Michigan District, LCMS Podcast https://michigandistrict.org Podcast Episodes 2026-09-12T18:59:57.722Z Wed, 02 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification en Michigan District Node.js Michigan District, LCMS Podcast https://cdn.sanity.io/images/zpme352y/production/64a9e11f19b72bc02f6a8b8ede216adfce520f8e-3000x3000.png https://michigandistrict.org false Michigan District, LCMS Episodic media@michigandistrict.org Michigan District, LCMS © 2026 Michigan District, LCMS 2.1 Passing it On: Wisdom from Three District Presidents | Mission in the Mitten https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/2-1-passing-it-on-wisdom-from-three-district-presidents-mission-in-the-mitten Show Notes: What makes ministry healthy? How do strong relationships shape congregations? And what wisdom is worth passing on to the next generation of pastors, church workers, and lay leaders? In this episode, Michigan District President Rev. David A. Davis is joined by former District Presidents Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier and Rev. Dr. C. William Hoesman for a wide-ranging conversation about ministry, leadership, relationships, and the future of the Church. Together, they reflect on decades of experience serving congregations and church workers throughout the Michigan District. From mentoring young pastors and building strong congregational communities to navigating conflict, encouraging future church workers, and reaching neighbors with the Gospel, the conversation keeps returning to one central truth: ministry happens through relationships. In a culture that can often feel increasingly isolated, they discuss why face-to-face connection, Christian friendship, prayer, and intentional community still matter deeply. They also look ahead, asking how congregations can recognize gifts, encourage vocations, and surround young people with faithful adults who notice them, support them, and invite them to consider how God might use them in service to His Church and world. Listen for stories, laughter, practical wisdom, and a hopeful reminder that, even in the midst of change and challenge, Christ continues to build His Church. Today’s Resources: Learn more about the Michigan District, LCMS: michigandistrict.org/ Learn more about ongoing ministry and mission work from former president Maier: thecenter.info Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/2-1-passing-it-on-wisdom-from-three-district-presidents-mission-in-the-mitten Wed, 02 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: What makes ministry healthy? How do strong relationships shape congregations? And what wisdom is worth passing on to the next generation of pastors, church workers, and lay leaders? In this episode, Michigan District President Rev. David A. Davis is joined by former District Presidents Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier and Rev. Dr. C. William Hoesman for a wide-ranging conversation about ministry, leadership, relationships, and the future of the Church. Together, they reflect on decades of experience serving congregations and church workers throughout the Michigan District. From mentoring young pastors and building strong congregational communities to navigating conflict, encouraging future church workers, and reaching neighbors with the Gospel, the conversation keeps returning to one central truth: ministry happens through relationships. In a culture that can often feel increasingly isolated, they discuss why face-to-face connection, Christian friendship, prayer, and intentional community still matter deeply. They also look ahead, asking how congregations can recognize gifts, encourage vocations, and surround young people with faithful adults who notice them, support them, and invite them to consider how God might use them in service to His Church and world. Listen for stories, laughter, practical wisdom, and a hopeful reminder that, even in the midst of change and challenge, Christ continues to build His Church. Today’s Resources: Learn more about the Michigan District, LCMS: michigandistrict.org/ Learn more about ongoing ministry and mission work from former president Maier: thecenter.info Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

What makes ministry healthy? How do strong relationships shape congregations? And what wisdom is worth passing on to the next generation of pastors, church workers, and lay leaders?

In this episode, Michigan District President Rev. David A. Davis is joined by former District Presidents Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier and Rev. Dr. C. William Hoesman for a wide-ranging conversation about ministry, leadership, relationships, and the future of the Church. Together, they reflect on decades of experience serving congregations and church workers throughout the Michigan District.

From mentoring young pastors and building strong congregational communities to navigating conflict, encouraging future church workers, and reaching neighbors with the Gospel, the conversation keeps returning to one central truth: ministry happens through relationships. In a culture that can often feel increasingly isolated, they discuss why face-to-face connection, Christian friendship, prayer, and intentional community still matter deeply.

They also look ahead, asking how congregations can recognize gifts, encourage vocations, and surround young people with faithful adults who notice them, support them, and invite them to consider how God might use them in service to His Church and world.

Listen for stories, laughter, practical wisdom, and a hopeful reminder that, even in the midst of change and challenge, Christ continues to build His Church.

Today’s Resources:

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> BONUS EPISODE | Leadership in the Lutheran Church: Insights from Joel Biermann https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/bonus-episode-leadership-in-the-lutheran-church-insights-from-joel-biermann Show Notes: In this conversation, Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann shares his journey from growing up in a Lutheran parsonage to serving as a pastor, seminary professor,  and now a nominee for President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Drawing on his ministry experience, he reflects on the responsibilities of synodical leadership, the challenges and opportunities facing the church today, and the importance of remaining grounded in Christ and His mission. He also offers thoughtful insights on church politics, leadership, congregational ministry, and embracing the diversity of gifts within the Body of Christ. Whether you're a pastor, church worker, delegate, or engaged member of an LCMS congregation, this conversation provides a helpful perspective on the future of our Synod and our shared work of proclaiming Christ to the world. Follow the Michigan District: Website: https://michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District LCMS https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/bonus-episode-leadership-in-the-lutheran-church-insights-from-joel-biermann Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:00:00 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: In this conversation, Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann shares his journey from growing up in a Lutheran parsonage to serving as a pastor, seminary professor,  and now a nominee for President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Drawing on his ministry experience, he reflects on the responsibilities of synodical leadership, the challenges and opportunities facing the church today, and the importance of remaining grounded in Christ and His mission. He also offers thoughtful insights on church politics, leadership, congregational ministry, and embracing the diversity of gifts within the Body of Christ. Whether you're a pastor, church worker, delegate, or engaged member of an LCMS congregation, this conversation provides a helpful perspective on the future of our Synod and our shared work of proclaiming Christ to the world. Follow the Michigan District: Website: https://michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

In this conversation, Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann shares his journey from growing up in a Lutheran parsonage to serving as a pastor, seminary professor,  and now a nominee for President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Drawing on his ministry experience, he reflects on the responsibilities of synodical leadership, the challenges and opportunities facing the church today, and the importance of remaining grounded in Christ and His mission. He also offers thoughtful insights on church politics, leadership, congregational ministry, and embracing the diversity of gifts within the Body of Christ.

