orlando, Florida, where the bishops have gathered for fraternal dialogue and listening. Among the agenda items was the advancement of the local cause of beatification and canonization of the five Shreveport martyrs, who heroically ministered to victims of an 1873 yellow fever epidemic in Shreveport, LA. Several of the presenters spoke about the ongoing Synod on Synodality (https://www.usccb.org/synod) and the Eucharistic Revival (https://www.usccb.org/resources/welcome-national-eucharistic-revival).

On July 9, Pope Francis named twenty-one new cardinals, including two with deep ties to the United States: U.S.-born Archbishop Robert Prevost, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. The cardinals-designate will be installed during a consistory in Rome on September 30. The Vatican has released names of several hundred participants in the upcoming Synod on Synodality in October. Along with bishops and cardinals from around the world, the Holy Father personally appointed other participants, including some non-bishop voting members. Catholic Current spoke with Archbishop Paul Etienne of Seattle, one of delegates appointed by Pope Francis.

The working document for the Synod of Bishops in October was released by the Vatican on June 20th. The document will form the basis for the discernment and discussion for the participants of the first session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held in October 2023 in the Vatican. Read the CNS story (https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/synod-document-asks-how-increase-unity-participation-mission-outreach). Press release (https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/usccb-welcomes-release-instrumentum-laboris-first-session-xvi-ordinary-general-assembly). The Archdiocese of St. Louis held its second annual ‘Forgive Us Our Trespasses' Maafa and prayer service to remember enslaved persons and acknowledge the archdiocese's involvement with the institution of slavery. Read the story from the St. Louis Review (https://www.archstl.org/-forgive-us-our-trespasses-maafa-and-prayer-service-remembers-enslaved-persons-8740). Learn about the USCCB Subcommittee on African American Affairs (https://www.usccb.org/committees/african-american-affairs) and the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism (https://www.usccb.org/committees/ad-hoc-committee-against-racism). Pope Francis blessed a four-foot-tall monstrance for the U.S. National Eucharistic Congress in 2024 and spoke about how at Mass that morning he was thinking about Jesus' great gift of himself in the Eucharist, a gift that nourishes and consoles believers. Read the CNS story. Learn more about the Eucharistic Revival at (https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/) Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, spoke with Catholic Current about the gifts and challenges of the Catholic Church in the United States.

At the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, Cardinal Wilton Gregory and Archbishop Timothy Broglio celebrated a special Mass on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to pray for the Synod, as requested by Pope Francis. The Synod enters its global phase in October of this year. Learn more about the Synod at www.usccb.org/synod. The Vatican Dicastery for Communication has provided a new reflection on social media. Find that document at www.vatican.va/roman_curia/dpc/documents/20230528_dpc-verso-piena-presenza_en.html. During his General Audience on May 31, Pope Francis spoke about the need to live a life that is consistent with our faith.

Can you rattle off the names of your great-great-grandparents?...

Released 2023.11.14 The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gathered for the 2023 Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, November 13-16. Among the speakers were Apostolic Nuncio to the United States Cardinal Christophe Pierre and President of the USCCB Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio. Watch the livestream and read related materials at https://www.usccb.org/plenary-assembly-november-13-16-2023. Catholic Current also spoke with recent delegates to the Synod on Synodality about their experience in Rome. Learn more about the Synod on Synodality at https://www.usccb.org/synod.

Released 2023.11.02 In response to the escalating Israel-Hamas war, Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace, renewed his call for peace. Read his full statement: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/statement-us-bishops-international-justice-and-peace-chairman-continued-violence-holy As war continues in Ukraine, the Holy See has expressed its ongoing commitment to pursuing peace. We spoke with Bishop Vitaly Kryvytsky about his experience as bishop of Kyiv-Zhytomyr. Learn about the Collection for The Church in Central and Eastern Europe: https://www.usccb.org/committees/church-central-eastern-europe November is Native American Heritage Month. Learn about the work of the USCCB Subcommittee on Native American Affairs, whose mission is to enhance the relationship of the Catholic Native American/Alaska Native communities with Jesus Christ and His Church in the United States. https://www.usccb.org/committees/native-american-affairs Since the Hamas attacks earlier this month, and in the wake of boldly proclaimed rhetoric and the increase of actions of religious hatred in the United States, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Religious Liberty issued a sharp rebuke and called for peace. Read the full statement: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/us-bishops-religious-liberty-chairman-speaks-out-against-religious-hatred

