The Concordia Publishing House Podcast: Recent Episodes
Concordia Publishing House
Welcome to the Concordia Publishing House Podcast where we consider everything in the light of Jesus Christ who is the same today, yesterday, and forever. Hosted by Elizabeth Pittman.
In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Dr. Andrew E. Steinmann to discuss his latest book, co-authored with Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing, Wrestling with God: Understanding Difficult Old Testament Passages. Andrew makes the case for why the Old Testament is indispensable to the Christian faith, and walks through some of Scripture's most perplexing passages — from the mysteries of Job to the hidden hand of God in Esther.
Episode Timestamps
0:00 — Introduction & Welcoming Dr. Andrew Steinmann Back
1:52 — Why We Shouldn't Skip the Old Testament
4:00 — Wrestling with Perplexing Passages in Job
7:00 — Proverbs 8 and Christ's Role in Creation
8:00 — Understanding How Numbers Are Used in the Old Testament
12:00 — Where Is God in Ruth, Esther, and Song of Songs?
17:00 — Coincidence or Providence? God Behind the Scenes in Esther
19:00 — Discovering the Trinity Throughout the Old Testament
23:00 — The Aaronic Benediction and the Three Persons of God
25:00 — Advice for Those Struggling with Difficult Passages
27:00 — The Writing Partnership Behind Wrestling with God
29:00 — Closing
About the Guest
Dr. Andrew Steinmann taught at Concordia University Chicago as a Distinguished Professor of Theology and Hebrew beginning in 2000 until retiring in July of 2023. At Concordia, he taught a wide variety of classes, including Hebrew I and II, Hebrew Readings, Readings in Hebrew, and Introduction to the Old Testament. His research interests are focused on Hebrew, Aramaic languages, apocalyptic literature, wisdom literature, and biblical chronology. Throughout his career, Dr. Steinmann has written over 50 articles and book reviews that have been published in national and international journals. He serves as a regular guest on numerous radio programs. Dr. Steinmann holds the following degrees: PhD, Near Eastern Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; MDiv, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana; BSChE, chemical engineering, University of Cincinnati. Dr. Steinmann is married to Rebecca.
Resources Mentioned
Wrestling with God: Understanding Difficult Old Testament Passages by Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing and Dr. Andrew E. Steinmann — cph.org
Concordia Publishing House: Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org
Follow CPH on social: @concordiapub
LCMS Foundation: Helping congregations grow long-term funding to support ministries 👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast
In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with returning guest Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing to discuss his latest book, co-authored with Dr. Andrew E. Steinmann, Wrestling with God: Understanding Difficult Old Testament Passages. Reed shares why we shouldn't skip or soften the Old Testament's hardest passages — and what we gain when we lean into them instead.
Episode Timestamps
0:12 — Introduction & Welcoming Reed Lessing Back
1:52 — Why We Shouldn't Skip or Soften the Old Testament
4:00 — What Still Perplexes the Scholars: Long Lifespans & the Trinity
5:50 — The Challenge of Distance: Hebrew Language Barriers
8:00 — Understanding Violence in the Old Testament
14:00 — Modern Israel vs. Biblical Israel: A Grievous Confusion
21:00 — The Key Question: Who Is Israel?
22:00 — Why the Church Skips the Psalms of Lament
26:00 — Where Reed Turns for Comfort in Hard Times
28:00 — What Didn't Make the Cut
29:45 — Encouragement for Those Wrestling with Scripture
33:00 — Looking Ahead: The Next Book in the Trilogy
34:00 — Closing
About the Guest
Dr. R. Reed Lessing is the The Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. He also serves as the University’s Director for the Center of Biblical Studies and oversees the University’s Pre-Seminary Program. Previously he was Senior Pastor at Saint Michael Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and before that, Professor of Exegetical Theology and Director of the Graduate School at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and received the B.A. in pre-seminary studies from St. John’s College, Winfield, Kansas, in 1981. He earned his M.Div. (1985), S.T.M. (1989), and Ph.D. (2001) degrees from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He was ordained into the office of the holy ministry on June 29, 1986. From 1986 to 1999, he served pastorates in West Monroe, Louisiana, and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Resources Mentioned
Wrestling with God: Understanding Difficult Old Testament Passages by Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing and Dr. Andrew E. Steinmann — cph.org
Concordia Publishing House
Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org
Follow CPH on social: @concordiapub
LCMS Foundation
Helping congregations grow long-term funding to support ministries 👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast
In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Rev. Dr. Leonard Payton, author of Prayerful Living in a Post-Christian Culture. Dr. Payton brings pastoral wisdom and biblical depth to the challenge of faithful Christian living amid cultural upheaval.
Episode Timestamps
0:12 — Introduction
1:52 — Dr. Payton’s Ministry Context: Pastoring in a Progressive Community
3:15 — How a Weekly Newsletter Became a Book
4:30 — A “What and Why” Book, Not a How-To
5:15 — Citizens of Heaven: Nationalism, Patriotism & Ultimate Allegiance
7:15 — Intercessory Prayer as the Christian’s Most Powerful Cultural Tool
10:30 — Prayer as a Priestly Act: Finding Peace Amid Cultural Chaos
11:32 — The Three Systemic Evils: Idolatry, Sexual Perversion & Greed
15:00 — Personal and Communal Repentance in a Fragmented Society
16:16 — Looking Ahead: A Less Anxious, More Prayerful Church
17:26 — Closing: The Battle Is Already Won
About the Guest
After spending many years as a church musician, Rev. Dr. Payton attended Concordia Theological Seminary and entered the ministry. He now serves at St. John Lutheran Church in Forest Park, Illinois. He has been happily married to Lori, his childhood sweetheart, since 1979, and they have four children and nine grandchildren. He likes to garden and to share that passion in their congregation’s community garden.
Resources Mentioned
Prayerful Living in a Post-Christian Culture by Rev. Dr. Leonard Payton — cph.org
Concordia Publishing House: Bringing you God’s enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org
Follow CPH on social: @concordiapub
LCMS Foundation: Helping congregations grow long-term funding to support ministries 👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast
In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Dr. A. Andrew Das, author of Dinner with the Doctor: Luke’s Gospel for the Hungry. Dr. Das brings his scholarly expertise to a broader audience, guiding readers through the unique voice, motifs, and theology of Luke’s gospel. He explores Luke’s distinctive emphasis on food, women, and possessions; the meaning of “today” in Luke’s theology of salvation; the importance of reading scripture in its first-century context; and how the book serves both pastors and laypeople hungry for deeper engagement with God’s Word.
Episode Timestamps
0:49 — Introduction
1:42 — Each Gospel Writer's Unique Voice
5:11 — Luke's "Today" — A Different Theology of Salvation
7:25 — Luke's Unique Motifs: Food, Women & Possessions
9:58 — Reading Luke in His First-Century Context
13:36 — The Rich Man and Lazarus: Wealth & the Possessions Motif
16:23 — Dr. Das's Favorite Lucan Passages
17:52 — How to Use This Book: Pastors & Lay Readers
20:05 — The Art of Good Biblical Interpretation
23:02 — What's Next: A Preview of Mark's Gospel
25:08 — Closing & Where to Find the Book
About the Guest
Dr. A. Andrew Das is the Niebuhr Distinguished Chair and professor of religious studies at Elmhurst University. He has authored several books with leading publishers in biblical studies, including Paul and the Stories of Israel (Fortress, 2016); Galatians, Concordia Commentary (CPH, 2014); Solving the Romans Debate (Fortress, 2007); Paul and the Jews (Hendrickson, 2001); and Paul, the Law, and the Covenant (Hendrickson, 2001). Dr. Das is also researching key women and their leadership in the Pauline communities and writings. Dr. Das received graduate degrees from Yale University and Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. He also did doctoral work at Duke University. He teaches in biblical studies, early Christianity, and Second Temple Judaism.
Resources Mentioned
Dinner with the Doctor: Luke’s Gospel for the Hungry by Dr. A. Andrew Das — cph.org
Concordia Publishing House: Bringing you God’s enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org
Follow CPH on social: @concordiapub
LCMS Foundation: Helping congregations grow long-term funding to support ministries 👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast
How do we actually raise our children in the faith? In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Rev. Dr. W. Mart Thompson, author of Family Discipleship with Christ. Dr. Thompson maps out a partnership between the home and the congregation that is both theologically grounded and practically usable. He draws on Luther’s Small Catechism, extensive field research, and his own experience of daily prayer with his family to help parents and pastors understand what faithful, grace-filled family discipleship looks like in today’s changing cultural landscape.
Episode Timestamps
1:51 — Introduction — Welcome & book overview
2:30 — The quest begins — a seminary student’s question that launched a lifetime of research
5:00 — Map and compass — the Lewis & Clark framework for navigating family discipleship
8:00 — The compass of new creational wisdom — God’s design, sin, and grace working together
11:30 — Defining family discipleship — the partnership of home and congregation
14:00 — Starting with common ground — the bold claim that all parents want the best for their children
17:30 — Secular liturgies — how culture forms children’s hearts away from Christ
21:30 — Parents as the primary faith-formers — why God has creationally positioned them for this work
24:30 — The Flathead Lake aha moment — Luther’s catechism as a daily family prayer book
29:00 — The congregational paradigm shift — from church-centered to a home-and-congregation partnership
33:30 — Seven things for the congregation, seven for the home — the map in practice
37:30 — Tools in the book — the family audit, family mission statement, and bibliography
41:30 — All kinds of families — how this approach serves non-traditional and single-parent households
44:00 — Closing encouragement — there is always more grace in Christ
About the Guest
Rev. Dr. W. Mart Thompson is associate professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He presents at workshops and conferences on the vocation of raising children in the faith and is the project manager for the Family Discipleship Initiative at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in partnership with the Concordia Center for the Family. Prior to being called to the seminary, he served as a campus pastor, sole pastor, and senior pastor. Mart, and his wife, Cheryl, are blessed with three children who are married and have children of their own, in whose homes the legacy of family discipleship continues.
Resources Mentioned
Family Discipleship with Christ by Rev. Dr. W. Mart Thompson — cph.org
Dr. Thompson’s blog post on family discipleship (a dialogue between a professor and a seminary student, forthcoming) — concordiatheology.org
Concordia Publishing House: Bringing you God’s enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org
Follow CPH on social: @concordiapub
LCMS Foundation: Helping congregations grow long-term funding to support ministries 👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast
We live in a world that constantly tells us to look inward — to follow our heart, trust our feelings, and find our identity within ourselves. But Christians are called to a completely different posture. In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Rev. Joshua Pfeiffer, author of Lift Your Eyes: How to Live Outside Yourself. Pastor Pfeiffer draws on Lutheran theology and cultural analysis to help us understand what it means to lift our eyes up to God and out to our neighbor — and why that posture changes everything about how we live the Christian life.
Episode Timestamps
1:51 — Introduction — Welcome & book overview
2:00 — The spiritual posture of looking: how the Nicene Creed sparked the idea for the book
5:00 — Expressive individualism: what it is and how it shapes both culture and the church
9:30 — Pastoral approach: helping people find their identity in Christ rather than in self-expression
12:30 — Two realms and two kinds of righteousness: the Lutheran theological foundation of the book
16:00 — Looking up — faith, worship, and lifting our eyes to Christ in the divine service
20:30 — Looking out — love within the Christian community and why it has a special priority
27:00 — Looking inward rightly — self-examination, mortification, and avoiding the downward spiral
32:00 — Looking forward — the resurrection hope and living with one eye on the horizon
35:30 — How Pastor Pfeiffer hopes readers and congregations will use the book
About the Guest
Rev. Joshua Pfeiffer is pastor of the Tarrington Lutheran Parish in the southeastern state of Victoria in Australia, where he lives with his wife, Kimberley, and their four children. He served various congregations in Australia before moving to the United States for graduate studies. He hosts a YouTube channel and enjoys mountain biking, hiking, golf, and other outdoor activities.
Resources Mentioned
Lift Your Eyes: How to Live Outside Yourself by Rev. Joshua Pfeiffer — cph.org
Concordia Publishing House
Bringing you God’s enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org
Follow CPH on social: @concordiapub\
LCMS Foundation – Helping congregations grow long-term funding to support ministries👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast
Shame affects us all — but do we truly understand it? In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Rev. Dr. John Kleinig, author of From Shame to Glory: God’s Surprising Remedy for Injustice and Failure. Dr. Kleinig draws on decades of pastoral experience to help us understand what shame is, how it differs from guilt, and how Jesus frees us from its weight through baptism, Holy Communion, and the blessing of the Church.
Episode Timestamps
1:51 — Introduction — Welcome & book overview
2:00 — Guilt vs. shame: the key differences — behavior vs. identity, actions vs. wounds
9:00 — What caused Dr. Kleinig to start thinking about shame?
13:50 — Dr. Kleinig’s story: his Wendish ethnic minority background and experiences of discrimination
25:30 — How Jesus frees us from shame: Holy Communion, the blood of Christ, and John the Baptist’s words
29:00 — Jesus as the Lamb of God who bears and carries the sin of the world
33:00 — The divine service as the ongoing remedy for shame; blessing vs. absolution
34:10 — Encouragement for listeners struggling with shame — and how to use the book
About the Guest
Rev. Dr. John Kleinig is professor emeritus at Luther College, Adelaide, SA, Australia. He received his M.A. and Ph.D. from Cambridge University, Doctor of Divinity from Fort Wayne (1998) and Concordia University, Irvine (2014). He is the author of numerous articles and books. Dr. Kleinig and his wife, Claire, have four children and many grandchildren.
Resources Mentioned
From Shame to Glory: God’s Surprising Remedy for Injustice and Failure by Rev. Dr. John Kleinig —
cph.org
Concordia Publishing House
Bringing you God’s enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org
Follow CPH on social: @concordiapub
LCMS Foundation – Helping congregations grow long-term funding to support ministries: 👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast
May 27th, 2026, marks the 350th anniversary of the death of Paul Gerhardt — one of the most beloved hymn writers in the history of the Lutheran Church. In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Peter Reske from the CPH music team for a deep dive into Gerhardt's life, his enduring hymns, and the faith that sustained him through one of history's most devastating eras. Grab your hymnal and join us.
Episode Timestamps
1:51 — Why talk about Paul Gerhardt? Previous episodes & the 350th anniversary
5:21 — Overview of Gerhardt's 17 hymns in Lutheran Service Book (grab your hymnal!)
10:44 — Paul Gerhardt's biography: Early life, the Thirty Years' War & Wittenberg
14:42 — "A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth" (LSB 438) — hymn as drama
25:28 — "Entrust Your Days and Burdens" (LSB 754) — comfort, acrostic structure & Psalm 37:5
37:04 — Mittenwalde, the altarpiece & the origin of "O Sacred Head Now Wounded"
44:53 — "Rejoice My Heart, Be Glad and Sing" & closing reflections
46:43 — New CPH release: Gerhardt Hymns for SAB Choir by Kevin Hildebrand
Preview the new collection of hymns at cph.org/paul-gerhardt-hymns-for-sab-choir.
About the Guest
Peter C. Reske is senior editor of music/worship at Concordia Publishing House, where he has served since 2004. He holds degrees in English literature from Marquette University and in musicology from The Pennsylvania State University. In addition to his ongoing role overseeing music publications for CPH, he was the editor of Lutheran Service Book (2006) and its attendant resources, editor of The Hymns of Martin Luther (2016), and editorial advisor for One and All Rejoice (2020). With Joseph Herl and Jon D. Vieker, he was co-editor of Lutheran Service Book: Companion to the Hymns (2019).
Concordia Publishing House – Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org
Follow CPH on social: @concordiapub
LCMS Foundation – Helping congregations grow long‑term funding to support ministries: 👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast
What can a 19th-century history of a 16th-century Lutheran school teach us about education today? More than you might expect.
Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Jr. joins us to discuss a new translation from Concordia Publishing House — The History of the Gymnasium and Educational Institutions of Wittenberg, written in 1830 by Franz Spitzner. The Wittenberg Latin School was one of the first distinctly Lutheran classical schools, born out of the Reformation. Dr. Veith wrote the preface to this volume, and today he helps us understand not only the school's fascinating history, but why it's essential reading for anyone who cares about classical Christian education in our own time.
0:00 — Introduction & Welcome to the Concordia Publishing House Podcast. Sponsored by the LCMS Foundation.
1:42 The History of the Old Latin School, as told in the History of the Gymnasium and Educational Institutions of Wittenberg, written in 1830 by Franz Spitzner.
2:42 —Dr. Veith sets the scene: how Luther and Melanchthon built the first classical Lutheran school in Wittenberg — bringing literacy and education to ordinary people for the first time.
8:08 — Why Classical Education Matters Today. The philosophical crisis driving today's educational decline: postmodernism's rejection of objective truth, and how classical Christian education offers a grounded alternative.
11:06 — Education for All: Luther's Vision Luther's radical idea that every child deserved a full "liberal" education. A baptized child of God is worthy of the best.
15:35 — Vocation, Freedom, and Social Mobility. How education enabled social mobility and the development of vocation — not just as a job, but as service to God and neighbor in every area of life.
17:25 — The Prussian Reforms and the Decline of Classical Education. How Frederick William III's authoritarian reforms dismantled classical Christian education, invented the modern research university, and set education on a path away from truth.
24:50 — Why Parents Must Be Invested in Their Children's Education. Preparing children not just for work, but for citizenship, faith, and the next generation. Why parents — not schools alone — are the key to passing on what is precious.
Learn more about The History of the Gymnasium and Educational Institutions of Wittenberg.
About the Guest
Gene Edward Veith Jr. is a retired English professor and college administrator, most recently at Patrick Henry College and Concordia University Wisconsin. He is the author of twenty-seven books, including Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Authentic Christianity: How Lutheran Theology Speaks to a Postmodern World; Christianity in an Age of Terrorism, and God at Work. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas and currently lives in St. Louis with his wife, Jackquelyn. He has three grown children and twelve grandchildren.
Concordia Publishing House – Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org
Follow CPH on social: @concordiapub
LCMS Foundation – Helping congregations grow long‑term funding to support ministries:
👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast
How did our modern culture get here—especially when it comes to sex, marriage, and family life? In this episode, Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Dr. Erkki Koskenniemi, a Finnish Lutheran pastor and scholar, to explore how closely today’s world mirrors the ancient Greco-Roman world. Drawing from history, Scripture, and early Christian teaching, Dr. Koskenniemi explains what made Christians stand out in the Roman Empire—and what the Church can learn today as we increasingly live as a minority culture.
About the Guest
Dr. Erkki Koskenniemi is a Finnish theologian, pastor, and educator with 40 years of teaching experience in classical studies and theology. Author of Love, Marriage and Family: Learning from the Early Christians.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- Why modern Western culture increasingly resembles ancient Rome and Greece
- What early Christians inherited from Jewish family ethics
- How infanticide and child exposure shaped ancient family life
- What set Christian marriage and sexual ethics apart in the Roman Empire
- Why clear teaching and strong Christian community are essential today
- How Christian parents can help young people navigate secular culture
- What gives Dr. Koskenniemi hope for the Church today
Resources Mentioned
- Love, Marriage and Family: Learning from the Early Christians by Dr. Erkki Koskenniemi
Concordia Publishing House – Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org
Follow CPH on social media: @concordiapub
LCMS Foundation – Helping congregations grow long‑term funding to support ministries:
👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast
Listen & Subscribe
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Concordia Publishing House Podcast and leave a review—it helps others discover the show!
Dr. Kevin Golden joins host Elizabeth Pittman to unpack the Old Testament prophet Hosea and his newly released Hosea volume in the Concordia Commentary series. Discover the historical context of eighth-century Israel, the shocking symbolism of Hosea's marriage to Gomer, and the profound meaning behind their children's names. Dr. Golden unpacks how law and gospel intertwine throughout Hosea's prophecy, revealing God's relentless pursuit of His people despite their unfaithfulness. Learn practical applications for marriage, reconciliation, and preaching that resonate today.
In This Episode:
3:17 - Dr. Golden's Background
How Dr. Golden became fascinated with the Book of Hosea
7:57 - Historical Context
The eighth-century BC setting and Israel's spiritual decline
15:01 - Marriage to Gomer
Understanding Hosea's shocking call to marry an adulterous woman
23:52 - The Children's Names
Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, and Lo-Ammi—names that speak judgment and grace
31:18 - Lessons for Marriage
Practical applications for reconciliation in Christian relationships
35:13 - Preaching Like Hosea
How pastors can learn from Hosea's use of law, gospel, and metaphor
37:44 - Using the Commentary
Advice for pastors, students, and laypeople on getting the most from the Hosea commentary
Learn more about Hosea—Concordia Commentary
About the Guest
Rev. Dr. Kevin S. Golden is director of resident field education, associate professor of exegetical theology, and dean of theological research and publication at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO.
Concordia Publishing House – Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org
Follow CPH on social: @concordiapub
LCMS Foundation – Helping congregations grow long‑term funding to support ministries:
👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast
In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Lois Stewart, a lifelong champion of Lutheran education who has served as a teacher, administrator, and now mission facilitator for schools in the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS.
Together they explore what makes Lutheran schools so special—from their Christ‑centered mission to the deep relationships they build between students, families, congregations, and communities. As National Lutheran Schools Week unfolds, Lois shares stories from the classroom, powerful examples of school–church partnership, creative celebration ideas, and inspiring glimpses into the daily joy found in our Lutheran schools.
Topics Covered
• What Makes Lutheran Schools Unique
• Celebrating Lutheran Schools Week
• Service as Joy
• Lois’s Journey Through Lutheran Education
• Celebrating School & Church Together
• Building Strong School–Family Relationships
• Simple Ways Any School Can Celebrate
• Signs of a Joy‑Filled School
Concordia Publishing House – Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org
Follow CPH on social: @concordiapub
LCMS Foundation – Helping congregations grow long‑term funding to support ministries:
👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Elizabeth Pittman is joined by theologian, author, and podcast host Bryan Wolfmueller to discuss his newest book with CPH, Finally Free: Three Lessons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In this short book, Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience.
Get the book at cph.org/finallyfree.
Show Notes
In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus tells a story most of us know by heart. Yet beneath its familiarity, He exposes three kinds of bondage that touch every human heart: the pull to do whatever we want, the fear that we’ve sinned too much to be welcomed back, and the quiet pride that trusts in our own goodness. In this episode, author Bryan Wolfmueller talks about his book Finally Free: Three Lessons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son and explores how Jesus uses this beloved parable to reveal our slavery to sin and, more importantly, the freedom He gives through His suffering, death, and resurrection.
Questions
- The parable of the prodigal son is one of the most familiar stories in Scripture. What made you willing to take the risk of writing an entire book on such a well-known text?
- In Luke 15, Jesus tells three lost-and-found parables in a row. How does the presence of the older brother change the pattern of “lost, found, joy” in the third parable?
- You argue that the older brother is not a side character but the entire point of the parable. Why do we so often overlook him, and what do we miss when we do?
- The first slavery you discuss is “Belly Slaves” What is this and how does the younger son illustrate it? Why is this slavery so appealing? How does the younger son illustrate our enslavement to pleasure, desire, and self-rule—and why is that slavery so appealing?
- What happens when an entire culture succumbs to belly slavery?
- You say despair, the second slavery, is a theological slavery. Tell us about this.
- You write that the third slavery, pride, is a two-fold slavery. What do you mean by this?
- You write that each of us has “a little Pharisee living in our hearts.” What are some subtle ways this Pharisee shows up in our church life and personal faith?
About the Guest
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller is the pastor at St. Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX. Prior to that he was the pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Aurora, CO since 2005. He is the co-host of Table Talk Radio, the world’s most famous Lutheran theological game show. Bryan has a new hobby every day, but he always comes back to reading about Law and Gospel. Bryan lives in Round Rock, TX with his wife Keri and four children.
Todd A. Biermann joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss his new Bible journal with CPH, Everyday Word: A Two-Year Bible Journal. Todd is the executive director of Concordia Center for the Family.
Get a copy of the Bible journal at cph.org/everydayword.
Show Notes
Listen to the episode to hear from author Todd A. Biermann as he discusses his new Bible journal from CPH, Everyday Word: A Two-Year Bible Journal. He describes how this journal came to life, what makes this Bible journal unique, how a family or small group may use the journal together, advice he’d give to those who want to start regularly reading the Bible, and more.
Questions
- You’ve described Everyday Word as “the fruit of a journey” that began during one of the most challenging seasons of your ministry. Can you share more about that moment and how this journal came to life?
- What personal spiritual lessons did you learn as you developed and used this two-year plan yourself?
- How would you describe what makes this Bible journal unique compared to other reading plans or devotionals?
- Why do you think it’s important to read Scripture daily—but not necessarily to rush through it in a year?
- Each weekly unit includes six components—Historical Context, Law and Gospel Themes, Life Application Starters, Prayer Starters, Memory Verses, and Daily Readings and Notes. How do these pieces work together to deepen someone’s engagement with God’s Word?
- What might it look like in practice for a family or small group to use Everyday Word together?
- How can pastors or church leaders use Everyday Word to help members stay connected to Scripture throughout the week?
- For someone who feels intimidated by the idea of reading the whole Bible, how does this resource make that goal more achievable—and more joyful?
- You suggest that people return to the journal again and again over the years. What new discoveries might readers expect to find each time they start over?
- How might Everyday Word become a spiritual legacy—a record of faith that can be passed down through generations?
- What impact do you hope this journal will have on the broader Church and on individuals’ confidence in God’s Word?
- What encouragement would you give to someone who wants to start reading the Bible regularly but struggles to stay consistent?
- What’s one step listeners can take today to begin—or renew—their own journey in Scripture?
About the Guest
Todd A. Biermann, after having served as a parish pastor in Minnesota, Ohio and Michigan for 34 years, is now fulfilling the Call as Executive Director of Concordia Center for the Family, a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He resides in Republic, Missouri, with his beloved bride, Heather, who shares his passion for building up marriages and families in God’s way.
Dr. David J. Peter joins this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss the 2025 Advent series, Every Heart Prepare, which he authored in partnership with CPH.
Order your church’s Advent materials at cph.org/advent.
Show Notes
We do so much to prepare for Christmas. One way we prepare is by decorating our homes, yards, and churches with evergreens, lights, the crèche, and presents. This season, reflect upon these common Christmas decorations and how they help us see Christ and prepare for His coming with this Advent and Christmas series.
Dr. David J. Peter discusses Every Heart Prepare, the all-inclusive Advent preaching and worship series that features sermons and sermon notes, Bible studies, children’s messages, a children’s Christmas service, and more. He talks about what first inspired him to write about common Christmas decorations and how they relate to Advent, advice he would give pastors for using these materials in their congregations, and what part of this series was most meaningful to him.
Dr. Peter is also the author of Organizing for Ministry and Mission: Options for Church Structure (CPH, 2023).
Questions
- What first inspired you to connect common Christmas decorations with themes of Advent preparation?
- Why should pastors use this series for their congregation?
- What advice would you give pastors on adapting or customizing these materials for their specific congregational setting?
- The evergreen tree has long symbolized eternal life. How does your sermon connect that symbol to Christ’s coming?
- Light is such a powerful biblical image. How does the “Lights” sermon draw people into the message of Jesus as the Light of the World?
- The crèche—often a quiet, simple decoration—has deep theological meaning. How do you help congregations rediscover its significance?
- On Christmas, the focus turns to wrapped presents. How do you use the imagery of gifts to reveal the meaning of God’s greatest gift, Jesus Christ?
- What part of this series was most meaningful for you personally, and why?
About the Guest
Dr. David J. Peter has served as a professor of practical theology and the dean of faculty at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, where he has regularly led courses for practicing pastors. His areas of expertise include pastoral ministry and researching congregational dynamics. Dr. Peter has also gained many insights from students about the realities of administration and leadership in congregations throughout his years of preaching and instructing. Before joining the Seminary, Dr. Peter served as a visiting instructor of theology at Concordia University in Nebraska, Seward from 1987 to 1988. He also served as associate pastor at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peoria, Illinois, from 1988 to 1995 and then as senior pastor from 1995 to 1998. Dr. Peter received his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Concordia Seminary, his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln., and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois.
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by guest and author Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing. The pair discusses Reed‘s newest book with CPH, Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers, which tackles the Book of Numbers in a chapter-by-chapter exploration.
Get the book today at cph.org.
Show Notes
In-between times. You’ve likely been here too. Waiting for a new job to start. Transitioning from engaged to married. Packing up your belongings but unable to move into that new house yet. The Book of Numbers is also about the in-between times and, most importantly, how to survive during them.
Listen to the episode now as author R. Reed Lessing discusses how his newest book helps you tackle the Book of Numbers with helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible. Reed also talks about why studying the Book of Numbers is valuable, who the Levites were and what we can learn from them today, why the ark of the covenant is important, what lessons we can take away from Numbers, and more.
Questions
- Why is a study of Numbers worth the journey?
- Who are the Levites? What should we know about their role? What can our pastors today learn from them?
- How does Numbers equip us for the in-between times?
- What’s the danger of not learning how to embrace the in-between times?
- We hear the Aaronic benediction in worship—give us a closer look at this blessing. Does it have a trinitarian framework?
- What is “Vitamin F” and why do we need it?
- Why is the ark of the covenant important?
- What can we learn from what you call “the worst day of Moses’ life”?
About the Guest
Dr. R. Reed Lessing is The Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. He also serves as the University’s Director for the Center of Biblical Studies and oversees the University’s Pre-Seminary Program. Previously, he was Senior Pastor at Saint Michael Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and before that, Professor of Exegetical Theology and Director of the Graduate School at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and received a B.A. in pre-seminary studies from St. John’s College, Winfield, Kansas, in 1981. He earned his M.Div. (1985), S.T.M. (1989), and Ph.D. (2001) degrees from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He was ordained into the office of the holy ministry on June 29, 1986. From 1986 to 1999, he served pastorates in West Monroe, Louisiana, and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Benjamin Kolodziej. They explore the history of American Lutheran Church music and Kolodziej’s new book on this topic, Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847–1947.
Get the new book at cph.org.
Show Notes
Thirteen composers. Thirteen biographies of foundational Lutheran musicians.
Envisioned by Walter Buszin, Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847–1947 is a groundbreaking collection of biographies and historical records of important church figures, places, and instruments that carried the foundation of Lutheran church music. During the episode, author Benjamin Kolodziej discusses the robust history of the people, places, and instruments noted in the book, where the idea for this collection of portraits came from, advice he would give to aspiring church musicians, and more.