Whether you're a pastor, church worker, delegate, or engaged member of an LCMS congregation, this conversation provides a helpful perspective on the future of our Synod and our shared work of proclaiming Christ to the world.

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.8 Receiving a Call: What Comes Next? | The Professional Church Worker https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-8-receiving-a-call-what-comes-next-the-professional-church-worker Show Notes: You’ve received the call—now comes the discernment. During this episode, Tyler and Luke walk through what to do after a call is extended. They share practical guidance and wisdom from their years in ministry to help you evaluate the position, understand the congregation, and faithfully discern your next step. The conversation focuses on the key areas to consider—role expectations, staff dynamics, compensation, and personal and family impact—so you can move forward with clarity, honesty, and trust in where God may be leading. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-8-receiving-a-call-what-comes-next-the-professional-church-worker Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:10:51 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: You’ve received the call—now comes the discernment. During this episode, Tyler and Luke walk through what to do after a call is extended. They share practical guidance and wisdom from their years in ministry to help you evaluate the position, understand the congregation, and faithfully discern your next step. The conversation focuses on the key areas to consider—role expectations, staff dynamics, compensation, and personal and family impact—so you can move forward with clarity, honesty, and trust in where God may be leading. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

You’ve received the call—now comes the discernment.

During this episode, Tyler and Luke walk through what to do after a call is extended. They share practical guidance and wisdom from their years in ministry to help you evaluate the position, understand the congregation, and faithfully discern your next step.

The conversation focuses on the key areas to consider—role expectations, staff dynamics, compensation, and personal and family impact—so you can move forward with clarity, honesty, and trust in where God may be leading.

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.7 Seeking a New Call | The Professional Church Worker https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-7-seeking-a-new-call-the-professional-church-worker Show Notes: How do you know when it’s time to move on from your current call? In this episode, Tyler and Luke talk through the process of discerning whether God may be leading you somewhere new. From burnout and conflict to family needs and new opportunities, they explore the many reasons church workers begin seeking a call—and how to navigate that faithfully. They also share practical advice on connecting with your district, updating your CMIF, and continuing to serve well where you are, even in a season of transition. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time for a change, this episode is for you. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-7-seeking-a-new-call-the-professional-church-worker Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:00:38 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: How do you know when it’s time to move on from your current call? In this episode, Tyler and Luke talk through the process of discerning whether God may be leading you somewhere new. From burnout and conflict to family needs and new opportunities, they explore the many reasons church workers begin seeking a call—and how to navigate that faithfully. They also share practical advice on connecting with your district, updating your CMIF, and continuing to serve well where you are, even in a season of transition. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time for a change, this episode is for you. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

How do you know when it’s time to move on from your current call?

In this episode, Tyler and Luke talk through the process of discerning whether God may be leading you somewhere new. From burnout and conflict to family needs and new opportunities, they explore the many reasons church workers begin seeking a call—and how to navigate that faithfully.

They also share practical advice on connecting with your district, updating your CMIF, and continuing to serve well where you are, even in a season of transition.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time for a change, this episode is for you.

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.6 The Beginning of the Call Process | The Professional Church Worker https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-6-the-beginning-of-the-call-process-the-professional-church-worker Show Notes: Whether you're heading into your first call, considering a second, or haven’t navigated the process in decades, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and healthy “best practices” for what happens before a call is officially extended. This episode focuses specifically on the early stages — the “nibble,” the interview process, and how to navigate it with integrity and clarity. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-6-the-beginning-of-the-call-process-the-professional-church-worker Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:00:32 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: Whether you're heading into your first call, considering a second, or haven’t navigated the process in decades, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and healthy “best practices” for what happens before a call is officially extended. This episode focuses specifically on the early stages — the “nibble,” the interview process, and how to navigate it with integrity and clarity. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

Whether you're heading into your first call, considering a second, or haven’t navigated the process in decades, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and healthy “best practices” for what happens before a call is officially extended.

This episode focuses specifically on the early stages — the “nibble,” the interview process, and how to navigate it with integrity and clarity.

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.5 How Do I Navigate the First Year of Ministry? | The Professional Church Worker https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-5-how-do-i-navigate-the-first-year-of-ministry-the-professional-church-worker Show Notes: In this conversation, Tyler and Luke discuss the challenges and lessons learned during the first year of ministry. They emphasize the importance of establishing healthy boundaries, building a social network outside the church, and being transparent about one's capabilities and expectations. The discussion also highlights the need for self-care and the significance of modeling healthy practices for others in the ministry. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-5-how-do-i-navigate-the-first-year-of-ministry-the-professional-church-worker Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:00:17 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: In this conversation, Tyler and Luke discuss the challenges and lessons learned during the first year of ministry. They emphasize the importance of establishing healthy boundaries, building a social network outside the church, and being transparent about one's capabilities and expectations. The discussion also highlights the need for self-care and the significance of modeling healthy practices for others in the ministry. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

In this conversation, Tyler and Luke discuss the challenges and lessons learned during the first year of ministry. They emphasize the importance of establishing healthy boundaries, building a social network outside the church, and being transparent about one's capabilities and expectations. The discussion also highlights the need for self-care and the significance of modeling healthy practices for others in the ministry.