Released 2023.10.26 Pope Francis invited all people of faith to join him on October 27th for a day dedicated to prayer, fasting, and penance for peace and reconciliation in Israel and Gaza. Watch the CNS video: Pope: War is always a defeat. Read the letter from Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, to his entire diocese: https://www.lpj.org/posts/letter-to-the-entire-diocese.html October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Read the U.S. Bishops' pastoral letter, When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women. Catholics For Family Peace Education and Research on Domestic Abuse provides education, resources, and research that help Catholics promote peace within families and to recognize and respond with compassion to domestic abuse. Visit https://www.catholicsforfamilypeace.org/ to learn more and download resources. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has been participating in the assembly of the Synod of Bishops and shared with CNS some of his thoughts about the monthlong experience. Read “USCCB president talks about his synod experience.” Participants in the Synod on Synodality have approved a Letter to the People of God giving thanks for their experience, detailing the work of the past few weeks, and expressing the hope that in the coming months, everyone will be able to "concretely participate in the dynamism of missionary communion indicated by the word 'synod.'"

Released 2023.10.19 Pope Francis invited all people of faith to join him on October 27th for a day dedicated to prayer, fasting, and penance for peace and reconciliation in Israel and Gaza. Watch the CNS video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiuzrjveGv4 The bishops of the United States launched a mental health campaign on October 10th, Mental Health Day. It is a time when people from many nations are seeking to raise awareness and remove the stigma around issues concerning mental health. The bishops invite people to pray a special Novena for Mental Health. Watch : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR9s8jAcqik As the Synod on Synodality continues in Rome, Catholic News Service has spoken with participants about their experiences: • WATCH: At the synod on synodality, Cardinal Tobin said a more inclusive church would better spread the Gospel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK7nKJYa88g • WATCH: Cardinal Cupich said the synod on synodality is advancing the place of women in the church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWrbp9v5tYI • WATCH: Synod leaders respond to hopes and fears about their work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTXUSmP3Ho

Released 2023.10.06 Pope Francis told the church's 21 new cardinals, including one born in the United States, that the key to evangelizing is to "cherish in our hearts the wonder and gratitude" of having heard the Gospel message and of knowing that they, like all Christians, still must grow in faith. Read the CNS story: Creating cardinals from 16 nations, pope asks them to join church 'symphony'. Watch the CNS video ”Cardinals for a Synodal Church”, an interview with Cardinal Prevost, and an interview with Cardinal Pierre. In Pope Francis' new document on the climate crisis, he urges everyone to "move beyond the mentality of appearing to be concerned" and to have "the courage needed to produce substantial changes." Catholic Current speaks with Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Chair of the Domestic Justice and Human Development Committee, about environmental concerns. Learn more about the USCCB's work to promote care for our common home at www.usccb.org/environment. Read the CNS Story: Pope, in document on climate crisis, criticizes science 'deniers.' Read Laudate Deum. Catholic Current speaks with Antonia Salzano Acutis, mother of Blessed Carlo Acutis who is patron of the National Eucharistic Revival. Learn about Eucharistic Miracles of the World – an initiative led by Carlo Acutis as a teenager. Pope Francis opened the assembly of the Synod of Bishops on October 4th, 2023, with a Mass in St. Peter's Square. Read the CNS story: Pope addresses fears around synod: 'Not a political gathering'. Watch videos from CNS Rome: Pope: The church has stopped to listen and Pope: Trust God, don't fear the synod. Learn more about the synod at https://www.usccb.org/synod and visit https://www.usccb.org/newsroom for the latest news on the Synod.

The big moment was near...

Go to church...