About the Guest
Benjamin Kolodziej holds an undergraduate degree in organ performance as well as graduate degrees in sacred music and theology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. His primary organ studies have been with Robert Anderson, Larry Palmer, Richard DeLong, George Baker, and Jon Gillock. He has performed solo organ concerts in Norway, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy and throughout the UK. A frequent performer for concerts and hymn festivals in the USA, his venues have included St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. Thomas Church in New York City, Washington National Cathedral, and St. Philip’s Cathedral in Atlanta. He is a frequent writer on topics of organ and church music for national publications, including The American Organist. Kolodziej is organist and choirmaster at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Dallas, Texas, and is also organist at Perkins Chapel at Southern Methodist University, where he plays for one hundred weddings a year. As a hobby, he collects antiquarian hymnals and theological literature. He is a member of Faith Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Plano, Texas.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Rev. Dr. Carl C. Fickenscher II, author of the new book Looking Forward to Sunday Morning: Reflections on the Church Year. The duo discusses the contents of the readings that we hear at church on Sunday morning, how they relate thematically, and what we can learn to look forward to as we spend time in the Word.
Get the book now on cph.org!
Show NotesHow often do you think about the contents of upcoming weekly worship services and how they interconnect thematically? However rare or frequent this is, there is something to be learned, and certainly something to look forward to.
Listen to the episode to hear how this resource from CPH based on Carl Fickenscher II’s fan-favorite radio show walks through the propers of each week of the three-year-lectionary (the Introit, Gradual, Collect, and so on), helping you prepare for worship and better understand its interconnected pieces. Carl also talks about how the lectionary is a valuable tool for the church, what he hopes readers learn to look forward to during Sunday morning worship, what church leaders can take from this book to help their members be more excited about Sunday morning worship, and more.
Questions
- Why is the lectionary a valuable tool for the church?
- How might pastors use this book differently from laypersons?
- What are the things about Sunday morning you hope your readers look forward to--besides the coffee, doughnuts, and baked goods?
- How can Sunday morning make a bigger impact on the other hours of our week?
- Is there anything pastors and other church leaders can take from this book to help their members be more excited about Sunday mornings?
About the GuestRev. Dr. Carl Fickenscher is a professor of pastoral ministry and missions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, teaching primarily the area of homiletics. He and his wife, Claire, are parents of Rachel, Daniel, and Gabriel, and very proud grandparents.
2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. Pastor Timothy Winterstein joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss his new Bible Study, Worshiped and Glorified: A Study of the Nicene Creed.Order Pastor Winterstein’s new book on cph.org today! Show NotesPastor Winterstein’s new eight-session Bible study, Worshiped and Glorified: A Study of the Nicene Creed, unpacks the historical context, significance, and scriptural foundation of the phrases of the Nicene Creed. In his writing, he illuminates the intricacies and implications of the Nicene Creed, from why we needed (and still need) it, to each phrase’s historical background, purpose, and scriptural foundation.
During the episode, Pastor Winterstein talks about why the Nicene Creed was written, how it’s important to Christians in today’s world, how the Nicene Creed guides our Bible reading, and more.
Questions
- How did you come to be interested in the Nicene Creed and the historical context out of which it arose?
- Why is it important for Christians today to know how and why the Creed arose?
- Which phrase or phrases from the Nicene Creed are most significant in your mind?
- What are some ways the Nicene Creed addresses false teachings that have cropped up in the Christian Church in our day?
- How can the Nicene Creed help guide our Bible reading, study, and devotional life?
About the GuestTimothy Winterstein is the pastor of University Lutheran Church on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. He is married to Tennille, and they have four children: Lucia, Jonas, Salem, and Cyrus. He is pursuing a PhD in Theology and Culture at Concordia Seminary, St Louis. With his brother, Jay, he hosts a film and theology podcast at saintsandcinema.com.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Christina Hergenrader joins as guest to talk about her newest Bible Study, Everlasting: Peaks, Valleys, and Grace in the Psalms.
Get a copy of the book at cph.org/everlasting.
Show Notes
Anxious. Worthy. Ashamed. Nostalgic. Lonely. Secure. This is just a handful of emotions we observe in the Psalms—and in our day-to-day lives, too. In her newest women’s Bible study, beloved author Christina Hergenrader guides readers through 25 psalms, digging into their genres, perplex emotions, glimpses of Jesus, and more.
During the episode, Christina discusses what led her to explore emotions and the Psalms, what it’s like sharing personal stories in the book, why Christians struggle to believe that our emotions matter to God, how she envisions readers will use Everlasting, and more.
Questions
- What led you to explore emotions and the psalms in Everlasting?
- You talk about reading the psalms with new eyes at this stage of life. What shifted for you?
- How did your experience with the Executive Coaching Program at the Townsend Institute influence your approach to this study?
- You share personal stories throughout Everlasting. Is it hard for you to be vulnerable when sharing these?
- What do the Psalms teach us about the relationship between faith and emotional honesty?
- How would you encourage someone who is afraid to be emotionally vulnerable with God?
- Was there a particular psalm that surprised you as you studied it?
- Why do you think that many Christians struggle to believe that our emotions matter to God?
- Talk about the Psalms of lament and exhaustion.
- If someone is feeling disconnected from their faith, what would you say to them?
- Why are Messianic Psalms important?
- What is the danger of leaving nostalgia unchecked?
- Why was it important for you to encourage readers to write their own psalms? How do you suggest they approach this?
- How do you envision readers using Everlasting?
About the GuestChristina Hergenrader is busy doing what she loves. As a wife, mother, Christian teacher, and writer, she finds that life continues to keep her on her toes. After growing up in Galveston Island, Texas, Christina moved to Nebraska and attended Concordia University Nebraska, where she pursued her passion: education. With a teaching degree in hand, she moved to Houston, Texas, with her husband, Mike, to start her first job. At the end of the year, Christina was named “Teacher of the Year” by Houston’s Lutheran School Association. She also received the “Young Alumnus of the Year” award from her alma mater, Concordia-Seward. Later, Christina earned a master’s degree in Creative Writing. She also began writing and sharing devotions with her classes. Encouraged by their feedback, Christina submitted a manuscript to Concordia Publishing House. Since then, she has written several books, Bible studies and articles that have been published by CPH. When she’s not writing, Christina loves spending time with her husband and four children, teaching, speaking to women’s groups, traveling, photography, and spending time in prayer.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Rev. Dr R. Lee Hagan, author of Faithful, Hopeful, and Bold: Encouragement for the Church. During the episode, Hagan reminds listeners that wherever God’s Word is proclaimed, there is hope for His people.
Get Hagan’s new book at cph.org/hagan.
Show Notes
Our world is constantly shifting, changing, and moving away from Christianity. This post-Christian culture feels bleak and full of hopelessness for the next generation and the future of our congregations. Yet, the current generations are not the first to have faced this struggle.
In his new book, Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan brings readers 12 different stories and reflections that address the hopelessness and struggle in today’s churches. The book is perfect for church leaders to find spiritual encouragement and strengthen the faith in their own congregations. Hagan discusses the ins and outs of writing the book with host Elizabeth Pittman, as well as how church leaders should respond to the despair felt for the future of the church, how leadership is centered in discipleship, what it means to be bold as a church leader today, and more.
Questions
- What inspired you to write Faithful, Hopeful, and Bold? Why is it important for us today?
- The book opens by acknowledging the despair many Christians feel about the future of the church. What do you think are the root causes of that despair, and how should church leaders respond?
- In the reflection “Small Church, Big Savior,” you highlight the strength that comes from Christ to even the smallest congregations. What encouragement would you give to pastors or leaders of small churches?
- You mention that even in the closing of congregations, God’s Word has not failed. Can you share a story or moment that illustrates that truth?
- In “Living as Exiles,” you compare our current culture to the exile experience in Scripture. How can congregations faithfully live as exiles without retreating or becoming combative?
- You write that “leaders are followers first.” In a culture obsessed with leadership, how can the church cultivate a different vision of leadership grounded in discipleship?
- What does it mean to be “bold” as a church leader today—and how does boldness differ from brashness or arrogance?
- You discuss grief over the past in “For Such a Time as This.” How can churches move from nostalgia to opportunity without losing their history or identity?
- How do you define success in ministry today, especially when metrics like attendance or offerings may be declining?
- You describe hope as a “gift of God” and “antidote to despair.” What practices can help church leaders personally stay rooted in that hope?
- Your final chapter is titled Quo Vademus? or “Where do we go from here?” If a church leader finishes your book and asks that very question—what’s one step you hope they take next?
- How do you envision this book being used in congregational settings or among pastors?
- What’s your prayer for the Church today as we seek to be faithful, hopeful, and bold in Christ?
About the GuestRev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan serves as president of the Missouri District-LCMS and as chairman of the LCMS Council of Presidents. He is a 1992 graduate of Concordia College (now University), Seward, Nebraska. He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis with a Master of Divinity in 1996 and Doctor of Ministry in 2011.
Dr. Robert Kolb joins The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to talk about the second edition of The Christian Faith, A Lutheran Exposition. Dr. Kolb, along with his coauthor Ted Hopkins, use the history of the church and its creeds and confessions as a guide to share new perspectives on the presentation of Christian doctrine for current day.
Get the book on cph.org now.
Show Notes
For Martin Luther, pure doctrine was not just the content of Scripture but also that content conveyed faithfully into the lives of those who hear God’s Word.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Dr. Robert Kolb joins host Elizabeth Pittman to talk about the second edition of The Christian Faith, A Lutheran Exposition. He discusses his personal faith journey and ministry, why doctrinal theology is necessary, how Law and Gospel are central to Lutheranism, cultural and theological challenges facing Christians today, and more.
Questions
- Could you tell us about your faith journey? How did you come to enter the ministry?
- What is your reaction to the election of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope?
- What was the motivation for revising The Christian Faith after three decades, and what new challenges in the church or society prompted this second edition?
- You begin the book with the resurrection of Jesus. Why is the empty tomb the starting point for Christian theology?
- Why is doctrinal theology necessary in every generation?
- Why is it significant that this is a Lutheran exposition of the Christian faith, and not just a general Christian theology textbook?
- You highlight the importance of distinguishing Law and Gospel. Why is this so central to Lutheran theology—and how can readers learn to do it well?
- How does theology “listen” both to God and to the neighbor, and what’s the danger if we ignore either one?
- You note that “Christendom” is over. How does that change the task of theology and the way the Gospel is shared?
- What are some of the specific cultural or theological challenges facing Christians today that this new edition addresses?
- You write “The sanctified life is often called a life of new obedience.” What does a life of new obedience look like?
- In an age of increasing biblical illiteracy, how can theology still function as proclamation rather than just academic reflection?
- What do you say to someone who thinks doctrine divides more than it unites?
About the Guest
Rev. Dr. Robert Kolb received M. Div. and S.T.M. degrees from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and a Ph.D. in history at the University of Wisconsin. He served as the director of the Center for Reformation Research from 1973-1977 and as a professor at Concordia College in Saint Paul, Minnesota from 1977-1993, then the acting president from 1989-1990. Kolb was then the director of the Institute for Mission Studies and professor of systematic theology at Concordia Seminary in Saint Louis from 1993-2006. He continues to teach classes at the seminary following his retirement.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by guest Sharla Fritz to discuss Sharla’s newest book, Divine Directions: How God Guides Your Path.
Order the book now on CPH’s website at cph.org/divinedirections. Show NotesFrom Moses’ journey to the Promised Land and Ruth’s journey in life, it’s easy to see that following your own itinerary never goes as planned. In her new book, Divine Directions, Sharla Fritz writes about how this is especially true in her own travel woes. During the episode, listen as Sharla discusses these personal travel stories, the eight Biblical travels she writes about in the book, what it looks like to trust God’s itinerary instead of our own, how to reflect on our spiritual journeys, and more.
Questions
- What inspired you to write Divine Directions, and how did your own experiences with travel influence the theme?
- Why did you choose these eight biblical journeys to include in the study? Was there one that surprised you during your research?
- What common threads did you find among these journeys, despite their very different circumstances and outcomes?
- Can you share how one of these stories—perhaps Ruth or Jonah—has shaped your understanding of God’s guidance?
- One of the study's key ideas is that “God rarely gives us a detailed map.” How can that be comforting instead of frustrating?
- What does it look like, practically, to trust God’s itinerary instead of our own?
- You include timelines, maps, and historical context. How does understanding the “where and when” of Scripture help readers apply it to the “here and now”?
- This study is meant for both individual reflection and small group discussion. How does community enhance our ability to follow God’s lead?
- You encourage readers to share their own stories. Why is it so powerful to reflect on our spiritual journeys out loud?
- What encouragement would you offer to someone currently feeling lost or stuck at a crossroads in life?
- What do you hope readers take away from this study once they’ve completed all eight journeys?
About the GuestSharla Fritz loves to speak with women's groups and to share about her own struggles, victories, and failures, speaking about how God is miraculously present through them all. In doing so, she hopes to share a few laughs and meet new sisters in Christ. Sharla is a Lutheran author, musician, and speaker. She has published numerous books with Concordia Publishing House, including Measured by Grace, God's Relentless Love, Divine Makeover: God Makes You Beautiful, Divine Design: 40 Days of Spiritual Makeover, and Bless These Lips: 40 Days of Spiritual Transformation.
Rev. Kris Whitby joins this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss his new book with CPH, Come and Be Filled: Feasting with Jesus in His Word. Kris and host Elizabeth Pittman discuss 11 Biblical meals that Kris writes about in the book, and how Jesus blesses us when we dine together.
Get his book by visiting cph.org/feast. Show Notes
In his new book, Come and Be Filled, Kristopher R. Whitby explores eleven meals throughout Scripture and the lessons God teaches there around His table. Through Jesus, your meals will mean more.
Kris talks to listeners about the idea behind his book and how it originated, how he went about choosing and studying the eleven meals in Scripture that he writes about, the importance of fellowship and having meals together in today’s world, and more.
About the Guest
Rev. Kristopher Whitby served for 24 years as a parish pastor, both in Florida and Illinois. In his years of pastoral ministry, Kris was honored to serve as the national LWML pastoral counselor as well as the Northern Illinois District’s North Region Vice President. He has been blessed to host the radio talk show “Faith Talks” and serve as a volunteer chaplain for the Association of Retired Intelligence Officers during the days of 9/11. Pastor Kris now serves on district staff as Assistant to the President–Mission and Ministry in the Northern Illinois District. He and his wife, Marguerita, enjoy their son and daughter, their daughter- and son-in-law, and their three grandchildren that the Lord has provided them, as well as board games, theater, and improv comedy.
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Donna Snow joins host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss her newest Bible Study, Strong and Courageous: Studying God's Promises in Joshua. Donna discusses why she chose to write about Joshua and what we can learn from his story.
Get Donna’s newest Bible Study at cph.org/joshua. Show NotesJoshua was called into what is arguably one of the most intimidating leadership roles in the history of God’s people. As he stood at the Jordan River looking into the land that God had promised, Joshua knew what awaited him—but he was strong and courageous, having faith that God was with him.
In her new Bible Study, Donna Snow looks at the life of Joshua in in an eight-session, verse-by-verse format. During the episode, Donna reflects on why she chose Joshua, how we can relate to his study today, the connects she made to the Armor of God, how we can be strong and courageous in our everyday lives, and more.
About the GuestA soul-stirring, engaging speaker, author, Bible teacher, and worship leader, Donna Snow has a passion for studying and teaching God’s Word. Her clear, down-to-earth style encourages women of all ages to wholeheartedly love, serve, and live for Jesus Christ. Since launching Artesian Ministries in 2007, Donna has scratched out over 20 Bible studies and enjoys the incredible privilege of traveling throughout the U.S. and internationally to speak and teach where the Lord opens doors. Donna writes regularly on her blog, Hydrated Living, as she seeks to find beauty in the quiet and sacred in the chaos, treasuring that this path is a holy experience planned by God before the beginning of time. A native, life-long Texan, Donna fuels her incredible journey with the Word, coffee, chocolate, family, friends, and worship.
Rev. David A. Shadday joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to talk about his new book, Reclaiming the Heart of Marriage.
Get Shadday’s book on the CPH website today. Show Notes
Why did God give us marriage? Companionship or procreation might be answers that come to mind, but marriage also serves as something even bigger—it is a reflection of Christ and His bride, the church. Listen to the episode to hear author David A. Shadday discuss his book that includes an eight-week journey “to understand the love God has for you, your response to His love, and the meaning that love brings to your life and your home” (p. 7). David also talks about why God gives us the gift of marriage, common misconceptions about marriage, how single or engaged Christians can prepare for marriage, and advice he’d give to those starting the book with their spouse.
Questions
- What inspired you to write this Bible study?
- Why did God give us marriage?
- How would you respond to someone who thinks that the applications you share in the study are idealistic or theoretical?
- What are some common misconceptions about marriage?
- How does understanding marriage as a covenant deepen our appreciation of marriage and salvation?
- Explain what you mean by describing Song of Solomon as the Ephesians 5 of the Old Testament.
- What does this mean? How should love be defined? How should authority be defined?
- Talk about the biblical images used to describe God’s relationship with His people and how they relate to marriage.
- How can single/engaged Christians prepare for a biblical understanding of marriage?
- What advice do you have for couples/groups who are beginning this study?
About the Guest
David A. Shaddayis the pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Indianapolis. He has devoted much of his 40 years as a pastor to the subject of marriage and family. He has been married to his wife Sherry (Heierman) for 44 years, and they have four children and seven grandchildren. Pastor Shadday’s main hobby is writing songs.
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Rev. Michael Newman joins host Elizabeth Pittman as the guest to talk about his recently released book with CPH, Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Men. Mike talks with Elizabeth about the struggles young men face today, from isolation to peer pressure and bullying. He tells listeners how his new book (the companion to Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Womenby Cassie Moore) contains devotions that point young men to the hope that can only be found in Jesus.
Learn more and get the book at cph.org/faith-notes. Show NotesAnxiety. Isolation. Bullying. Faced with issues like these, where can teen boys turn? They can turn to God. During the episode, author Mike Newman tells listeners how his book, Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Men, features nearly 100 devotions on topics like these, pointing youth to God's truth, showing them God's forgiveness and hope, and steering them toward Christ. Devotional topics include anxiety, mistakes, family and home life, purity, relationships, and more.
Mike also delves into his experiences as a pastor and father and how these shaped his insight in the book, advice he has for young men who feel disconnected from God, why he chose the format he did for the book, and more.
Questions
- How did your experiences as a pastor and parent shape the topics covered in the book?
- What are some of the biggest struggles you see young men facing today?
- The book covers difficult topics like anxiety and pornography—how do you approach these issues with grace and biblical guidance?
- Why did you choose the format of short reflections with space to write or sketch?
- How do you hope young men will engage with this book—individually, in small groups, or with mentors?
- What advice would you give to a young man who feels disconnected from God and struggles to trust in Him?
- The title calls this a “survival kit”—how does this devotional equip young men to navigate today’s world?
- What feedback have you received from young men, parents, or youth leaders about this book?
About the GuestWhen not teaching and writing, Michael W. Newman enjoys running the Texas roads, reading a good book, and spending time with his family. He is husband to Cindy, father to two beautiful daughters, and grandpa to a brood of wonderful grandchildren.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman speaks with author Rev. Andrew R. Jones about his newest book, Ten Lies Satan Loves to Tell. Andy dives into the truth that Satan lies to us all the time but helps us recognize and combat 10 of the major lies with God’s Word.
Get Andy’s newest book at cph.org/tenlies.
Show Notes“You need and deserve more.” “You should cover up your sins.” “You are too sinful to be forgiven.”
Have you ever heard Satan murmur these lies into your ear? In Ten Lies Satan Loves to Tell, Andrew R. Jones identifies 10 lies Satan—the father of lies (John 8:44)—tells in an effort to dismantle God’s kingdom and God’s people. Andy tells listeners that by enhancing your radar for Satan’s schemes, you can better defend against his deception, and be encouraged to live in God’s truth. Andy also talks about writing this book as a follow-up to his first, Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible, how he narrowed down all the lies Satan tells to just 10, what Satan aims to achieve through his lies, and how God provides us tools to defend against both sin and Satan.
About the GuestAndrew R. Jones lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he enjoys writing, hiking, and adventuring with his wife, Stephanie. He has served the church on three continents in varying roles, including campus ministry, international mission work, professor of preaching, and parish pastor. His writings speak to the importance of spiritual formation in the midst of a hectic world.
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, we take a look at the history and legacy of Lutheran homiletics with guest Pastor Isaac Johnson. Isaac is the translator of Reinhold Pieper's Evangelical Lutheran Homiletics, available now on cph.org.
Show Notes
Listen now as host Elizabeth Pittman and guest Isaac Johnson talk discuss his translation of Reinhold Pieper’s Evangelical Lutheran Homiletics, whichoffers a fuller understanding of the history of preaching within the LCMS as typified by C. F. W. Walther. Pieper, a student of Walther who would serve as a homiletics professor and president of Concordia Preachers’ Seminary from 1891–1914, dissects the task of preaching from start to finish as inspired by the classic German homiletics textbook by J. J. Rambach.
Isaac talks about who Reinhold Pieper was, historical context behind Pieper’s writing, how Pieper has influenced his own work, and advice for pastors and the challenges they face in today’s fast-paced world.
Questions
- Who was Reinhold Pieper?
- In the foreword, Dr. Adam Koontz writes Reinhold was “the heir of much and the preserver of more.” What motivated Reinhold to write this book, and what were the influences that he was working to preserve?
- How does this work reflect the influence of Reinhold’s teacher, CFW Walther?
- How does this book complement Walther's Law and Gospel as a preaching guide?
- What was the historical context in which Pieper wrote this book? How did this context shape his approach to preaching?
- How was this book used at LCMS seminaries before the transition to English?Pieper emphasized “strictly textual” preaching. What does this mean, and why is it important?
- Walk us through Pieper’s approach to sermon preparation.
- What does Pieper have to say about the preachers personal style, and how pastors can balance individuality with faithfulness to the text?
- How has Pieper influenced your own preaching? If you could ask him any questions about preaching in our modern context, what would you ask him?
- What advice might you expect Pieper to give to pastors today who are faced with the challenges of preaching in a highly digital and fast-paced world?
About the GuestIsaac Johnson is the pastor of New Hope Lutheran Church in Charles City, Iowa. He is married to Kaite Johnson, and they have five children: Elise, Clara, Lyla, James, and Annie. Besides ministry and family, Johnson is involved in the translation of German and Latin, focusing on the field of early Missouri Synod homiletics. He is currently enrolled in the reduced-residency Ph.D. program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in the Culture and Theology department with an emphasis in homiletics. He enjoys preaching, reading aloud to his family, classical guitar, and choral music.
Guest and author Michelle Diercks joins this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to speak with host Elizabeth Pittman about her newest Bible study, Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God’s Faithfulness. Michelle talks about the hope we have in Jesus and how to use Promised Hope in your study, a group study, or a book club and face whatever uncertainty you have in your life.
Pre-order the book on cph.org now! Available on January 7. Show NotesIn this life, we aren't promised health, wealth, stability, or even perfect relationships. What we are promised is hope in Jesus. In Promised Hope, Michelle Diercks, author of Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God’s Presence, explores eight different names and characteristics of God and what they teach us about who He is and the hope He promises.
Michelle and Elizabeth discuss the inspiration behind Promised Hope, how she chose the names of God to study in the book, how she hopes readers use the Bible study, how the book’s theme speaks to modern struggles, and more.
Questions
- What inspired you to write Promised Hope and how does it build on Promised Rest?
- Why do you think hope is a topic that women today are hungry for?
- How did you choose the names of God to feature in Promised Hope?
- How do you see understanding the names of God to enhance a woman’s faith and life?
- What name(s) in Promised Hope are especially meaningful for you?
- Was there a particular name that was challenging for you?
- Let’s focus in on one or two names: Adonai and The Lord is My Rock.
- How do you see readers using Promised Hope?
- In your opinion, how does the theme of God’s faithfulness speak to modern struggles like anxiety, fear, or uncertainty?
- What is the main thing you hope readers take away from Promised Hope?
About the Guest Michelle Diercks is a writer and speaker. As a professional and as a volunteer, she has taught God’s Word for more than thirty years. Michelle is the author of Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God’s Presence and the host of the podcast Peace in His Presence. She and her husband are the parents of two sons and live in Iowa.
Listen to this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast as author and guest R. Reed Lessing takes a close look at recent interpretations, historical and canonical settings, genres, and more in the book of Lamentations. Lessing provides his perspective on all of these things and more in the newest volume in the Concordia Commentary series that he authored - Lamentations - Concordia Commentary.
Pre-order the next Concordia Commentary edition on the book of Lamentations on our website today or subscribe to the Concordia Commentary series to save 30% on all new and previously published volumes.
Show NotesThe book of Lamentations, marked by its tone of mourning, loss, defeat, and heartache, provides neither a pleasant nor an easy read. Nonetheless, it meets us in the valleys of suffering we inevitably face, offering a glimpse of hope in God’s faithfulness.
In the newest Concordia Commentary volume on Lamentations, Lessing walks readers through this valley, providing insight into the history of interpretations, narratives, and theological context. Listen to the episode as Lessing talks with host Elizabeth Pittman about why Christians should read the book of Lamentations, the destruction of Zion with the temple in Jerusalem and its implications, the Law and Gospel parts included in the book, who he wants to reach with this commentary volume, and more.
Questions
- Why should a Christian bother to read the biblical book of Lamentations?
- When we read through the English Bible, why not skip over this short book and go straight from Jeremiah to Ezekiel?
- Most of the book seems depressing. After all, it is a lament. Shouldn’t Christians rejoice always? What place does a lament have in the Christian life?
- Should lamenting be part of the corporate worship life of the church? Is Lamentations ever read as part of the lectionary in the church year? When and why?
- Much of the book mourns the destruction of Zion with the temple in Jerusalem. When did this happen in history? What was the prior history of Zion earlier in the Bible? What happens to Zion later in the Bible?
- Does Zion have anything to do with Jesus in the Gospels, or with the Christian hope expressed in the rest of the New Testament?
- Do any Christian hymns feature Zion and the temple? Do hymns include laments?
- Is the book of Lamentations all Law? Is there Gospel hope in it anywhere?
- It seems like the beginning of the book and the end of the book are all about judgment, death, and mourning. Wouldn’t it be better for a biblical book to start out happy and be optimistic at the end? If it has to have sad parts, why not hide them in the middle?
- In English the book is laid out as poetry. Is the Hebrew poetry? What constitutes Hebrew poetry? Does it have rhyme, or other things that mark it as poetry? Lamentations seems to repeat words and ideas in several lines or even a whole stanza. Why the repetition? Why not just say it concisely, once, and move on?
- What’s up with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet that are reproduced in English Bibles?
- Finally, who do you want to reach with your commentary?
About the GuestDr. R. Reed Lessing is the The Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. He also serves as the University’s Director for the Center of Biblical Studies and oversees the University’s Pre-Seminary Program. Previously he was Senior Pastor at Saint Michael Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and before that, Professor of Ex
Young women today are faced with a host of challenges, including things like loneliness, isolation, anxiety, bullying, social media behavior, and relationship issues. Guest and author Cassie Moore reminds us that young women can turn to God through all the issues they meet. Listen to the episode now as Cassie discusses her new book, Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Womenwith host Elizabeth Pittman.
Faith Notes is available on the CPH website now! Show NotesAnxiety. Isolation. Bullying. Issues with parents. Pornography. Faced with issues like these, where can teen girls turn? They can turn to God. Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Women features nearly 100 devotions on topics like these, pointing youth to God's truth, showing them God's forgiveness and hope, and steering them toward Christ. During the episode, Cassie explains how readers can go through devotions one-by-one, or browse by topic—with plenty of room to journal or sketch. She also discusses her background in youth ministry and how she helps teens use the Bible to walk through life with confidence.
About the GuestCassie Moore is an author, speaker, and leadership consultant with over 15 years of experience in ministry to young people. She is the author of Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Women and Authentic Youth Ministry: Straight Talk about Working with Kids, Teens & In-Betweens, contributor for Connected for Life: Essential Guide to Youth Ministry and Words of Peace and Protection: Devotions for Women, as well as The Gallivanter Saga adventure fiction series. She has published over 80 articles on youth and culture in addition to freelance curriculum writing. She grew up in Illinois & Minnesota, earned her master’s degree in organizational leadership from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine, has worked on national & district youth gatherings, and enjoys speaking internationally. She loves travel, hiking, & talking to strangers. She and her husband, Pastor Tyler, live in Hood River, Oregon and have two dogs. Connect with her at cassieahmoore.com.
Beloved Lutheran hymnals have a long history, dating all the way back to 1524. This year in 2024, we are celebrating 500 years of Lutheran hymnals. This episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast features returning guest Peter Reske, Senior Editor of Music and Worship at Concordia Publishing House. Peter's takes listeners on a trip back in time to 1524 to teach us a little bit about the earliest Lutheran hymnals, how they came about, some of the stories that surround their creation, and how they were used in the congregations of the time.
Shop all the editions of the Lutheran Service Book by visiting cph.org. Show Notes
Listen to the episode now as guest Peter Reske and host Elizabeth Pittman discuss the history of Lutheran hymnals, the connection between Scripture and the hymnody, Martin Luther’s work, how Lutheran hymns have developed throughout history, and more.
About the Guest
Peter C. Reske, senior editor of music/worship at Concordia Publishing House, holds degrees in English literature and historical musicology from Marquette University and Pennsylvania State University. He was the editor of the Lutheran Service Book and its attendant resources.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Martha Van Buskirk joins host Elizabeth Pittman to talk about her new book Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace: God's Purpose in Your Every Day. During the conversation, Martha shares how you can make a difference in your very own family, neighborhood, and community through small but Spirit-led acts.
Pre-order the book on cph.org. Available November 7!
Show NotesCan ordinary lives be extraordinary? In this episode, writer, speaker, and author Martha Van Buskirk passionately and graciously shares how you can make a difference in your everyday life.