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.4 You’re at a New Ministry. Now What? | The Professional Church Worker https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-4-youre-at-a-new-ministry-now-what-the-professional-church-worker Show Notes: In this conversation, Tyler and Luke discuss healthy practices for church workers entering new cultures, particularly during their first few calls in ministry. They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of patience, communication, and understanding the unique dynamics of each congregation. The discussion also touches on the challenges of measuring success through numbers and the significance of building relationships within the community. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-4-youre-at-a-new-ministry-now-what-the-professional-church-worker Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:00:43 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: In this conversation, Tyler and Luke discuss healthy practices for church workers entering new cultures, particularly during their first few calls in ministry. They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of patience, communication, and understanding the unique dynamics of each congregation. The discussion also touches on the challenges of measuring success through numbers and the significance of building relationships within the community. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

In this conversation, Tyler and Luke discuss healthy practices for church workers entering new cultures, particularly during their first few calls in ministry. They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of patience, communication, and understanding the unique dynamics of each congregation. The discussion also touches on the challenges of measuring success through numbers and the significance of building relationships within the community.

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.3 Do You Have a Mentor? | The Professional Church Worker https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-3-do-you-have-a-mentor-the-professional-church-worker Show Notes: In this episode of The Professional Church Worker, Tyler and Luke discuss the importance of mentorship in church work. They explore what defines a mentor, the various forms mentorship can take, and the value it brings to personal and professional growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability, guidance, and support from mentors, as well as the responsibility of experienced church workers to mentor others. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on navigating mentorship relationships, concluding with a call to action for listeners to seek out mentors and be mentors themselves. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-3-do-you-have-a-mentor-the-professional-church-worker Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:00:30 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: In this episode of The Professional Church Worker, Tyler and Luke discuss the importance of mentorship in church work. They explore what defines a mentor, the various forms mentorship can take, and the value it brings to personal and professional growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability, guidance, and support from mentors, as well as the responsibility of experienced church workers to mentor others. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on navigating mentorship relationships, concluding with a call to action for listeners to seek out mentors and be mentors themselves. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

In this episode of The Professional Church Worker, Tyler and Luke discuss the importance of mentorship in church work. They explore what defines a mentor, the various forms mentorship can take, and the value it brings to personal and professional growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability, guidance, and support from mentors, as well as the responsibility of experienced church workers to mentor others. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on navigating mentorship relationships, concluding with a call to action for listeners to seek out mentors and be mentors themselves.

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.2 What is A Cluster? | The Professional Church Worker https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-2-what-is-a-cluster-the-professional-church-worker Show Notes: In this conversation, Luke Esselman and Tyler Seehafer discuss the concept of clusters, now known as Ministry Specialist Groups, specifically for Lutheran workers in the Michigan district. They explore the structure, purpose, and benefits of these groups, emphasizing the importance of trust, vulnerability, and community support in ministry. The discussion highlights how clusters can help prevent burnout and encourage professional development among church workers. They also encourage listeners to join or form clusters to enhance their ministry experience. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-2-what-is-a-cluster-the-professional-church-worker Wed, 28 Jan 2026 07:00:33 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: In this conversation, Luke Esselman and Tyler Seehafer discuss the concept of clusters, now known as Ministry Specialist Groups, specifically for Lutheran workers in the Michigan district. They explore the structure, purpose, and benefits of these groups, emphasizing the importance of trust, vulnerability, and community support in ministry. The discussion highlights how clusters can help prevent burnout and encourage professional development among church workers. They also encourage listeners to join or form clusters to enhance their ministry experience. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

In this conversation, Luke Esselman and Tyler Seehafer discuss the concept of clusters, now known as Ministry Specialist Groups, specifically for Lutheran workers in the Michigan district. They explore the structure, purpose, and benefits of these groups, emphasizing the importance of trust, vulnerability, and community support in ministry. The discussion highlights how clusters can help prevent burnout and encourage professional development among church workers. They also encourage listeners to join or form clusters to enhance their ministry experience.

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.1 Introduction | The Professional Church Worker https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-1-introduction-the-professional-church-worker Show Notes: This is a re-broadcast. In the inaugural episode of The Professional Church Worker podcast, hosts Tyler Seehafer and Luke Esselman introduce themselves and their mission to support church workers, particularly within the LCMS community. They discuss their backgrounds, the importance of addressing the challenges faced by church workers, and the need for community and resources to prevent burnout and isolation. The episode emphasizes the significance of connection, encouragement, and the sharing of ideas to foster a supportive environment for all church workers. Follow the Michigan District: Website: https://michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-1-introduction-the-professional-church-worker Wed, 14 Jan 2026 07:00:03 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: This is a re-broadcast. In the inaugural episode of The Professional Church Worker podcast, hosts Tyler Seehafer and Luke Esselman introduce themselves and their mission to support church workers, particularly within the LCMS community. They discuss their backgrounds, the importance of addressing the challenges faced by church workers, and the need for community and resources to prevent burnout and isolation. The episode emphasizes the significance of connection, encouragement, and the sharing of ideas to foster a supportive environment for all church workers. Follow the Michigan District: Website: https://michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

This is a re-broadcast.

In the inaugural episode of The Professional Church Worker podcast, hosts Tyler Seehafer and Luke Esselman introduce themselves and their mission to support church workers, particularly within the LCMS community. They discuss their backgrounds, the importance of addressing the challenges faced by church workers, and the need for community and resources to prevent burnout and isolation. The episode emphasizes the significance of connection, encouragement, and the sharing of ideas to foster a supportive environment for all church workers.

