Under the Fig Tree: Recent Episodes
Micah Glenn & Ben Haupt
A podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis for people thinking about becoming a pastor or deaconess or coming to seminary to study theology.
In this episode of “Under the Fig Tree,” hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Kati Gaschler sit down with Concordia Seminary alum (’96, ’05) Rev. W. Max Mons, who is pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel and University Center in Iowa City, Iowa, and also chairman of the Seminary’s Board of Regents. During the episode, Max shares what led him to go into ministry as a pastor, including his time as a student in campus ministry at the University of Michigan. “I consider myself to be a product of campus ministry,” he said. Today, he serves as a campus pastor of the University of Iowa, and loves sharing the God’s free gift of grace in Christ with the students there. “In college you’re always being evaluated,” he said. “God isn’t here to weed you out. He’s here to engraft you. He’s already made a decision about you in Jesus. You’re His child. He loves you. He cares about you. Everybody else is saying, ‘You need to measure up to my standard.’ And God says, ‘I’ve just brought you into the fold. And you can’t be plucked out of My hands.’ To have that message in a community and a culture of almost nonstop constant evaluation is a pretty cool thing to be able to do, to tell people about that week to week.” Max also explained what the Board of Regents is all about, and what it’s like for him to be able to serve on the board. “To have an opportunity to give back to a place that puts so much into you, that invested in you, it’s really just an honor and a joy to turn back and do that,” he said. “I really am so very grateful for the professors that I had and the time that I had at Seminary. I still look back and some of the most joyous days of my life were spent on this campus.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how he feels about pineapple on pizza, “Cats: The Musical,” flying in small airplanes and carrot cake. “Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
In this episode of “Under the Fig Tree,” hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Kati Gaschler welcome back Dr. Benjamin Haupt, the former podcast host and founder who has been on sabbatical during the spring semester. The two men share big announcements that they both are moving on to other calls: Ben as global executive director of PLI and Micah as head of school at Sierra Lutheran High School in Carson City, Nev. Kati surprises Micah with some pineapple pizza, a recurring topic on the podcast, which he agrees to eat and continues to loathe. The two men also share some words of advice and parting words. “Concordia Seminary not only shaped and formed me to be a pastor my first time around as a student but deeply molded, shaped, formed my life to be a witness for Jesus in profound ways, ways that I will never understand,” Ben says. “This is a fantastic place to come and learn the Word of Christ and to study who God is and to learn what it means to serve Christ’s church among people who absolutely love His church. Listeners, hear loud and clear that Micah and I absolutely love this place. And you would do very well to check out Concordia Seminary.” Micah thanks everyone for listening and told them not to lament. “This isn’t the end of the podcast,” he says. “There’s something that happens when you come to study here,” Micah says. “You are blown away. You’re completely overwhelmed. You probably have a little bit of imposter’s syndrome. In the midst of all that, you are growing closer and closer to your classmates. You’re growing closer and closer to the faculty members. You’re growing closer to God’s church. And before you know it, somebody’s calling you to be their pastor. God has blessed me with this experience. … There is no other place in the world like Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the trio feel about cold pizza, grilled pizza, McDonald’s McCrispy chicken sandwich, stargazing and more!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
In this episode of “Under the Fig Tree,” hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Kati Gaschler sit down with Concordia Seminary alum Rev. Mark Renner (M.Div. ’20), one of the pastors at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Janesville, Wis. During the episode, Mark shares what led him to go into ministry as a pastor and discusses his recently published book, Curious Cases: A Series of Short Pastoral Case Studies (2024, Wipf and Stock Publishers). “We can empathize with other Christians or with non-Christians by reading this and understand where they are headed,” said Mark.
He also reflects on encountering difficult societal issues in ministry. “All of the problems, all the issues that are taking place in our society, we [as Christians] are either directly or indirectly dealing with. We’re influenced by society. And we have security in our Baptism to discuss difficult things,” he said. “That’s the real world that we’re encountering and trying to responsibly share this message of grace.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how he feels about pineapple on pizza, Wisconsin Dells, the new Star Trek movies and Vibram shoes.
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
In this episode of “Under the Fig Tree,” hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Kati Gaschler sit down with Concordia Seminary alum Rev. Will Hanke (M.Div. ’07), who shares some highlights from his time serving as a student recruitment ambassador for the Seminary. As he thinks of creative ways to connect prospective students to the Seminary and help them discern God’s direction for their lives, Hanke said, “What it means is that I get to be a pastor at my church, but then I get to occasionally go and spend time at events recruiting people. If you know somebody, just pass them to me, and I’ll help them get connected with the Seminary. It doesn’t have to mean that their life-changing decision is right now. We just want to start that conversation with them.” Hanke also shares some advice for prospective students. “Ask pastors you know and be ready to talk about it now,” Hanke said. In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how he feels about pineapple on pizza, prickly pear, walking in wet grass, kayaking, spaghetti squash, tofu and more.
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
In this episode of “Under the Fig Tree,” host Rev. Micah Glenn and fill-in host Kati Gaschler sit down with Concordia Seminary alum Rev. Chaplain Kyle Mietzner (M.Div. ’10), who shares his path to chaplaincy. He shares how he discovered that chaplaincy is a beautiful ministry standing where chaplains serve alongside soldiers and provide religious support. “God has gifted me with something that I could never see coming …,” he shares. “There is no one standard path to the ministry, and mine is all over the place.” Kyle also shares some advice for prospective students, “If you can do something else, do that. You will have to have internal motivation that comes only from the Holy Spirit to do this job. It’s a wonderful life; it’s a beautiful life.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how Kyle feels about pineapple on pizza, potato wedges, kale smoothies, “That ’70s Show,” conversations with Uber drivers and more.
https://youtu.be/k-0eidk3Sds
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
In this episode of “Under the Fig Tree,” host Rev. Micah Glenn and fill-in host Kati Gaschler sit down with Deaconess Studies student Abby Reynolds, who shares her unique path to the Seminary. She offers details about how God nudged her from being a pre-medical student to a deaconess student. “I had to really switch my mindset from caring for people in the medical field to people in ministry,” Abby shares. “I think if I had known about a deaconess and the options in high school, I probably would have done that.” Abby also shares some advice for prospective students. She encourages them to pray and ask “God to reveal your motivations to go into church work.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how Abby feels about pineapple on pizza, string cheese, the Shrek series, avocado toast and the song “Careless Whisper.”