During the episode, Martha talks about her new book looks into how when we seek to glorify and serve God through our "small" everyday actions, we can make a big impact in others' lives—no matter who we are, where we live, or where God takes us. She also talks about how she first started writing the book, what it means to be spiritually anchored, how we can shine the light throughout the holiday season and the many gatherings that come with it, and more.
Questions
- Talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic got you started thinking about writing this book, and how you think others may have related to how you were feeling at the time.
- How have you seen or witnessed actions of other people that turned out to be extraordinary?
- You mentioned being “spiritually anchored” in the book. Talk about what that means and how we can be sure we are spiritually anchored.
- How can we make sure to reserve time for our routines?
- What advice do you have for someone who is struggling and how do you remind them where they’re anchored during those times?
- For many of our listeners, one of the areas we serve is in the local congregation. When it comes to how we are helping in our local congregation, why should kindness be kept at the center of our interactions?
- What would you have wanted younger Martha of 20 years ago to know or resonate with from this book?
- What would you say to someone who has tried to help someone and has been burned in the past?
- Families will be gathering again soon during the holiday season. It can be easy to put our guards down and snap at somebody at these gatherings. How can we be intentional during these events and make sure we are shining a light?
- Leave our listeners with an action challenge with how they can find their purpose in their every day.
About the GuestMartha Van Buskirk is a professional writer, encouraging speaker, and new author living in Houston. She and her husband, Raymond, are proud parents of three and doting grandparents. Martha loves Jesus, her family, reading, strong coffee, abstract art, long walks, and the mountains. She holds a BA in journalism from Valparaiso University and certification in nonprofit leadership from Rice University.
Brian Davies joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to preview his new book, Captivating Conversations: How Christians Can Reclaim the Lost Art of Listening. During the episode, Brian talks about how we can use Jesus as our model for being good listeners and asking good questions as Christians in today's world.
Pre-order the book at cph.org/listen. Available October 22.
Show NotesAre you a good listener? Many people believe that they are but, when asked if they believe others are good listeners, the answer is usually no. Perhaps we all can learn to be better listeners. And there's no better model than Jesus Christ Himself.
Listen to the episode now as Brian Davies talks about his new book where he takes readers on a journey of sitting back, opening your heart, and learning how to truly hear what others are saying. Brian discusses what it really means to be a good listener, how we can bring the Gospel to others by learning to really hear what they are saying, and more.
About the GuestBrian Davies serves as pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, Illinois, and as chaplain for the Grayslake Fire Department. Rev. Davies graduated from Concordia River Forest (now Concordia Chicago) in 2002, studying communications and biblical languages, and then went on to earn his master of divinity at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He and his wife, Beth, have three children: Kate, Megan, and Luke.
Concern for the mental health of young people has exponentially increased in recent years. How can Christian schools help their students? In this episode, Dr. Belinda Karge and Dr. Bratton join host Elizabeth Pittman to answer this question and dive into the curriculum they co-authored along with Dr. Jeremiah Stokes, Resilient Minds: Christ-Centered Mental Health Curriculum.
Learn more about the curriculum for 5th-8th grade students at cph.org/resilientminds.
Show NotesListen to the episode now as Belinda and Kara discuss their biblical, research-based curriculum on mental health, Resilient Minds: Christ-Centered Mental Health Curriculum.
Resilient Minds is now available for grades 5 to 8. Both age groups have a designated student book and teacher guide. The age groups cover the same topics, but lessons are differentiated to fit the needs of students based on their age level.
Curriculum for high school students is set to release in May 2025.
About the GuestsDr. Belinda Karge is professor of doctoral programs and the chair of EdD Special Education Leadership at Concordia University Irvine.
Dr. Kara Bratton is an assistant professor in the school of education in the EdD program at Concordia University Irvine.
What makes a church good? Have you ever thought about that? In his new book, Will the Real Church Please Stand Up, author Matthew Richard shows us what makes a church great is an unwavering focus on Christ. Pastor Richard joins this episode to discuss the new book with host Elizabeth Pittman.
Find out more and pre-order the book at cph.org/realchurch. Available to order starting October 8.
Show NotesCome join the Campbells as they test out churches in their brand-new town of Midway. They're looking to see which one fits their family and faith the best. Each church offers something different such as post-church refreshments, use of technology, outreach programs, or childcare. Even with all of these perks, do these churches still count as "good" or are they missing something pivotal to their worship services?
Author Matthew Richard joins the podcast to talk about his new book and how he helps readers discover eight different churches, and how to be able to see what a good church has: Christ at the very center. Pastor Richard also discusses his first book in the series, Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?, who he came to write the second book, his own experiences as a pastor, and more.
Questions
- What led you to book number two?
- Tell us how you created the Campbell family.
- What should be looking for to identify the unity and purpose in a church?
- Tell us about the distinction between friendship and biblical fellowship, and why it’s important in a congregation.
- Tell us about the architecture of a church and what it can tell us about the unity and purpose of a church.
- You draw the distinction between the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. Tell us how churches may get that misplaced.
- Talk about one of your example churches and how they are too focused on their status as people in the church. What happens when we put too much focus on social status in the church?
- Tell us why the three estates are important for the church and how you use Peace as an example.
- Trinity takes readers to the first church in the book that is very denomination focused. What are the good and bad aspects of denomination distinctions and at what point does fidelity to the denomination become problematic?
- What does the real church stand for and how do we recognize it?
- What would you say to someone who starts to look around their own church and are concerned their focus has strayed from Jesus? What do you suggest they do?
- What advice do you have for the pastor who is trying to ensure his congregation is staying focused on the true unity and purpose of the church?
- How can groups who work through this book together maintain a sense of fellowship as they discuss problems their own church may be facing?
About the GuestRev. Dr. Matthew Richard is the pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota. He is married to Serenity, and they have three children. Besides being a busy dad, he enjoys amateur carpentry work and knife collecting, as well as being a whisky and Taekwondo enthusiast.
In this episode, Dr. John Maxfield joins host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss his deep dive into the Lutheran Reformation from a specific town’s perspective in his new book,Becoming Lutheran: The Community of Brunswick from Evangelical Reform to Lutheran Culture. The book traces the influences and events that shaped one community as its people journeyed from evangelical reform to Lutheran culture.
Find out more and get the book at cph.org.
Show NotesHave you ever wondered what the Lutheran Reformation looked like in a
specific locality?
Rev. Dr. John A. Maxfield reveals this in his new book by detailing the intellectual, personal, social, and political influences and events that shaped the Lower-Saxon town of Brunswick on its journey from evangelical reform to Lutheran culture. Listen to the episode now as Dr. Maxfield explores how he began writing this historical account, why he chose the community of Brunswick as the focal point, overall political developments and themes, and what lessons we today can take away from the people of Brunswick.
Questions
- Tell us how this book came about.
- Why Brunswick/Braunschweig?
- What connections exist between this town and the "major actors" in the Reformation?
- In what ways did the town embrace reformation theology, and how did they put their own "stamp" on things?
- In the overall timeline, where does the Church Order fall in terms of whole communities choosing to live as Evangelicals/Lutherans?
- What are the connections to the later developments politically concerning the Smalcald War, the princes' revolt, and the Magdeburg Confession?
- Looking "down the road"—describe the role Brunswick/Braunschweig played for the eventual "unification" around the Formula of Concord?
- What lessons can we as Lutherans today take from the experiences of Brunswick?
About the GuestJohn A. Maxfield is a professor of history and religious studies at Concordia University of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. In addition to numerous articles and book chapters, he edited Defending Luther’s Reformation (CPH, 2017) and wrote Luther’s Lectures on Genesis and the Formation of Evangelical Identity (Truman State University Press, 2008). He and his wife, Jennifer, have four adult children.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Deb Burma returns as guest to talk with host Elizabeth Pittman about her newest devotional book, Immeasurably More: 100 Devotions on God's Extravagant Grace. Immeasurably More features 100 devotions with journaling and prayer prompts to reveal God's immeasurable grace, love, power, provision, and more.
Pre-order Deb’s newest book at cph.org/immeasurablymore. Available on September 24!
Show Notes In Ephesians 3:20, Paul tells us that God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (NIV).
Listen now as Deb Burma talks about her new devotional book that beautifully reveals what this verse means in her relational, conversational, richly scriptural words written for you.
Across 100 devotions with journaling and prayer prompts, readers—individually or with their sisters in Christ—will discover God‘s immeasurable grace and so much more.
Get Deb’s book on cph.org and Amazon!
About the GuestDeb Burma is a sought-after speaker for women’s conferences, retreats, and ministry events. Her assortment of books and devotionals include best-selling Bible studies, JOY: A Study of Philippians and Living a Chocolate Life, along with Beautiful Feet, Stepping Out, and more. Deb is a follower of Jesus, a pastor’s wife, and a mom. She’s a blogger, a women’s ministry leader, and a self-proclaimed coffee/chocolate connoisseur. Above all, she is a grace-filled child of God.
Listen to the latest episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast as Dr. Brian German joins as guest to talk about the newest edition in the Concordia Commentary, Haggai and Malachi, which he authored. In the newest volume Dr. German details literary themes, historical insights, and New Testament connections found in the books of Haggai and Malachi.
Get the newest volume in the series at cph.org.
Show NotesIn this new episode, Dr. German joins host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss the Biblical books of Haggai and Malachi. In his new Concordia Commentary volume covering these books, readers will explore a rigorous analysis of Haggai's exhortation to rebuild the temple and Malachi's concern with the practices therein—both revealing the standard to which God calls His church.
Questions
- What special challenges did God's people face in this time period after the return from exile in Babylon?
- How did each of these prophets address those challenges?
- How long was the time interval between Haggai and Malachi?
- What particular events did Haggai have to address? How did he address them?
- How did the prophet Zechariah's work overlap with that of Haggai?
- What things had changed by the time of Malachi, and what did he have to address?
- How did each prophet present the promise of the Messiah?
- What were some of the pressures the people of Judah would experience during the intertestamental period - those 400 years between the Old and New Testaments?
- How did Haggai and Malachi prepare the people for these pressures?
About the Guest
Brian German is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin and director of the Concordia Bible Institute.
God’s Word is overflowing with promises for you yesterday, today, and forever. In this new episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Terry Zuehsow joins host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss God’s promises that he guides readers through in his book, Exploring God’s Promises: A Guided Journey through His Word.
Pre-order the book on cph.org now. Available September 10!
Show NotesGod earnestly wants you to grow to know Him and to more fully experience His promises in your life.
In author Terry Zuehsow’s new book from CPH, Exploring God’s Promises, readers will journey through more than 200 encouraging and assuring promises in this devotional journal. Each promise contains devotional material and theological talk to help you see how God gives and keeps this promise. Then, there’s journal space for you to answer reflection questions and truly connect with the Savior, offering Him your thanks and praise. Listen now as Terry discusses his background, how he was inspired to write about God’s promises, what promises in the Bible have impacted him the most, and more.
Questions
- Tell our listeners a bit about yourself.
- What led you to write this book?
- You give readers an “itinerary” for the book. Why is this important and what is your goal for it?
- 228 promises of God are covered. Is this an exhaustive list?
- What promises have you found to be meaningful to you personally?
- What promise would you share with someone experiencing loneliness? Anger? Major life changes?
About the GuestTerry Zuehsow is a certified physician associate, practicing psychiatry in a Christian outpatient setting. In the past he has taught high school and college science and religion, and has worked for decades as a computer systems architect, including in research and development. Throughout his adult life, he has led Bible classes in his local church. Terry has been married to his wife Angi now for 49 years (off to a great start!), and they have two daughters and six grandchildren. His hobbies include choir, family games, and long walks.
In this episode, CPH author Chad Lakies brings a new perspective to the discussion about outreach and witnessing, one that makes us aware of the hurt felt on all different sides in society, and aims to find healing through what Christ brings His creation. Chad talks about this and more in his new book, How the Light Shines Through: Resilient Witness in Dark Times, coming soon in September.
Pre-order his book on cph.org.
Show NotesWill people meet Jesus in us if we aggressively respond in kind to the threats we feel in the world around us? Or are these people more likely to meet Jesus in us if we patiently endure the challenges that have been set before us constantly relying on Christ? In his new book, author Chad Lakies helps in this task by first acknowledging our reality and how the church has reacted to it thus far, then he helps us to imagine better ways that we can interact with the world around us - ways that will help the light shine through and reflect the life-changing love of Jesus to our neighbors.
Listen to the episode as Chad dives into his book and discusses what it means to live in a secular age, engaging in political discussions as Christians, ways to thoughtfully discuss Christ with our peers, and more.
Questions
- Unpack what it means “to live in a secular age.”
- Let’s talk about some of the misconceptions covered in chapter 9.
- As political discussions take over more and more of the national conversation and likely our personal conversations, can you share some tips for how we can “concentrate on sameness” rather than difference and preserve relationships despite disagreements?
- Perhaps one way to summarize this book is to say that our reactions matter for our witness, and much of the book explores how we can react differently to the difficult situations we’re in every day to better witness to those around us. Do you have any tips or reminders that you use yourself to help you temper your reactions in the moment, especially if tensions or emotions are high?
- “Authenticity” is thrown around a lot these days. Why is this problematic, and what is a better standard for authenticity?
- What are three goals for a resilient church?
About the GuestChad Lakies (MDiv, PhD) is Vice President for Ministry Engagement within the United States at Lutheran Hour Ministries. His former life as a nonbeliever provides exceedingly relevant experience for thinking about how to engage with friends and neighbors outside the kingdom of God. He and his wife, Bethany, have two daughters, Anabel and Daphne.
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Elizabeth Pittman is joined by guest Dr. Gene Edward Veith Jr. as he talks about his new book, Embracing Your Lutheran Identity. Gene takes listeners and readers on a journey from the early church through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Elizabeth discusses how his newest work helps us to see why the stories from these eras are important to our Lutheran identity.
Embracing Your Lutheran Identity will release on August 27 and is available for pre-order now on cph.org.
Show NotesIn Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Gene Edward Veith Jr. uncovers inspiring stories and characters from church history with whom you share an identity.
Writing not as a scholar, pundit, or apologist, but as a teacher, Gene Edward Veith Jr. talks about how his new book will guide readers through the Holy Spirit's work from the early church, through the Reformation, and into Lutheranism today through engaging accounts, modern parallels, and thought-provoking questions. Gene also discusses why our baptismal identity is important to our faith lives, why we study connections to the early church and more.
Questions
- How does having a strong Lutheran identity help strengthen our identity in Christ?
- Culture today is preoccupied with ethnicity, social status, race, and identity. How does the Bible address these preoccupations?
- Why is our baptismal identity so much more important than any other way we identify ourselves?
- What parallels are there between the difficulties of Christians today and the Christians of the early church?
- Why is it helpful for us to think of our church and ourselves as being connected to the early church?
- What lessons can we learn from the medieval church?
- Tell us about the rise of American Lutheranism.
- You write that “Lutheranism offers the kind of Christianity that best speaks to the spiritual issues of today.” Why is this?
About the GuestGene Edward Veith Jr. is a retired English professor and college administrator, most recently at Patrick Henry College and Concordia University Wisconsin. He is the author of twenty-seven books, including Authentic Christianity: How Lutheran Theology Speaks to a Postmodern World; Christianity in an Age of Terrorism, and God at Work. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas and currently lives in St. Louis with his wife, Jackquelyn.
Dr. Joel Biermann joins as guest on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss his new book, Day: 7: For Work, Rest, or Play. In this episode, Biermann discusses how his book explores the sabbath and how it's all about living in the joy and celebration of God's good gifts.
Get a copy of his book on cph.org.
Show NotesThe third commandment asks Christians to remember the sabbath day by keeping it holy - but how is one supposed to keep it holy? And how does work, rest, and play help us do just that? Dr. Joel Biermann joins the episode to talk about the sabbath and what it means for us in our daily lives.
Listen to the full episode to hear Dr. Biermann talk about who he wrote his new book for, what his goal was when writing, how we can understand the sabbath’s implications for our lives, the significance of the sabbath in the Bible, and more.
Questions
- You wrote this for a lay audience. How did you know that it was ready for a lay audience?
- What is your goal for Day 7?
- What do most people get wrong about the Sabbath?
- What does the Sabbath have to do with God creating the world?
- Is there any significance to Adam and Eve being created on the sixth day, and then resting with God on the seventh day?
- How did the Israelites in the Old Testament understand and observe the Sabbath?
- How did Jesus' teachings and healing miracles on the Sabbath help shape our understanding of what Sabbath means for us?
- Does the Sabbath give us a glimpse into what our eternal life with Christ in heaven will be like?
- What does it look like to live the vita receptiva?
- In your introduction, you say that the biblical idea of remembering the sabbath deserves more attention. What do you mean?
- What does it mean to follow the sabbath?
- What do you think most people get wrong about the sabbath?
- Why is called the sabbath?
About the GuestThe son of a pastor, Joel Biermann was raised in parishes in Alberta, Nebraska, and Michigan. After serving St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Holt, Michigan for 11 years, Dr. Biermann returned to Concordia Seminary to pursue graduate work. In 2002, he joined the faculty at Concordia Seminary in the department of systematic theology, teaching doctrinal theology with a special interest and emphasis centered on ethics and the correct role of the law in the life of the believer. Outside of his responsibilities at the seminary, Dr. Biermann serves actively at his home congregation, leading evangelism training, teaching an ongoing Sunday morning Bible class, and creating material for small group Bible studies. Dr. Biermann is a frequent speaker at district and congregational gatherings and conferences covering a variety of topics especially relating to issues of discipleship and sanctification. Dr. Biermann holds the following degrees: B.A., Concordia College, Ann Arbor, Michigan M.Div., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri Ph.D., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Biermann and his wife Jeannalee live in St. Louis where they enjoy staying active in a variety of ways in the outdoors. They have three grown children and 11 grandchildren.
Author Faith Doerr joins this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss how we can turn to the Bible to find comfort, rather than modern self-help phrases. She also talks about how she addresses these issues in her new book, God’s Encouraging Word: True Comforts When Worldly Advice Fails, which will release on July 23 and is available for pre-order now.
Show Notes"Just be positive!" "God only gives you what you can handle." "Others have it harder." People mean well when they say these phrases. They intend to offer comfort and help during difficult times. Yet, ask yourself, do these self-help phrases actually offer comfort to you, or do they make things feel worse?
Author Faith Doerr has heard her fair share of these phrases during struggles in her life. And she knows first-hand how they feel like "nails on a chalkboard" from the receiving end. If these phrases don't offer comfort, then is there something that can? Scripture. God's Word is full of true comfort that can help you in times of trouble and distress. In her new book, Faith takes a look at eight self-help phrases to see how they can actually do the opposite of their intentions, then turns to the Bible to find real words of comfort you can offer to those who need it. Preview her new book by listening to the full episode.
Find Faith’s book on…
cph.org
Amazon
Questions
· Tell our audience a bit about you.
· How did you get started with your blog and Facebook community?
· How have you enjoyed the book writing/publishing process?
·What was it that led to you wanting to write about this topic?
· You mention that you're an avid journaler in the introduction. Can you talk a little about how you got started journaling and what role it plays in your faith life?
·You include journaling prompts throughout your book. Do you have some tips to share for those who haven't been journaling much or at all?
· What is the Doerr household approach to handling confusion?
· If there was one saying you could delete from everyone’s dialogue, what would it be?
· Of all the myths you cover in your book, which one do you think is the most convincing?
· What is your response to hearing someone say “You are stronger than this problem/trial”?
· While addressing myth 7 “Others Have it Worse”, you share some guidance on what makes a person safe or unsafe, helpful or harmful. Would you briefly explain why this is important and recap this guidance for us?
About the GuestFaith Doerr is married to Preston and is a mama to two children: Lydia and Ezekiel. Faith received her Bachelor of Elementary Education and Lutheran teachers diploma, along with her Master of Education in trauma and resilience from Concordia Nebraska. Currently, she teaches first grade at Concordia Academy in Omaha, Nebraska. Faith writes for her blog Imperfectly Perfect Living and has the Facebook community Healthy Mamas. Here she, with the Holy Spirit working through her, teaches mamas to create a Christ-seeking life and a healthy well-being. Faith has published two mental health journals and speaks at wellness retreats and women's conferences. She is also the co-host of Seasoned Mamas: God's Grace for Every Season of Motherhood Podcast.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Christa Petzold, author of the new curriculum Journey through Church History. Christa explores why we should study and teach our children church history and how we are a part of God’s family through our baptisms.
Find out more about Christa’s new work at cph.org/churchhistory.
Show Notes
Just as you are joined to Christ in your Baptism, you are joined to a family of believers who have gone before you. In Journey through Church History, Christa Petzold helps us discover men and women from church history who witness to Jesus Christ—martyrs, historians, apologists, theologians, translators, and more. Listen to the full episode as Christa previews the curriculum and shows how we can dig in and uncover our family tree rooted in Christ.
Questions
· Church history seems universal, why does it matter that we have a text that describes the history of the Christian church from a distinctly Lutheran perspective? How does church history look different when it’s written from say a reformed perspective?
· How early is too early to start teaching children about church history?
· Why is it important to start educating children about church history?
· The new Journey through Church History book covers a lot of ground! Can you talk a little bit about some of the historical persons covered? Why were there so few women covered? How did you select the people and topics covered?
· How does studying church history strengthen your faith and deepen your understanding of Biblical truths?
· Some might think that this topic is too difficult or “above the heads” of younger children, and yet you included a coloring page in the Leader guide. How do you plan to use this curriculum with a broad range of ages in your homeschool situation? How might that translate for others doing the same?
· Which theological ideas that people fought over in the early centuries of the Church surprised you? I.e. Are we still fighting over some of the same issues as the early church?
About the GuestChrista Petzold lives with her husband and four children in northern Illinois. She has a MA in Theology from Concordia University Irvine, a BA in Mathematics and Lutheran Secondary Education from Concordia University Wisconsin and is currently pursuing a PhD in History of Exegesis from Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis. She is a coauthor of Male and Female: Embracing Your Role in God’s Design, author of Gathered by Christ: The Overlooked Gift of Church, and author of Journey Through Church History Curriculum. She spends her time homeschooling, teaching theology, writing, and learning as much as she can about church history.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Rev. Dr. David Loy joins as guest to talk about how our vocations flow out of the love God has shown for us in Christ. He also previews the new book from CPH that he acted as general editor for, Faith at Work: Christian Vocation in the Professions.
Find out more about the new book by visiting cph.org. Show Notes:
Listen to the full episode now as Rev. Dr. David Loy, dean of Christ College at Concordia University Irvine, talks about our called vocations as Christians, professions versus professionals, how Faith at Work can be used by readers from all vocational backgrounds, and more.
Get a copy of Faith at Work on…
cph.org
Amazon
Questions:
- How was the process of editing Faith at Work?
- What makes this book unique from others at CPH?
- Explain the difference between professions and professionals.
- Talk about vocation being the golden thread.
- Speak to the idea in one of the chapters that touches on non-Christians and whether they have vocations.
- The book was set up in two parts, with the first part emphasizing vocation and human flourishing. Why was it important to have it positioned like that?
- Talk about how you see the book being used in a classroom setting.
- What are some other ways that you may see this book being used by readers?
**About the Guest:
Rev. Dr. David Loy** is the dean of Christ College at Concordia University, Irvine.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Elizabeth Pittman is joined by co-host Peter Reske, CPH Senior Editor of Music/Worship. The duo hosts together to interview Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, professor of music at Concordia University Nebraska, and discuss all things church music, composition, and more.
Check out Dr. Blersch’s compositions with CPH at cph.org.
Show Notes
Listen to the episode now as Elizabeth and Peter discuss all things church music with Dr. Jeffrey Blersch. Dr. Blersch shares his background in church music, going back to when he was just eight years old, and his long career as a church musician, composer, and professor. Dr. Blersch also gives advice for students aspiring to be church musicians and majoring in music and shares some of his experiences as an educator and why it has influenced his work throughout the years.
Questions
· Share your musical background and how you got started playing the organ.
·What does your compositional process look like? Do you write at your desk? Piano? Organ?
·What’s your favorite medium to compose for? Organ? Choir? Instruments? Piano?
· If someone aspires to be a church musician/music major, what would you tell them to get started on that path and what it is like to go into those careers?
·Share some of your experiences as an educator that have influenced you and why they did.
·What do you enjoy about composing music?
·Tell us about some of your most recent publications and what inspired you to bring them to life.
About the GuestJeffrey Blersch is an associate professor of music and the university organist at Concordia University Nebraska, where he teaches all things organ. He is a working church musician and serves as organist and choral director for Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Staplehurst, Nebraska, but he still performs across the United States as a recitalist and a guest organist at hymn festivals. Inspired by his strong background in music, Jeffrey composes numerous organ and choral works with more than one hundred of his pieces published through Concordia Publishing House. His wife, Carla, is also an organist, and together they have three children: Aaron, Ryan, and Jenna.
This episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast features author Pastor Andy Wright as he previews his new book, Faithfully Formed: The Lutheran Confessions in Daily Life. Andy joins host Elizabeth Pittman to take a look at the Confessions and their roles in our lives as Christians, and how they are relevant to us as we face challenges prevalent in today’s culture.
Get a copy of Andy’s book by visiting cph.org/faithfullyformed.
Show Notes:The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But do they apply to the daily life of an ordinary person?
Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his new book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in our daily lives. Listen to the episode as Andy talks about why the Lutheran Confessions are important to nurturing our faith, what led him to write his book, how we are called to live in relationship with one another, and more.
Get a copy of Faithfully Formed on…
cph.org
Amazon
Questions:
- For listeners who may not be Lutheran, what are the Lutheran Confessions?
- What led you to write Faithfully Formed?
- What is your response to someone who wonders how these writings from so long ago could be relevant to their lives today?
- Why is it important to not only believe in God, but to know and articulate who God is?
- Why is everything about Jesus?
- How do the Lutheran Confessions help us to recognize God at work in our daily lives?
- How can the Lutheran Confessions help us address tough cultural issues we see today regarding marriage and gender?
- What do the Lutheran Confessions have to say about who our neighbor is and how we should live in relationship with one another?
- How can these be viewed as a handbook for the baptized?
- Why is it important that, as Christians, we are confident in confessing Christ?
About the Guest:Pastor Andy Wright serves as senior pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Topeka, Kansas, and previously served St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone, Iowa. He holds a B.A. in Biblical Languages from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He also holds an M.Div. and an S.T.M. in systematic theology from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is currently working on his dissertation pertaining to the Lutheran Confessions for a Ph.D. in doctrinal theology from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Pastor Wright and his wife, Rebekah, have been blessed by God with four daughters, a son, and children who went to be with the Lord from the womb. His areas of focus and interests in theology are the Lutheran Confessions, Luther studies, and pastoral theology. Outside of theology, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing tennis, and anything pertaining to aviation and the space program.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Rev. Mark Kiessling and Julianna Shults from the LCMS Youth Ministry office join host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss facilitating healthy youth ministry practices, as well as their new book, Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry, which outlines their insights into this topic
Get a copy of their book at cph.org/seven-practices-of-healthy-youth-ministry.
Show Notes:Wondering how to care for the youth in your congregation? Experiencing dwindling attendance or enthusiasm? Not sure how to measure the efficacy of your ministry? LCMS Youth Ministry staff members, Rev. Dr. Mark Kiessling and DCE Julianna Shults, are here to help, offering seven markers of healthy youth ministry. With these research-based, practical insights, you’ll be empowered to take on the essential task of caring for teens in Jesus’ name. Listen now as Mark and Julianna discuss the seven practices (not programs), their journey to writing a book, what’s ahead for the Youth Ministry office, the Youth Gathering in 2025, and more.
Get a copy of Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry on…
cph.org
Amazon
Questions:
· Tell us all about your new book.
· Were there any surprises during your research?
· Who did you write the book for?
· What are the seven practices not?
· What do the seven practices mean?
· If you had to spend some time digging into one of the seven, where would you start?
· What are some ways warmth, challenge, and grace look like in practice?
· Talk about the idea of resilience, identity, and Christ as one of the practices.
· What do you say to youth leaders who have read your book and ask “So, what now?”
· Tell us about what’s coming for the Youth Ministry office.
About the Guests:
The Rev. Mark R. Kiessling serves as the director of LCMS Youth Ministry. In that role, he supports the leadership, service, resourcing, and networking functions of LCMS Youth Ministry. Kiessling graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 2006 and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters from there in 2020. Kiessling is married to Beth (Timm), who teaches Preschool at Christ Community Lutheran School in Kirkwood, Mo.
Julianna Shults serves as Program Manager for Resources and Leadership for LCMS Youth Ministry. Her work includes managing YouthESource.com and LCMS YouthLead along with other research and resourcing. She graduated from Concordia University Seward in 2005 with a BA in Psychology and Director of Christian Education Certification. As a DCE, she has served both Hope Lutheran in Plant City, FL and St. Paul Lutheran in Chicago, IL. With a lo
Rev. Dr. Andrew Bartelt joins this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss the newest volume of the Concordia Commentary series he wrote, which covers Isaiah 1-12. Andy talks about how the first 12 chapters fit into the entirety of the book of Isaiah, and how they fit into the Old Testament overall.
Order a copy of the newest edition in the series at cph.org/isaiah-1-12-concordia-commentary.
Show NotesIsaiah ben Amoz presents a massive tome of historical references and prophetic words that culminate in the coming of Jesus Christ.
In this episode, Rev. Dr. Andrew Bartelt talks about the Concordia Commentary volume that he wrote on the first 12 chapters of the significant book of Isaiah. Andy reflects on his meticulous commentary and the careful juxtaposition of the grammar of these chapters. He also illuminates the voice of Isaiah and sheds light on his process for writing for the Concordia Commentary series.
Get a copy of Isaiah 1-12 – Concordia Commentary on…
cph.org
Amazon
About the seriesThe Concordia Commentary Series: A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture is written to enable pastors and teachers of the Word to proclaim the Gospel with greater insight, clarity, and faithfulness to the divine intent of the Biblical text. The series will cover all the canonical books of the Old and New Testament, with an original translation and meticulous grammatical analysis of the Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek of each text. The foremost interpretive lens centers on the unified proclamation of the person and work of Christ across every Scriptural book.
Learn about the Concordia Commentary subscription to save 30% on all new and previously published volumes at cph.org/concordia-commentary-subscription.