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.10 Is Buddy a Christ Figure? And Other Christmas Movie Debates | Conversations on Culture & Faith https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-10-is-buddy-a-christ-figure-and-other-christmas-movie-debates-conversations-on-culture-faith Show Notes: Is Buddy the Elf a Christ figure? What are the best Christmas Carol adaptations? Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? And what do our favorite holiday films actually teach us about hope, belonging, and the meaning of Christmas? In this episode, we dive into beloved Christmas movies, including Elf, Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life, and more. Along with some surprising picks for the Christmas season. We explore how these stories shape our understanding of the holidays. Through our theological lens, we ask where these films echo the true Christmas story, where they drift, and how they reveal our deep longing for identity, redemption, and joy. Rather than rejecting Christmas movies or baptizing them as gospel, we talk about how Christians can watch them with discernment—receiving what is good, naming what is broken, and using them as opportunities to point back to Christ with our neighbors and loved ones. Watch with joy. Discern with wisdom. And let every story point you to the true gift of Christmas—Christ for you. Today’s Resources: View the full list of movies discussed: letterboxd.com/adelewerner/list/is-buddy-a-christ-figure-and-other-christmas/ Read more from Rev. Tyler Cronkright: tylercronkright.com/ Find Dr. Lewis on CSL Scholar: scholar.csl.edu/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-10-is-buddy-a-christ-figure-and-other-christmas-movie-debates-conversations-on-culture-faith Wed, 17 Dec 2025 07:00:09 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: Is Buddy the Elf a Christ figure? What are the best Christmas Carol adaptations? Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? And what do our favorite holiday films actually teach us about hope, belonging, and the meaning of Christmas? In this episode, we dive into beloved Christmas movies, including Elf, Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life, and more. Along with some surprising picks for the Christmas season. We explore how these stories shape our understanding of the holidays. Through our theological lens, we ask where these films echo the true Christmas story, where they drift, and how they reveal our deep longing for identity, redemption, and joy. Rather than rejecting Christmas movies or baptizing them as gospel, we talk about how Christians can watch them with discernment—receiving what is good, naming what is broken, and using them as opportunities to point back to Christ with our neighbors and loved ones. Watch with joy. Discern with wisdom. And let every story point you to the true gift of Christmas—Christ for you. Today’s Resources: View the full list of movies discussed: letterboxd.com/adelewerner/list/is-buddy-a-christ-figure-and-other-christmas/ Read more from Rev. Tyler Cronkright: tylercronkright.com/ Find Dr. Lewis on CSL Scholar: scholar.csl.edu/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

Is Buddy the Elf a Christ figure? What are the best Christmas Carol adaptations? Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? And what do our favorite holiday films actually teach us about hope, belonging, and the meaning of Christmas?

In this episode, we dive into beloved Christmas movies, including Elf, Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life, and more. Along with some surprising picks for the Christmas season. We explore how these stories shape our understanding of the holidays. Through our theological lens, we ask where these films echo the true Christmas story, where they drift, and how they reveal our deep longing for identity, redemption, and joy.

Rather than rejecting Christmas movies or baptizing them as gospel, we talk about how Christians can watch them with discernment—receiving what is good, naming what is broken, and using them as opportunities to point back to Christ with our neighbors and loved ones.

Watch with joy. Discern with wisdom. And let every story point you to the true gift of Christmas—Christ for you.

Today’s Resources:

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.9 Covenant-Path or Already-Worthy? Bringing Grace to the Mormon Heart | Part 2 of 2 | Conversations on Culture & Faith https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-9-covenant-path-or-already-worthy-bringing-grace-to-the-mormon-heart-part-2-of-2-conversations-on-culture-faith Show Notes: In part two of our series on Mormon theology and culture, continue the conversation with Rev. Jeremy Lamont, Pastor Mark Parsons, and Molly Parsons as they explore how Latter-day Saints navigate doubt, guilt, and the pressure to be “worthy.” Together, they unpack the cultural dynamics of Mormonism today—from community expectations to internet-driven shifts—and why the LDS worthiness system leaves many either exhausted or self-assured. We contrast this with the Lutheran understanding of law and gospel, the beauty of the sacraments, and the comfort of objective grace. The group discusses what the LDS Church does well, why so many are leaving, what draws people into Mormonism, and how Christians can engage LDS friends with patience, love, and a deep grounding in Christ. Whether you’re in an LDS-dense community or simply curious about this growing religious movement, this episode reminds us of the most important evangelistic tool. A Christian who knows Jesus deeply and loves their neighbor well. Today’s Resources: Connect to Truth in Love Ministry: https://tilm.org/ Hear Pastor Lamont at Grace, Sandy UT: https://gracesandy.org/ Learn more about Mormon Typology: https://mormonmetrics.substack.com/p/the-mormon-typology-mapping-a-changing Support the Utah Christian Research Center: https://utahchristianresearchcenter.com/ Watch “Jesus is Enough”: https://jesusisenough.org/ Find Resources from Be Ye Perfect: https://beyeperfect.org/ Please Open the Door from TILM: https://tilm.org/training/potd/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: https://michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-9-covenant-path-or-already-worthy-bringing-grace-to-the-mormon-heart-part-2-of-2-conversations-on-culture-faith Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:00:43 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: In part two of our series on Mormon theology and culture, continue the conversation with Rev. Jeremy Lamont, Pastor Mark Parsons, and Molly Parsons as they explore how Latter-day Saints navigate doubt, guilt, and the pressure to be “worthy.” Together, they unpack the cultural dynamics of Mormonism today—from community expectations to internet-driven shifts—and why the LDS worthiness system leaves many either exhausted or self-assured. We contrast this with the Lutheran understanding of law and gospel, the beauty of the sacraments, and the comfort of objective grace. The group discusses what the LDS Church does well, why so many are leaving, what draws people into Mormonism, and how Christians can engage LDS friends with patience, love, and a deep grounding in Christ. Whether you’re in an LDS-dense community or simply curious about this growing religious movement, this episode reminds us of the most important evangelistic tool. A Christian who knows Jesus deeply and loves their neighbor well. Today’s Resources: Connect to Truth in Love Ministry: https://tilm.org/ Hear Pastor Lamont at Grace, Sandy UT: https://gracesandy.org/ Learn more about Mormon Typology: https://mormonmetrics.substack.com/p/the-mormon-typology-mapping-a-changing Support the Utah Christian Research Center: https://utahchristianresearchcenter.com/ Watch “Jesus is Enough”: https://jesusisenough.org/ Find Resources from Be Ye Perfect: https://beyeperfect.org/ Please Open the Door from TILM: https://tilm.org/training/potd/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: https://michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