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
In this episode of “Under the Fig Tree,” host Rev. Micah Glenn and fill-in host Kati Gaschler (while Dr. Benjamin Haupt is on sabbatical) sit down with Master of Divinity (M.Div.) student Erik Johnson and his wife, Erin. The couple shares the unique pathway to Seminary after Erik served as a Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) in New York City. They offer a few details about how they decided to move to St. Louis to study more and complete the M.Div. degree. “I did a couple of years as pastor in the office, but it seemed that things were such that this was the direction that we needed to go. There was a lot of discernment in that process,” Erik says. “To use the cliché, that this was the open door, and … one thing led to another, and we found ourselves here at the Seminary.” The couple also share some advice for prospective students and their wives. “This is a journey that is impossible without your faith,” Erik says. “And living your faith out with the people God has placed around you as you take that journey.” Erin added, “Attend the orientation because that is where you learn where everything is and that you are part of this process as much as your husband. The second thing is, no flashcards at dinner.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the couple feels about pineapple on pizza, Peeps, RomComs, IKEA, fruit cake and public transportation!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, host Rev. Micah Glenn and fill-in host Kati Gaschler (while Dr. Benjamin Haupt is on sabbatical) chat with Jessica Bordeleau, a rostered church worker who serves as the Seminary’s director of digital publishing. A Wisconsin native, she developed a love for theology at an early age and spent many years working in Lutheran summer camps. She studied to be a teacher at Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, and later earned a Master of Arts from the Seminary. She currently produces two podcasts for the Seminary called “Lectionary Kick-start” and “Tangible: Theology Learned and Lived.” “Don’t be afraid to ask God how He wants you to serve in His church or maybe outside of His church,” she says. “Man, God’s got a lot of work to do and He will enable you to do it. Don’t be afraid to be a church worker. If He calls you, He will enable you. … I never ended up being a classroom teacher but I teach all the time.” Her additional advice for those considering coming to the Seminary? “Stay connected to God through His Word and continue to pray,” she says. “The way God talks to us is through His Word and through prayer.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how she and hosts feel about pineapple on pizza, maple syrup, “Napolean Dynamite” and more!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to join the Seminary contact list at https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information. You can learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, host Rev. Micah Glenn and fill-in host Kati Gaschler (while Dr. Benjamin Haupt is on sabbatical) talk via Zoom with Dr. Maurice Boyer, music director for the American Kantorei and associate professor of music at Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill. He shares about his journey from a child of music teachers who taught on a seminary campus in the south of France. He also shares some highlights about J.S. Bach and his well-known St. John Passion, which will be performed at Concordia Seminary on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024. It is part of the Seminary’s celebration of the 300th anniversary celebration of the piece. “This is music he wrote for the worship service,” he says of Bach. The St. John Passion was “intended for performance in the liturgy.” His advice for prospective church workers? “Love the people with whom you work,” he says. “That’s a pretty beautiful thing.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how he feels about poached eggs, ergonomic pillows, DIY projects, salt on watermelon and more!
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, host Rev. Micah Glenn and fill-in host Kati Gaschler (while Dr. Benjamin Haupt is on sabbatical) talk with first-year Residential Alternate Route student Craig Wenzlick and his wife, Angela. He grew up in a small town in western Nebraska and earned an undergraduate degree from the Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward. He worked as an engineer for many years, while also serving lay leadership positions in his congregation. Finally, in the early 2020s, as his work hours increased from eight hours a day to 15-plus, he asked himself: “What can I do that’s in the church more and does shepherding and service and supporting people,” he says. He looked at his wife and “she kind of gave me the look. ‘You know it.’” He talked to a pastor who told him to just apply to the Seminary. “Just follow the path,” Craig remembers the pastor telling him. “Then, at any point you feel like this is not a good idea, just jump off the path,” the pastor told him. “Eventually we applied and here we are,” Craig says. Angela, who is a rostered church worker and currently works as a teacher at a local Lutheran school, said the couple had a “peace” about their transition to the Seminary. “If the Holy Spirit is putting this on your heart, let’s check it out,” she says. “It was a major decision to leave family, but we just kept praying about it and depending on the Holy Spirit to just keep moving us along.” They also share some advice for those considering ministry. “I’d say just be open to exploring and stepping out in faith and be listening to the Holy Spirit,” Angela says. “Just be in prayer. Ask your community of family and friends to bathe you in prayer.” Craig adds, “I would say talking to the pastor was definitely one of the good things that we did. We didn’t talk to a pastor that we knew really, really well. We talked to someone who knew us but had no skin in the game.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the guests and the Wenzlicks feel about pineapple on pizza, cinnamon rolls and chili, and more!
Join hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and fill-in host Kati Gaschler (while Dr. Benjamin Haupt is on sabbatical) as they talk with Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert Kolb, an esteemed Lutheran Confessions and Martin Luther scholar, in the first of a two-part conversation. Listen in as Kolb shares about constructive theological dialogue, his time teaching history and religion at Concordia University, Saint Paul, Minn., and then researching and writing overseas half the year for the Institute for Mission Studies through Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He also explains some of his greatest joys of teaching church workers and the adventure of never-ending learning. Kolb also shares some advice for prospective students: “Read your Bible. Do a lot of praying, but [also] do a lot of listening.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the trio feel about driving with the windows down, Girl Scout cookies, Trivial Pursuit and more!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to join the Seminary contact list at https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-.... You can learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, host Rev. Micah Glenn and fill-in host Kati Gaschler (while Dr. Benjamin Haupt is on sabbatical) chat with first-year Master of Divinity student Justin Hampton, who grew up as a missionary kid on a medical missionary ship off the coast of West Africa. He shares some of his experiences on the ship and how he later became a Lutheran after he and his wife, who is Korean, married and lived in Seoul for nine years. Now the couple and their two children are adjusting to Seminary life. “It’s a dream,” he says. “It’s great.” Justin also shares some advice for those considering coming to the Seminary. “Believe and trust that God ... He has plans for you,” he says. “He knows exactly the gifts that He has given you. … God knows what He’s doing. Just trust Him.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the trio feel about pineapple on pizza, building sandcastles, Settler of Catan, green tea matcha team and more!