About the GuestDr. Andrew H. Bartelt is a professor emeritus at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He retired in 2020 after 42 years of distinguished service. At the time of his retirement, he was the Gustav and Sophie Butterbach Professor of Exegetical Theology and professor of Exegetical Theology. His areas of expertise include the Hebrew language, Prophets (Isaiah), Hebrew poetry, and biblical theology.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman speaks with Jim Sanft, new author and CEO and president of Concordia Plan Services. In his new book with CPH, Leading by Faith: Practical Insights for Christian Leaders, Jim shares his reflections along his leadership journey as a means of encouraging you on yours.
Leading by Faith will be available on May 28. Pre-order the book on the CPH website at cph.org/leadingbyfaith.
Show NotesAs a Christian leader, you can trust that God is in control of your leadership journey, even when you can't see around the bend to know what's coming next. In this episode, we're joined by Jim Sanft. Jim is the CEO of Concordia Plan Services and the author of Leading by Faith: Practical Insights for Christian Leaders. During the conversation, Jim shares the lessons he’s learned from his more than 25 years of executive leadership experience. He also talks about the importance of leading by faith (not by sight) and learning to lead with God’s grace.
Check out Leading by Faith on…
cph.org
Amazon
Goodreads
QuestionsWhat’s it like being a first time author?
Every leader has a story. Tell us about your story and what led you to a place where you were ready to tell it and help other leaders.
Explain what it means to lead by faith, not by sight.
Tell us about the windshield fallacy.
Explain the leadership lesson you use from Indiana Jones.
How did your educational background in mathematics prepare you for leadership and what lessons have you brought into your current roles because of that?
Tell us a little bit about accountability and how that plays into a leader's role.
Tell us about a leadership lesson that you took away from the Lion King.
What advice do you have for leaders who encounter crisis in their leadership journey?What has it been like traveling around the country talking to different groups about leadership?
What encouragement would you like to leave our listeners with?
About the GuestJim Sanft has more than 25 years of executive leadership experience, including being CEO of Concordia Plans, a complex financial services non-profit agency of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. He led his organization through the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 to 2009 as well as the global pandemic of 2020. Throughout his career, Sanft has developed a high-performing team that has been recognized both locally and nationally. He is an established leader among his colleagues from other denominations and serves as chair of The Church Alliance, an organization that advocates for employee benefits for faith leaders and their families. Away from the office, Jim is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Edward Riojas joins us as our guest to discuss his new book A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols. Edward dives into the importance and history behind sacred symbols and how they can deepen our faith.
Get a copy of his book at cph.org/christiansymbols.
Show Notes
Listen now as author and artist Edward Riojas dives into the world of Christian symbols.
Edward joins host Elizabeth Pittman to talk about his new volume of more than 600 historic Christian symbols. The pair explore how in today’s church, we now use these same symbols throughout the sanctuary and in worship materials that Jesus Himself used in his teachings. Edward emphasizes the importance of symbols and art in understanding Scripture and why church leaders should carefully treat each symbol they use during worship. He also talks about how this volume came to be, some of his favorite symbols to investigate, what young artists should know, and more.
Edward’s website
Edward’s Facebook Page
Questions
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Tell us about your life as an artist in the Christian and secular space.
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Talk about the impact that art in general and symbols have on our faith and understanding of Scripture.
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Where do you see symbols being used well in the church today?
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How have you seen some denominations embrace or shy away from using symbols?
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How long ago did you start this project? Tell us a little bit about how this book started.
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Who else is this book for besides pastors and worship leaders? How will history buffs benefit from reading this?
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Did anything surprise you while working on the book?
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Do you have a favorite symbol from the book? Or three that you gravitate towards?
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Why is it important for us as Christians to understand these symbols rather than just passing by them?
About the Guest
Edward Riojas graduated summa cum laude from Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a BFA degree. He has worked professionally for more than forty years, including thirty-one years in the newspaper industry. Riojas has returned to his fine-art roots, creating sacred art for commissions and collaborations with various Lutheran entities. His work can be found in sanctuaries, institutions, private collections, and markets throughout the United States and across the globe.
Easter Hymns | Part 2 | Peter Reske
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Peter Reske, senior editor of Music/Worship at Concordia Publishing House, returns to share his insight into some of his favorite hymns during the Easter season. Peter highlights three hymns and discusses the themes found in each piece.
Shop all the different editions of the Lutheran Service Book by visiting cph.org.
Show Notes
Guest Peter Reske and host Elizabeth Pittman dive into three Easter hymns from the Lutheran Service Book in the newest episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast. Peter’s selections may surprise you but will certainly enrich your understanding of how music is used throughout the Easter season. Peter goes into the history behind each of his selected hymns, explains the themes throughout each hymn’s text, and even mentions the way he is commemorating the 500th anniversary of Lutheran hymnals in 2024. Listen to the full episodenow to hear what Peter has to say about these favorite Easter hymns.
Learn more about the Europe Music Tour that Peter is leading with Christian Travel Planners on their website at christiantravelplanners.com/tours/best-music-tour-072024.
About the Guest
Peter C. Reske, senior editor of music/worship at Concordia Publishing House, holds degrees in English literature and historical musicology from Marquette University and Pennsylvania State University. He was the editor of the Lutheran Service Book and its attendant resources.
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Rev. Dr. Gregory Walton and Rev. Thomas Eggebrecht join as guests to discuss the importance of caring for the health and well-being of our church workers. Greg is the vice president of Grace Place Wellness Ministries, a part of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), and Tom is the senior vice president for ministry solutions at LCEF.
Learn more about Grace Place Wellness at lcef.org/grace-place-wellness.
Show Notes
Listen to the full episode as Greg and Tom provide an overview of the mission of Grace Place Wellness and the history behind this organization that has led to its work today. The pair also provide insight into how we the laity can help care for our church workers and leaders, give advice for ministry leaders, talk about some of the most common concerns they see in church workers’ wellness, and preview what their goals are for the Grace Place Wellness Podcast.
Learn more about Grace Place Wellness Ministries at lcef.org/grace-place-wellness.
Listen to the Grace Place Wellness Podcast wherever you listen podcasts or at lcef.org/gpw-podcast.
Questions
· Tell our listeners about Grace Place Wellness.
· What is the Lutheran Wellness Wheel?
· As you work with church workers, what are the most common concerns you hear?
· How can church workers find a balance between ministry and their personal lives?
· Conflict happens—even in the church. What advice do you have for ministry leaders who are experiencing conflict in their church or school?
· What are your goals for the Grace Place Wellness Podcast?
· How can the laity help care for our church workers?
About the Guests
Rev. Dr. Gregory Walton is the vice president of Grace Place Wellness Ministries, which is a part of Ministry Solutions at LCEF.
Rev. Thoms Eggebrecht is the senior vice president of ministry solutions at LCEF.
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Pastor Chris Kennedy joins host Elizabeth Pittman to preview his newest book, Unfailing: God’s Assurance for Times of Change. Pastor Kennedy talks with Elizabeth about finding hope in God’s Word during the big changes we experience throughout life.
Get a copy of Unfailing at cph.org/unfailing.
Show Notes
Change, whether big or small, can unnerve us. The good news is that God does not leave us to go through the ups and downs in our lives alone. Assurance and encouragement can be found in Scripture.
Looking at the life of the prophet Samuel, Pastor Kennedy writes about the changes Samuel endured and uses these examples to show readers how they can trust God to lead them through the shifts in their own lives. Listen to the full episode to hear from Pastor Kennedy as he dives into
Pastor Kennedy’s website: pastorchriskennedy.com
Questions
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Why Samuel? What led you to him as the catalyst for this conversation about change?
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Why do you think it [change] can be so hard for us?
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Is there a time in your life when there's been a change that you'd like to share and what you learned from that?
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In chapter 3, you go through God’s Word and where He speaks about change. Can you speak to some of those verses and where we can find comfort there?
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You reference the research you did with your congregation and with others you know. What did you learn from that survey and what people told you where they struggle with change?
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Sometimes we’re with a friend or a loved one who's experiencing change. What can we learn from Samuel about why we should advocate for that person?
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As you set the book up, you include some discussion questions at the end of every chapter. What do you hope readers will take away from this, whether they're reading individually, or if they're reading this as part of a Bible class or a small group?
About the Guest
Christopher M. Kennedy is the senior pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, School, and Childcare in San Antonio, Texas. He is also the author of Equipped: The Armor of God for Everyday Struggles, Grace under Pressure: Responding Faithfully to Stress, and Jesus Said What? He earned a bachelor’s degree in communication, a Master of Theology, and a doctorate in ministry. Pastor Kennedy and his wife are parents of four children.
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, guest Michelle Bauman joins Elizabeth Pittman to discuss life issues and how she helps youth address these topics from a Gospel-centered perspective. Michelle is the director of Y4Life, an organization that seeks to equip high-school- and college-aged youth to be Gospel-motivated voices for life.
Learn more about Y4Life and the Y4Life conference by visiting y4life.org.
Show NotesA wide scope of life issues exists in today’s world. In this episode, Michelle Bauman shares her insight into the depth of life issues impacting our world and how she works to help youth address these issues head on. Michelle also gives a glimpse into Life Week and the Y4Life conference that took place this past January in Washington D.C., what supporting life looks like in a post-Roe V. Wade society, and how youth across the country can get involved with Y4Life to support the promotion of life-affirming values in their schools, communities, states, and nation.
Y4Life website: y4life.org
Y4Life on Instagram: @lfly4life
Questions
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Tell us about the structure of Y4Life and how that looks at different schools across the country.
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Why do you see youth wanting to be involved (in Y4Life)?
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Life issues go farther than abortion. Tell us why we should care about all life issues.
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Our culture often tells women, “My body. My choice.” How does Y4Life suggest responding to that and pivoting to the point that all life is valuable?
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How did the overturning of Roe V. Wade affect your work and the work of Y4Life and Lutherans for Life?
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If one of our listeners is at a school or in a place that doesn’t have a Y4Life team – how can they get started?
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Leave our listeners with a word of encouragement for supporting life and how we can serve our neighbors through this work.
About the GuestMichelle Bauman is the Director of Y4Life and joined Lutherans for Life in 2019. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Lutheran teaching from Concordia Nebraska and a master’s degree in English from the University of Indianapolis. Michelle helps young adults understand and address life issues from a Christian perspective. Learn more about Michelle at y4life.org.
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, co-authors Ted Kober and Mark Rockenbach join host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss their new book, Unforgivable? How God’s Forgiveness Transforms Our Lives. The trio talks about how unforgiveness is a prison – mentally, emotionally, and spiritually – and dive into what true forgiveness from Christ looks like. Get a copy of Ted and Mark’s new book at cph.org/unforgivable.
Show NotesWe have all faced situations where we feel we can’t forgive someone else or where we feel we are unforgivable for what we’ve done or said. Only through Christ do we see what real forgiveness and being forgiven look like. Listen to this episode of the podcast to hear from co-authors Ted and Mark as they debut their new book and discuss important topics such as what unforgiveness is, how we can learn to forgive someone by Christ’s example, and what happens when we refuse to forgive. Listeners will hear from the authors themselves as they reflect on how their book can be used in different settings and what they believe will bring you back to their insight on unforgiveness again and again.
Get in touch with the guests…
Ted’s website: tedkober.com
Ted’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-kober-24b117a/
Mark’s bio from Concordia Seminary: https://www.csl.edu/directory/mark-rockenbach/
Mark’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-rockenbach-b4429713/
Questions
Tell us why the topic of unforgiveness is so important to address.
How do you define unforgiveness?
What does that process (of being able to forgive) look like?
“Why can’t I just forgive and forget?” Tell us about that question.
In many cases, an action leading to someone needing forgiveness leads to consequences. Tell us why forgiveness does not necessarily remove those consequences.
Could you share an example with us of a situation where someone has overcome unforgiveness in their life and what that looked like?
What happens when we don’t forgive?
What can we do if we have someone in our lives who is stuck in that place of unforgiveness?
How do you imagine the book being used in a congregational setting or by a counselor working with people?
Tell us a little bit about what being a reconciler means and where you have seen God at work.
Mark, how has your teaching and research over the years set you up to write this book? What encouragement would you leave listeners with as they wrestle with forgiving someone or accepting someone’s offer of forgiveness?
About the GuestsTed Kober, a Certified Christian Conciliator™ since 1992, reconciles personal disputes, lawsuits, and church conflicts. He has published numerous resources and taught reconciliation on six continents. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, awarded Ted a doctor of letters degree, honoris causa, for his writing, speaking, and impact to the global church.Mark Rockenbach(MDiv, MA, PhD) is an associate professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, where he also directs various programs. Previously, he served as a parish pastor, an executive for church worker health and reconciliation, and a mental health counselor. Mark and his wife, Darlene have three children, Joshua, Rachel, and Andrew.
Guest Rev. Dr. James Voelz joins host Elizabeth Pittman on the first episode of season 5 of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast. Dr. Voelz is the author of two volumes of the Concordia Commentary series on the Gospel of Mark. During the episode, Dr. Voelz shares an overview of Mark as well as some of the linguistic themes and the grammatical ideas that make Mark unique.
Get a copy of each of Dr. Voelz’s Concordia Commentary editions on Mark by visiting cph.org.
Show Notes
Unpack the richness of the Law and Gospel of Mark during this episode with guest Rev. Dr. James Voelz.
Listen now as Dr. Voelz dives into the unique Gospel of Mark and uncovers the relationship between Mark and the other Gospels. Listeners will get an overview of the book itself, insight into how Mark is written, the speed at which this Gospel is written, what stories are covered, and a look into linguistic themes throughout the chapters.
Questions
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How was your time at the Society of Biblical Literature and how were your Commentaries received there?
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Let’s talk about Mark as a Gospel and its significance. Give us an overview of this Gospel.
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How is it different than the other Gospel accounts?
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Talk about your oral presentation of Mark and your part in memorizing this Gospel.
About the Guest
Rev. Dr. James Voelz is the Dr. Jack Dean Kingsbury Professor of New Testament Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. A faculty member since 1989, he is a graduate professor of Exegetical Theology. He has also served as chair of the Department of Exegetical Theology (2013–15), dean of the faculty (2006–10) and dean of the Graduate School (1996–2002).
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Rev. Dr. Paul Raabe joins host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss his work on the newest volume in the Concordia Commentary series, Isaiah 13 – 27 - Concordia Commentary.
The next volume in the series will be available on November 30 and is available for pre-order now. Get your copy at cph.org/isaiah-13-37-concordia-commentary.
Plus, subscribe to the Concordia Commentary series on CPH’s website by visiting cph.org/commentary.
Show Notes
Chapters 13 to 27 of the book of Isaiah are often overlooked, yet they are invaluable. These chapters play an integral part in our understanding of God's plan for all of his people.
Listen to this episode as author Dr. Paul Raabe explores his time writing the newest edition in the Concordia Commentary series that covers Isaiah chapters 13 to 27. Dr. Raabe will provide insight into the message found in this text, the impact of studying Isaiah on his own faith, and encouragement for lay people who may be interested in diving into this Old Testament book of the Bible.
Questions
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What was it like spending so much of your professional life studying Isaiah?
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When you’re translating from Hebrew to English, how difficult is it to capture the nuance of the poetry found in Isaiah?
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Tell us about the message of the book of Isaiah as a whole.
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Are the judgments found in these chapters of Isaiah only meant for unbelievers or do they also apply to Christians? How do we look at that today?
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Tell us about the Gospel message found in Isaiah. Do we see that message come through in these prophecies?
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Have you found studying Isaiah over the years has had an impact on your personal faith?
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You’ve taught about Isaiah in a variety of contexts. How have you approached teaching Isaiah in all these contexts?
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What ways have you found to be effective to encourage your students to spend time in the Word?
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For those of us who are not trained in Hebrew, what is your encouragement for the average lay people who may pick up this volume of Concordia Commentary?
**About the Guest
Dr. Paul Raabe is a professor emeritus at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, retiring in 2018 after 35 years as professor of Exegetical Theology. Dr. Raabe’s areas of interest and expertise include the Hebrew Prophets and poetry, Old Testament theology, and biblical theology. He has also served on The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Commission on Theology and has co-edited a previous piece for Concordia Publishing House, The Press of the Text, a Festschrift in honor of Concordia Seminary Professor Dr. James W. Voelz. Dr. Raabe received his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University, Nebraska, a Master of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa to talk about his next book, Faith That Shines in the Culture. In his upcoming book, Al shows readers how we can reflect the light of Christ to the world around us.
Pre-order Al’s newest book on CPH’s website by visiting cph.org/faith-that-shines-in-the-culture.
Show NotesBeing part of society as a Christian means living out your faith in the church, the government, and the family. At the same time, every individual is called by God to do something in the world, known as your vocation. Both your vocation and living in The Three Estates are beautiful and rich parts of being a Lutheran.
In his upcoming book, Al Espinosa examines both of these theological concepts to help you see how to take up God's greatest call: showcasing God's light through you and into the world. During the episode, Al talks about how Christians can learn how to express Christ's light in each portion of their life as they go about their daily routine. He also discusses how this new book fits in with his two previous Faith That… books with CPH and what listeners should expect from the work. Questions
- How does your new book fit into your previous writing?
- What is vocation? What does vocation look like?
- What are the Three Estates?
- What advice do you have for church members to help underscore how important it is for every member of the local congregation to be active and involved?
About the GuestRev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa is a graduate of Concordia University Irvine (BA) and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana (MDiv). He received an MA in Christian apologetics from Biola University and a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Birmingham (England) in 2009. Dr. Espinosa is the senior pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Irvine, California, and a member of the Board for National Mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. In addition to writing the faith-and-culture trilogy, he has served as an author for The Lutheran Difference, a study notes team member for The Lutheran Study Bible, and a contributor to the Biblical Response series.
Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML) President Eden Keefe joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss being a woman in mission and a woman who serves Christ.
Find out more about LWML at lwml.org.
Show NotesIn this episode, Eden sits down to discuss her new role as president, what she is looking forward to for the upcoming biennium, and how listeners can get involved in LWML as a young woman looking to serve Christ and the church.
Eden also shares some of her favorite memories of LWML after having served and been involved in the organization for many years. She provides advice for those looking to get involved in ministry and gives her insight into how LWML continues to faithfully serve the LCMS.
Questions Covered
· What is LWML Sunday? How can it be celebrated in the congregation?
· Tell us about this year’s theme.
· What were some of the highlights from this summer’s convention for you?
· What excites you about the coming biennium? How can people support the LWML mission grants?
· How can listeners support their local LWML? If they don’t have an active chapter, how can they get connected?
· What tools have you found helpful for your personal devotions?
· How did you get involved with Visual Faith Ministry?
· What is the best encouragement you've received in your service in the Church?
· Who is your favorite woman in the Bible?
· What would you tell very young girls about what it means to be a woman in mission?
· How can our listeners pray for you and the LWML?
About the GuestEden Keefe is president of LWML and was elected to this position at the LWML National Convention in 2023. She has also served as LWML Vice President of Christian Life from 2013-2017, as Leader Development Committee Chairman, and as a member of the Christian Resources Editors. Eden worked on the LWML Official Publications Staff as Christian Living Editor and has served LWML at the district level in the Kansas district as well as the LWML Carolinas District Recording Secretary.
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Pastor Mike Fieberkorn speaks with host Elizabeth Pittman about his new book, Battle of the Soul: Luther Reforms Vice and Virtue.
Battle of the Soul will be available on October 31, 2023. Pre-order your copy by visiting cph.org/battle-of-the-soul-luther-reforms-vice-and-virtue.
Show NotesEnvy, greed, gluttony, lust, anger, sloth, and pride are all vices and manifestations of our unbelief. Pastor Fieberkorn joins Elizabeth Pittman to explain how our daily living of the Ten Commandments helps kill our unbelief.
Listen as Pastor Fieberkorn reflects on how he came to write about the ideas of vice and virtue, what he defines as believers’ daily battle, how Martin Luther reformed thinking about these everyday struggles, and more.
Questions Covered
· What is the battle of the soul?
· How did you first notice the ideas of vice and virtue in Luther? Were you surprised to see how often Luther used these ideas?
· How does repeated engagement in sinful thinking turn into a habitual vice that becomes our way of looking at the world? How might it affect our neighbors?
· How can naming our vices help us diagnose something that might be becoming an idol in our lives?
· What does Christian virtue look like according to Luther?
· Luther matches up vices and virtues with the 10 Commandments. Give a couple examples of this.
· Why must we actively work to kill our vices/slay the old man?
· Why is it’s so important to remember our Baptism each day and the comfort that gives?
· At the back of the book, there are prayers for the reader to use in their daily lives. Can you talk about how readers might use those and why they’re helpful? How do these types of prayers help us grow in our prayer life and strengthen us for battle?
About the Guest
Rev. Dr. Michael Todd Fieberkornhas served as a Lutheran pastor at Zion in St. Charles, Missouri, since 2019. He is a second-career pastor who served active duty in the Air Force for six years and currently serves in the Air Force Reserves. Pastor Fieberkorn and his wife, Angela, have three children.
Rev. Dan Paavola joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast. The duo discusses the upcoming 2023 Advent and Christmas daily devotions authored by Dan, Peace Came to Earth. Dan will talk about the different ways that Jesus brings us peace from God and remind us of the true reason of the Christmas season.
Get a copy of the devotions on cph.org at cph.org/peace-came-to-earth-daily-devotions-for-advent-and-christmas.
Show Notes:
In today’s world, Christmastime is often busy, hectic, and stressful but that’s not what Christmas is about. Christmas is about a manger and hay, stables and shepherds, and a swaddled baby called the Prince of Peace.
In this episode Dan provides insight into his new daily devotions Peace Came to Earth, where readers will take a step back and celebrate the peace and simplicity of Christmas. He talks about the metaphor of the star used in the Advent series, other imagery used to paint the story of Jesus, how we find lasting peace, and how God shows us the lasting peace only He can provide.
About the GuestRev. Daniel E. Paavola is a professor and pastor with the gifts of storytelling, motorcycle riding, and Model T restoring. He is a professor of theology at Concordia University Wisconsin and served twelve years as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Butternut, Wisconsin.
Dr. Steve Saunders joins Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to talk about his new book Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Today.
Show Notes: Mental health issues are widely discussed today, but these issues aren't new. 500 years ago, Martin Luther was sharing advice to people who were wrestling with similar mental health challenges that many of us face today.
In this episode, Dr. Saunders explains how he came across the teachings on mental health from Martin Luther and what inspired him to put this into his new book. Listen to the full episode to hear what Dr. Saunders has to say about what Martin Luther taught 500 years ago and how it applies to our lives today, how we should interpret what the Bible says about mental health, why it’s important for Christians to understand mental health issues, and more.
Questions Covered
- Why is this book important for Lutherans today?
- How did writing this book come about?
- How would you define mental health problems? How are they different from more serious mental illnesses? Why is it important to know the difference? Why is it so hard for people to talk about mental health issues?
- Why is it important for Christians to know how to have conversations with people experiencing mental health problems?
- After writing this book, what is the biggest piece of advice you would give to Christians dealing with friends and family with mental health problems?
About the GuestDr. Stephen Saunders is a clinical psychologist and psychology professor at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He earned his Ph.D. from Northwestern University, and his research interests include mental health services and mental health treatment. Dr. Saunders lives with his wife, Ruth, and has three children.
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Elizabeth Pittman is joined by coauthors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann to discuss their new book The Messianic Message: Predictions, Patterns, and the Presence of Jesus in the Old Testament.
Get a copy of Reed’s and Andrew’s book – released in August 2023 – on cph.org.
Show Notes:
People typically associate Jesus and look for Him in the New Testament. However, we do see instances of Jesus throughout the Old Testament. In The Messianic Message R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann go through each book of the Old Testament and explain each prediction, pattern, and presence of Jesus.
Listen to this podcast episode as Reed and Andrew discuss the process of collaborating on a book, studying the Old Testament for signs of Our Savior, and developing the book together. They provide a preview of how their writing shows readers where they can find Jesus throughout the Old Testament. Readers will learn to study the Old Testament through a Christ-centered lens in The Messianic Message.
About the Guests
Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing serves as professor of theology and ministry at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is also the university’s director for the Center of Biblical Studies. Reed has authored books in the Concordia Commentary series, including Isaiah 40–55, Isaiah 56–66, Amos, Jonah, and Zechariah. He is also the author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah and Deliver Us: God’s Rescue Story in Exodus.
Dr. Andrew Steinmann is retired from teaching as the distinguished professor of theology and Hebrew at Concordia University Chicago. Steinmann has authored books in the Concordia Commentary series, including 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, Ezra and Nehemiah, Proverbs, and Daniel. He is also the author of From Abraham to Paul: A Biblical Chronology and Is God Listening?
Dr. Dave Rueter, author of Teaching the Faith at Home: What Does This Mean? How Is This Done?, joins host Elizabeth Pittman for this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to talk about the importance of teaching the faith to children.
Learn more about his work and get a copy of Dave’s book by visiting cph.org.
Show Notes:
What does teaching the faith at home really mean – and how is it done?
Author Dave Rueter answers these questions – and more – as he sits down with Elizabeth to discuss the purpose of taking faith education outside the classroom as churches and schools prepare for a new school year. Dave digs into the meaning of catechesis, why it’s vital for parents to be involved in their children’s faith journeys, the challenges of teaching the faith in blended and single parent families, and some strategies for lifelong catechesis.
Questions:
· What is catechesis anyway?
· Why is it important to put energy into building a catechesis culture in our congregations?
· Why does the church struggle with confirmation?
· Why is it essential that parents are involved in teaching the faith to their children?
· Why is a relationship with the family, not just the student, so important in catechesis?
· What challenges are present when teaching the faith in blended or single parent homes? How can the church help?
· What tips/advice can you share about how to increase biblical literacy in students, especially as they undergo confirmation classes?
· What are some common misconceptions people have about confirmation?
· What are some strategies for lifespan catechesis?
· Why does Martin Luther’s Small Catechism hold up so well today, even though it was written in the 1500s?
About the Guest
Dr. David Rueter is the Director of Ministry Engagement at Our Savior Lutheran Ministries working to provide a cohesive approach to ministry across the church, school, and preschool. Dr. Rueter is a commissioned DCE, who has served for more than 25 years in congregations, on faculty at Concordia University Irvine, and on staff at the Pacific Southwest District. He is married to Andrea and the proud father of James and Wesley. For more from Dr. Rueter, visit teachingthefaithathome.org.
The Baptismal River | Rev. Dr. Richard Davenport
Rev. Dr. Richard Davenport joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss his upcoming Bible study, The Baptismal River: Studying The Sacrament Throughout Scripture. His new Bible study will be available on cph.org in August.
Learn more and download a sample session at books.cph.org/the-baptismal-river.
Show Notes:
In Baptism, you become the human God created you to be.
Throughout the episode, Pastor Davenport shares his experience writing about the Sacrament of Baptism and studying for his doctoral work at Concordia Seminary St. Louis. He and Elizabeth also discuss what a great gift Baptism is, the relationship between the flood and Baptism, the unique qualities of a Baptism, what God accomplishes through our Baptisms, and more. Listen to the full episode now to learn about God’s deeper purpose for Baptism and how Pastor Davenport will challenge readers to ask, “Do we really need Baptism? What makes it special?”
About the Guest
Rev. Dr. Richard Davenportlives in Fort Smith, Arkansas, with his wife and son. He currently serves as pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He received his MDiv from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 2009 and his PhD in doctrinal theology, also from Concordia Seminary, in 2013, focusing on a Lutheran theology of hope. You can read more of his writing at sacramentalstreams.wordpress.com.
Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy joins Elizabeth Pittman in this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss his new book, Pastoral Leadership: Shepherding and Caring for God’s People, which was officially released on June 20, 2023.
You can download a free sample of Pastoral Leadership by visiting books.cph.org/pastoral-leadership.
Show Notes:
Pastoral care and pastoral leadership are not separate functions but are in fact one and the same thing.
In this episode Dr. Hardy dives into how pastoral care and pastoral leadership are not in competition with each other but are actually intertwined and must work together in order for a pastor to be a present leader and active participant in his congregation. Dr. Hardy also speaks about pastors and time management, his favorite biblical leader, advice he offers to new pastors, staying motivated, and the financial responsibility of church leaders. Listen to the full episode now to hear from Dr. Hardy and to get an inside look at his new book, Pastoral Leadership: Shepherding and Caring for God’s People.
Questions Covered
· What do you hope church workers take away from your book?
· Why should the laity read this book, and what do you want them to take away from it?
· In your introduction, you write that time management is a top struggle for many pastors. You write the proper order for prioritizing a pastor’s time is God, family, and church – in this order. Why in this order and why is time management so challenging for pastors in particular?
· In the first chapter, you write about several leadership styles from several different biblical figures. Who is your favorite biblical leader and why?
· What is the one piece of advice that you wish you had received when you first started as a pastor?
· What is the one piece of advice that you think most seasoned pastors need to hear?
· Let’s talk about leadership. You write that motivation and purpose are key traits of effective pastoral leaders. Are there any other traits that effective pastoral leaders should have? What advice or encouragement do you have for pastors who are struggling to stay motivated?
· You write that the financial situation of congregations and nonprofit ministries don’t get enough attention in leadership. Why is this?
About the Guest
Rev. Dr. Jamison J. Hardy is president of the English District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. He has a master of public administration in leadership and management, as well as a doctorate of business administration in leadership and finance. His pastoral leadership has been molded by numerous experiences, including service as an elected member of his local school board, assisting in the merger of two congregations, and serving on the board of directors as secretary for Lutheran Federal Credit Union.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Trevor Sutton joins Elizabeth Pittman to discuss the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the implications it poses for Christians today. Trevor recently wrote about this topic in Christianity Today, and is the co-author of the 2021 book Redeeming Technology: A Christian Approach to Healthy Digital Habits.
Show Notes:
Many of us may use AI without even knowing it. It’s been around longer than many of us realize.
Trevor dives into these topics regarding AI and the impact it can have on modern Christians in this episode of the podcast.
Trevor also goes into the merits, benefits, and positives for church workers to consider when thinking about using AI in practical ways. He warns of pitfalls that pastors should also be aware of and watch for when actively integrating AI into life at church. Listen to the full episode to hear Trevor and Elizabeth discuss the rise of AI, the ethics involved in using AI at church and school, and how AI impacts our Christian worldview.