In part two of our series on Mormon theology and culture, continue the conversation with Rev. Jeremy Lamont, Pastor Mark Parsons, and Molly Parsons as they explore how Latter-day Saints navigate doubt, guilt, and the pressure to be “worthy.” Together, they unpack the cultural dynamics of Mormonism today—from community expectations to internet-driven shifts—and why the LDS worthiness system leaves many either exhausted or self-assured.

We contrast this with the Lutheran understanding of law and gospel, the beauty of the sacraments, and the comfort of objective grace. The group discusses what the LDS Church does well, why so many are leaving, what draws people into Mormonism, and how Christians can engage LDS friends with patience, love, and a deep grounding in Christ.

Whether you’re in an LDS-dense community or simply curious about this growing religious movement, this episode reminds us of the most important evangelistic tool. A Christian who knows Jesus deeply and loves their neighbor well.

Today’s Resources:

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.8 Elder Brother or Savior? Understanding Mormonism’s Different Christ | Part 1 of 2 | Conversations on Culture & Faith https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-8-elder-brother-or-savior-understanding-mormonisms-different-christ-part-1-of-2-conversations-on-culture-faith Show Notes: In part one of this two-part series, host Adele Werner sits down with three guests who bring deep personal, pastoral, and on-the-ground experience with Mormon (LDS) culture and theology. Former Mormon–turned–Lutheran pastor Rev. Jeremy Lamont and LDS outreach leaders Rev. Mark Parsons and Molly Parsons explore the key theological differences between Mormonism (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and our Christian confession. Together, they discuss how the LDS view of Jesus as an “elder brother” contrasts with the historic Christian confession of Christ as true God and Savior, why many Latter-day Saints now identify as Christians, and what the LDS “covenant path” means for everyday members. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of LDS teachings on salvation, eternal families, and the pre-mortal existence—and why these differ from Scripture. The guests also share practical, compassionate strategies for witnessing to Mormon friends, including how to ask meaningful questions, how to talk about grace, and why simply marveling at Jesus often opens more doors than debating doctrine. Whether you're engaging with LDS missionaries, have Mormon family members, or want to grow in confident Christian witness, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical guidance. All of it rests on a firm biblical grounding in Christ alone. Today’s Resources: Connect to Truth in Love Ministry: tilm.org/ Listen to the Witnessing Christ Podcast: tilm.org/podcast Utilize TILM’s Evangelism Training: tilm.org/witnessing-course Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-8-elder-brother-or-savior-understanding-mormonisms-different-christ-part-1-of-2-conversations-on-culture-faith Wed, 19 Nov 2025 07:00:59 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: In part one of this two-part series, host Adele Werner sits down with three guests who bring deep personal, pastoral, and on-the-ground experience with Mormon (LDS) culture and theology. Former Mormon–turned–Lutheran pastor Rev. Jeremy Lamont and LDS outreach leaders Rev. Mark Parsons and Molly Parsons explore the key theological differences between Mormonism (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and our Christian confession. Together, they discuss how the LDS view of Jesus as an “elder brother” contrasts with the historic Christian confession of Christ as true God and Savior, why many Latter-day Saints now identify as Christians, and what the LDS “covenant path” means for everyday members. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of LDS teachings on salvation, eternal families, and the pre-mortal existence—and why these differ from Scripture. The guests also share practical, compassionate strategies for witnessing to Mormon friends, including how to ask meaningful questions, how to talk about grace, and why simply marveling at Jesus often opens more doors than debating doctrine. Whether you're engaging with LDS missionaries, have Mormon family members, or want to grow in confident Christian witness, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical guidance. All of it rests on a firm biblical grounding in Christ alone. Today’s Resources: Connect to Truth in Love Ministry: tilm.org/ Listen to the Witnessing Christ Podcast: tilm.org/podcast Utilize TILM’s Evangelism Training: tilm.org/witnessing-course Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

In part one of this two-part series, host Adele Werner sits down with three guests who bring deep personal, pastoral, and on-the-ground experience with Mormon (LDS) culture and theology. Former Mormon–turned–Lutheran pastor Rev. Jeremy Lamont and LDS outreach leaders Rev. Mark Parsons and Molly Parsons explore the key theological differences between Mormonism (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and our Christian confession. Together, they discuss how the LDS view of Jesus as an “elder brother” contrasts with the historic Christian confession of Christ as true God and Savior, why many Latter-day Saints now identify as Christians, and what the LDS “covenant path” means for everyday members.

Listeners will gain a clear understanding of LDS teachings on salvation, eternal families, and the pre-mortal existence—and why these differ from Scripture. The guests also share practical, compassionate strategies for witnessing to Mormon friends, including how to ask meaningful questions, how to talk about grace, and why simply marveling at Jesus often opens more doors than debating doctrine.

Whether you're engaging with LDS missionaries, have Mormon family members, or want to grow in confident Christian witness, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical guidance. All of it rests on a firm biblical grounding in Christ alone.