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, host Rev. Micah Glenn and fill-in host Kati Gaschler (while Dr. Benjamin Haupt is on sabbatical) sit down with first-year Master of Divinity student Dan Hampton, an Indiana native, and his wife, Christie, who also serves as a communications specialist at the Seminary. The couple share how they ended up at the Seminary after Dan served as a Director of Christian Education in Indiana and Colorado. They offer a few details about how they made the decision to move to St. Louis as a family with two children. “The way things all lined up, I can only attribute it to the work of the Holy Spirit,” Dan says. “I could not do this without Christie’s support. … Without Christie, I still don’t think I would be here. God’s continually knocking on the door. … We both sat down and prayed and made the decision together as a couple, as a family. Now it’s cool to see how God continues to open doors. It’s been fun. It’s been a fun experience.” The couple also share some advice for prospective students and their wives. “Look to the people around you and into the Scriptures,” Dan says. “Really listen and abide in God’s Word. And trust the Holy Spirit. If He’s calling you here, [He’s] going to keep knocking on your door.” Christie added, “I would say specifically to the wives, follow in faith. Because a lot of times I think who you are listening to, what you are listening to about what a pastor’s wife is isn’t the truth as opposed to what God has in store for you. [Be] more aware of what those fears are and [don’t let] that speak and make your decisions rather than letting it be God saying, ‘This is where you go.’ And just do it.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the trio feel about pineapple on pizza, Fruit Roll-ups, cilantro, the TV show “Parks and Recreation” and more!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to join the Seminary contact list at https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information. You can learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, host Rev. Micah Glenn and fill-in host Kati Gaschler (while Dr. Benjamin Haupt is on sabbatical) visit with Kati’s husband, Rev. Paul Gaschler, associate pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in St. Louis. A 2019 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., Paul grew up in a small town in Nebraska and originally planned on becoming a music teacher but later felt the tug to pastoral ministry. “At some point you just have to accept what has been laid at your feet and realize you want to do this,” Paul says. “It’s wild to think how many years I’ve been a pastor. Sometimes I feel like I just graduated.” He also shares some advice for prospective pastors who may be focusing on all “can’ts”: “You have your reasons why you can’t be a pastor. You’re considering it but you’re like, I can’t become a pastor because of whatever. I think it’s helpful if you list those things and work through them with someone.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the trio feel about chili and cinnamon, pineapple on pizza, waterskiing and more!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to join the Seminary contact list at https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information. You can learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, host Rev. Micah Glenn and fill-in host Kati Gaschler (while Dr. Benjamin Haupt is on sabbatical) share some New Year’s goals and insight into their positions at the Seminary to recruit and welcome prospective students. They also talk about plans to further connect the Seminary with Lutheran summer camps. “We’re going to hopefully send some of our current students in the summer to do some field work at these camps, maybe work on doing some recruiting,” Kati says. “Camp people are a different breed. I never went to camp, but they’re really great.” “There’s an energy to camp counselors and camp people for sure,” Micah adds. In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the duo feel about NASCAR, demolition derbies and talk-to-text!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to join the Seminary contact list at https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information. You can learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, host Rev. Micah Glenn is joined by temporary host Kati Gaschler (while Dr. Benjamin Haupt is on sabbatical) in a thought-provoking discussion with Jacob Manning, a second-year Master of Divinity student who is preparing for next year’s vicarage. Jacob grew up in California. His father was a pastor and his mother, a director of Christian education (DCE). He knew from age 7 that he wanted to be a pastor someday. For years, the family led a church that didn’t have a permanent building and would have to set up everything for a service and tear it down afterwards. That nomadic church experience has shaped his view of the church. “I feel like the church is everywhere,” he says. “We are the church. We are the people of God. And so I look at the building of the church, and I’m like, it’s really cool. It’s really awesome. At the same time, God is everywhere. God is present everywhere. Even in a small ballroom of a hotel, God is still there.” Jacob’s father experienced some hurt as a pastor but that didn’t dissuade Jacob from the pull to pastoral ministry himself. “You learn so much from just the people you talk to,” he says. “I think that’s honestly the greatest joy of ministry, which is also probably the deepest sorrow — people. … The people in a church are some of the most amazing things in the world.” He also shares some advice for others who are considering a church work career: “In spite of your concerns, in spite of your worries, in spite of your questions, you should come. If you’re thinking of doing this, but you have this question or you have this worry or this thing that happened to you awhile back, don’t let that stop you. You should still pursue it. You should see what’s going on at the Seminary. There’s a lot of great things happening here, a lot of formation that’s going to happen. Maybe your question will be answered. Maybe it won’t. … Don’t let worries, concerns, questions stop you from coming here to the Seminary.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the trio feel about multicolored pens, Trivial Pursuit, church coffee, peanut butter and more!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to join the Seminary contact list at https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information. You can learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt chat with Lydia Grabau, a first-year residential Deaconess Studies student. Grabau, whose father is a pastor, is a second-career student. She studied theater and English as an undergraduate student and worked in Lutheran camps before feeling the tug to church work. It’s something she resisted for a “long time.” “I grew up in the church,” she says. “People would always say, ‘Do you want to be a teacher?’ That’s what people always say when you are a girl.” Her reply? “Are you kidding me? I live with a church worker,” she would say. “I don’t want that. That’s not me. I also don’t fit stereotypes of what people think of, especially a female church worker. [I’m a] pretty loud, rowdy person. Now, I think it’s a great reason to be in ministry because there are people who see themselves reflected [in people like me]. There’s a place for you in the church even if you are a loud and opinionated person.” Her advice for prospective students? “The Holy Spirit’s going to get you here,” she says. “You can Jonah it all you want. I sure tried, but if this is where you’re supposed to be, you’re going to end up here. In the long run, that will be a good thing. This journey was not direct or easy but now that I’m here, it’s right.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the trio feel about “Auld Lang Syne,” cold pizza, New Year’s number eyeglasses, Amazon’s deals of the day and more!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to join the Seminary contact list at https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information. You can learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt sit down with fourth-year Master of Divinity student Dillon Weber, who also serves as the Student Association president. Weber grew up in Washington and describes his nontraditional path to the Seminary. “I didn’t grow up Christian,” he says. “My parents were Christian growing up but after Confirmation they kind of fell away from the faith. They married, they had me and church was not a part of our lives although my mom did have me baptized when I was a baby … because that’s what you did. Looking back It’s very easy to see God being faithful to His promises.” Dillon became a Christian in middle school and later studied chemistry and teaching in college before discerning God’s pull toward pastoral ministry. He also talks about the importance of practicing daily gratitude, something he began practicing during his undergraduate studies. “It’s easy to look at the world and perceive that God is not doing something, that God is not answering His people’s prayers,” he says. “But He is. It’s trite but God does make all things work together. Practicing gratitude and thanksgiving will help foster that kind of mindset.” He also shares advice for prospective students. “Pray about it,” he says. “Foster a strong prayer life and it’ll be immensely beneficial.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the men feel about bubbly water, hard lemonade, Nirvana, Yeti cups and more!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to join the Seminary contact list at https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information. You can learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt chat with Rev. Lawton Thompson, associate pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Mo. A former firefighter, he completed both the Specific Ministry Pastor Program (SMP) and the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) programs at Concordia Seminary. The SMP Program is a four-year pastoral distance education program that prepares men for specific pastoral ministries in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Lawton recalls taking some SMP online courses Tuesday nights with other men from around the country who also were part of the program. “Just being able to learn things on Tuesday night and then walk into the office on Wednesday morning and put it right into practice ... It was hands-on, on-the-job training and it was beautiful,” he says. “It really was formational for me.” Later, he chose to move to St. Louis to complete an M.Div., the Seminary’s residential pastoral degree, after he discerned that God was pulling him toward full-time ministry instead of part-time, bi-vocational ministry. “As I stepped into that and looked forward to that, I said this will put a little more meat on my bones for ministry. That’s really what I thought was accomplished as I made that transition to the M.Div. Program,” he says. “I feel more confident in teaching in certain areas than I did before.” He also shares some advice for others who are considering a church work career: “The No. 1 thing is to pray. … Prayer is a conversation with God. … We can have a lot of great ideas. His ideas are always best so let Him lead you. He’s going to lead you in ways that you might not expect. He’s going to show you because that’s who He is. He wants you to serve Him in the way that He’s created you to serve Him.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the trio feel about rock climbing, turtleneck sweaters, Monopoly and more!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to join the Seminary contact list at https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information. You can learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt bring Allen Dass, a fourth-year Master of Divinity student, into the studio. Allen, who immigrated to the United States from India with his family when he was 1 month old, shares highlights from his journey to Lutheranism and to the Seminary. His advice for prospective students? “The one thing I would say is just do,” he says. “Just be the Gospel. Just do it. … Just try to share Christ with people. By sharing, I mean, by actually being that presence, being there, thinking in your mind, if Christ was here right now, what would He do? Make that part of how you live out the faith.” He also offers a perspective on arriving at the Seminary from New York as a person of color on a largely Caucasian campus. “From my experience, it’s been a very safe place to be who you are and to be accepted,” he says. “Yes, you come from a unique background and God is going to use you through that. I felt that from every step, from the admissions process to sitting in the classroom, talking to professors. … I felt so welcomed coming to this campus.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the men feel about pumpkin pie, soft pretzels with nacho cheese and duck. Also find out the nagging answer to the question: Does Ben like pork rinds?