Questions Covered
· While it seems like AI has exploded onto the scene in the last 8-10 months, in reality it has been around and in use for much longer. What are some of the ways we’ve seen AI used?
· What are some of the potential benefits for church and school leaders when using AI? What kinds of AI do you see as effective for supporting ministries?
· Is there some merit to using AI as a research aid?
· What are the potential pitfalls of using AI for conducting Bible research?
· What is some ways AI could help a pastor or commissioned minister be more productive?
· What are some dangers or possibly unforeseen pitfalls to watch out for for pastors and commissioned ministers?
· What kinds of AI do you see as dangerous for our ministries?
· How can a church use AI - what areas specifically could AI improve? What kinds of AI do you see as effective for supporting ministries?
· In regard to language model AI, how do you recommend churches and school balance the potential efficiencies for both planning assistance and content creation?
· Recent innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) are raising new questions about how copyright law principles such as authorship, infringement, and fair use will apply to content created or used by AI.
· Can he speak to the ethics from a church perspective on using AI? I know a lot of artists and writers who have expressed concern about their work being stolen.
· How will AI impact ethics in student work? How will teachers be able to check against AI-generated content?
· What unique role does congregational life play in a society that's growing more and more digitized/pre-generated/artificial?
· How does AI impact our perceptions of humanity, identity, and creativity? And/or how does our Christian worldview help us speak to these concerns as AI topics continue to grow?
About the Guest
Rev. A. Trevor Sutton is senior pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Haslett, Michigan. Sutton has a BA from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and an MDiv from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He has published multiple sermons, Bible studies, and devotional books with various Christian publishers. He previously served as managing editor of Relief Journal: A Christian Literary Expression. He speaks at academic conferences, retreats, and congregations. Sutton lives in Lansing, Michigan, with his wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, Grace.
President Debbie Larson of Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML) joins this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast with host Elizabeth Pittman to give a preview of the upcoming LWML 40th Biennial Convention in June.
Learn more about Lutheran Women in Mission by visiting www.lwml.org.
Show Notes:
In this episode, listen as Debbie Larson, current president of Lutheran Women in Mission, gives an inside look at the upcoming convention in June and discusses what attendees should expect to experience.
Debbie also talks about life in the office of president of LWML, the impact of some of the missions during her time serving in the organization, and encouragement for young women who are looking to get involved.
Questions Covered
-Tell us a bit about LWML and why you love to do what you do.
-Are there a few missions that have stuck out to you in your memory as unique or extra impactful?
-How did you first get involved with LWML?
-What have been some of the highlights of your time as president?
-What does a typical day in the life of a Lutheran Women in Mission president look like?
-If you're talking to young women or women who have not typically been involved in Lutheran Women in Mission, what would you say to them to encourage them to get involved?
-What are your hopes and prayers for LWML as it moves into the future?
-What closing thoughts do you want to leave with our listeners as they think about Lutheran Women in Mission and serving the church and being involved?
About the Guest
Debbie Larson has served as the president of Lutheran Women in Mission since 2019. She will complete her presidential term at the 2023 40th Biennial Convention and will see a new president elected to serve in the next term.
Award-winning Christian rapper and hip-hop artist FLAME joins this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss his upcoming book, Extra Nos: Discovering Grace outside Myself. FLAME talks about writing his first book with CPH and what it was like writing personal stories of his faith journey down on paper. Download a sample of the book by visiting books.cph.org/extra-nos.
Show Notes:
Listen to this episode to hear FLAME preview the inspirational story of his life and how God brought him to Lutheranism.
FLAME discusses his spiritual journey as God brought him through various trials testing his faith, pushing him to further his theological background and find the truth of "extra nos." Host Elizabeth Pittman also discusses the meaning of “extra nos” with FLAME and what it means. He goes into detail about exploring his faith, learning more about Lutheran theology, and his advice for others defending their faith.
Questions Covered
- Can you talk a little about the intersection of theology and music? Listening to your songs is like taking a crash course in theology – what comes first, the lyrics, or the melody? How does this process work?
- Lutheran theology needs to rule the day. Why?
- You share your very personal faith journey in your book. Can you talk about what parts of the book were the most challenging for you to write?
- Your book is titles Extra Nos: Discovering Grace outside Myself. What does this mean?
- In your book, you mentioned that you journaled daily and documented how you were feeling and what you were learning as you explored your faith. Do you still journal? Would you recommend journaling to others, and if so, why?
- In your book, you wrote about your experiences with Calvinism. It sounds like this denomination emphasizes the work that an individual needs to do to be right with God, rather than the Lutheran view that our salvation is a gift from God that we can’t earn on our merits – Jesus earned it for us on the cross. Is this an accurate summary of these key differences? Do you have any tips for Lutherans who have the opportunity to witness (or just speak with) Calvinists?
- It’s been said that misunderstanding or ignoring the two kinds of righteousness will only lead to one of two outcomes: a person will either be filled with pride or despair.
- What was the reaction to people who thought you apostate after becoming Lutheran?
- What advice or encouragement do you have for those who are grappling with some aspect of their faith? Examples – not feeling like God is listening to their prayers; not sure if they’re in the “correct” denomination; unsure of their life direction.
- What is your favorite Bible verse (or passage), and why?
- not sure about this one but including it for consideration We couldn’t help but notice how active you are on social media, including some civil but pointed posts and comments challenging people on issues like baptism and that it’s not just a symbolic act. What advice can you share for defending/advocating for faith on social media?
- What do you hope readers take away from your book?
About the GuestFLAME IS A GRAMMY®-nominated and Stellar Award–winning hip-hop artist. He is a well-versed leader in the Christian hip-hop scene with a growing list of accolades, including a GRAMMY nomination, multiple Billboard chart-toppers, and several Dove and Stellar award nominations. He was born and raised in the inner city of St. Louis, Missouri. FLAME’s latest releases include four EPs, including Extra Nos (2020), which was his first project as a Lutheran.
On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, author of upcoming book Life in Christ: Rooted, Woven, and Grafted into God’s Story. Pastor Filipek discusses reading the Bible, and understanding what the stories in Scripture have to do with our everyday lives.
Read a sample of Life in Christ by visiting books.cph.org/life-in-christ. Available on cph.org in June.
Show Notes:
Reading the Bible can feel like a disjointed narrative where the pieces don’t always fit together at first. With his upcoming book, Life in Christ, Pastor Filipek pieces the stories in the Bible together to allow readers to see how our lives are grafted into Christ’s story. He also provides context to the historical aspects of the Bible, addresses and alleviates the challenges of understanding the Bible story, and explains how his writing frames readers’ thoughts to discover why the faith isn’t about us.
Plus, Pastor Filipek gives an inside look at where his inspiration for the idea of the book came from and what encouraged him to put pen to paper. Listen to the full episode for the inside scoop.
Questions Covered
· What prompted you to write this book?
· You begin by talking about the Great Disconnect. What is this? Why is it important that we rediscover that the faith isn’t about us?
· Why aren’t the books of the Bible arranged chronologically?
· What is the story of the whole Bible in a nutshell?
· What makes reading and understanding the overarching story of the Bible so challenging, and how does your book help alleviate this?
· You write about the dangers of questioning the need to read Scripture, especially the trap of “isn’t this all I need to know?” Why do we need to read Scripture? Do we need to read the whole Bible?
· The Gospels are about Jesus coming to fulfill the law. Why then do we need to read the law books – Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy in particular?
· Where do we fit into God’s story of salvation for all people in Christ?
· What does it look like to live in Christ?
· What is your favorite Bible verse or passage, and why?
· What tips do you have for people to increase their Bible literacy?
About the GuestRev. Dr. Adam T. Filipek has been pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lidgerwood, North Dakota, since October 2016. He serves as an online adjunct professor at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Pastor Filipek earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Minot State University in North Dakota, a master of divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and a doctor of ministry from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His doctoral dissertation, which served as a foundation for his book Life in Christ, was centered around teaching and preaching the unified biblical narrative. Pastor Filipek has been married to Becky since 2006. They have four children: David, Miriam, Jacob, and Bethany.
Author Lindsay Hausch joins in on the most recent episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast as she previews her newest book, God’s Provision in a Wilderness World, with host Elizabeth Pittman. In her new women’s Bible study, Lindsay pushes readers to focus on the promises and presence of Jesus in God’s Word. Manna reminds us mercies are new every morning as God refreshes and feeds our souls.
Download a sample of Lindsay’s most recent Bible study by visiting books.cph.org/gods-provision-in-a-wilderness-world. The title will release on cph.org in May 2023.
Show Notes:
We face a wilderness where our worldly effort to satisfy leaves our hearts empty and aching.
In her newest book, Lindsay Hausch invites readers to look closely at the experiences that the Israelites had during their 40 years in the wilderness. As we do this, she encourages us to see how the creator is blessing us today with his gifts in our everyday struggles. Listen to the full episode as Lindsay reflects on writing her second book with CPH, recognizing our own wilderness, and seeing the manna that God gives us each and every day.
Questions Covered
· What inspired you to write this Bible study?
· Are there any similarities between this book and your last book, Take Heart: God’s Comfort for Anxious Thoughts?
· The humble sticky note makes a cameo in the book. Tell us about that. How can we use sticky notes to encourage others?
· How does the story of the Israelites’ wandering the wilderness for 40 years relate to us today?
· What are some aspects of the story of the Israelite’s wilderness wandering that stand out to you?
· As you talked with your community about wilderness seasons in their lives, what did you learn?
· What are some signs we are entering our own wilderness? What encouragement or advice do you have for those who are walking through a wilderness season?
· “Sitting atop a question mark” – what does that mean?
· You write about God refreshing us with manna. What does the word “manna” mean?
· What is the manna God is giving us today?
· It can be hard to settle down and focus on clearing a mental space for a Bible study with all the demands on our time. What tips can you share to help us “clear the decks” so we can grow closer to God?
· What is God’s provision in our lives?
· I understand you’re a coffee fan. Do you have a preferred brew? Way of preparing it? Special mug or time of day for enjoying coffee?
About the GuestLindsay Hausch is an author, speaker, and pastor’s wife. She co-leads a mental health support prayer group at her church and enjoys speaking to women and other church groups about seeking God’s heart in the midst of a fast-paced life. Lindsay is passionate about hope in life's everyday struggles, overcoming anxious thoughts, depression, and difficult emotions. She most enjoys serving alongside her husband, discipling her three children, and getting quiet with God whenever she can. Learn more about Lindsay by visiting her website at lindsayhausch.com.
In thisepisode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Pastor Lee Hopf joins Elizabeth Pittman to discuss the importance of confirmation and how we can help our students to be confident in their identities as children of God. He also gives a preview of his upcoming confirmation journal, Guided by Truth, that he has written and explains why he was inspired to create this resource that encourages students to not only learn what they believe but also know why they believe it. Guided by Truth: Enduring Faith® Confirmation Journal will be available to order in May. You can download a sample by visiting books.cph.org/guided-by-truth-enduring-faith-confirmation-journal.
Show Notes:
It can often be complex to know if students are really understanding the Six Chief Parts of the Christian Doctrine when they go through confirmation. Some students know what all the “right” answers are, but, digging deeper, they aren’t sure how to apply those answers to their lives. Other students may be quietly confused.
Pastor Lee Hopf wrote his new confirmation journal with those students in mind. In this episode, Pastor Hopf talks about how Guided by Truth helps students better understand how Lutheran theology answers their questions about the Bible, Jesus, the Sacraments, and more. He also discusses how culture has impacted how teens see their identities, and why confirmation is important to understanding our purpose.
Questions Covered
· Why do we make confirmation a priority?
· What are the important questions students will consider in Guided by Truth?
· Culture is challenging how teens view their identity. Talk about our purpose and identity as children of God. Why is holding onto this identity essential and how can confirmation help?
· When we know who we are and who God is, how does that impact how we live our daily lives?
· Tell us about how the confirmation journal came to be? How have your students and families responded to it?
· How do you see this being used in classes with a high number of students vs. those with only a handful of students?
· How do you respond to someone who thinks that this is giving the pastor a shortcut to teaching confirmation?
· What advice do you have for parents if their kids resist going to confirmation class?
· How can parents explain why confirmation is so important to non-Lutherans?
· What tips do you have for adults who are well past their confirmation classes to stay engaged/reminded of what they learned in confirmation?
About the Guest
Born and raised in Georgia, Pastor Lee Hopf earned his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary St. Louis in 2016. Knowing he wanted to be a pastor since the age of 14, Pastor Hopf has spent most of the last seven years working in youth ministry. He currently serves as Next Gen Pastor at Trinity Klein Lutheran Church in Texas.
Pastor and author Christopher Esget joins Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss his new book (Dis)Ordered: Lies about Human Nature and the Truth That Sets Us Free. Listen as Pastor Esget reflects on writing his book about our identity in Christ and the encouragement we have in Christ during our struggles with sin.
Order Pastor Esget’s new book by visiting books.cph.org/disordered.
Show Notes:
Western culture shows us that human nature has become disordered. God’s Word says something different about us and our purpose, though.
In this episode, Pastor Esget talks aboutwhat the Bible says about mankind’s purpose and how our disconnection from the created order causes such great harm in society.He addressesimportant topics for the Church in his book, the concerning shift away from God’s truth in today’s society, and advice he has for reflecting on these issues in our own ministries.
Questions Covered
· Why is this book important for the church today?
· What do you anticipate will be the greatest challenges and opportunities to the Church as society's views of human nature continue to shift farther and farther from God's truth?
· What does the quest for authenticity look like today?
· The world seems to be going crazy –why is that? How has culture today redefined original sin.
· In a nutshell, what is disordered and what is our role in helping to restore that order?
· How can Christians encounter the Scriptures as fully authoritative and inviolable, yet as a living Word that speaks to us today?
· In chapter one, you talk about how our society is replacing the truth with feelings and how prioritizing our feelings over thought is destabilizing institutions like marriage. The enemy can influence our feelings but sometimes feelings are also a gift from God. How can we discern where our feelings are coming from and if they are harmful or helpful?
· How does being “curved in on yourself” harm our neighbors?
· Define postmodernism. What happens when man is disconnected from an external law?
· How has modern technology/social media become a vehicle for disordered desires?
· In your book, you mention fasting as a spiritual tool. Can you talk about what circumstances would be appropriate for a layperson to fast and how one would go about fasting? Is it a 24-hour fast? How do you set the duration? How do we know if we are called to fast?
· How have you seen the issues you address in the book play out in your own ministry, as a pastor and as a Vice President of the LCMS?
· What advice would you give to Christian parents trying to navigate the changing culture with their households?
· What advice would you give to Christian leaders trying to navigate the changing culture?
· What is your greatest hope for your readers?
About the Guest
Rev. Christopher Esget is senior pastor of Immanuel Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Virginia, where he has served since 2001. He previously served Bethel Lutheran Church in Du Quoin, Illinois. He and his wife, Kassie, have one son. Esget is the Fifth Vice President of the LCMS (representing the East-Southeast Region). He holds a bachelor's degree in music from Berklee Col
Author Deb Burma is back as a guest on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to talk about her newest Bible study, Leaning on Jesus. In her upcoming book, Deb encourages readers to see our continuous need for Jesus.
Find out more about Deb’s new Bible study by visiting books.cph.org/leaning-on-jesus.
Show Notes:
Our culture tells us that we have all we need to make it all work, that we can smash our goals and own our own lives. But what happens when we can’t or simply don’t?
In Deb Burma's latest women's Bible study, readers will see their continuous need for Jesus and will learn to lean on Him. During this episode Deb explains why Christians need each other and how we were created to be in community. She will also provide some of her tips found in her book about finding a Godly mentor, having a “Jesus and me” space, and actively leaning on Jesus.
Questions Covered
· Why do we need to lean on Jesus?
· When will we know we're leaning on Jesus? Can you share some tips/helpful reminders to actively lean on Jesus?
· You mentioned finding a Godly mentor and how helpful that can be. What tips do have to find a mentor and what qualities should the mentor have?
· You wrote about having a Jesus and me space. Can you talk more about this - what is this - physical space, mental/spiritual space? What do we do in this space and why do we need it?
· Leaning and leading – what does that mean?
About the Guest
Deb Burma is a sought-after speaker for women’s conferences, retreats, and ministry events. She is the author of several books, Bible studies, and devotionals, including Be Still and Know: A Study of Rest and Refuge, Joy: A Study of Philippians, Stepping Out, Living a Chocolate Life, and Beautiful Feet. Deb is a follower of Jesus, a pastor’s wife, and a mom. She’s a blogger, a women’s ministry leader, and a self-proclaimed coffee/chocolate connoisseur. Above all, Deb is a grace-filled child of God. To learn more, visit her author page.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Christa Petzold joins Elizabeth Pittman to discuss her book coming out this May, Gathered by Christ: The Overlooked Gift of Church. During their discussion, Christa helps listeners see the church through the eyes of Christ.
Find out more about Christa’s upcoming book by visiting books.cph.org/gathered-by-christ.
Show Notes:
Through our fallen world of sin, humans—including those within the Church—can hurt others and push people out the door rather than inviting them in. Christa Petzold empathizes and understands how Christians in the Church have hurt others, but she brings light and emphasis to the ways that Jesus sees the Church as His community of believers, founded securely on Him and His Word.
During the episode Christa dives into why many have felt rejected by the modern Church and why it’s important to remember who created the Church – God Himself. Listen to this episode to hear Christa explain why the Church is a blessing, what regular church attendance looks like, how Jesus sees the Church, and more.
Questions Covered
· What are the benefits of studying the history of those who came before us in the faith?
·You remind us that the church is created by God and not by man. How can remembering this inform the way we view and participate in our own congregations?
·Why is the Church referred to as she/female? What’s with the Church/bride analogy?
· What role does the pastor fill in the life of the Church?
· What are some ways that we can honor the office of pastor and support our pastors in our churches? What do you think are some of the challenges pastors and their families face in ministry?
· Lex orandi, lex credenda. Why do our practices in our local congregation matter so much?
· For those who don’t know, can you define what church hopping is and why it’s not a good approach to church attendance?
· Your book explains why the Church is both necessary and a blessing in the lives of Christians. Do you have suggestions about how we can lovingly and kindly broach the necessity of Church with people in our lives who have fallen away from attending the Church?
· Speaking of Church attendance, a recent study from Lifeway Research found that most Protestant pastors and churchgoers define regular church attendance as twice a month or more - wondering what your thoughts are on this. (Article about the survey: https://research.lifeway.com/2023/02/21/most-pastors-churchgoers-see-more-than-monthly-attendance-as-standard/?ecid=PDM265108&bid=1771054513)
· In a nutshell, how does Jesus see the Church?
· What is your favorite part of Church and why?
About the GuestChrista Petzold is a pastor’s wife and stay-at-home mother of four. She holds a master’s degree in theology from Concordia University Irvine and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and Lutheran secondary education from Concordia University Wisconsin. She lives with her family in Bartlett, Illinois, and spends her time homeschooling, teaching theology, writing, reading, and studying Church history. She and her husband, Jonathan, are the authors of Male and Female: Embracing Your Role in God’s Design.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman welcomes Donna Snow back as a guest to discuss her newest book, Meant for Good: A Study of Joseph, and the magnificent story of Joseph as he faithfully waited for God’s plans to come together.
Find out more about Donna’s new Bible study by visiting books.cph.org/meant-for-good.
Show Notes:
Joseph’s life and its portrayal in Genesis is an epic journey through Scripture. In this episode, Donna talks about what listeners and readers can expect to learn from her upcoming Bible study that focuses on the life of Joseph – a phenomenal character laid out in Scripture. Donna also shares her love of pulling history and culture together to help a Bible story make sense in today’s world. Listen to the full episode to hear Donna’s reflections on what she found fascinating in Joseph’s story, how she describes “spiritual dehydration”, and more.
Questions Covered
· What can readers of your previous studies expect from your newest study?
· Your latest study is set in ancient Egypt. Your introduction does a great job setting the reader up with historical and Biblical context for both Joseph and Egypt. Ancient Egypt in Joseph’s time sounds fascinating – what were some of the most interesting tidbits about ancient Egypt or Joseph’s life that you uncovered as you prepared to write this study?
· You wrote in your introduction about Joseph being one of the most Christlike figures in Scripture. Can you elaborate on this point?
· Joseph found himself in a dark spot when he was sent to Egypt. Even when we’re in the midst of dark circumstances, there can be benefits. What are some of the benefits these situations can teach us? How did that play out for Joseph?
· You write about experiencing spiritual dehydration (in the context of experiencing seasons of famine that Joseph’s dreams foretold). Can you define what you mean by this? You share concrete warning signs of spiritual hydration – course talk, fatigue, anger, the presence of sin, and poor decision-making; are there any other warning signs to watch out for? And what guidance can you share for those who are experiencing spiritual dehydration?
· What are some lessons about forgiveness we can take away from Joseph’s story?
· How do we know if we’re actually forgiven someone? You share four litmus tests for this in (Week 4, Day 2) that are very helpful. Can you talk about these tests a little more? (As a recap, those 4 tests are: general thoughts test, failure test, revenge test, and opportunity to help test.)
About the Guest
A soul-stirring, engaging speaker, author, Bible teacher, and worship leader, Donna Pyle has a passion for studying and teaching God’s Word. Her clear, down-to-earth style encourages women of all ages to wholeheartedly love, serve, and live for Jesus Christ. Since launching Artesian Ministries in 2007, Donna has scratched out over 20 Bible studies and enjoys the incredible privilege of traveling throughout the U.S. and internationally to speak and teach where the Lord opens doors. Donna writes regularly on her blog, Hydrated Living, as she seeks to find beauty in the quiet and sacred in the chaos, treasuring that this path is a holy experience planned by God before the beginning of time. A native, life-long Texan, Donna fuels her incredible journey with the Word, coffee, chocolate, family, friends and worship.
Dr. Kurt Senske joins host Elizabeth Pittman in this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to talk about his newest book, The CEO and the Board: The Art of Nonprofit Governance as a Competitive Advantage. Dr. Senske discusses the key points made in his book regarding the relationships between CEOs and boards and how strong governance models are made.
Get a copy of his new book on cph.org.
Show Notes:
The world is increasingly uncertain, complex, and competitive. The governance model that many boards and CEOs are currently using may not be best suited for their future.
In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Senske reveals how the time has come for leadership teams to collectively work together to implement an evolving, adaptive model of governance that is tailored to the current situation of their unique organization. Laid out in his book, Dr. Senske gives listeners a preview of how he goes through different facets of how nonprofits can make effective changes to craft an intentional relationship between the board and the CEO for organizational success. He also discusses the inspiration for the book, how he came to write it, and his experience on 11 different boards of directors through the years.
Questions Covered
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What has it been like have a new book launched during your retirement?
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What are some of the most common questions you are getting about your book?
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What would you say to a consultant who tells an organization that there is one governance model that they should be using?
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When it comes to choosing the right model, what are the roles and responsibility of every board and CEO, regardless of the model that they're going to use?
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You talk about appropriately diverse boards for your situation. What do you mean by that?
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You mentioned three non-negotiables for every board member. Tell us about those.
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Tell us more about emotional intelligence and what it is when it comes to boards.
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Tell us some of the hallmarks of both positive and negative leadership.
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How can an organization cultivate that servant leadership?
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Why is it so important that we not only name the elephant in the room, but we deal with it?
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What does a healthy CEO board relationship look like?
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What is the competitive advantage that organizations will gain as they master this art of governance?
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What do we have as a unique advantage in this as Christian organizations?
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How can you see your book being useful to pastors and church leaders?
About the GuestDr. Kurt Senske spent twenty-three years as CEO of Upbring, where he more than quadrupled the size of the agency and steered the once-troubled agency back to financial strength. Dr. Senske is the founder and now principal of CEO-Board Services, a consulting firm that specializes in working with mission-oriented organizational leaders and boards around issues of governance, strategy, organizational structure, succession planning, coaching, and mergers and acquisitions.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Pastor Chris Kennedy. The duo discuss his new book, Jesus Said What?and some of our Savior’s words that many people may struggle to understand at first glance. Kennedy sits down to urge readers and listeners alike to look to Scripture to interpret Scripture.
Get a copy of his book on cph.org.
Show Notes:
In his new book, Pastor Kennedy brings clarity to 15 of Jesus' most difficult teachings on topics such as money, relationships, and consequences for sin.
During this episode he dives into writing his third book with CPH and how this title differed from the last two. Pastor Kennedy goes over some of Jesus’ words that didn’t make it into the book, and the verses that people seemed to be most curious about. He also previews a few of the actual phrases from Jesus that he deciphers in the book and encourages listeners to continue their learning with the tools provided in Jesus Said What?.
Questions Covered
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Tell listeners a little bit about how writing your third book differed from the first and the second.
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What are a few of the verses that might have come in just under the first tier that you didn't have room for in the book? What were some of those verses that people were really curious about?
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If we don't know those original languages in the Scripture, is that hurting us?
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When someone asks ‘What translation of the Bible should I be reading?’, what is your advice to them?
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What is Jesus’ overriding concern that you mention in the book and what steps does He take to try to help us understand?
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Why is it so important that we look to the fundamental rule of “Scripture interprets Scripture” when we're trying to understand these verses?
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Let’s at a few of the verses that you cover in the book:
o “Unforgivable sin”
o “Make friends by unrighteous wealth”
o “No forgiveness for the unforgiving”
- Tell us about the tools that you provide in the book and how they can help readers.
About the Guest
Pastor Christopher Kennedy is a writer, podcaster, and pastor. He is also author of Equipped: The Armor of God for Everyday Struggles and Grace under Pressure: Responding Faithfully to Stress. He serves a large congregation in San Antonio, Texas. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communication, a master’s degree in theology, and a doctorate in ministry. Chris and his wife are parents of four.
In this episode of the Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Elizabeth Pittman is joined by CPH colleague Peggy Kuethe, who is Senior Editor of Children & Family Resources at CPH. The pair discusses the beloved children’s books in the series God, I Need to Talk to You and talk about the new editions coming this spring.
The new God, I Need to Talk to You books will be available on cph.org in March 2023.
Show Notes:
Talking with your children about the hard things in life is not always easy. In this episode, CPH editor Peggy Kuethe talks about the resources that the God, I Need to Talk to You books provide to parents and families when discussing difficult topics such as anger, greed, bullying, feeling sad, and more. Peggy and Elizabeth also preview the new editions coming out in March 2023 that will cover timely topics including screen time, violence, worrying, and loving others.
Questions Covered
· These new releases cover hard topics to talk about - fear, patience, loving others, screen time, violence, and worrying. What are some signs that children are struggling with these?
· What are some age-appropriate conversation starters to discuss these topics with the young ones?
· How do you teach and encourage children to pray?
· How do you help children understand what God is?
· These books provide an excellent framework for addressing these weighty topics - think about their behavior, pray about it, and look to the Scripture. Can you discuss a little how parents and others charged with caring for children (relatives, teachers, etc.) can use this framework with children for any difficult topic?
About the Guest
Peggy Kuethe is Senior Editor of Children & Family Resources at Concordia Publishing House.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, guest and author Dr. Andrew Das and host Elizabeth Pittman examine the Biblical book of Galatians. Packed with vital issues concerning the Christian faith, the pair dive into who the Galatians were, the issues they faced, and how believers can relate to them today.
Dr. Das wrote the Concordia Commentary edition on the book of Galatians, which is available on the CPH website. He also did a series on Galatians on the CPH YouTube channel that you can watch here.
Show Notes:
The central issue in Galatians can be seen as a matter of identity. As the author of the letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul speaks of embodying Christ in his own life and in the lives of the Galatians. In this episode Dr. Das shares his knowledge into this prevalent theme that is present throughout Galatians and talks about how it relates to our lives as Christians living in the modern world. Dr. Das also analyzes several concepts in Paul’s writing, dissects Martin Luther’s commentary on Galatians, and more in this episode.
Learn more about Dr. Das: http://andrewdas.net/
Read Dr. Das’s bio on cph.org: https://www.cph.org/m-124-a-andrew-das
Questions Covered
- Who were the Galatians?
- What is “the Gospel” Paul preached versus the “different gospel” to which the Galatians turned?
- Galatians is loaded with vital issues for the Christian faith. What particular issues plagued the church in Galatia, and are there equivalent issues plaguing the church today?
- Luther's commentary on the Galatians is usually considered a classic, why is that?
- Are we saved through faith alone (“Abraham believed … and it was credited as righteousness”) or through faith plus doing “works of the Law”?
- Which came first, the Law or the Gospel promise?
- What does it mean for Paul and for us to say “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20)?
- What does Paul mean when he says “there is neither male nor female” but those baptized into Christ “are all one”?
- What are “the works of the flesh” and “the works of the Spirit” (Galatians 5)?
About the Guest
Considered among the leading Pauline theorists of the last century, Dr. A. Andrew Das is the Donald W. and Betty J. Buik Chair and Professor of Religious Studies at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois. He teaches in biblical studies, early Christianity, and Second Temple Judaism. Dr. Das was an invited member of the Society of Biblical Literature’s Paul and Scripture Seminar and has presented at the Society of Biblical Literature; the African Society of Biblical Scholars; the Chicago Society of Biblical Research; the international Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas, of which he is an elected member; and the Evangelical Theological Society. He is also a member of the Catholic Biblical Association of America and serves on the Holman Christian Standard Bible revision committee. Dr. Das is a prolific writer, having authored several books and articles, including his major academic commentary on Galatians (CPH 2014). Dr. Das received his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, and did his graduate work at Yale University, Duke Universit
Every congregation needs to determine its organizational strategy in order to best proclaim the Gospel. In the first episode of season four of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Dr. David Peter from Concordia Seminary St. Louis to discuss his new book, Organizing for Ministry and Mission: Options for Church Structure. Available on cph.org now.
Show Notes:
Organization is never optional.
In order for any church to best administer sacraments and care for its members, all congregations must take a thoughtful approach to structural details in order to carry out its goals for ministry and mission. Dr. David Peter dives into this idea and why he chose this topic as the main theme in his new book in this episode. While Church congregations are more than just an organization, it is vital to think of it as both a part of the body of Christ and an organization that requires intentional leadership and purposeful guidance in organizational structure.
David’s Bio: https://www.csl.edu/directory/david-peter/
Questions Covered
· Why do we need organization in the church?