Tom Logue - August 24th 2025 When Jesus is transfigured, His disciples are transformed. This week, Tom continues our King and His Kingdom series in Matthew 17 with the story of the Transfiguration. As Peter, James, and John encounter Jesus in His glory alongside Moses and Elijah, they discover that Jesus is supreme—greater than the Law, greater than the Prophets, and worthy of our full attention. Tom unpacks how these “mountaintop moments” of revelation fuel a faith that endures suffering, doubt, and hardship. Every disciple needs these life-marking encounters with Jesus to persevere, and God graciously provides them. Learn more about our church: https://restoredtemecula.church Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restoredtemecula and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restoredtemecula #Matthew17 #Transfiguration #JesusIsSupreme #SpiritualFormation #FaithThatEndures #RestoredTemecula Share this message with someone who needs to hear it. Chapters (00:00:00) - Welcome Home: Restored Church(00:00:35) - A Father's Love Letter(00:01:47) - Just back from... South Africa!(00:06:48) - The Spiritual Realm(00:07:41) - Matthew 17, The Spirit of Experience(00:08:17) - The King This Kingdom(00:09:57) - Jesus Selected Peter, James and John(00:12:43) - Jesus' Backpacking Trip(00:13:42) - Jesus the Nazarene(00:16:09) - Playing the piano at the Synod(00:18:48) - The Same Tune For Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star(00:19:56) - Matthew 17: Song of the Israelites(00:22:47) - Jesus' Prophets in the Transfiguration(00:25:42) - Jesus is Supreme(00:26:47) - Joe Rogan: Christian Men Listen to Joe Rogan More Than(00:28:32) - Jesus Was Transfigured(00:33:27) - How the Transfiguration Changed My Life(00:34:32) - Has Jesus Been Transfigured in Your Heart?(00:41:54) - Revelation fuels faith that endures the hardest stuff(00:47:30) - Jesus' Transfiguration Moments(00:54:19) - Holy Spirit(00:58:20) - Prayers for the Lonely

We have one who has run the race in our place...

Fire can warm or destroy...

How vulnerable is your church or school to hacking? On this episode of WELSTech learn why vigilant training on threat avoidance is important in ministry settings and find links to available (and many times free) resources to assist with those efforts. Sallie shares a family friendly YouTube channel and Martin has some hardware to detect […]

God doesn't want you to see hardship as punishment for sin...

When you face opposition, remember he faced worse for you...

Yes, the gospel. causes division..

When Jesus was born, angels filled the sky...

Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, takes some time during the Gathering to talk about Christ's life and Christian love for all human life.   Bio: The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison has served as president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) since 2010. As president, he is the chief ecclesiastical supervisor of the Synod and is responsible for the ministries directed by LCMS International Center staff, including the Office of International Mission and its nearly 150 missionaries serving around the globe. Before becoming president, Harrison served for nine years as executive director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care (2001–2010), which expended over $100 million for mercy efforts done in the clear name of Christ. These efforts included caring for people after 9-11, Katrina and many hurricanes, the great Asia tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and many other disasters and humanitarian efforts. Harrison also managed relationships with some 120 LCMS Recognized Service Organizations and other inter-Lutheran social ministry organizations, worked in consultation with LCMS partner/sister churches to build capacity during numerous mercy outreach efforts, and managed LCMS pro-life efforts. From 1995 to 2001, Harrison served as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. Prior to that, he served St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Westgate, Iowa (1991–1995). Ordained in 1991, he has served in a number of elected and appointed positions in the LCMS and on various entity boards of directors. Harrison is co-founder and chairman of the board of The International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg (Old Latin School), which hosts some 40 students and church planters from the European Union and beyond who are studying to become ordained pastors. In addition, Harrison chairs the board of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty and serves on the executive committee of the International Lutheran Council. Harrison is also active in the prolife movement and frequently speaks at such events. A native of Sioux City, Iowa, Harrison holds a bachelor's degree in religious studies from Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. He attended Concordia University, Nebraska, in 1984. He has M.Div. and S.T.M. degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Harrison has pursued additional graduate study at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Furthermore, he has received honorary doctorates from Concordia University Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Since 2010, Harrison has served as assistant pastor of Village Lutheran Church, Ladue, Mo. He has translated and edited five volumes of essays and letters by Lutheran theologian Hermann Sasse (published through Concordia Publishing House [CPH]). He has also revised C.F.W. Walther's The Church and the Office of the Ministry (CPH) and written several other books, including Christ Have Mercy, A Little Book on Joy and At Home in the House of My Fathers. Harrison has been married to Kathy (Schimm) Harrison since 1981, and they have two sons (Matthew M.L. married to Courtney, and Mark M.C. married to Tara). The Harrisons have two grandchildren, Rosie and Shiloh. In his spare time, Harrison enjoys reading, writing, vintage Jeeps, old banjos and books, and — most of all — time with family. Resources: Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life  Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

God wants us to get the Word out...