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to join the Seminary contact list at https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information. You can learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt chat with Sam Aizenberg, a fourth-year Master of Divinity student. Raised by a Jewish father and Southern Baptist mother, Sam took a long and winding road to Lutheranism. After being raised in the Conservative Jewish faith, he attended Faith Lutheran High School in Las Vegas, where he was first exposed to Lutheran doctrine and beliefs. After attending a nondenominational Christian church for several years, he eventually started attending a Lutheran church as an undergraduate. “The first time I went in there, the Lutheran church, it was like drinking water for the first time in four or five years,” he recalls. “The people were so kind and friendly but really that feeling of having that thirst quenched, that great spiritual thirst, was during the sermon. It felt like home.” Sam also shares why his vicarage year was the “very best year” and offers some advice for prospective students. “You don’t need to compare yourself to others and where you come from,” he says. “I think some people think, ‘Wow, I need to have some incredible story,’ or ‘I need to be the ninth generation or something.’ No, if you want to pursue church work, go for it. … Just come and be willing to be formed. God will use you in the capacity that He’s going to. Remember, you’re not the gift to the church. The church is Christ’s gift to you.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the men feel about bungee jumping, military time on phone, recliner sleeping, kale and more!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt sit down with Jacob Rhodes, a Master of Divinity graduate and Master of Sacred Theology student at Concordia Seminary. Hear what Jacob found so surprising about his historical theology courses at the Seminary and his thoughts on being single in the church. “The church can often tend to be, I think in our circles, a family-oriented church rather than a family-friendly church,” he says. “There’s nothing wrong with being married and having kids. … But single people still matter and are members of the church and are redeemed by Christ.” Also hear his three-pronged advice for prospective students: “Get your foundation laid,” he says. “Don’t go reading the biggest books you can possibly find. Actually memorize the Small Catechism. Read your Large Catechism. Figure out what the basics are. Get that solidified. No. 2: Get your devotional life in order. … Start praying, start reading. The most important part is always just prayer. You have to be in conversation with God. You have to be in conversation with His saints, with your pastor, you guys in the office. It’s not just you alone. This is never just an interaction between you and God. It’s an interaction between you and God, you and the church and the other saints, you and all these people who God is living in. Foundation, devotion, prayer. Get that all knocked out.” On a lighter note, hear the trio debate the age-old question of which fast-food restaurant has the best french fries: Wendy’s or McDonald’s. For the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how they feel about cinnamon toothpaste, sriracha, “I Love Lucy” and more!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt chat with Lucas “Luke” Frauenhoff, a second-year Master of Divinity student at Concordia Seminary. He shares his journey to ministry after majoring in finance and marketing as an undergraduate. It took him a while to feel the time was right to come to the Seminary. As a child and young adult, seeing the church being a true community for its members played a role in that decision. He’s now using that community-building passion as the social cultural chair (a.k.a. party planning committee) of the Student Association. He is responsible for organizing social events for the campus throughout the 2023-24 academic year such as Friday night cookouts, Oktoberfest, Prof ’n Steins and Springfest. Party planning is part of his duties, he says, but it’s also about “getting everyone together to enjoy fellowship and to have that sense of community. … This is a community. There is growth to be had. We can talk about our faith.” He also share advice for prospective students: “Listen to the call the first time,” he says. “It all works out.” For the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the trio feels about reading glasses, Laffy Taffy, Mentos, hayrides and artificial intelligence!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.eduor by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt chat with Jessica Thompson, a residential Deaconess Studies student and a new admissions officer at Concordia Seminary. Thompson, whose husband is a pastor, previously served as a Lutheran teacher before she started the deaconess program. “It’s been everything that I hoped it would be and even better,” she says of the classes she has taken so far. “It’s amazing. I eat it up. I’ve loved every class that I have taken. I even love writing papers. I love writing, so writing papers is even fun for me. I’ve been amazed at the theologians we have here as professors. These are people who really know so much about God’s Word, but they’re also so pastoral, which has been such a blessing.” She also shares some advice for prospective students: “Talk to people who really know you, faithful people who really know you. We as a church, we’re Americans, and we like to be very individual [and] make our own decisions and figure things out. But we are the body of Christ. I think we need to be in conversation with each other, helping each other discern.” For the recurring concluding segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear the trio feel about gazpacho, Harry Potter books, Christmas music in November and Pictionary!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt chat with the Dr. James “Jim” Baneck, executive director of pastoral education for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Baneck shares his own journey to ministry and explains a big focus of his current work — the LCMS’ church-wide church worker recruitment initiative, Set Apart to Serve. He also delves into some concerning statistics: The number of pastoral graduates from both LCMS seminaries needs to double to keep up with the number of pastors who are retiring and leaving churches vacant. Pastors are especially needed in cities, he says. “Look at the neighborhoods where are churches are; Hmong neighborhoods, Hispanic neighborhoods, Chinese neighborhoods,” he says. “They don’t necessarily have the Gospel. It’s not being preached to them and no one’s going to them. And so whether it be the seminaries or the church body itself, we have to figure out how to raise up pastors who will go into those areas. There’s a great need for pastors. … There are millions of people in the United States who do not believe in Jesus Christ or who do not know Him.” Baneck also shares another statistic: Only 50% of current church workers are encouraging young people to consider church work careers. That needs to change. “We want our church workers, parents and others to be intentional when talking to our youth about considering church work,” Baneck says. His encouragement to those considering vocational ministry? “Be in the Word,” Baneck says. “Let the Lord continue to grow that faith and that desire.” For the recurring concluding segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how everyone feels about chunky applesauce, candy pumpkins, DIY projects, Charlie Brown TV specials and more!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt chat with the Seminary’s new Recruitment Coordinator Kati Gaschler. Growing up a PK (preacher’s kid) and now a preacher’s wife, Kati shares some bits of her life from St. Louis to Fort Wayne, Ind., to Indianapolis. She also shares a bit about her love of photography, the stained glass windows in chapel and the architecture of the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, where her father is a professor and where she worked previously. Her advice for prospective students? “Talk to your pastor,” she says. “In my small experience, I think that’s a big source of influence. I know that was a big influence for my husband. See what they say.” For the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the hosts and Kati feel about pineapple pizza, rappelling, Birkenstock shoes, pumpkin spice, man buns and more!