· Why do you think the need for organization often overlooked?
· What theological dynamics are at work in parish organization?
· What guidance did CFW Walther have about congregational organization? What can we take away from his guidance today?
· You write that organizing your church is not optional. What are the models of organization that are common today, and how can congregations organize for the better?
· How will a church know if it's selected the right organizing model?
· From a laity perspective - what tips/advice do you have for members to get involved in the church and why would you encourage congregants to get involved in opportunities to help run the church?
· How has the COVID experience changed the ways in which church boards function?
· What advice do you have for congregational board(s)/members?
· Can you talk about some common mistakes you see church leaders make and how to overcome them?
About the Guest
Dr. David J. Peter has spent twenty-three years in the parish, experiencing the realities of pastoral ministry and researching congregational dynamics. As a professor of practical theology and the dean of faculty at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, he regularly leads courses for practicing pastors. He has also gained many insights from students about the realities of administration and leadership in congregations.
Reading Isaiah | Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing
Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing joins host Elizabeth Pittman in this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss the ins and outs of reading the book of Isaiah. Take a deep dive into Isaiah and learn about the influence it has on the Gospel story by tuning in.
Reed has written two Concordia Commentaries on the book of Isaiah, including the volume on Isaiah 40 -55 and Isaiah 56- 66.
Show Notes:
Prophet. Husband. Jerusalem native. Martyr.
In this episode, author Reed Lessing and host Elizabeth Pittman discuss who Isaiah was as a figure in the Bible. They also investigate the hows and whys of the writing in Isaiah and the lasting impact it takes on the rest of the Bible, especially within the content of the New Testament. Plus, the duo examines specific verses that will be used over the next several weeks in the Lutheran church’s lectionaries.
Reed’s Bio: www.cph.org/m-137-r-reed-lessing.aspx
Reed’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/lessingr
Reed’s Instagram: @lessingr
Questions Covered
· Who was Isaiah?
· Was Isaiah’s ministry “successful”?
· Why is there a big change of focus in Isaiah 40-66 (compared to Isaiah 1-39)?
· Who is “the Servant of Yahweh”? Is the “Servant” Israel, or Jesus Christ, or both?
· What are the distinctive prophecies about the “Servant”/Jesus Christ in these chapters: Isaiah 42, Isaiah 49, Isaiah 50, Isaiah 53, and Isaiah 61?
· Does Isaiah say that salvation is only for Israel, or also for Gentiles?
· Does Isaiah prophesy about the church?
· What does Isaiah say about eternity?
About the Guest
Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing serves as Professor of Theology and Ministry at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. Previously he was Senior Pastor at Saint Michael Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and before that, Professor of Exegetical Theology and Director of the Graduate School at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and received the B.A. in pre-seminary studies from St. John’s College, Winfield, Kansas, in 1981. He earned his M.Div. (1985), S.T.M. (1989), and Ph.D. (2001) degrees from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He was ordained into the office of the holy ministry on June 29, 1986. From 1986 to 1999, he served pastorates in West Monroe, Louisiana, and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author and speaker Deb Burma talks with host Elizabeth Pittman about what it means to lean in to what really matters as we approach the beginning of a new year.
Deb has written several books for Concordia Publishing House, including Be Still & Know: A Study of Rest and Refuge and Joy: A Study of Philippians. She also has a new Bible study coming out in May 2023 titled Leaning on Jesus: A Study of God’s Strength. Find her books on the CPH website here.
Show Notes:
Advent is a time of preparation and expectation for Christians to reflect on the fact that we are never alone. The same can be said about preparing for the New Year and everything that leads to it. In this episode, Deb dives into the experience of being overwhelmed and distracted throughout the holiday season and how we can lean in to God’s strength to relax our anxieties.
Deb also answers the question – Can there be space for both reflecting on Jesus this season as well as the hustle and bustle of worldly commitments? Listen now to hear her insight into this timely topic and more.
Deb’s website: debburma.com
Deb’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/deb.burma
Deb’s Instagram: @debburma
About the GuestDeb Burma is a sought-after Christian speaker for women’s conferences, retreats, and ministry events. Her assortment of books and devotionals include best-selling Bible studies, Be Still & Know: A Study of Rest and Refuge, JOY: A Study of Philippians and Living a Chocolate Life, along with Beautiful Feet, Stepping Out, and more. Deb is a follower of Jesus, a pastor’s wife, and a mom. She’s a blogger, a women’s ministry leader, and a self-proclaimed coffee/chocolate connoisseur. Above all, she is a grace-filled child of God.
Tobin Beck joins host Elizabeth Pittman for this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss the seemingly ever-increasing divisiveness our society is experiencing, and how we can practically respond and critically reflect on cultural issues as Christians.
Learn more about Tobin by visiting www.cune.edu.
Show Notes:
We are all seeing disagreements and disputes play out in the news and on social media today as political tensions rise and the gap between groups widens. Professor Tobin Beck from Concordia University Nebraska talks about his process for critical thinking when reflecting on the cultural issues we face today, so that we can have healthier and more productive conversations. As a journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he shares what he has learned from different roles in the industry and what he now is able to share with his students in the classroom.
Learn more about Tobin: www.cune.edu/today/directory/people/tobin-beck.
Questions Covered
· What are you experiencing – and do you have any thoughts – on the divisiveness we are seeing today and how it’s impacting students?
· Tell us about the difference between political commentary and news and ethics. What should be looking at as we filter information?
· Have you had any students who have tried your process and it worked?
· When we find ourselves in an emotional situation or a kneejerk reaction coming on, how can we catch ourselves?
· How do you get to a place where you can have online dialogue in a respectful way? Are there benefits?
· What encouragements do you have for listeners as midterm elections approach and as family holidays draw near where you may have conversations with people who hold different opinions than your own?
About the Guest
Tobin Beck teaches journalism and global issues classes at Concordia University Nebraska. He is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience, including 13 years of experience as a global news service writer-editor-senior manager in Washington, D.C. He has written and edited for newspapers, radio, television, the web, and magazines. He taught at American University in Washington, D.C., and at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Tobin grew up in Seward, where his father, Theodore, taught music at Concordia.
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller rejoins host Elizabeth Pittman for the second part of a two-part series to answer a big question: Has American Christianity failed? The pair dive into the why behind American Christians’ move away from the real meaning of our faith, and what this means for the future.
Get a copy of Bryan’s book Has American Christianity Failed? by visiting cph.org. Show Notes:
It is evident that American Christianity’s focus has turned from Christ to Christian.
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller explains what he means by this statement in this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast. The source of our faith is Jesus, but many have confused this along the way. Instead, modern American Christians think that Jesus starts our faith but it us up to us to continue it through good works. Pastor Wolfmueller shares his thoughts on how American Christians can bring their focus back to Jesus and recognize the invitation to serve Him found in His Word.
Wolfmueller's website: https://wolfmueller.co/
Wolfmueller's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolfmueller
Wolfmueller's Twitter: https://twitter.com/bwolfmueller
Questions Covered
· You write that American Christianity softens the Bible’s teaching on sin. What does that look like?
· In American Christianity, the focus has moved from Christ to the Christian. Why is it essential that we keep the Cross/Christ at the center of our theology?
· In American Christianity, the spiritual life is on the inside. What does this mean? What is the better posture?
· What about good works? How does American Christianity view them? How does God view them?
· “Christianity is not a religion, it’s a relationship.” What is this cliché supposed to mean and what are the problems with relationship theology?
· How are we surprised by the Gospel?
· What is the alternative to American Christianity?
About the Guest
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller is the pastor at St. Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX. Prior to that he was the pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Aurora, CO since 2005.
He is the co-host of Table Talk Radio, the world’s most famous Lutheran theological game show. Bryan has a new hobby every day, but he always comes back to reading about Law and Gospel. He lives in Round Rock, TX with his wife Keri and four children.
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller joins host Elizabeth Pittman for the first part of a two-part series to answer a big question: Has American Christianity failed? Bryan discusses different ideas surrounding this question, and leaves listeners with the assurance that can only come from one place – the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Get a copy of Bryan’s book Has American Christianity Failed? by visiting cph.org. Show Notes:
Jesus never fails us. He claims us as His own.
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller offers this comfort to all Christians in this episode of The CPH Podcast. Bryan provides his thoughts on how believers can defend themselves against poor theological teachings, and what dangers there are in modern American teachings. Truth is our number one tool, and we must use it to combat errors in American Christianity and when trying to understand what God says in His Word.
Learn more about Bryan: https://wolfmueller.co/
Bryan’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolfmueller
Bryan’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/bwolfmueller
Questions Covered
· How have Americans gone theologically nose-blind? How can we combat this?
· What are the four movements that lead to error in American Christianity?
· What does it mean to understand that God speaks in His Word and His speaking is in His Word?
About the Guest
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller is the pastor at St. Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX. Prior to that he was the pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Aurora, CO since 2005.
He is the co-host of Table Talk Radio, the world’s most famous Lutheran theological game show. Bryan has a new hobby every day, but he always comes back to reading about Law and Gospel. He lives in Round Rock, TX with his wife Keri and four children.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Rev. Trevor Sutton discusses the truth about Scripture, reassuring listeners that the Bible is inspired and breathed out by God. We as followers of Jesus ought to trust His Word.
Check out Sutton’s book, Why Should I Trust the Bible?at cph.org. Visit Sutton’s website at https://atrevorsutton.com/ and check out his other books at https://www.cph.org/m-173-a-trevor-sutton.aspx#products.
Show Notes:
Many people have questioned the Bible and proclaimed that “The Bible is racist,” or, “The Bible has too many errors and edits,” or, “The Bible is merely a mythological story like Homer’s Odyssey.” As Christians, we know all these things to be false. Sutton dives into these questions and provides evidence for how we can be sure that the Bible is true and trustworthy.
Learn answers to many common attacks of Scripture and be prepared to defend your faith using solid evidence. You’ll see that when all other texts fall, the Bible still stands—as completely, undeniably trustworthy.
Questions Covered:
· Why can we trust the Bible?
· Why is it important that Jesus is the foundation of our trust in the Bible?
· What are some of the elements that make up the body of evidence for why we can trust in the Bible?
· The creation account in the Bible is not myth. How does Scripture make this clear?
· What do you say to some who says, “the Bible is so full of errors and human edits that it can’t be trusted.”
· Why is it important to recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in writing the Bible?
· What are some arguments people have used to discredit the history contained in the Bible? How does the Bible prove these arguments incorrect?
· What are some common “discrepancies” found in the Gospels and how can we refute them?
· Far from being old and obsolete, the Bible is real and relevant to us today. What are some of the ways it is relevant to our contemporary culture?
· Some people will claim that translations of the Bible are vastly different from the original texts. How do you respond to those claims?
· How does the statement “all religions are essentially about being a good person” misrepresent the message of Scripture?
· Why is it outrageous by modern standards to claim that the Bible is right while other holy texts are wrong?
About the Guest:
Rev. A. Trevor Sutton is senior pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Haslett, MI. He is currently a graduate student in Writing and Rhetoric at Michigan State University. Sutton has a BA from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, MI, and an MDiv from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. Sutton’s work has appeared in Faith & Leadership (Duke Divinity School), The Cresset (Valparaiso University), and Concordia Journal (Concordia Seminary). He has published multiple sermons, Bible studies, and devotional books with various Christian publishers. He previously served as managing editor of Relief Journal: A Christian Literary Expression. He speaks at academic conferences, retreats, and congregations. Sutton lives in Lansing, MI, with his wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, Grace. He enjoys cycling, hiking, fly-fishing, and impromptu dance parties with his daughter.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Rev. Dr. Paul Grime talks about the Lutheran Service Book: Companion to the Services and the history of the Divine Ser vice.
Check out more church resources for pastors and laypeople at cph.org.
Show Notes:
There is a lot to learn about the services included in the Lutheran Service Book. Expert Rev. Dr. Paul Grime discusses the Lutheran Service Book: Companion to the Services and why it is such a helpful resource to pastors and church members. He clears up some misconceptions around the words “services” and liturgy,” and jumps into the biblical basis for the order of service that we have today.
The Lord’s Day is sacred and should be honored as such, connecting back to when Jesus sat with His disciples and broke bread with them. Teaching and dining are practices that date back to the Old Testament, yet they are still important practices in our church today.
Questions Covered:
· Book is called Companion to the Services and not Companion to the Liturgy. Why? What’s the difference between “liturgy” and “service(s)”?
· Where do we get the Divine Service?
· What is the oldest part of the Divine Service? What is the newest part?
· When was it more or less fixed as we know it?
· Is the Divine Service still changing?
· What kind of considerations are there before we add or remove things?
· What is distinctly Lutheran about the Divine Service?
· How is the Lutheran service similar to the mass or services in other denominations?
· What was Martin Luther’s view of the Roman Mass as he knew it? What did he change? And more importantly, why did he change things?
· Beyond the obvious, what do we do in the Divine Service? Is our role passive or active? Do we offer or give anything? Do we simply receive?
About the Guest:
Paul Grime is the dean of the chapel and a professor at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, teaching primarily in the area of worship and homiletics. From 1996 to 2007, he served as executive director for the LCMS Commission on Worship at the church body’s headquarters in St. Louis. In that position, he was project director for both Hymnal Supplement ‘98 and Lutheran Service Book. Prior to that, he served eight years as senior pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, West Allis, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee. Grime has music degrees in church music and organ performance from Valparaiso University (BMus) and the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati (MMus). His theology degrees are from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (MDiv, STM) and Marquette University (PhD).
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, teacher Elena Fox discusses a creative activity for children to learn more about the Christmas story. Wise Men Seek the Savior: Family Advent Activity Kit is a perfect resource to use at home or in the classroom.
Order the activity kit Wise Men Seek the Savior: Family Advent Activity Kit by visiting cph.org. Check out the Playmobil Three Wise Kings as a supplement to the activity kit.
Show Notes:
Christmas is quickly approaching! Elena Fox, an elementary teacher, offers a creative Christian alternative to other secular Christmas products. Follow the Wise Men as they make their way to Jesus and travel all over your home. Fox shares her experience using this kit in her classroom, as well as shares the excitement that it brings to her students and the faculty.
Not the creative type? Not a problem. In this episode, Fox will also share her tips and tricks for making this a success this Christmas. Many of the suggestions are also featured in the kit, making it super user-friendly and hassle-free.
Questions Covered:
· What lead you to create Wise Men Seek the Savior?
· How did you discover that there was a need for this in our homes and classrooms?
· What makes this kit different from other products (such as Elf on the Shelf)?
· As our families are decorating for Christmas, what do you hope they remember?
· How have you used this in your classroom?
· Why do you call this a treasure hunt? What comes in the kit?
· Whare tips do you have for parents who will be using this in their homes?
· What did you learn about the Magi that may have surprised you?
About the Guest:
Elena Fox is a commissioned teacher for the LCMS at Christ Lutheran School in Phoenix, AZ.
Emily Belvery joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to talk about how we study the Apostle’s Creed and why it is important.
Emily’s upcoming book, Together We Believe: A Study of the Apostle’s Creed is set to release in December 2022. Visit cph.org to learn more (preview available for download soon).
Show Notes:
Why is it important for Christians to understand what others believe?
Emily Belvery dives into her experience as a mission worker, and why she found it vital to learn the Apostle’s Creed in another language while serving the Church in this way. She also gives an inside look at her upcoming Bible study, Together We Believe, and explains it’s unique take on studying the Apostle’s Creed as a way to deepen our faith in Jesus and our understanding of the triune God. Through her new work, Emily hopes to better equip Christians to talk with each other about beliefs in different cultural settings and to widen our international perspective.
Learn more about Emily: https://www.cph.org/m-397-emily-belvery.aspx
Emily’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emily.barz.9
Questions Covered
· What was your experience in Taiwan like?
· Why was it important to you that you learned the Creed in Mandarin?
· Tell us about your two aims in writing this study.
· What benefit is there in studying the Apostle’s Creed?
· What does Article 1 tell us about God?
· What does the use of “Father” show us about God’s love? How have you seen the father-figure stereotype differ between cultures?
· What did your students in Taiwan think about the concept of Christian prayer?
· In Article 2, we are told of reasons that Jesus came. What are these reasons?
About the Guest
After graduating from Concordia Nebraska Emily served as a mission partner in Asia with Mission of Christ Network (MCN) for six years. Since returning to the US in 2020, she is grateful for the opportunity to continue partnering in Gospel proclamation work and to stay a part of the MCN family.
Emily works to connect churches and individuals with needs in the mission field through recruitment, communications, and resource development. She and her husband, Jacob, live in Nebraska where he is an English teacher. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Nora, in May 2021. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading and writing, biking, watching college basketball, drinking coffee, and having deep conversations.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Rev. Andy Jones talks about his tips for understanding the Bible that are included in his upcoming book, Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible.
To preview Andy’s book (released November 2022) visit books.cph.org/10-questions.
Show Notes:
Reading Scripture by yourself can be intimidating. Andy Jones has come up with 10 questions to use to improve your Bible-reading skills.
Listen as Andy walks through a preview of the questions he has created as tools to use as you meditate on Biblical verses. He also gives an in-depth view of how he realized he wanted to help readers deepen their understanding of Scripture and why he picked 10 questions in total. Andy concludes with explaining how he believes Church leaders will be able to use this book in their teaching.
Andy’s website: https://www.patreon.com/c3pojones
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/c3pojones
Instagram: @andyamca
Questions Covered:
· What led you to realize that you wanted to deep your understanding of Scripture?
· How will this book enrich the lives of everyday Christians?
· A lot of people are really insecure about reading the Bible. How will this book help them?
· Why did you pick these ten questions, and is their order significant?
· Let’s talk about 3 of the questions:
Who are you, Lord?
How did we get here?
Where have I heard this before?
· Why should we ask, “what questions remain?”
· How do you think this book will benefit Church leaders? (Pastors, DCEs, teachers, etc.)
· How could you see Church leaders using this book in their teaching?
About the Guest:
Rev. Andrew R. Jones lives in the Bay Area of California where he enjoys writing, hiking, and adventures with his wife, Stephanie. He has served the church on three continents in varying roles including campus ministry, international mission work, professor of preaching, and parish pastor. His writings speak to the importance of spiritual disciplines in the midst of a hectic world. His book, Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible will be released in November 2022. You can find more of his writing by visiting patreon.com/c3pojones.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Heidi Goehmann rejoins host Elizabeth Pittman for the third episode in her three-part series on understanding emotions. In the final episode, Heidi talks about practical ways God gives to us to process all our emotions.
Order Heidi’s newest book, Emotions & the Gospel: Created for Connection by visiting cph.org.
Show Notes:
God’s Word is filled with emotion and contains practical examples from Our Savior as he perfectly managed his own emotions in healthy ways.
Heidi Goehmann discusses practical pieces to understanding and dealing with our emotions and offers a few strategies for doing so, found in her recent book Emotions & the Gospel. She also covers what we can learn from others about processing emotions, especially children.
Listen to all three of Heidi’s recent episodes for more of her insight into understanding emotions on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
Heidi’s website: heidigoehmann.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidigoehmannwrites
Instagram: @heidigoehmann
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HeidiGoehmannWrites
Questions Covered
· What have you learned from kids about emotions?
· What are a few of the tools we can use to process our emotions? What does the Bible have to teach us about these?
· What are common defense mechanisms we might throw up to avoid processing our emotions?
About the Guest
Heidi Goehmann is a licensed clinical social worker and mental health provider, deaconess, writer, speaker, wife, mom, and advocate. She can always be found at heidigoehmann.com advocating and providing resources for mental health and genuine relationship. Heidi loves her family, sticky notes, Jesus, adventure, Star Wars, Star Trek, and new ideas.... not necessarily in that order.
Besides Emotions & the Gospel, Heidi has also published Altogether Beautiful: A Study of the Songs of Songsand Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restorationwith Concordia Publishing House.
Misconceptions about Emotions | Part 2 | Heidi Goehmann
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Heidi Goehmann rejoins host Elizabeth Pittman to continue discussing the complexities of our emotions and how our Creator helps us to experience them.
Order her book Emotions & the Gospel: Created for Connection by visiting cph.org.
Show Notes:
While we experience imperfect emotions every day, Jesus perfectly experienced emotions.
Heidi speaks about common misconceptions, or partial truths, many believers have when considering their emotions. She explains why experiencing emotions matter, and how they are a gift from God not to be turned away from or scorned. Heidi also stresses the importance of staying in God’s Word when going through partial truths and reflecting on God being our Savior from our imperfect emotional experiences, rather than just a manager.
Keep up with Heidi’s episodes for more insight found newest her book, Emotions & the Gospel.
Heidi’s website: heidigoehmann.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidigoehmannwrites
Instagram: @heidigoehmann
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HeidiGoehmannWrites
Questions Covered
· What are common misconceptions about emotions?
· What are the benefits to removing judgement from our view of emotions?
· What happens when we try to control our emotions?
About the Guest
Heidi Goehmann is a licensed clinical social worker and mental health provider, deaconess, writer, speaker, wife, mom, and advocate. She can always be found at heidigoehmann.com advocating and providing resources for mental health and genuine relationship. Heidi loves her family, sticky notes, Jesus, adventure, Star Wars, Star Trek, and new ideas.... not necessarily in that order.
Besides Emotions & the Gospel, Heidi has also published Altogether Beautiful: A Study of the Songs of Songsand Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restorationwith Concordia Publishing House.
This episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast features guests Rev. Mark Kiessling and Julianna Shults from LCMS Youth Ministry as they walk through seven practices for creating a healthy youth ministry.
Read all of the practices that Mark and Julianna cover in a recent edition of Lutheran Life Magazine by visiting discover.cph.org/lutheran-life/practices-of-healthy-youth-ministry.
Show Notes:
Mark and Julianna join host Elizabeth Pittman in this episode to define what healthy youth ministry looks like.
Youth and their roles in the church are highly valued by God, and God calls churches to nurture and serve the youth in their congregations. As Mark and Julianna go through the seven practices that come out of this idea, the pair explains key areas churches should examine in their youth life. They reflect on the importance of developing youth ministry practices based on what Scripture says and how we are called to serve as disciples of Jesus.
About the Guest
Rev. Mark Kiessling is the director of LCMS Youth Ministry.
Julianna Shults is the program manager for LCMS Youth Ministry.
Learn more at lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/youth-ministry.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Molly Lackey discusses what it means to confess Jesus and explains how we find our identity in our Creator.
Molly's book, Confessing Jesus: The Heart of Being a Lutheran, will be available to pre-order soon at cph.org.
Show Notes:
Molly Lackey offers a unique perspective on what it means to be a Lutheran. She reminds listeners that their true identity is found only in Christ Jesus. This brings us great joy as our Creator has control over our lives and calls us His own.
Molly's book dives into five big questions: Who is Jesus? What did Jesus do? Where is Jesus now? When is Jesus coming back? And why did Jesus do all of this? This podcast episode touches on a few of these as well as the blessings that come from Jesus in the Sacraments.
Questions Covered
Before we can know ourselves, we need to know Jesus. Who is Jesus?
What can we find out about God from nature, reason, and the world around us? What can we find out only from the Bible?
What did Jesus do? What is that important?
Let’s talk about the Ascension. What does it tell us?
How does Jesus’ presence in the Sacraments affect us?
What does Jesus’ return tell us about our identity?
What joy comes from putting our identity in Jesus rather than anything else?
What are some of the things that can distract us from Confessing Jesus?
How can we take our re-found identity in Jesus, along with the full trust in Him, and proclaim this good news to people who may not be totally open to Christianity/Lutheranism?
What does confessing Jesus look like in day-to-day life?
In Chapter 4, in the section "Jesus Cares for You When You Die," Molly writes that "The dead do not appear to send us messages -- we don't even really know if the dead are aware of what is going on in our lives back here on earth. While their bodies slumber in the ground below, their souls are carried by the angels up to Christ, where they rest and are comforted..." My question is what is the Lutheran response to explaining people who claim to have received or experienced receiving a message from a deceased loved ones and hauntings with ghost sightings?
When we struggle to remember the blessings of Jesus, what are some things that we can do to remind ourselves of all that He does for us?
Why did Jesus do all of this? Why does that matter?
About the Guest
Molly Lackey is a wife, author, and church historian. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alabama with a triple major in History, German, and Latin and a Master of Arts in Early Modern European History, with an emphasis on the Reformation in Germany, from Saint Louis University. Molly has contributed to Words of Strength and Promise: Devotions for Youth (CPH, 2021), has written for Higher Things Magazine, and has appeared on KFUO. She enjoys reading and talking theology with other laypeople, creating art, and drinking tea with her husband. You can read her online at her blog abovetowne.com.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Heidi Goehmann discusses the complexities of our emotions and how they connect us to our Creator.
Pre-order her upcoming book Emotions & the Gospel: Created for Connection by visiting cph.org. Download a preview by visiting books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Show Notes:
God is emotional – but we don’t always think of Him that way.
To begin this first part of a three-part miniseries, Heidi Goehmann explains how hard it can be to discuss and analyze our emotions from a Christian perspective. Heidi also looks into how God leans into us and our emotions, and how we are filled with His grace through all different emotions.
In these episodes Heidi will talk listeners through what God says about our emotions. Keep up with Heidi’s episodes to find out all of these lessons and more found in Heidi’s upcoming book.
Heidi’s website: heidigoehmann.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidigoehmannwrites
Instagram: @heidigoehmann
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HeidiGoehmannWrites
Questions Covered
What are some of the questions you hear from people about emotions and faith and our relationship with God?
Why is it important to understand the ‘emotions foundation’ you mention in your book and know what we are resting on?
Is it helpful for us to consider emotions apart from how we are experiencing them day to day?
Should we consider our emotions as a gift from God?
How can our emotions connect us to our Creator?
Your describe a process-oriented approach to our emotions. What does that mean in a nutshell?
About the Guest
Heidi Goehmann is a licensed clinical social worker and mental health provider, deaconess, writer, speaker, wife, mom, and advocate. She can always be found at heidigoehmann.com advocating and providing resources for mental health and genuine relationship. Heidi loves her family, sticky notes, Jesus, adventure, Star Wars, Star Trek, and new ideas.... not necessarily in that order.
Besides Emotions & the Gospel, Heidi has also published Altogether Beautiful: A Study of the Songs of Songsand Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restorationwith Concordia Publishing House.
Show NotesRev. Philip Krupski, Senior Vice President of Gift Planning Services for the LCMS Foundation, discusses what it looks like for Christians to be faithful and thoughtful stewards of God’s gifts. He also shares a fresh perspective on generosity and its implications on our daily life, as well as some ideas about vocation in terms of being god stewards with both our physical and spiritual gifts.
Questions Covered:
Tell us about the work of the LCMS Foundation.
Define generosity. How can the term “generosity” be misleading?
What does it look like for Christian to be faithful stewards of God’s gifts? Can you share an example or two of this?
How does the Foundation equip people to be faithful stewards?
If someone wants to learn more about creating a gift plan, where should they start?
About the Guest:
Rev. Philip Krupski serves as Senior Vice President of Gift Planning Services for the LCMS Foundation. In this capacity, he is responsible for leading the deployed gift planning team across the Synod in assisting God’s faithful stewards in planning their gifts to show love to family and to support ministry. He also looks to create and support relationships with ministries across the Synod, assisting them in discovering opportunity to plan for solid, future, ministry support through gift planning.
Phil has served the Church his whole life. Being raised in a pastor’s family, he attended Concordia University, Ann Arbor, and Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne. For more than 26 years he served three congregations as pastor; he served at First Lutheran in Kingsley, Iowa, St. John’s in Peru, Indiana and St. John in Indianapolis, Indiana. Twenty-four of those years of ministry were in parishes with Lutheran Schools. Before accepting his current role at the Foundation, Phil served as a gift planning counselor in the Indiana District.
Phil and his wife Maridee have three daughters: Bethany Krupski (Milwaukee, WI), Rebekah Krupski (Cleveland, OH) and Katherine Krupski (Indianapolis, IN).
Peter Reske returns to the Podcast to take in an in-depth look at themes found in Baptismal hymns.
Learn more about the Lutheran Service Book and the Lutheran Service Book Companion to the Hymns.
Abut the Guest
Peter C. Reske, senior editor of music/worship at Concordia Publishing House, holds degrees in English literature and historical musicology from Marquette University and The Pennsylvania State University. He was the editor of Lutheran Service Book and its attendant resources.
In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing to discuss his upcoming book, Deliver Us: God’s Rescue Story in Exodus.
Reed talks about the greatest parts of the book of Exodus, how we can relate it to our lives, and what the freedom described in Exodus means for us today.
Find out more about Reed’s work and pre-order his book by visiting books.cph.org/deliver-us.
Show Notes:
Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing and host Elizabeth Pittman sit down to discuss Reed’s upcoming book, Deliver Us: God’s Rescue Story in Exodus, during this episode. Our host asks Reed about his insight into the rescue story and what it means for Christians today. He also explains his insight into different aspects of teachings found in the book of Exodus, such as what the books says about shame and worry. Reed also wraps up by speaking about how the story in Exodus ends with asking readers to look forward and what it gives us to strive for in our own lives.
Reed’s Bio: https://www.cph.org/m-137-r-reed-lessing.aspx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lessingr
Instagram: @lessingr Questions Covered
· What are some lessons you’ve learned from students?
· What’s your favorite part of teaching?
· Tell us about Christ present, predicted, and patterned in Exodus.
· You describe Exodus as one of the greatest books ever written. Why?
· How is the exodus story our story?
· Describe the historical context of Exodus.
· What does Exodus have to say to us about shame and worry?
· Tell us about “miraculous manna”.
· What does “freedom” mean in Exodus?
· When faced with our idolatry, what can we do?
· Exodus ends by looking forward. Why should we stive for “todays” rather than somedays?
About the Guest
Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing serves as Professor of Theology and Ministry at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. Previously he was Senior Pastor at Saint Michael Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and before that, Professor of Exegetical Theology and Director of the Graduate School at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and received the B.A. in pre-seminary studies from St. John’s College, Winfield, Kansas, in 1981. He earned his M.Div. (1985), S.T.M. (1989), and Ph.D. (2001) degrees from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He was ordained into the office of the holy ministry on June 29, 1986. From 1986 to 1999, he served pastorates in West Monroe, Louisiana, and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Measured by Grace | Sharla Fritz
Author Sharla Fritz joins host Elizabeth Pittman during this episode of the Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss the ideas behind her upcoming Bible study, Measured by Grace: How God Defines Success. When we feel lost or like we are failing, Sharla encourages Christians to remember how God values us as His children.