Today’s Resources:

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.7 From Faithless to Faithful: Conversions, Convictions, and Reaching Gen Z | Conversations on Culture & Faith https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-7-from-faithless-to-faithful-conversions-convictions-and-reaching-gen-z-conversations-on-culture-faith Show Notes: In this episode, Rev Dr. Randy Duncan shares his personal faith journey and insights on engaging with Gen Z. Both once unaffiliated with any religion, Adele and Randy share how they came to the Lutheran faith—and what their stories reveal about God’s grace meeting people in their masks, their trials, and their mistakes. Together they explore challenges and opportunities in reaching younger generations and why Gen Z is drawn to authenticity. This episode offers advice for how churches can better connect with young people, emphasizes the need for the church to be a place of belonging and support, and encourages listeners to actively participate in their faith communities. Today’s Resources: Connect with Randy: ulcannarbor.org/staff/ Learn about Campus Ministry Connect:micampusministry.net/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-7-from-faithless-to-faithful-conversions-convictions-and-reaching-gen-z-conversations-on-culture-faith Wed, 05 Nov 2025 07:00:45 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: In this episode, Rev Dr. Randy Duncan shares his personal faith journey and insights on engaging with Gen Z. Both once unaffiliated with any religion, Adele and Randy share how they came to the Lutheran faith—and what their stories reveal about God’s grace meeting people in their masks, their trials, and their mistakes. Together they explore challenges and opportunities in reaching younger generations and why Gen Z is drawn to authenticity. This episode offers advice for how churches can better connect with young people, emphasizes the need for the church to be a place of belonging and support, and encourages listeners to actively participate in their faith communities. Today’s Resources: Connect with Randy: ulcannarbor.org/staff/ Learn about Campus Ministry Connect:micampusministry.net/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

In this episode, Rev Dr. Randy Duncan shares his personal faith journey and insights on engaging with Gen Z. Both once unaffiliated with any religion, Adele and Randy share how they came to the Lutheran faith—and what their stories reveal about God’s grace meeting people in their masks, their trials, and their mistakes. Together they explore challenges and opportunities in reaching younger generations and why Gen Z is drawn to authenticity. This episode offers advice for how churches can better connect with young people, emphasizes the need for the church to be a place of belonging and support, and encourages listeners to actively participate in their faith communities.

Today’s Resources:

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.6 Truth in a Shifting World: Responding to a Culture of Blended Beliefs | Part 2 of 2 | Conversations on Culture & Faith https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-6-truth-in-a-shifting-world-responding-to-a-culture-of-blended-beliefs-part-2-of-2-conversations-on-culture-faith Show Notes: In part two of our series on Neopaganism and spiritual blending, host Adele Werner continues the conversation with Pastor Gabe Kasper and Pastor Maxx Fisher. Together, they explore how the church can respond to today’s spiritual trends with both compassion and conviction. Instead of fear or judgment, Lutheran theology points us back to the unchanging truth of God’s Word and the comfort of His ordinary gifts—Word and Sacrament—where God promises to meet us with grace. This episode offers encouragement for a shifting world: no matter how many new beliefs arise, the truth of Christ remains steady, certain, and life-giving. Today’s Resources: Learn about Americans with no religious affiliation: thenonesproject.com/ Research from Evangelism Among Europe’s Neo-Pagans: gospel-culture.org.uk/visser_’t_hooft.htm Dig into Spiritual Marketplace: Baby Boomers and the Remaking of American Religion: a.co/d/b0613al Examine Either/Or: The Gospel of Neopaganism: a.co/d/7sdA1qm Read A Secular Age: a.co/d/5K8osB6 Study Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World: a.co/d/aT4zvuW Find Gabe’s work through University Lutheran Chapel: ulcannarbor.org/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: https://michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-6-truth-in-a-shifting-world-responding-to-a-culture-of-blended-beliefs-part-2-of-2-conversations-on-culture-faith Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:00:53 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: In part two of our series on Neopaganism and spiritual blending, host Adele Werner continues the conversation with Pastor Gabe Kasper and Pastor Maxx Fisher. Together, they explore how the church can respond to today’s spiritual trends with both compassion and conviction. Instead of fear or judgment, Lutheran theology points us back to the unchanging truth of God’s Word and the comfort of His ordinary gifts—Word and Sacrament—where God promises to meet us with grace. This episode offers encouragement for a shifting world: no matter how many new beliefs arise, the truth of Christ remains steady, certain, and life-giving. Today’s Resources: Learn about Americans with no religious affiliation: thenonesproject.com/ Research from Evangelism Among Europe’s Neo-Pagans: gospel-culture.org.uk/visser_’t_hooft.htm Dig into Spiritual Marketplace: Baby Boomers and the Remaking of American Religion: a.co/d/b0613al Examine Either/Or: The Gospel of Neopaganism: a.co/d/7sdA1qm Read A Secular Age: a.co/d/5K8osB6 Study Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World: a.co/d/aT4zvuW Find Gabe’s work through University Lutheran Chapel: ulcannarbor.org/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: https://michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

In part two of our series on Neopaganism and spiritual blending, host Adele Werner continues the conversation with Pastor Gabe Kasper and Pastor Maxx Fisher. Together, they explore how the church can respond to today’s spiritual trends with both compassion and conviction. Instead of fear or judgment, Lutheran theology points us back to the unchanging truth of God’s Word and the comfort of His ordinary gifts—Word and Sacrament—where God promises to meet us with grace. This episode offers encouragement for a shifting world: no matter how many new beliefs arise, the truth of Christ remains steady, certain, and life-giving.