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this second episode of the 2023-24 academic year, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt are joined by Professor of Systematic Theology Dr. Joel Okamoto. Okamoto shares why he is often seen wearing shoes and how he became a pastor after studying engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Theology. The trio also dive a discussion about the Augsburg Confession. Okamoto says he is sometimes asked to summarize or simplify the church’s creeds and confessions. They “summarize these things: First of all, they lay out the key features of the Christian narrative, the Christian story of God and Creation, from God making all things to the life of the world to come,” Okamoto says. “Not everything in it, but … God made all things, redemption through Jesus Christ, His return and judgment, the Holy Spirit, the church, Resurrection, eternal life. If you depart from living according to that story, you’re not Christian. … The Augsburg Confession, its distinctive, doctrinal articles are all confessing that the righteous will live by faith, if you want to sum it up.”
Okamoto shared this advice for people considering vocational ministry: “Speak with other Christians, that’s what I did, especially those who prize truth over consolation. Get their perspective and their prayers. That helped me.”
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this first episode of the 2023-24 academic year, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt return for a new season of “Under the Fig Tree.” Glenn and Haupt share what they did over the summer and reflect on the history and purpose of the podcast, tease a few topics that will be tackled in upcoming episodes and share appreciation for all the listeners’ feedback they have received. “It’s a blessing and we both love it. We love our listeners,” Glenn says. “The reason that we started the podcast — first and foremost — was for the sake of recruiting new church workers … [and to] share stories and show people that this could in fact be a place where you come, you live, you learn, you grow and prepare yourself for service to the church.” For their recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking” or “Leave it on the tree,” hear how the hosts feel about cream corn, coloring books for adults and antiperspirant.
“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt chat with Deaconess Sarah Rusche, who just received a call to Luther Home of Mercy in Williston, Ohio. Rusche recently received a Master of Arts with Deaconess Certification from Concordia Seminary in 2023. She shares how she started her Seminary studies during the COVID-19 pandemic and began her deaconess internship during the difficulties of the lockdown and pandemic restrictions. She shares how she tries to be present with people in their suffering and not shy away from the “hard stuff.” She says she listens, proclaims the Gospel, but also tries “not to tell people how they should feel and what they should do next but [rather] to guide them,” she says. Her advice for women considering deaconess ministry? “If you’re nervous or scared, it’s probably a good thing,” Rusche says. “You should do it. … I think it’s a great opportunity as a church worker to be able to bring Jesus to people.”
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site, and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt talk through the importance of rest, vacation and time with family as church workers. Ben and Micah will be taking a break from the podcast (“but not each other”!) for the rest of the summer and will return this fall. “We pour ourselves into our work and then we rest when we can,” Haupt says. “Thank you for taking time to listen to us talk about food and Legos and travel and rest and then also about church work,” Glenn adds. “All of us are under the fig tree of Jesus calling us to rest and meditate upon His Word. Thank you for listening. We’ll be back soon!”
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site, and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode, host Rev. Micah Glenn is joined by Admissions Officer Rev. Thomas Schlund for an in-depth discussion on the three ecumenical creeds in The Book of Concord with Dr. Charles “Chuck” Arand, professor of Systematic Theology, director of the Center for the Care of Creation and the Eugene E. and Nell S. Fincke Graduate Professor of Theology at Concordia Seminary. Arand also shares some advice for students considering coming to the Seminary or considering ministry. “Develop a passion for theology,” he says. “Most of us, we’re driven by it. We’re fascinated by the questions and the answers provided by Scripture and witnessed by the church.”
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site, and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode, host Rev. Micah Glenn is joined by Admissions Officer Rev. Thomas Schlund for a wide-ranging discussion with Dr. Charles “Chuck” Arand, professor of Systematic Theology, director of the Center for the Care of Creation and the
Eugene E. and Nell S. Fincke Graduate Professor of Theology at Concordia Seminary, in the ongoing series about The Book of Concord. What exactly is The Book of Concord. “It’s a collection of documents that were intended to say, here’s what the Reformation is about, here’s what it means to be Lutheran and herein is where we find our unity as a church,” Arand says. The trio also chat about systematic theology, the Reformation and creation. “We’ve lost the sense of what it means to speak of God as the Creator,” Arand says. “That lies behind all of our talk [about] redemption. Without it, our talk about redemption and atonement runs the risk of becoming watered down.”
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site, and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of “Under the Fig Tree,” hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt begin the first of many episodes that will delve into The Book of Concord. In today’s episode, they discuss the origin and basic contents of The Book of Concord and why it’s the cornerstone of what we believe, teach and confess -- normed by Scripture – in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Haupt and Glenn discuss the significant questions that were facing the Lutheran church in 1580 and why The Book of Concord was instrumental in helping Lutherans to come together in a spirit of unity and concord (“running with one heart”).
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site, and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt bring Ben’s wife, Celina, “Under the Fig Tree” to discuss her journey from Catholicism to Lutheranism, her perspective on being a Seminary wife and pastor’s wife, and her thoughts on the importance of community in the life of the Seminary. She also shares a few thoughts about the expectations of being a pastor’s wife. “The good thing for me is I didn’t really know what a pastor’s wife [was],” she says. “Being Catholic, I had never met one. I had zero, truly zero, expectations. Looking back, the most important thing is knowing my identity in Christ, knowing who God has made me to be and being a part of the congregation based on that, not based on who I am married to.” She said when women are deciding how involved to be in the congregations where their husbands are pastors, they should ask themselves three questions: What are the needs of the congregation?, Do I have a gift in this area and does it bring me joy? and Is this the right season for me?