Find out more about Measured by Grace and pre-order your own copy by visiting https://books.cph.org/measured-by-grace.
Show Notes:
Failure doesn’t mean God will permanently withdraw His love from us. Success doesn’t depend on us – it’s all about Jesus’ love and grace. In Sharla Fritz’s upcoming book Measured by Grace: How God Defines Success, she shows us that when our failures make us feel worthless, God’s Word tells us He loves us even when we mess up.
Sharla Fritz’s writing shows us that God's measuring stick is nothing at all like the world’s idea of success.
Sharla’s Website: https://www.sharlafritz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharlafritzauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharlafritz/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQmWAAfpLzkKM8OrVYy5zlA
Questions Covered
· What drew you to the topic of perfection?
· How does God’s measuring stick differ from the worlds? Why should this matter to us?
· When we catch ourselves judging and tearing down ourselves, how can we refocus to Christ?
· What helps you the most when you feel like a failure?
· Tell us about the Greatest Success Story?
· God uses broken and people who are “failures” over and over to do His will. How does this give us hope?
· How can we train ourselves to stay away from the comparison game?
· In your book, you use the examples of many Biblical figures and their failures. From Joseph to Rahab, and even Peter, how are these people just like us?
· You call David the “Supersize Sinner.” What are the takeaways from his story?
· The Samaritan Woman provides such an amazing image of the grace of God. What do we learn from her story?
· You have written several books and studies. How does the process look the same yet different for each book?
· What inspired you to start writing?
About the Guest
Sharla Fritz loves to speak with women’s groups and to share about her own struggles, victories, and failures, speaking about how God is miraculously present through them all. In doing so, she hopes to share a few laughs and meet new sisters in Christ. Sharla is a Lutheran author, musician and speaker. She has published multiple books through Concordia Publishing House, including most recently Measured by Grace: How God Defines Success and God’s Relentless Love: A Study of Hosea.
During this episode of the Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Rev. Dr. Chris Kennedy discusses his upcoming book, Grace Under Pressure: Responding Faithfully to Stress, with host Elizabeth Pittman. Chris talks about releasing his second book with CPH and shares what led him to write about the grace Jesus showed on the cross.
Find out more about Chris on his website at pastorchriskennedy.com.
Show Notes:
Rev. Dr. Chris Kennedy speaks about how he used Christ’s experience on the cross as an example to guide how Christians talk about grace and dealing with stress in his upcoming book, Grace Under Pressure: Responding Faithfully to Stress. Chris also speaks of grace as an undeserved gift and how stress is becoming a national epidemic.
So, how should all Christians approach stress? Chris provides his insight on this and more in this episode of the CPH podcast. Pre-order Grace Under Pressure by visiting https://books.cph.org/grace.
Chris’s Website: pastorchriskennedy.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/chris.kennedy.16940599
Instagram: @pastorchriskennedy
Questions Covered:
Pressure is such a large part of today’s society. Pressure to measure up and be enough. How do you approach this from a Christ-centered perspective?
Lutherans often talk about grace as an undeserved gift. Can you explain this further?
In your book you describe four types of grace: common, saving, sanctifying, and sustaining. Can you define these for us?
How do we live with the grace of Christ while we constantly fail because of our sinful nature?
In your first chapter you describe a performer who remains cool under pressure: Nik Wallenda (tightrope walker). What do you hope readers take away from this example?
Stress is a real thing. Your second chapter opens with a story of a speaker talking about how stress is increasing. You called it a “national epidemic.” However the word stress is never spoken in the Bible. How do we approach stress as Christians?
How have you learned to deal with stress in a healthy way?
Stress is not necessarily sinful, its how we choose to deal with it and react to it. How can we follow Jesus’ example?
How can we train ourselves to give ourselves grace when we feel immense pressure?
About the Guest:
Christopher M. Kennedy is a blogger, podcaster, and pastor, serving a large congregation in
San Antonio, Texas. He is also the author of Equipped: The Armor of God for Everyday Struggles. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communication, a master’s of theology, and a doctorate in ministry. Kennedy and his wife are parents of four children.
During this episode of the Concordia Publishing House Podcast, listen as Tanner Olson returns and speaks with host Elizabeth Pittman about his new book, Continue: Poems & Prayers of Hope. Olson exclusively shares several of his poems from his book and digs into the themes surrounding his work.
Tanner is the voice behind writtentospeak.com and @writtentospeak on Instagram.
Show Notes:
Tanner Olson returns after appearing on the CPH Podcast in April 2022. Listeners are given a special sneak peek into Continueas Olson does a live reading of some of his poems found in the book. He also shares what it’s been like publishing his third book and what he hopes readers can take away from this piece during their everyday faith lives.
Tanner’s Website: https://www.writtentospeak.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writtentospeak
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tannerJolson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writtentospeak/
Written to Speak on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6VSXq2yYD3n5MFZ5ahIUDZ?si=Mpg3E66ZQcq_wmikYy8ktQ
Questions Covered:
Poems used in this podcast are found in Continue on pages 92, 90, 22, and 79
About the Guest:
Tanner Olson is an author, poet, and speaker living in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Sarah, and dog, Pancake. For the last decade, Tanner has been writing and speaking about hope, faith, and love to audiences online and across the US. When he isn’t writing, Tanner spends most of his time watching NBA basketball, drinking coffee, being outside, and catching up with friends. For more from Tanner, visit writtentospeak.com or @writtentospeak on Instagram.
During this episode of the Concordia Publishing House Podcast, listen as Michelle Diercks reflects on different names of the Lord and the peace His names give to believers with host Elizabeth Pittman. Author Michelle Diercks introduces her new study, Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God’s Presence, and digs into the relief that is found from God’s unique characteristics during times of hardship. Find out more about Michelle by visiting https://michellediercks.com/ and listen to her podcast Peace in His Presence on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/3vsvyS7ofPL5b5V96pz1eS.
Show Notes:
In this episode, Elizabeth and Michelle discuss her new women’s Bible study, Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God’s Presence. Michelle gives a preview of eight of the names of God covered in her book and speaks about her own experience of learning how to find peace in who God is rather than her own strength. She also touches on God’s continual presence in our lives and how she set out to remind readers who they are as His children: cared for and loved. Learn more about Michelle and her Peace in His Presence podcast at https://michellediercks.com/.
Michelle’s Website: https://michellediercks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diercksmichelle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/michellediercks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_diercks/
Peace in His Presence on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3vsvyS7ofPL5b5V96pz1eS
Peace in His Presence on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-in-his-presence/id1443248237
Questions Covered:
What drew you to the names of God as a topic for study?
Let’s talk about the 5 R’s…what are they and how can they help us?
As you talk to women, what questions/topics do you hear the most about their lack of/need for peace?
Let’s pick a couple names of God to talk about…Elohim and Immanuel
What are some ways that we can be intentional about spending time in His presence?
What surprised you about writing a bible study?
How can listeners connect with you?
About the Guest:
Michelle Diercks received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. Her majors were in the director of Christian education program and elementary education, with minors in youth and family ministry. She served The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as a director of Christian education for nine years, and as a professional and a volunteer, she has taught God's Word for 32 years. She is also the podcast host of Peace in His Presence.
On this episode, Rev. Adie Harstad joins us to discuss themes found in the Book of Deuteronomy.
Rev. Harstad is the author of Deuteronomy: Concordia Commentary.
Questions covered:
- Harstad recaps the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land and tells us where the Book of Deuteronomy falls in that journey.
- Deuteronomy seems to repeat a lot of themes found in Exodus and Leviticus. What is the significance of this?
- Deuteronomy begins with Moses repeating the journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. Moses sent 12 spies to investigate the Promised Land. When they returned, 10 of these spies gave a bad report about the land, that the people living there were too powerful for the Israelites to conquer. The Israelites did not trust God's promise to fight for them and refused to go up and enter the land. How does Moses strengthen the next generation of Israelites against those same fears?
- Deuteronomy 6 is referenced a lot in regards to God's plan for teaching the faith in households. Harstad explains the significance of the first part of Deuteronomy 6 for households today.
- What are some key passages in Deuteronomy that predict Christ's coming? ("a Prophet like me" (18:15) and "a man who is hanged on a tree is cursed" (21:22-23))
- What does the "A choice between life and death" in Deuteronomy 30 mean? How should we properly interpret this as Lutherans today?
- Why are the defeats of two kings, Sihon and Og in chapters 2 and 3 so significant? They are often mentioned in the psalms.
- Why didn't God let Moses lead Israel into the Promised Land? Didn't He forgive him?
- Does Joshua being appointed leader in Moses' place point to Jesus?
- What does Deuteronomy say to Christians today?
About the guest:
Adolph L. Harstad is Professor of Exegetical Theology, Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, Mankato, Minnesota. He studied at Northwestern College, Watertown, Wisconsin (B.A.), Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (M.Div.), and the University of Wisconsin—Madison (M.A., Hebrew and Semitic Studies). He has also served as a parish pastor and missionary in Zambia, Africa.
During this episode of the Concordia Publishing House Podcast, listen as Tanner Olson explains his outlook on poetry, prayer, and just being happy to be here.
Tanner is the voice behind writtentospeak.com or @writtentospeak on Instagram. He is also the author of Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope.
Show Notes:
To Tanner Olson of Written to Speak, poetry is somewhere in between a song and a sermon. In all of his poetry, Tanner hopes that you get the sense that these are words that you’d say to a friend or in a prayer to God. In this episode, Elizabeth and Tanner discuss poetry, prayer, and how they connect in his newest book. Learn how to start reading and digesting poetry, and how to begin using your own voice. Listen to poems from Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope including: Forget, Like the Sheep, and Consider the Wildflowers.
Tanner’s Website: https://www.writtentospeak.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writtentospeak
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tannerJolson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writtentospeak/
Written to Speak on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6VSXq2yYD3n5MFZ5ahIUDZ?si=Mpg3E66ZQcq_wmikYy8ktQ
Questions Covered:
- How does Tanner’s saying “just happy to be here” help open up conversations about mental health?
- How does his new book, Continue, work towards healthy lamenting but also knowing what it means to keep going?
- What does it mean that Tanner’s work is accessible?
- How do writing prompts help when creating poems?
- What is the significance of the poem and phrase “In All Things”?
- How has Christian poetry been able to reach different demographics inside and outside the church?
- Which experiences on the road have been impactful?
- How do we approach reading poetry?
- What should aspiring writers/poets do to begin their journey?
About the Guest:
Tanner Olson is an author, poet, and speaker living in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Sarah, and dog, Pancake. For the last decade, Tanner has been writing and speaking about hope, faith, and love to audiences online and across the US. When he isn’t writing, Tanner spends most of his time watching NBA basketball, drinking coffee, being outside, and catching up with friends. For more from Tanner, visit writtentospeak.com or @writtentospeak on Instagram.
Church History is important because God works through history. In this episode, Molly Lackey gives an overview of the church from Pentecost to our modern church.
Church History is important because God works through history. In this episode, Molly Lackey gives an overview of the church from Pentecost to our modern church.
Molly is the author of A Simple Explanation of Church History and Confessing Jesus: The Heart of Being a Lutheran (coming October 2022), and a contributor to Words of Strength and Promise: Devotions for Youth.
To learn more about the intersection of sexuality and church history read Sexual Morality in a Christless World by Matthew Rueger.
Show Notes:
Studying Church History can help us to understand how the church has thought through issues throughout time. It can give us insight on how to deal with the issues that arise in our own time. It also is important to understand how we got to where we are today. In this episode, Molly Lackey, the author of A Simple Explanation of Church History, gives an overview of what the church has experienced throughout time. This brief, but thorough, overview will walk through the church at Pentecost, the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, Reformation, and to our very own Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.
Questions Covered:
- Why is it important that we understand church history?
- What does the history of the early church look like?
- Why did Rome lump Christians in with other “new religions”?
- How did Christianity move forward in a time of persecution?
- In the middle ages, how did Christianity provide stability and grow?
- What is the history behind indulgences?
- What is the meaning behind the “age of Orthodoxy”?
- What defines the “age of revival”?
- Why is this period significant to LCMS Lutherans?
- How did the World Wars impact our modern church?
- -Should we be excited for the end of history?
About the Guest:
Molly Lackey is a wife, author, and church historian. She earned her Bachelor of Arts, with a triple major in History, German, and Latin, from the University of Alabama. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Early Modern European History, with an emphasis on the Reformation in Germany, from Saint Louis University. Molly is the author of A Simple Explanation of Church History and has contributed her voice to Words of Strength and Promise: Devotions for Youth. She enjoys reading and talking theology with other laypeople, creating art, and drinking tea with her husband. To read more from her, head to abovetowne.com.
LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces is vitally important to supporting chaplains in the United States military. In this episode Rev. Craig Muehler, director of the LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, discusses the importance of this ministry, current projects, and what you can do to support military chaplains and their families.
The Ministry to the Armed Forces is the mission arm of the LCMS to support and serve military chaplains — active and reserve — their families and the veteran population. Learn more at: https://www.lcms.org/ministry-to-the-armed-forces
Show Notes:
Have you heard of an army chaplain? Do you know the importance of having LCMS pastors be chaplains in the US military. During this episode hear from the director of the LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, Rev. Muehler, as he discusses this important ministry. Discover how the ministry was started and learn what route military chaplians take. Rev. Muehler knows first-hand how chaplains serve the armed forces and why this specific ministry needs to be supported. Be encouraged to prayerfully support this ministry.
Questions Covered:
- How did Rev Muehler end up in this position with the Ministry to the Armed Forces?
- Why do we need chaplains?
- How was the Ministry to the Armed Forces started?
- Why is the office of the two kingdoms important to this ministry and does this interact with freedom to exercise religion?
- What does chaplaincy to military “nones” look like?
- How are the chaplains spiritually fed?
- How do chaplains become chaplains?
- What impact may the war in Ukraine have on our chaplains?
- Who can we contact to start the process to enter chaplaincy?
- Are there any services for veterans?
- What tools do congregations have to support our military-connected populations?
- What can we do to support this ministry?
About the Guest:
Chaplain Craig Muehler, a retired U.S. Navy captain, serves as the director of the LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces. After retiring as deputy chaplain of the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served from 2011-14, Rev Muehler stepped into this position.. He received his bachelor’s degree from Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill., and his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He also has earned his Master of Theology in Pastoral Counseling from Trinity International University. Muehler and his wife, Kristen, have four children; Seth, Jesse, Faith and Hope.
In this episode, Peter Reske discusses the history and significance of three Lenten hymns.
Peter Reske is Senior Editor of Music/Worship at Concordia Publishing House.
Learn more about the Lutheran Service Book and the Lutheran Service Book Companion to the Hymns.
Show Notes:
Lent doesn’t have to be Holy Week… yet. The season of Lent is more than just the build up to Holy Week. The season of Lent has us focusing for 40 days on preparing for Christ’s passion in repentance and reminds us of our identities as baptized children of God. Catechesis through Lenten Hymns can point us to the Word and Sacraments.
During this episode Peter Reske teaches us how three Lenten hymns impact our walk with Christ during this season. Learn the history behind the text and tune and insider information on how the hymnal is organized and compiled. Remember our role in God’s salvation plan and Jesus’ story through Lenten hymns LSB 430, 425, 449-450.
Questions Covered:
- What themes are already present in the Lenten season?
- How does confession and absolution feed into this time in the Church Year?
- Historically, how does the hymn of the day subvert our expectations for Lent?
- What is the history behind the LSB 430?
- Which poem is LSB 430 similar to?
- How are we not any different from the “characters” in the hymn?
- What does friend mean in this context?
- How does the tune fit into the text?
- What have the changes to LSB 425 been and what does the hymn writer have to do with it?
- What Bible verse is LSB 425 likely based upon?
- How do the stanzas work to teach us about Christ?
- Why two tunes for LSB 425?
- What is interesting about the tunes of LSB 449-450?
- How did the LSB Hymnody Committee order the tunes?
- Who is this hymn attributed to and what language was it written in?
- How do we use the seven wounds of Christ to understand this hymn?
- Where is the Gospel?
- How does the language referring to Jesus change throughout LSB 449-450?
About the Guest:
Peter C. Reske, senior editor of music/worship at Concordia Publishing House, holds degrees in English literature and historical musicology from Marquette University and The Pennsylvania State University. He was the editor of Lutheran Service Book and its attendant resources.
LAMP Ministries have been promoting spiritual wellness and has been nurturing faith in Jesus Christ to those in remote northern Canada since 1970. In this episode, listen to the executive director of LAMP Ministry, Rev. Dr. Steve Schave, as he informs us about the challenges and opportunities of sharing the Gospel of Christ in this setting.
LAMP’s volunteers and staff from Canada and the United States share the love of Jesus to Indigenous people in communities in remote northern Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia through Christ-centered Bible studies and other outreach projects. To learn more about their outreach programs and other events visit: https://www.lampministry.org
Show Notes:
LAMP Ministry has been sharing the Gospel in remote northern Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia since 1970. LAMP is able to provide Jesus-focused materials to help these communities learn about our Savior. During this episode hear from the executive director Rev. Schave as he discusses his passion for spreading the Good News in this area of the world. Making disciples of all nations includes these hard-to-reach communities. LAMP has been able to create long-lasting relationships between volunteers, staff, and the communities so that short-term efforts stretch into lifelong faith. Understand how life differs for those in these small remote communities and what hope LAMP is able to offer them.
Questions Covered:
· What is the story of LAMP Ministries?
· How is God expanding the ministries there?
· How do you bring supplies to these communities?
· Why is LAMP critical to these remote communities?
· What is the process like for volunteers and their churches?
· How does VBS play a role in the ministry?
· What stories are there about the impact on children or volunteers?
· How does LAMP impact adults in these communities?
· What impact has the COVID-19 pandemic had on this ministry’s ability to serve?
· Currently, how are needs (both physical and spiritual) being met?
· How can listeners get involved?
About the Guest:
Rev. Dr. Steve Schave is the executive director of LAMP Ministry. Dr. Schave received his Doctor of Ministry at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne with a dissertation that focused on church planting resources based on a ‘witness, mercy, life together’ framework for doing missions. His past ministry work includes an extensive focus on outreach through human care, as well as church revitalization with a focus on neighborhood renewal in the inner city. Rev. Schave and his wife Kim live in Alberta, Canada.
We love watching superheroes defeat villains in our media, but there is only one true hero for our world. Jesus Christ. In this episode, unpack what it means to be a part of Jesus’ redemption story with the author of Lord of Legends: Jesus’ Redemption Quest, Eric Eichinger.
To order Lord of Legends visit https://www.cph.org/p-34643-lord-of-legends-jesus-redemption-quest.aspx
Show Notes:
Heroes we find in comics, movies, and books are often a source of inspiration and hope for us and the fictional worlds they inhabit. The Hero’s Journey is a literary term used to describe how a character transforms through their quest. These thrilling stories are often repeated, dissected, and shared throughout our culture and history. But as Christians, we know about a real superhero. One that isn’t just a tall tale or only exists on screen. Jesus Christ was born to be the hero of the world, to conquer all of our villains and He did.
Listen and join the conversation as we discuss how the concept of the hero's journey can help us to understand the magnitude of the history the Bible tells of the real hero, our prince of peace, our conqueror– Jesus. With the author of Lord of Legends: Jesus’ Redemption Quest, Eric Eichinger as our guest, unpack Jesus’ quest to redeem the whole of creation.
Eric Eichinger is senior pastor of Bethel Lutheran in Clearwater, Florida. He earned a B.A. in Theatre from Michigan State University and ran on the varsity track and field team. Eichinger served for two years in New York as a youth worker, and two years in mainland China as an English teacher where he met his wife, Kara. He was ordained into the office of the holy ministry in 2006 and currently serves as pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church in Clearwater, FL. Eric resides in the Tampa Bay area with his wife, their three children, and a feisty dachshund, Doppelbock.
In this episode, Deaconess Tiffany Manor joins us to discuss the sanctity of life and what the LCMS’ Life Ministry is currently working on.
Start teaching, from a young age, about the value of all life with Alive Before You Were Born.
Learn more about how to witness in today's world with Every One His Witness.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Life Ministry is devoted to upholding the sanctity of human life, both in our church body and the culture at large. You can contact them with questions at lifeministry@lcms.org.
Show Notes:
We believe that all life is valuable. This can be considered a countercultural idea in our day and age– especially when it comes to the unborn. Join us in this episode as Deaconess Tiffany Manor discusses how her faith led her to uphold the sanctity of life and how the LCMS Life Ministry advocates for and upholds the sanctity of human life. Listen to understand the three areas Life Ministry covers: advocating for life, caring for life, and teaching about life. Life that holds the Imago Deo. Life that Jesus came to serve, suffer with, die for, and ultimately give the gift of eternal life to.
Questions Covered:
- What is Life Ministry?
- What areas of living does Life Ministry cover?
- How does Life Ministry involve the kingdom of the right and the kingdom of the left?
- How is the sanctity of life embedded in Lutheran Theology?
- Do local/national events play into our advocacy?
- How can we not let events be the end of our advocacy?
- What age is a good age to introduce the concept of the value of life?
- How can we practice using life-affirming language?
- What is the importance of the Church’s Life Sundays?
- How can we prepare for these uncomfortable conversations with our peers?
- What is coming up with Life Ministry?
- How can congregations start mercy care projects?
- How do we stay encouraged with these sanctity of life issues?
About the Guest:
Deaconess Tiffany Manor is the Director of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Life Ministry. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Master of Arts in Deaconess Studies from Concordia Theological Seminary. Manor also has served the LCMS New England District in the areas of church worker wellness, human care and school ministry. Tiffany is married to the Rev. Jonathan Manor, pastor of Lutheran Church of the Savior in Bedford, MA, and they have four children. She enjoys walking, crafts, swimming, kayaking and “all things water.”
Let’s go to the movies! In today’s episode of the podcast, learn how films can reflect biblical narratives, characters, and themes.
Rev. Dr. Jeffery Skopak is currently the senior pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and School in Florida.
Learn about his new book, Christ, Culture, and Cinema: How Faith and Films Intersect. You can find his own podcast at Christ, Culture, and Cinema.
Show Notes:
Movies are a large part of our collective American culture. When we explore the themes, narratives, and characters of films, biblical concepts and ultimately our hope found in Jesus emerge. As we watch the stories play out across the screen, what is your faith in Christ causing you to hear or see differently than a person who may not have the same faith?
In this episode of the Concordia Publishing House podcast learn to ask questions as a viewer of films that help you to analyze the media and examine your own faith. Why do we watch what we watch and what lenses are we watching these movies through? Listen as Rev. Dr. Jeffery Skopak unpacks these questions and how relating movies to your Christian faith can impact your walk with Jesus.
Questions Covered:
-What got Pastor Skopak into movies?
-What did we miss about going to see movies during the 2020 stay-at-home orders?
-What was it like starting to look at films through the lens of faith, doctrine, and Lutheran identity?
-What was the power of music in Joker (2019)?
-What does it look like when Christ, the culture, and cinema converge?
-How does our experience of faith impact our interpretation of movies?
-Where do we see themes of love in The Princess Bride?
-How does The Princess Bride show us that optimistic friendship and community we desire?
-What are the challenges in letting a movie instruct us as we think about what it presents?
-How does our faith change the way we view blockbusters?
-Why is it important to allow ourselves space to process movies?
About the Guest:
Jeffrey Skopak was born and raised in New Jersey. He has served as a pastor all over the United States, from small urban ministries to large churches and schools. He is currently the senior pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and School in Florida, where he lives with his wife, Amy, and their rescue dog, Reggie.
About the Host:
Elizabeth Pittman is the manager of public relations and CGO at Concordia Publishing House. She received degrees from Valparaiso University and the University of Missouri School of Law. It should come as no surprise that Elizabeth is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus. Her life is very busy raising three active sons with her husband.
In this episode, meet the founder of Anchored Women, Kayse Pratt, as she introduces us to a philosophy to help us use our schedules and to-do lists by refocusing on biblical truth.
Kayse is a wife, a mom, and the founder of anchored-women.com.
Show Notes:
We often can feel overwhelmed or scatterbrained when looking at all the things we want and need to do. Oftentimes, time spent with Jesus is pushed to the side or ignored with a simple “I’ll get to it later.” In order to best serve our homes, we need to be anchored in Christ. Join us in this episode as Kayse Pratt, the founder of Anchored Women, walks us through our schedules and to-do lists and helps us refocus on what really matters, living lives that are anchored in God’s Word. As we approach the new year, Kayse guides us to understand that we can bring our faith into everyday tasks so that our time with Jesus isn’t just marking a box.
Kayse Pratt is a wife, a mom of 2, and no stranger to that feeling of constant overwhelm, always feeling like there’s never enough time in the day. She is the founder of anchored-women.com. She shows us a new approach to home and faith that includes biblical encouragement, partnered with practical, step-by-step help for managing our day-to-day lives. It is a philosophy that anchors us in God’s Word AND helps us manage our busy lives with a little less stress + a lot more joy!
Ministry happens in a multitude of locations, close to home and around the world. On this episode, Chaplain Travis Ferguson joins us to share his experience serving as an Air Force Chaplain in the Middle East.
Chaplain Ferguson is a Captain in the United States Air Force.
Learn about the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod's Ministry to the Armed Forces.
Rejoice! Rejoice! LSB 357, O Come, O Come Emmanuel is one of the most recognizable Advent hymns in our hymnody. Learn from Peter Reske as he walks us through the history and meaning behind the text, tune, and themes of this beloved hymn.
Peter Reske is Senior Editor of Music/Worship at Concordia Publishing House.
Learn more about the Lutheran Service Book and the Lutheran Service Book Companion to the Hymns.
Episode Webpage
LSB 332, Savior of the Nations, Come is a favorite hymn during the season of Advent. Learn the story behind the tune, text, and translation of this beloved hymn.
Peter Reske is Senior Editor of Music/Worship at Concordia Publishing House.
Learn more about the Lutheran Service Book and the Lutheran Service Book Companion to the Hymns.
Episode webpage
Witnessing in a loving way to the Muslim community can seem overwhelming. In this episode, Dr. Abjar Bahkou gives an overview of the Islamic faith and a guide to compassionately evangelize to our Muslim neighbors.
Dr. Bahkou is an associate professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He has written numerous books and articles and has done extensive translation work from English into Arabic, all with the goal of improving Christian Muslim communication.
Learn more practical steps to engage with Muslims
Advent marks the beginning of a new church year and season with a focus of reflecting on how the Israelites waited for their Savior mirrors how we wait for His return. During the season of Advent, there are many hymns that Lutherans love. The stories behind the hymns are just as compelling as the reasons people love them. This episode doesn’t touch on favorites such as O Come, O Come Emmanuel or Savior of the Nations Come (listeners can look forward to two separate episodes solely focusing on these two important Advent hymns), but other important advent hymns.
During this episode Peter Reske tells us the history behind Advent hymns and the themes that connect them all together. Experience the wonder, joy, waiting, and awe of Advent hymns LSB 334, 335, 339, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 350,
Learn more about the Lutheran Service Book and the Lutheran Service Book Companion to the Hymns .
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
The New Testament Book of James presents a profound message of what it means to live a sanctified life. Rev. Dr. Curtis Giese, author of James—Concordia Commentary, introduces us to the depth and richness of James in this episode.
Dr. Giese is a professor in the Theology Division of Concordia University Texas (in Austin), where he has taught Greek and New Testament since 2004.
Learn more about James—Concordia Commentary.
Diagnosed with breast cancer when she was pregnant with her fourth child, Heidi Floyd presents a message of faith in God’s promises in all circumstances. Heidi shares her powerful story with us in this episode.
Heidi Floyd is a sought after influencer with over 10 years of experience in healthcare advocacy and breast cancer activism. She's a powerful communicator, international public speaker, and the author of in a word: quiet little thoughts about God.
Heidi has served as the voice of the patient for a wide variety of organizations, including the U. S. Department of Defense, the American Cancer Society, and Susan G. Komen. Her experience has helped us establish and strengthen relationships with patient advocacy organizations that support patients and their families and educate corporations and other entities on compassionate outreach to the worldwide cancer community.
Connect with Heidi on LinkedInFollow Heidi on Twitter
This episode originally aired on October 17, 2020
The Reformation had a profound impact on the hymnody of the Lutheran Church. Today, we'll be talking about the musical shifts that occurred during the Reformation era with our guest, Peter Reske. Peter is the senior editor of music and worship resources here at Concordia Publishing House.
Find out more at:
cph.org/companion
Pastor Jeff Leininger talks with us about campus ministry and shares ideas on how your congregation can stay connected with students while they are away at college.
Rev. Jeff Leininger is the campus pastor at Concordia University Chicago and the author of Callings for Life: God's Plan, Your Purpose.
Have you ever stopped to consider how the technology that you use is affecting you? Pastor-psychiatrist duo Rev. A. Trevor Sutton and Dr. Brian Smith have teamed up to help you evaluate your technology use through a Christian perspective in their new book, Redeeming Technology: a Christian Approach to Healthy Digital Habits.
What do teens wish that adults knew about them? Teens participating in the 2021 YouthLead program answered this question thoughtfully and honestly. Julianna Shults joins us to share their answers. Julianna is a Director of Christian Education serving at LCMS Youth Ministry.
Read the article What Teen Leaders Want Adult Leaders to Knowon youthESource.
Get your copy of Relationships Count: Engaging & Retaining Millennials free on Amazon Kindle.
Learn about the work of LCMS Youth Ministry.
On this episode, Kurth Brashear, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement at Concordia University Nebraska joins us for a conversation about the challenges, opportunities, and joys of philanthropy in the church.
Learn more about Concordia University, Nebraska or connect with Kurth Brashear.
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
We've all had our fair share of blunders, mishaps, and failures. Even the greatest heroes of the Bible stumbled. In this episode we're joined by Dan Hoppen. Dan is the author of Redeemed: Our Lives as Sinners and Saints. Dan will help us explore some of the common shortcomings we all encounter.