Today’s Resources:

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.5 Borrowed Rituals, Modern Longings: Why Neopaganism Speaks to Present-Day Hearts | Part 1 of 2 | Conversations on Culture & Faith https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-5-borrowed-rituals-modern-longings-why-neopaganism-speaks-to-present-day-hearts-part-1-of-2-conversations-on-culture-faith Show Notes: Crystals. Tarot. Horoscopes. “Spiritual but not religious.” For many today, spirituality is no longer about dogma or tradition but about borrowing rituals that feel meaningful in the moment. But what’s driving this desire and how should the church respond? In part one of a two-part series, we’ll sit down with Pastor Gabe Kasper and Pastor Maxx Fisher to explore the rise of Neopagan practices, why it’s growing, and what its popularity reveals about the spiritual hunger of our age. This conversation doesn’t approach Neopaganism as a scare tactic. Instead, it seeks to understand our neighbors with compassion, name where counterfeit spiritualities distract from Christ, and equip the church to walk faithfully in a culture full of competing narratives. Today’s Resources: Learn about Americans with no religious affiliation: thenonesproject.com/ Research from Evangelism Among Europe’s Neo-Pagans: gospel-culture.org.uk/visser_'t_hooft.htm Dig into Spiritual Marketplace: Baby Boomers and the Remaking of American Religion: a.co/d/b0613al Examine Either/Or: The Gospel of Neopaganism: a.co/d/7sdA1qm Read A Secular Age: a.co/d/5K8osB6 Study Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World: a.co/d/aT4zvuW Find Gabe’s work through University Lutheran Chapel: ulcannarbor.org/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-5-borrowed-rituals-modern-longings-why-neopaganism-speaks-to-present-day-hearts-part-1-of-2-conversations-on-culture-faith Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:00:54 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: Crystals. Tarot. Horoscopes. “Spiritual but not religious.” For many today, spirituality is no longer about dogma or tradition but about borrowing rituals that feel meaningful in the moment. But what’s driving this desire and how should the church respond? In part one of a two-part series, we’ll sit down with Pastor Gabe Kasper and Pastor Maxx Fisher to explore the rise of Neopagan practices, why it’s growing, and what its popularity reveals about the spiritual hunger of our age. This conversation doesn’t approach Neopaganism as a scare tactic. Instead, it seeks to understand our neighbors with compassion, name where counterfeit spiritualities distract from Christ, and equip the church to walk faithfully in a culture full of competing narratives. Today’s Resources: Learn about Americans with no religious affiliation: thenonesproject.com/ Research from Evangelism Among Europe’s Neo-Pagans: gospel-culture.org.uk/visser_'t_hooft.htm Dig into Spiritual Marketplace: Baby Boomers and the Remaking of American Religion: a.co/d/b0613al Examine Either/Or: The Gospel of Neopaganism: a.co/d/7sdA1qm Read A Secular Age: a.co/d/5K8osB6 Study Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World: a.co/d/aT4zvuW Find Gabe’s work through University Lutheran Chapel: ulcannarbor.org/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

Crystals. Tarot. Horoscopes. “Spiritual but not religious.” For many today, spirituality is no longer about dogma or tradition but about borrowing rituals that feel meaningful in the moment. But what’s driving this desire and how should the church respond? In part one of a two-part series, we’ll sit down with Pastor Gabe Kasper and Pastor Maxx Fisher to explore the rise of Neopagan practices, why it’s growing, and what its popularity reveals about the spiritual hunger of our age.

This conversation doesn’t approach Neopaganism as a scare tactic. Instead, it seeks to understand our neighbors with compassion, name where counterfeit spiritualities distract from Christ, and equip the church to walk faithfully in a culture full of competing narratives.

Today’s Resources:

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.4 Body, Desire, and Dignity: A New Conversation for the Church | Conversations on Culture & Faith https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-4-body-desire-and-dignity-a-new-conversation-for-the-church-conversations-on-culture-faith Show Notes: How do we faithfully talk about sex, purity, and relationships in the church today? In this episode, we sit down with Deaconess Sarah Rusche and Deaconess Rebekah Lukas for an honest, grace-filled conversation about sex education, purity culture, and what it means to teach and live out a biblical sexual ethic. This isn’t just a discussion about rules—it’s a deeper exploration of vocation, love of neighbor, and the freedom we have in Christ. Whether you grew up with purity rings or never had these conversations in church, this episode will encourage you to think faithfully about sexuality, grace, and the gospel that covers us all. Today’s Resources: Read Sarah’s Master’s Thesis: scholar.csl.edu/ma_th/124/ Listen to Rebekah’s Symposia Presentation: scholar.csl.edu/theo/2023/sectionals/2/ Support Sarah’s Ministry: rlom.org Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-4-body-desire-and-dignity-a-new-conversation-for-the-church-conversations-on-culture-faith Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:00:45 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: How do we faithfully talk about sex, purity, and relationships in the church today? In this episode, we sit down with Deaconess Sarah Rusche and Deaconess Rebekah Lukas for an honest, grace-filled conversation about sex education, purity culture, and what it means to teach and live out a biblical sexual ethic. This isn’t just a discussion about rules—it’s a deeper exploration of vocation, love of neighbor, and the freedom we have in Christ. Whether you grew up with purity rings or never had these conversations in church, this episode will encourage you to think faithfully about sexuality, grace, and the gospel that covers us all. Today’s Resources: Read Sarah’s Master’s Thesis: scholar.csl.edu/ma_th/124/ Listen to Rebekah’s Symposia Presentation: scholar.csl.edu/theo/2023/sectionals/2/ Support Sarah’s Ministry: rlom.org Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

How do we faithfully talk about sex, purity, and relationships in the church today? In this episode, we sit down with Deaconess Sarah Rusche and Deaconess Rebekah Lukas for an honest, grace-filled conversation about sex education, purity culture, and what it means to teach and live out a biblical sexual ethic. This isn’t just a discussion about rules—it’s a deeper exploration of vocation, love of neighbor, and the freedom we have in Christ. Whether you grew up with purity rings or never had these conversations in church, this episode will encourage you to think faithfully about sexuality, grace, and the gospel that covers us all.