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site, and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
Join hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt as they talk with Lutheran hip-hop artist FLAME, Marcus Gray, who earned a Master of Arts from Concordia Seminary in 2018. Listen in as FLAME shares his journey to the Seminary, his conversion to Lutheranism from Calvinism and why he thinks future church workers should remember their own human experiences and the “regular concerns” of others before coming to the Seminary. He also explains why he wants to get involved in new music projects exploring Confession, Absolution and vocation. The doctrine of vocation, he says, is “one of the greatest contributions out of Lutheran thought.” He said he has seen a lot of Christians try to monitor their motives and do things for the right reasons in hopes of glorifying God more. But that seems to cultivate insecurity and lead them away from Christianity because it’s “too complex.”
“I want to talk about vocation because I think it helps people understand that in all of the varying areas that you find yourself in, God says, ‘Amen. Do good in those to the best of your ability for the sake of those around you, not so you can get cool points from Me or earn extra credit in My eyes,’” FLAME says. “Jesus said, ‘It is finished on the cross,’ so what He has done for us has been secured. … I want people to understand Christianity and reimagine God and reimagine what it means to be a believer.”
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, and Scholar (https://scholar.csl.edu/). Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt bring Deaconess Dorothy Glenn ‘Under the Fig Tree’ to discuss her journey to deaconess ministry. She talks about her undergraduate studies and her love of theology, the value of studying other fields that pair well with deaconess ministry, her current studies in the Seminary’s Master of Arts program and what it means to be the body of Christ to one another.
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site, and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt talk with … each other! Join them as they reflect and focus on the purpose of the podcast and share some exciting updates about student enrollment in the Seminary’s ministerial formation programs. And of course, there’s the “ripe for the picking, leave it on the tree” segment where they cover everything from frosted flakes to hot sauce.
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site, and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt talk with Associate Professor of Practical Theology Dr. Abjar Bakhou. Listen as he shares his journey from growing up in Syria, to studying in Rome and meeting the Pope, to moving to the United States and now teaching at Concordia Seminary. He also shares about his work in Christian education of youth in the Middle East and ministry to Arab-speaking people of the Muslim faith. And you’ll hear a little bit about his recent book, and his home life and hobbies. Don’t miss “Ripe for the Picking or Leave it on the Tree”! Do you watch pro wrestling? Do you play Monopoly for fun or to win? Let us know in the comments!
Links:
CSL website: https://www.csl.edu/
Request for more information: https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information
Discernment page: https://www.csl.edu/admissions/discernment/
Admissions page: https://www.csl.edu/admissions/
Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site, and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt talk admissions officers Rev. Tom Schlund and Rev. Jesse Kueker. Both Schlund and Kueker spent seven years as parish pastors before joining the Seminary’s Enrollment team. Listen as they share their journeys to the ministry, some of their pastoral ministry experiences and advice for those thinking about coming to the Sem. They also give an enrollment update and talk about what the admissions process looks like. And of course, they have some thoughts for “Ripe for the Picking or Leave it on the Tree.” Are you a fan of water parks? What about all-natural peanut butter? Let us know in the comments!
Links:
CSL website: https://www.csl.edu/
Request for more information: https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information
Discernment page: https://www.csl.edu/admissions/discernment/
Admissions page: https://www.csl.edu/admissions/
Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site, and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt talk with Dr. Gerhard Bode, associate professor and chairman of the Department of Historical Theology, and the Seminary archivist. Bode shares his journey to becoming a pastor including the encouragement he received growing up and the encouragement he received during his time at Seminary itself. He also dives into the history of the LCMS, how we ended up with Concordia Seminary and some other key figures and events in our church body’s history. Bode also weighs in on “Ripe for the Picking or Leave it on the Tree” — figs, charcuterie boards and Martin Luther’s monks haircut: yay or nay?
Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site, and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt talk with two residential Deaconess Studies students, Lara McComack and Alyssa Choate. During the episode, McComack and Choate share tidbits about their journey to the Seminary, their favorite classes, their love for the campus community, what life is like living on campus and more. How do they feel about carrot cake, Sudoku and sports documentaries? Are these topics ripe for the picking or better left on the tree? Watch or listen to find out!
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (https://scholar.csl.edu/) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt talk with Dr. Mart Thompson, associate professor of Practical Theology and director of the Specific Ministry Pastor Program (SMP). During the episode, Thompson talks about his pathway into ministry, his pastoral experience serving in a college campus ministry and as a pastor of a rural congregation; what pastoral ministry looks like, what the SMP program is all about and more.
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site, and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
You may know Dr. Mark Rockenbach as the director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, but did you also know that he is the director of personal growth and leadership development? What does that mean? Find out as host Dr. Ben Haupt and Rockenbach discuss this role, what it has to do with the ministerial formation of our Seminary students, why each of our students can tell you if they are an eagle, parrot, dove or owl – and the significance of that categorization for future ministry.
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site, and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
Join hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt as they talk with Dr. Mark Rockenbach, associate professor of Practical Theology, director of personal growth and leadership development, director of the institutional review board and director of the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Program. During the episode, Rockenbach shares how the Seminary’s recently revised D.Min. Program helps pastors develop qualitative and quantitative research skills and practically apply the outcomes of their research to their current field of ministry.
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, host Rev. Micah Glenn talks with Rev. Joshua Pfeiffer talks about life in Australia, how he decided to become a pastor and what it’s been like to be a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Student at Concordia Seminary.
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt sit down with Dr. Douglas L. Rutt, professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary. Rutt shares his journey to Seminary and to the mission field in Guatemala. He also discusses with Ben and Micah how God prepared him for future calls in his ministry through the "lulls" and times of questioning. And they have some fun with the segment “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree?” Do you put ice in a glass of water? Do you enjoy eating oysters? Let us know in the comments
Links:
Concordia Seminary: https://www.csl.edu/
Request information: https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, host Rev. Micah Glenn explains how the podcast is taking a break this week. He also thanks listeners for their support and asks for the names of Concordia Seminary faculty members that listeners/viewers would like to hear from on future episodes.
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt sit down with Emeritus Professor Dr. Robert Kolb, an esteemed Lutheran Confessions and Martin Luther scholar, in the second part of a two-part conversation. Kolb discusses where to start if you’re digging into Luther’s writings. He also talks with Ben and Micah about mission and evangelism and how to “start the conversation” with people in your life. And they have some fun with the segment “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree?” Are you a fan of road trips? Do you like German Christmas cookies? What kinds of TV shows do you like to watch? Let us know in the comments!