Learn more about Redeemed: Our Lives at Sinners and Saints.Connect with Dan Hoppen
Jacob Weber, the associate editor of music and worship at Concordia Publishing House joins us today to discuss the importance of introducing children, to the beauty of hymnody early their lives and how that can support them as they grow in their faith.
Check out One and All RejoiceListen to the One and All Rejoice playlist
Dr. Benjamin Haupt, Associate Provost of Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins us to discuss how a clear appreciation for the significant role of mission in the early days of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod can inform our lives and ministry today.
Listen to Dr. Haupt and Rev. Micah Glenn on the Under The Fig Tree podcast.
Read Drop Your Nets and Follow Me: Raising up the Next Generation of Church Workers
Connect with Rev. Dr. Ben Haupt
What do you do when your life goes off the rails? And you're left with questions, like how do I keep going through this and not be utterly destroyed? Or how can I keep a kind heart when it's been so wounded and broken? Our guest today Dr. Reed Lessing is here to talk with us and assure us that there is hope. In this encouraging conversation we are introduced to the ultimate survivor, Jeremiah.
Leran more about Overcoming Life's Sorrows: Learning from JeremiahLearn more about the Center for Biblical Studies
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Mentoring is an opportunity for the people of God to love one another, to figure out life side-by-side. Darcy Pappe, author and Executive Director of the Women's Leadership Institute at Concordia University Wisconsin., joins us to share encouragement and ideas for supporting each other through mentoring.
Learn more about the Women's Leadership Institute at Concordia University
Learn more about Someone to Walk With: A Women's Guide to Christian MentoringConnect with Darcy
Today on the show we're joined by Margo Heath Dupre. Margo chats with us about the experiences she's had raising a blended family. It's a great story filled with grace, love, and trust.
Check out Margo's book Be Thou My GuideConnect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
On this episode, Rev. Dr. Pete Jurchen joins us to discuss how we can engage the Psalms in an intentional, meaningful way. Rev. Dr. Jurchen is the editor of a Engaging the Psalms.
Learn more about Engaging the Psalms: A Guide for Reflection and Prayer
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The Book of 1 Peter can help us recognize common cultural deceptions. In this episode, Rev. Dr. Dale A. Meyer joins us to identify some of these deceptions and what 1 Peter has to teach us.
Rev. Dr. Dale A. Meyer is President Emeritus of Concordia Seminary St. Louis.
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Peter Frank had the opportunity to travel to Israel as part of an intensive study abroad program through Concordia Seminary. Peter shares his experiences with us and how exploring the geography of the Holy Land deepened his understanding of Scripture.
Explore Peter's video series
Individual Tourists to be Allowed in Israel Starting July 1
Rueters: First foreign tourists in more than a year land in Israel
Restarting tourism: Israel welcomes first foreign group since March 2020
Learn more about Concordia Seminary's study abroad programs
Rev. Jonathan and Christa Petzold help us understand the unique design God has designed for men and women.
Learn more about Male & Female: Embracing Your Role in God's Design
This episode originally aired on 02/24/21We all deal with bouts of anxiety, and sometimes the feelings get so overhelming we don't know where to turn. Today we have Lindsay Hausch on the show to talk about how to deal with those anxious thoughts.
Learn more about Lindsay's Book, Take Heart: God's Comfort for Anxious Thoughts
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On this episode we’re joined by Debbie Larson, President of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. For more than 77 years, the LWML has been encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries and to support global missions.
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As Christians we're called to bring the good news of Christ to others. But what does that look like in our everyday lives? Our guest today is a Rev. Dr. Mark Wood and he is going to walk through what it means to share that good news to the world.
Learn More about Connected to Christ: Witnessing in Everyday LifeConnect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Discipleship can sound like a really big, daunting thing to do. And if you're not familiar with it, it might kind of scary. But today we have an expert travel guide with us, who's going to help us navigate the path of discipleship and what that looks like.
Learn more about Walking Together: Simple Steps for Discipleship
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Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing joins the podcast to talk about the Book of Zechariah. He shares that it is a great loss that the Zechariah is virtually unknown in the church today. After you've listened to this episode, we think you'll be eager to spend some time studying Zechariah.
Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing serves as Professor of Theology and Ministry at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is also the University’s Director for the Center of Biblical Studies. Reed has authored books in the Concordia Commentary Series that include Isaiah 40–55, Isaiah 56–66, Amos, Jonah, and Zechariah. He is also the co-author (with Andy Steinmann) of the CPH book Prepare the Way of the Lord: An Introduction to the Old Testament.
Learn more about Zechariah - Concordia Commentary
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What does a welcoming home or a welcoming family look like? What woul you do if you found out that Jesus was coming to your home? Today on the podcast we talk about the spirit of hospitlatiy with Rev. Brian Davies and how we can be welcoming to others.
Learn more about Connected to Christ: Overcoming Isolation through Community and download the sermon series here
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Read Pastor Davies article in Lutheran Life here
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In this episode, we talk with Gene Edward Veith. He talks to us about the centrality of the Cross to our faith, how he discovered Lutheranism, what has been significant for his growth in faith, and much more.
The Spirituality of the Cross: Third Edition is packed with updates that address questions of Christianity in today’s world. Learn how Lutheranism is different and how to share the Gospel of Jesus with individuals who are struggling with Christian spirituality in the current culture.
Learn more about The Spirituality of the Cross- Third EditionGene Edward Veith Jr. is a retired English professor and college administrator, most recently at Patrick Henry College and Concordia University Wisconsin. He is the author of twenty-seven books, including Authentic Christianity: How Lutheran Theology Speaks to a Postmodern World; Christianity in an Age of Terrorism, and God at Work. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas and currently lives in Oklahoma with his wife, Jackquelyn. He has three grown children and twelve grandchildren.
Connect with Gene at Cranach: The Blog of Veith
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Do your daily activities reflect what had true value to you? Join us in our conversation with Christina Hergenrader as she shares 4 habits to replace spiritual dehydration with true refreshment.
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Today we have Deb Burma on the show talking about the storms of life and finding a sure and safe refuge in the Lord.
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Today we are joined by Dr. Mark Koschmann, Fiechtner Chair in Christian Outreach and Assistant Professor of Theology and Missiology at Concordia University—St. Paul. We get his perspective on the current events going on in Minneapolis, MN and around the country dealing with social inequality, race relations, and injustice.
For more information on Dr. Koschmann's Faculty-Led Workshop at Concordia Seminary St. Louis visit csl.edu
(The Hoffmann Institute at Concordia University St. Paul, Minn., will pay $75 of the $100 registration fee for the first 10 urban pastors and laypeople who register. Email ce@csl.edu for discount code.)
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Today on the podcast we talk with Rev. Dr. Pete Jurchen. He shares some tips and strategies with us for how we can help encourage healthy faith habits in our young people.
For more from Dr. Jurchen on lifelong learning of God’s Word, consider reading Timeless Truth: An Essential Guide for Teaching the Faith.
For more on the importance of building a faithful community of adult lifelong learners in your congregation, consider readingBuilt on the Rock by Ted Kober, or Connected to Christ: Overcoming Isolation Through Community by Brian Davies, either on your own or studying it with your congregational leadership.
For an excellent resource that provides lectionary-based daily readings from God’s Word for youth and adults, along with daily prayers and other devotional materials, consider using Treasury of Daily Prayer or the PrayNow app. Build the habit of being a lifelong learner of God’s Word through daily engagement with the Bible, and encourage others to join you!
For building up the habits of daily learning God’s Word in your household, consider reading Portals of Prayer, Portals of Prayer for Kids, or any other of CPH’s excellent devotional materials that heads of households can read with their families each day. By simply devoting a few minutes each day to reading these devotionals, in the morning, at meal time, in the car, or before bed, you can help establish a culture of lifelong learning of God’s Word.
Dr. Jurchen also referenced Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation which contains not only contains the core teachings of the faith, but also different prayers to help form the habits of lifelong learning of God’s Word. This is not only a book for Confirmation instruction, but is a manual for discipleship for the lifelong learner of God’s Word. The book Luther’s Small Catechism: A Manual for Discipleship, wonderfully explains this.
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On this episode, Dr. Dan Paavola explains that we shoud accept no substitutes when it comes to the Gospel.
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Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of Youth Ministry at the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, joins us to share what research shows to be effective for raising children in the faith.
Learn more about the research shared in this podcast in Relationships Count.Read more about living together as family the way God intended, including Mark's article, in the spring issue of Lutheran Life.Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Join us for a conversation with Peter Reske, Senior Editor of Music/Worship at Concordia Publishing House, as we talk about the stories and history of some well loved Easter Hymns.
Learn more the Lutheran Service Book and the Companion to the Hymns .
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Original broadcast date: October 31, 2020.When you are feeling isolated, where can you turn? In this episode, Brian Davies shares the ways that we can overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation through the community God provides for each of us in His Church.
Learn more about Brian's book Connected to Christ: Overcoming Isolation through CommunityRev. Brian Davies is pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church, Grayslake, Il.
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In this episode, Heidi Goehmann and Rachel Taube join us to talk about Mental Health First Aid and how it can help us in our faith communities.
Learn more about Mental Health First Aid.
Heidi Goehmann is a licensed clinical social worker, author, and theologian. She presents and advocates in both the sacred and secular communities around the topics of mental, relational, and emotional health, always with Hope.
Rachel Taube is the Mental Health First Aid Program Director at the Missouri Institute of Mental Health.
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller joins us to talk about what it means to live with a martyr's faith.
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Learn more about A Martyr's Faith in a Faithless WorldConnect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Today on the podcast we're going to be talking about higher education, specifically Lutheran Christian higher education, with Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, president of Concordia University St. Paul.
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Join us as we speak with Heidi Goehmann, author, licensed clinical social worker, mental health care provider, and deaconess, as we talk about naming and moving through our brokenness, and discovering how Jesus Christ is our ultimate hope—even in the broken mess.
Learn more about Heidi's book, Finding Hope
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You matter. You matter to God. This makes all the difference. Heather Ruesch joins us to explain what this means for our identity and how it impacts our daily lives.
Connect with Heather and the You Matter Tour.
Learn more about Sexuality Mentality: Creating a Culture of Biblical Integrity
Original broadcast date: July 29, 2020. It’s not unusual for a child to be asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Even as adults, many of us may quietly ask ourselves, “what am I meant to do with my life?’ While that question seems daunting, the answer isn’t as elusive as we may think. I’m glad to welcome the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leininger today as we talk about our callings for life.
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leininger has served as Concordia University Chicago’s University Pastor since 2002. In addition to serving as University Pastor, his role at Concordia-Chicago has grown to include advising all the Spiritual Life activities on campus, directing the Pre-Seminary Program and supporting the University’s Church Relations office.
Learn more about Callings for Life: God's Plan, Your Purpose at cph.org/callings.
Explore the free Callings for Life CPH FaithCourse
In a world full of hatred and cancel cultural how can we get back to the root of being kind to one another. Today we talk with Rev. Ted Doering about reclaiming kindness.
Learn more about Ted book, Myth of the Millenial
Listen to Ted's Podcast
Read Ted's blog post on reclaiming kindnessConnect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
We all deal with bouts of anxiety, and sometimes the feelings get so overhelming we don't know where to turn. Today we have Lindsay Hausch on the show to talk about how to deal with those anxious thoughts.
Learn more about Lindsay's Book, Take Heart: God's Comfort for Anxious Thoughts
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Join us as we talk with Dr. Kim Marxhausen about the Winter Blues, how to help with them, and how to help others.
Learn more about Dr. Marxhausen's book Weary Joy: The Caregiver's Journey Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
As adults, we’ve learned that there are times when we need a little advice and some help to navigate the labyrinth of life. For our youth, they may still be learning that its ok to look for help when they come up against struggles.
In Words of Strength and Promise, 14 authors came together to share words of encouragement for youth on a variety of topics we’ve all struggled with at one time or another. We’re joined today by three of these authors to talk about some of these challenges. Welcome Rev. Keith Haney, Jessica Bordeleau, and Molly Lackey.
Learn more about Words of Strength and PromiseConnect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Connect with Rev. Haney on his podcast, The Light Breaks Through,
Connect with Jessica Bordeleau on the Speaking of Jesus Podcast.
Connect with Molly Lackey.
The story of Esther is as dramatic as any major motion picture. You'll find it's packed with twists and turns and characters that keep the action moving from the very beginning to its thrilling conclusion. Author Donna Snow joins us to talk about the drama and relevance of Esther for us today.
Learn more about Chosen: A Study of EstherConnect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
If you're going through a season of grief you may feel that you are stuck in a deep, dark pit with hope nowhere in sight. Rev. Michael Newman joins us today to remind us that even as we are going through grief, we have a sure and complete hope.
Learn more about Getting Through Grief and Getting through Grief for Youth.Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Many women have heard the call to lean in as a rallying cry of empowerment of achieving their goals and overcoming inequality while there's nothing wrong with striving for success. What if this call to lean in is pointing us in the wrong direction? Where should we be leaning towards for true wisdom, protection, and peace?
That's what we'll be talking about today with our guest, Deb Burma,
Learn more about Deb at her blog.
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The phrase spiritual warfare might bring to mind angels and demons, exorcisms and scary demonic encounters. More than that, spiritual warfare also includes the battles you and I face in everyday life. Battles of temptation, doubt, and anxiety. Rev. Dr. Chris Kennedy joins us to help us recognize spiritual warfare and be equipped to resist it so that we can find healing, understanding and peace.
Learn more about Equipped: The Armor of God for Everyday StrugglesConnect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Lutheran schools across the country offer unique learning experiences, daily encouraging their students to grow both academically and spiritually. We're joined by the Rev. Dr. Matthew Hoehner, Executive Director of Christ Community Lutheran School (CCLS) in St. Loui to discuss what makes Lutheran schools so special and why they're more relevant than ever in our communities today.
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The life issues that we face in our culture today are far more than controversial political issues. They are serious spiritual issues. Rev. Michael Salemink, Executive Director of Mission and Ministry for Lutherans for Life joins us to talk about the issues facing us and how we as Christians can be positive life-affirming voices for the value of every human life.
Learn more about Lutherans for Life.
Order A Biblical Response to AbortionConnect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
In the face of conflict, three words can be incredibly difficult to say. “I forgive you.” In this episode, we’re taking a deeper look at forgiveness and reconciliation with our guest, Ted Kober, Senior Ambassador at Ambassadors for Reconciliation.
Learn more about Ted's book Confession and Forgiveness.Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
What does it look like for Christians to engage with others for the sake of the Gospel in the context of these cultural issues? With guest, Dr. Alfonso Espinosa.
Faith that Engages the CultureFaith that Sees Through the CultureConnect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
In the current issue of Lutheran Life Donna Snow shares thoughtful reflections on how forgiveness transforms our lives before God and among others. Donna joins us to explore forgiveness.
Forgiveness | Lutheran Life Winter 2021
Forgiveness: Received from God, Extended to OthersChosen: A Study of Esther(coming March 2021)
On todays podcast we chat with Dr. Jason Soenksen about Micah and his contribution to the Concordia Commentary Series.
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Today on the podcast, Heidi Goehmann shows us how God invites us to gratitude. Even when gratefulness is hard to find.
Connect with Heidi at Heidigoehmann.com
Learn more about her books at cph.org
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Deb Burma joins us today to help us spot joy in everyday life, and to learn how to spread the joy to others.
Connect with Deb at debburma.com
Learn more about her books at cph.org
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We’re joined today by Dr. Mark Koschmann to discuss what this life of service looks like in the city.
Learn more about Rev. Dr. Mark Koschmann
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Lisa M. Clark joins us to share ideas for teaching the faith during Advent.
Lisa has written devotionals, curriculums, Bible studies, hymns, novels, children's books, and more. After a decade of writing, she has been published in periodicals, books, and choral arrangements.
Learn more about the Jesse Tree Family Kit.
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Through the generations, a culture has formed in your family. Your culture might be one of connection, and grace, or fun. Maybe your family culture has more regret or apathy than you’d like. Our guest today is Christina Hergenrader. She’s going to help us understand why it's worth our energy to create a culture of grace in our family and how we can take steps to start creating a culture of grace. no matter where we’re starting from.
Learn more about Family Trees & Olive Branches: Creating a Culture of Grace in Your Family
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When we think about connecting generations in the church, the goal is simple—to build authentic relationships across generations to lead people to Jesus. That’s what we’re talking about today with our guest, Pastor Ted Doering.
Rev. Doering is pastor of Narrative Lutheran Church in Round Rock, Texas.
Click here for more info on Ted's book Myth of the Millennial: Connecting Generations in the ChurchConnect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcordiaPublishing/
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Community matters. Rev. Brian Davies joins us to discuss why community is so important, how it can help us overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation and how it keeps us connected to Christ.
Rev. Brian Davies is pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church, Grayslake, Il. He is also the author of Connected to Christ: Overcoming Isolation Through Community, available January 2021.
Each of us will experience grief or loss in our lives. Pastor Kristian Kincaid joins us today to point us to true comfort, even in the midst of our grief.
Learn more about Pastor Kincaid's book, Living with Grief: Bound by Sorrow, Wrapped in Comfort.Living with Grief Online Book StudyConnect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcordiaPublishing/
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On this episode, we talk about faith, vocation, Luther, songwriting and more with Grammy-nominated musician, Flame.
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In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Kim Marxhausen. Kim will be walking us through ways that caregivers can better care for themselves, and how we can offer support to our neighbors who are caring for loved ones.
If you’re new to this podcast, be sure to hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss an episode.
Learn more about caring for caregivers in Dr. Marxhausen's book Weary Joy: The Caregiver's Journey.
The Reformation had a profound impact on the hymnody of the Lutheran Church. Today, we'll be talking about the musical shifts that occurred during the Reformation era with our guest, Peter Reske. Peter is the senior editor of music and worship resources here at Concordia Publishing House.
Find out more at:
cph.org/companion
The Bible contains many love stories, but the account of the prophet Hosea and his unfaithful wife Gomer, wins the prize for the most surprising. Her new bible study, God’s Relentless Love, author Sharla Fritz digs deep into the Book of Hosea.
In his new book, Meant for More: In With and Under the Ordinary, Dr. John Nunes explains that we –you—are meant for more.
Dr. Nunes is the president of Concordia College New York.
Christians are called to engage for the sake of the Gospel. We engage those for whom the Gospel is intended (which is everyone). Our guest today is going to help us understand what this looks like in the midst of political conversations and considerations.
We’re glad to welcome our friend Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa back to the show.
Faith That Sees Through the CultureFaith that Engages the Culture (coming early 2021)
Healthy leadership is instrumental to the effectiveness of any organization. Today we’ll be talking about leadership, what sets Lutheran leaders apart, and what leaders should be looking for as they navigate change.
Our guest today is Dr. Donald Christian. Don is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Concordia University Texas.
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Our conversation today will be helpful if you’ve experienced your own loss, or if you want to learn how to respond to those around us who mourn.
Our guest today is Deaconess Kathryn Ziegler Weber. Kathryn is the author of Never Forsaken: God’s Mercy in the Midst of Miscarriage.
Are there times you wish you had more courage? Courage to face your fears, courage to stand up for someone who is being mistreated. Courage to make things, right?
We’re joined by Rev. Wayne Palmer, a senior editor at Concordia Publishing House, who will give us hope for the times we need courage.
Learn more about Courage that Defies Death: A Bible Study for Youth.
Living freely and learning how to exercise two kingdom citizenship faithfully to God in service to our neighbor are things our world needs now more than ever. Do you agree? What does this look like in practice?
On the show today, the Rev. Dr. Greg Seltz is going to help us unpack the tension of two-kingdom citizenship. Greg is the director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty in Washington, DC.
Looking to go deeper into this topic? Explore Called to Vote: A Christian's Guide to Elections.
Forgiveness can be a challenging word to define and use. Today we’re joined by our friend Dr. Dan Paavola. Dan is going to help us unpack what forgiveness IS… and what it is not.
Dan is a professor of theology at Concordia University Wisconsin. He is also the author of several books including Flowing From the Cross: Six Facets of Forgiveness which will release in November 2020.
The New Testament book of first Peter packs volumes of hope into just 105 short verses. Today we'll explore what First Peter has to say to us in our troubled times. Joining us for this conversation is the Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer. Dr. Meyer is President Emeritus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Today on the show we're joined by the Reverend Mark Kiessling to talk about the challenges and opportunities facing youth ministry. In a nutshell, it boils down to relationships. Reverend Mark Kiessling is the Director of Youth Ministry for the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod.
Today on the show we're joined by Congressman John Shimkus for a conversation about faith. Rep. Shimkus has served in the Army, as a high school teacher, a county treasurer, and as a Member of the United States House of Representatives for the 15th District of Illinois since 1997. He is a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL.
In person learning, virtual learning, hybrid learning. This school year comes with a lot of big questions, big feelings, and big challenges for parents, educators, and students. The unsung heroes in all of this may just be the school counselors.
Our guest today is Professor Jessica Brashear. Jessica is the director for the Master of Arts in School Counseling program at Concordia University, Nebraska. She also works at the school counselor for St. John Lutheran School in Seward, Ne.
To find out more about Concordia Nebraska's School Counseling Program click here.
Far more than just pithy sayings, Proverbs have power. They have the power to poke and provoke. Today, Dr. David Coe joins us to talk about the enduring wisdom of the Book of Proverbs.
Dr. Coe is assistant professor of theology at Concordia University Nebraska. He is also the author of the new bible study, Provoking Proverbs.
Is your conscience healthy or is it troubled today? We're joined by the Reverend Brian Kachelmeier to talk about how the conscience is formed and the one place where a troubled conscience can find comfort. Rev. Kachelmeier is the author of Reading Isaiah with Luther.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God. This is true even in the midst of a pandemic. How do we balance the hope we have in God's promises with the fear and uncertainty we are facing and day to day life, and how do we continue to serve our neighbor in the midst of these challenges?
Our guests are Dr. John Pless and Dr. Jacob Corzine. They are the coauthors of the new book, Faith in the Shadow of a Pandemic.
Peace is hard to define and harder to achieve. Pandemic fears, political bickering, protests, financial fears, uncertainty about school, safety. The list of things that have the potential to disturb our peace could go on…and on. When our peace is disturbed and life makes no sense, where do we turn?
Joining us to talk about the pursuit of peace is Dr. Dan Paavola. Dan is professor of theology, especially in the New Testament at Concordia University Wisconsin. He also teaches in the areas of preaching and congregational teaching. He grew up on a Minnesota farm and enjoys motorcycles, antique cars and running.
How do adults learn differently than children, and what does this mean for teaching and learning the faith? Today we’ll be taking a crash course on how to approach teaching adults. Our instructor is the Rev. Dr. Pete Jurchen.
If you are one of the 90% of Americans who use social media, let me ask you a question. How does it make you feel? Connected? Isolated? Happy? Insecure? Powerful? Hopeful? Depressed? Angry?
Today we’ll be talking about how we can use social media well with our guest, A. Trevor Sutton.
Trevor is associate pastor at St. Luke Lutheran church in Haslett, MI. He is also the author of several books, including Clearly Christian: Following Jesus in this Age of Confusion.
Struggles. We all have them. Whether the struggles you face are big or small, it's important to remember that these struggles do not define your identity. Our guest is the Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa. Dr. Espinosa is the author of Faith That Sees Through the Culture.
What challenges are you facing today? I suspect that most of us have a handful, or more, of challenges that we are struggling to conquer. Some of these may be short term challenges. Others might be really big. Maybe, you have that one big thing that never seems to go away. Then what?
How do you put one foot in front of the other over and over until that one thing has been toppled?
Today, Donna Snow is joining us to talk about perseverance in the face of lifes challenges. Along the way she’ll give us tips to confront the challenge, comfort, and most importantly, hope.
Donna Snow is a life-long Texan and coffee lover. She is an adventurous traveler, avid reader, dabbling gardener and closet chef, and home is always her favorite place to be. She has authored over 35 Bible studies, including Perseverance: Praying through Life’s Challenges,
The influence of the men and women who coach youth sports extends far beyond simply teaching the xs and os of the game. The hours spent at practice, at games, often in the school building gives these coaches a tremendous amount of influence in the lives of their players. How can Christian coaches balance the game scorecard with the life and faith scorecards they possess?
Joining us today to help provide answers to this question is Dr. Jim Pingel. Coach Pingel is the Dean of the School of Education at Concordia University Wisconsin. He has also served as a basketball and volleyball coach and an administrator and teacher at two different Lutheran high schools. The author of One Team One Spirit, Inspiration for the Christian Coach, he is a passionate advocate for the integration of biblical faith lessons throughout the curriculum and co-curriculars.
The Psalms are filled with emotion, beauty, and wisdom. How does understanding the poetry of the psalms enhance our understanding of the Book of the Bible? How does it help us to slow down in our personal devotion time, letting us be shaped by the Scripture? Joining us today to talk about the beauty of the Psalms is Dr. Tim Saleska.
Tim is an Old Testament scholar, dean of Ministerial Formation at Concordia Seminary, and author of the new Concordia Commentary, Psalms 1-50. When he isn’t teaching or writing, you might find him on the sidelines coaching Preacher Basketball.
The racial divide in America is frustratingly complex and deeply emotional. As we’ve seen it can erupt into protests and violence. Each side approaches the issue from a vastly different perspective and experience. Today we’re joined by the Rev. Keith Haney. We’ll be talking about the issues that divide us and how Scripture points us to a hopeful path forward.
Rev. Haney is Assistant to the President for Missions, Human Care, and Stewardship for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Iowa District West. He has been an ordained pastor for 27 years, and has served multi-ethnic urban congregations in Detroit, St. Louis, and Milwaukee. He is the author, having written numerous devotionals, and the Bible study One Nation Under God: Healing Racial Divides in America.
It’s not unusual for a child to be asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Even as adults, many of us may quietly ask ourselves, “what am I meant to do with my life?’ While that question seems daunting, the answer isn’t as elusive as we may think. I’m glad to welcome the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leininger today as we talk about our callings for life.
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leininger has served as Concordia University Chicago’s University Pastor since 2002. In addition to serving as University Pastor, his role at Concordia-Chicago has grown to include advising all the Spiritual Life activities on campus, directing the Pre-Seminary Program and supporting the University’s Church Relations office.
Learn more about Callings for Life: God's Plan, Your Purpose at cph.org/callings.
Thanks to Covid-19, 2020 has become endless days of waiting. Waiting for the curve to flatten, waiting to see friends and family, waiting for news about what school will look like in the fall, waiting for good news, waiting for a return to what used to be considered “normal.”
How can we use this season of waiting to draw closer to Jesus?
That’s what we’ll be talking about today with Sharla Fritz.
Sharla is an author, speakers, musician, and retreat leader, and a confirmed chocoholic. She is the author of several books, including Waiting: A Bible Study on Patience, Hope, and Trust.
Who are the unlovable in this world? Taking the question a step further, who are the unlovable in your personal corner of the world? Of mine? Who are the people that we hear about on the news, read about, or even whisper about, that we find hard to love?
Our episode today is going to be a powerful one. We will be confronted with the hard questions of what it means to love the unlovable. Joining us for this conversation is Pastor Tim Carter. Tim has years of experience with a population many view as unlovable, death row inmates. During his years working on the Texas State Penitentiary System Death Squad, Tim participated in more than 150 executions. Today, he is the Care Ministry Pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas. He is also the author of The Executioner's Redemption: My Story of Violence, Death, and Saving Grace.
Social Justice…we’ve been hearing that term on the news and on social media with increasing frequency. But what is it? How can we recognize it? And most importantly, how can we avoid turning it into a false Christ? That’s our topic for today’s episode. I’m glad to welcome the Rev. Dr. Matt Richard back to the show to tackle this topic.
Teens hear a lot of conflicting viewpoints about sex. The world tells them to follow their heart and do what feels right. That sex isn’t a big deal, that pornography isn’t harmful, that modesty, well, it’ just old fashioned.
But that’s not how God designed sex. We need to have honest conversations with our youth about sex. In this episode, we’re going to talk with Heather Ruesch about the Top 10 reasons you need to talk to you kids about sex, now.
Heather Ruesch is well-respected life issues speaker and singer/songwriter. She is passionate about youth and about being a voice of God’s truth in their lives. Heather is an abstinence educator and certified pregnancy center advocate and has served as executive director of crisis pregnancy centers.
Raising children is sacred and hard work. As a Christian parent, you strive to raise your children with values rooted firmly in God’s will. Setting this foundation places your child on the path to become an effective and fruitful citizen in your home and in your faith and public communities.
But what are the specific values we should be teaching and why do they matter? That’s what we’ll be talking about with our guest today, Dr. John Echrich. John D. Eckrich, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist who serves the St. Louis community at large, especially church workers and their families. Dr. Eckrich is the author of Family Wellness: Raising Resilient, Christ-Purposed Children.
It can be easy to fashion a version of Jesus to fit our political views, to blur the lines between the hope promised in a political campaign with the hope we cling to in Christ. Believe it or not, Jesus is not a democrat or republican. Or an independent. How can we avoid politicizing Jesus? That’s what we’re going to talk about today with our guest, Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard.
Pastor Richard is the pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND. He is also the author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?
This episode is for our listeners who like to write. Perhaps you’ve wanted to take your love of words and writing and put them to use to impact another’s life with the Gospel. Perhaps you’ve dabbled a bit in devotional writing, but want to learn more.
Today we are joined by guest Deb Burma. Deb will be our guide as we walk through a writers workshop, focused on devotional writing, with Deb Burma.
God’s Word is timeless. It’s for everyone. But studying the Word is not a one and done experience. It is meant to be an ongoing, lifelong process.
As we go through our daily lives we are confronted with big questions. A quick glance at the news headlines these days reveals many big topics that we as Christians are left to wrestle with. While these questions may change from day to day, the Word doesn’t change. Rather it speaks to us as we navigate our way through the challenges we are faced with.
Simply put, the stronger our foundation is in the Word, the better equipped we will be to handle the big topics that come our way. We’re still sinful human beings, so we won’t always get it right, but we now where we can turn for hope, guidance, and forgiveness.
But how do we as adults, parents, teachers, church workers help our children develop a strong foundation for faith, to become lifelong faith learning? How do we help equip them to turn to God’s Word when they are faced with the big questions?
Teaching the faith to our children is an epic responsibility. How can we be best equipped to meet that responsibility? That’s what we’ll be talking about today with our guest, Rev. Pete Jurchen.