Links:
Concordia Seminary: https://www.csl.edu/
Request information: https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information
Under the Fig Tree: Dr. Robert Kolb and the Lutheran Confessions, Part One: https://youtu.be/kkq_dgcqq50
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
Join hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt as they talk with Emeritus Professor Dr. Robert Kolb, an esteemed Lutheran Confessions and Martin Luther scholar, in the first part of a two-part conversation. Listen in as Kolb shares his journey into ministry, his interest in Luther (it began with a picture!) and tremendous value of study abroad. Kolb also explains why he views Luther as a “theologian for the 21st century.”
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt talk with Sarah Seying, admissions officer, and Monica Rhodes, office manager for the Enrollment Office, about their own personal stories, what led them to ministry and how each of their roles support the Seminary’s enrollment process.
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
Join hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt as they talk with Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology, Under the Fig Tree. Listen in as Biermann shares his journey into ministry, first as a parish pastor and later, as a professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary. Glenn, Haupt and Biermann dive deep into the doctrine of vocation – that first, God calls us to faith, and second, God has places us into roles and relationships that come with interdependent responsibility, or our vocation, toward others.
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
What’s it like to be a second career student at Concordia Seminary? Find out as hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt talk with two concluding M.Div. students Under the Fig Tree. Listen in as second-career students Deon Hull and Nick Palmer share what led them to pursue ministry as a second career, what it’s like to be an older student with a family, the process of navigating the vicarage process and more.
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt sit down with Dr. David Lewis, associate professor of Exegetical Theology and director of the Master of Divinity and Residential Alternate Route Programs at Concordia Seminary. Lewis shares his love of the Greek language — which he teaches at the Seminary. He also discusses with Ben and Micah some tricky translations and gives insight into what it’s like to study languages at the Sem. And they have some fun with the segment “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree?” Do you enjoy watching college football? How about Star Wars? Let us know in the comments! And don’t miss Ben and Micah trying a couple figs picked fresh from our campus!Links: Concordia Seminary: https://www.csl.edu/Request information: https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-...Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt sit down with Ben’s own paster, Rev. Jeff Cloeter from Christ Memorial Lutheran Church in St. Louis. Cloeter shares the impact on his life growing up in a pastor’s family, as well as the ebbs and flows of his own ministry in a large congregation over 18 years. They discuss his book Loved and Sent and what ministry looks like at Christ Memorial. And they have some fun with the segment “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree?” Do you eat donuts with bacon on them? As we gear up for Thanksgiving, what’s your take on pumpkin pie? Let us know in the comments!
Links:
Concordia Seminary: https://www.csl.edu/
Request information: https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information
Christ Memorial Lutheran Church: https://cmstl.org/
Loved and Sent by Jeff Cloeter: https://www.tenthpowerpublishing.com/dd-product/loved-and-sent/
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt sit down with second-year Master of Divinity (M.Div.) student Daniel Bueckman. From the seeds of ministry that were planted when he was young, to the career opportunities in international business he had coming out of college, Daniel shares his journey to the Seminary. They also discuss some of Daniel’s current course work and his interest in chaplaincy with the U.S. Navy. And they have some fun with the segment “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree?” Will you eat pork rinds? What about Christmas music in November? Let us know in the comments!
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt talk about Micah’s role with LCMS Black Ministry and the Black Clergy Caucus, and some of the joys, challenges and current discussions about ministry in multicultural contexts and serving brothers and sisters in Christ of all ethnicities. They also discuss current enrollment and recruitment at Concordia Seminary, providing an update along with some answers to frequently asked questions. And they have some fun with the segment “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree?” Are you a fan of snow? Let us know in the comments!
Click here to request information and receive Sculptor Spirit by Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M.
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
Join hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt as they talk with President Thomas J. Egger Under the Fig Tree. During the program, Egger talks about why he chose the new year’s academic theme, the importance of community and what community truly is – a deep commitment and willingness to share our lives with one another. Egger discusses what he would say to a student who is discerning a call to ministry and shares the compelling interactions, teaching opportunities and events that he has experienced on campus this year.
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
Join hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt as they bring Deaconess Rebekah Lukas Under the Fig Tree. During the program, Lukas shares how God has used her family and friends to guide her on the path to becoming a deaconess, how Concordia Seminary’s Deaconess Studies Program has prepared her for ministry, the blessings of marriage and motherhood, and her current role serving as a communications specialist in the Seminary’s Communications department and as a Ph.D. student in the Seminary’s Graduate School.
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
This week, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt bring Concordia Seminary Provost Dr. Ronald Mudge Under the Fig Tree. Mudge shares his love for literature, and how the Lord used that to lead him to study theology and later, his call to ministry. He’ll share lessons learned as a missionary in West Africa, his time as a professor at Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, and how these experiences have shaped his current service as Seminary provost.
“The same missionary spirit that led me to go to Africa is still burning hot,” Mudge said. “The Lord is clear about His desire is to save everybody. He does that through all kinds of means – missionaries, next door neighbors. I take it as a privilege in my role here as provost that I’m able to spur people on and encourage them as we prepare leaders to be missionaries, pastors, deaconesses – as we interact with churches from other countries. It’s with this glorious goal of speaking the Gospel to every human being on earth in the hope that the Holy Spirit will lead them to faith in Jesus Christ.”
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
This week, hosts Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt bring Concordia Seminary alum Rev. Alec Fisher Under the Fig Tree. They talk about biblical Hebrew, Tertullian, Seminary life, Ph.D. work and Alec’s journey to the Sem. They throw in some deep conversation about pineapple on pizza and Star Wars Episode 2. Alex also shares some advice for those considering vocational ministry.
Under the Fig Tree is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday. Under the Fig Tree can be found on YouTube and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
Welcome to the video podcast debut of Concordia Seminary’s “Under the Fig Tree” with hosts Rev. Micah Glenn, director of recruitment, and Dr. Benjamin Haupt, associate provost! In this episode, Micah and Ben offer a glimpse of what is to come with the new season of the podcast, which is geared toward those considering vocational ministry or enrolling at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes will be added weekly each Monday. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts and streamed on most devices.
Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to learn more about Concordia Seminary at www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.
In the season 2 finale of Under the Fig Tree Ben and Micah sit-down with President Dr. Thomas J. Egger, 11th President of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, to talk about his recent inauguration, and how President Egger sees CSL moving into the future. If you like this episode and know someone who you think would make a good church worker someday, please make sure to share Under the Fig Tree with them.
In this episode Ben and Micah sit-down with Dr. Ely Prieto, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Associate Dean of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry at CSL, to talk about Ely's path to ministry in the LCMS and his role here at Concordia Seminary. If you like this episode, and know someone that you think would be a good church worker, please make sure to share this episode with them.
In this episode Ben and Micah sit-down with guest Dr. Gill Bond, Director of Deaconess Studies at CSL, to talk about how she became a deaconess, and what's going on in our deaconess programs today. If you like this episode and know someone that you think would make a good church worker someday, please make sure to share it with them!
In this episode Ben and Micah sit-down with Dr. David Schmitt, Professor of Practical Theology, to talk about preaching the parables. If you like this episode and know someone that you think would make a good church worker, please make sure to share it with them!
In this episode Ben and Micah sit-down with Dr. Jeff Oschwald, Professor of Exegetical Theology, to talk about the parable of the "Shrewd Manager" found in Luke 16:1-13. If you like this episode and know someone that you think would make a good church worker, please make sure to share it with them!
In today's episode, Ben and Micah sit-down with Dr. Dave Lewis, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, to talk about two short but impactful parables in Mark 4:26-34. If you like this episode and know someone that you think should hear it, please share it with them! Thank you for joining us Under the Fig Tree.
In this Episode Ben and Micah sit-down with Dr. Joel Elwosky, CSL Professor of Historical Theology, to talk about the parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35. If you like this episode and know someone, who you think would make a good pastor or deaconess, please make sure to share it with them! Have a blessed day!
In this episode Ben and Micah sit-down with guest Rev. Bruce Kesemen, pastor at Christ our Savior Lutheran in - Freeburg, IL & CSL Regent, to discuss the Parable of the Good Samaritan. If you like this episode, and know someone that you think would make a good church worker in the future, please make sure to share it with them!
In this episode hosts Ben and Micah sit-down and talk with Dr. Jeff Gibbs, CSL Professor Emeritus of Exegetical Theology, to discuss parables, and how we should interpret them. If you like this episode and know someone that you think should listen to it, please make sure to share it with them!
In this episode Ben and Micah have a chat with Dr. Roosevelt Gray, Director of Black Ministry for the LCMS, to talk about the history of Black Ministry in the LCMS, Dr. Gray's experience recruiting black pastors, and more. If you like this episode and know someone who you think might make a good church worker someday, please make sure to share this Podcast with them!
In this episode Ben and Micah have a conversation with Dr. Rick Marrs, CSL Professor of Practical Theology, and highlight Dr. Marrs's book Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered. Thanks you for listening, and please make sure to share this episode with someone who you think might make a good church worker.
In today's episode Ben and Micah chat with Deaconess Sarah Longmire, current president of the Concordia Deaconess Conference, to see what the "Blue Tornado" is up to these days, and to continue the conversation of the blessing the deaconesses are to the church. If you like this episode and know someone who should hear, please make sure to share Under the Fig Tree with them!
IN this episode, Ben and Micah have a discussion with Dr. Leo Sanchez about the Holy Spirit in the call process. Make sure to share this episode with someone, especially if you think they would make a good pastor or deaconess.
In today's episode Ben and Micah catch-up after the summer, talk about the inauguration of President Tom Egger, and reflect on their confirmation verses. Welcome back friends. Please make sure to share this episode with someone, and let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover in the future.
In this final episode of season one, we chat with the new President of Concordia Seminary, Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Egger. He shares his joy of proclaiming Christ, his love for pastoral ministry, his scholarship on Exodus, and why someone should consider coming to Concordia Seminary.
In this episode, we interview Deaconess Cheryl Naumann who serves with her husband, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Naumann, as LCMS missionaries based in the Dominican Republic. Cheryl discusses her own training to become a deaconess and also shares what diaconal ministry is like in a missionary setting. Deaconess Naumann is the author of In the Footsteps of Phoebe: A Complete History of the Deaconess Movement in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.
In this episode our guest, Dr. David Lewis, tells us his story of coming to faith, his decision to apply to seminary, and what it was like for him to be a parish pastor and then professor of New Testament. We walk through the rest of Paul's epistle to Titus and discuss chapter three.
In this episode of our miniseries on Titus we break down the second chapter with Dr. Tim Saleska, Professor of Old Testament and Dean of Ministerial Formation at Concordia Seminary. Dr. Saleska helps us especially understand how to read this particular text and any text with abstract language so that we can be formed by the Word of God. We also discuss being formed as a student at seminary.
In this episode on Titus chapter 1, Micah and Ben talk with Dr. Peter Nafzger, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology. Dr. Nafzger discusses how the themes of doctrine and life hang together in Titus, especially in the qualifications for elders or pastors in congregational ministry. How these two hang together in studying theology at Seminary and out in the parish is essential to doing ministry in the name of Jesus.
Over the next four episodes, Micah and Ben dive deep into the Pauline Pastoral Epistle to Titus. Titus is a fantastic book of the Bible for those who are considering studying to become pastors or deaconesses. In this episode, we spend some time learning from world renowned Pauline scholar, Dr. Mark Seifrid. Dr. Seifrid discusses the background of the epistle and gives an overview of the basic themes of the letter.
In this episode Ben, Micah, and Dr. Erik Herrmann talk about Martin Luther and his hilarious sense of humor. If you never imagined that the Great Reformer would make fart jokes, think again.
In this episode Ben and Micah sit down with Alum, Deaconess Kristina Paul, to talk about diaconal ministry. Join us to hear about the vital work that Deaconesses provide the church.
In this episode, we discuss Matthew 9:9-13 and Jesus' calling of Matthew, an unlikely candidate to be a disciple. Joining us is Dr. Leopoldo Sánchez, Director of Concordia Seminary's Center for Hispanic Studies and the Werner R.H. Krause and Elizabeth Ringger Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries and Systematic Theology. If you see yourself as marginal, an outsider, a sinner, or an unlikely candidate to come to seminary and study to become a pastor or deaconess, this episode is for you. Born in Chile and raised in Panama, Dr. Sánchez tells his own story of how we grew up among Roman Catholics and Pentecostals and ended up being confirmed as a Lutheran and then studying to be a pastor in the LCMS.
In this episode, we discuss Luke 24:13-35 and Jesus’ conversation with two disciples about the crucifixion and resurrection. Then we talk with current Student Body President and concluding seminarian, Mason Vieth, who shares about growing up outside the Lutheran church and what that was like when he came to seminary. The conversation then moves to the student experience at Concordia Seminary both inside and outside the classroom.
In this episode, we talk about barbecue, WandaVision, and more importantly Acts 6:1-7. Then we talk about the theology of the call to pastoral or diaconal ministry and its implications for thinking about coming to seminary.
In this episode we take a look at Luke 2:41-52, where Jesus is learning in the temple. Then we take a walk down memory lane into our time learning at the Seminary.
In this first episode, you'll hear a bit about Rev. Micah Glenn and Dr. Ben Haupt and their own paths to studying at Concordia Seminary. At the beginning, you'll get an introduction to other things they love to follow in life - sports and Star Wars. But the main events in this episode are a discussion of John 1:43-51 on the calling of Nathanael who was "under the fig tree" and our own stories of how the Lord worked to bring us to study at the seminary.