Today’s Resources:

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.3 Bold Belief: Leading with Conviction in an Emmy-Winning Documentary | Conversations on Culture & Faith https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-3-bold-belief-leading-with-conviction-in-an-emmy-winning-documentary-conversations-on-culture-faith Show Notes: What happens when your faith is captured on camera—and broadcast to millions? In this conversation, Emily Worthmore reflects on her role in the Emmy-winning documentary “Girls State.” She reflects on her faith and identity, particularly in the context of her conservative views in a predominantly liberal environment and the friendships formed across political divides. From debating legislation to navigating social tension, Emily reveals how her Christian identity shaped every moment—and why she wouldn’t change a thing. Today’s Resources Watch Girls State: tv.apple.com/us/movie/girls-state Read “Incompatible for Comparison”: missourigirlsstate.org/post/incompatible-for-comparison Learn about Michigan’s Girls State: michalaux.org/girls-state/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-3-bold-belief-leading-with-conviction-in-an-emmy-winning-documentary-conversations-on-culture-faith Wed, 10 Sep 2025 07:00:36 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: What happens when your faith is captured on camera—and broadcast to millions? In this conversation, Emily Worthmore reflects on her role in the Emmy-winning documentary “Girls State.” She reflects on her faith and identity, particularly in the context of her conservative views in a predominantly liberal environment and the friendships formed across political divides. From debating legislation to navigating social tension, Emily reveals how her Christian identity shaped every moment—and why she wouldn’t change a thing. Today’s Resources Watch Girls State: tv.apple.com/us/movie/girls-state Read “Incompatible for Comparison”: missourigirlsstate.org/post/incompatible-for-comparison Learn about Michigan’s Girls State: michalaux.org/girls-state/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

What happens when your faith is captured on camera—and broadcast to millions?

In this conversation, Emily Worthmore reflects on her role in the Emmy-winning documentary “Girls State.” She reflects on her faith and identity, particularly in the context of her conservative views in a predominantly liberal environment and the friendships formed across political divides. From debating legislation to navigating social tension, Emily reveals how her Christian identity shaped every moment—and why she wouldn’t change a thing.

Today’s Resources

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.2 Same Grace, Different Sound: What Lutheran Worship Can Be | Conversations on Culture & Faith https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-2-same-grace-different-sound-what-lutheran-worship-can-be-conversation-on-culture-faith Show Notes: Worship can be both faithful to Lutheran tradition and culturally resonant. During this episode, we’ll explore the complexities of worship practices within the Lutheran church and discuss the concept of inculturated worship. By sharing personal experiences and biblical frameworks, this conversation explores the intersection of culture and theology within our Lutheran worship practices. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-2-same-grace-different-sound-what-lutheran-worship-can-be-conversation-on-culture-faith Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:00:46 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: Worship can be both faithful to Lutheran tradition and culturally resonant. During this episode, we’ll explore the complexities of worship practices within the Lutheran church and discuss the concept of inculturated worship. By sharing personal experiences and biblical frameworks, this conversation explores the intersection of culture and theology within our Lutheran worship practices. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Show Notes:

Worship can be both faithful to Lutheran tradition and culturally resonant. During this episode, we’ll explore the complexities of worship practices within the Lutheran church and discuss the concept of inculturated worship. By sharing personal experiences and biblical frameworks, this conversation explores the intersection of culture and theology within our Lutheran worship practices.

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.1 A Calling and a Career: Church Work in Real Life | Conversations on Culture & Faith https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-1-a-calling-and-a-career-church-work-in-real-life-conversations-on-culture-faith Show Notes: In the inaugural episode of Conversations on Culture and Faith, host Adele Werner is joined by members of her family to explore their diverse paths in serving the church. The conversation delves into their childhood experiences, the influence of family, and the various roles within church work. Each guest shares personal stories of how they arrived at their current positions, the encouragement they received, and the impact of their upbringing on their faith and professional choices. The discussion highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and the evolving nature of church service. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-1-a-calling-and-a-career-church-work-in-real-life-conversations-on-culture-faith Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:30:21 GMT Podcast Episodes Show Notes: In the inaugural episode of Conversations on Culture and Faith, host Adele Werner is joined by members of her family to explore their diverse paths in serving the church. The conversation delves into their childhood experiences, the influence of family, and the various roles within church work. Each guest shares personal stories of how they arrived at their current positions, the encouragement they received, and the impact of their upbringing on their faith and professional choices. The discussion highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and the evolving nature of church service. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS

Show Notes:

In the inaugural episode of Conversations on Culture and Faith, host Adele Werner is joined by members of her family to explore their diverse paths in serving the church. The conversation delves into their childhood experiences, the influence of family, and the various roles within church work. Each guest shares personal stories of how they arrived at their current positions, the encouragement they received, and the impact of their upbringing on their faith and professional choices. The discussion highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and the evolving nature of church service.

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> Season Trailer | Conversations on Culture & Faith https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/season-trailer-conversations-on-culture-faith Trailer Notes: In today’s ever-changing world, we need the never-changing God to guide us. Conversations on Culture & Faith is a podcast exploring how Lutheran theology is lived out in real-life issues. Hosted by Adele Werner, this show features honest, Christ-centered dialogue with everyday Christians navigating life, leadership, and faith in today’s world. Each episode tackles relevant cultural topics—the big questions facing our world and the challenges inside of our own churches. Whether you're curious about how to live out your faith in a secular world or exploring the beauty of how our theology drives our practices, this podcast offers thoughtful conversation rooted in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. If you're looking for a Lutheran podcast that combines biblical truth with cultural relevance, Conversations on Culture & Faith is for you. Together, we’ll seek God’s Word to transform how we engage with our neighbor. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook:facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/season-trailer-conversations-on-culture-faith Fri, 08 Aug 2025 07:00:16 GMT Podcast Episodes Trailer Notes: In today’s ever-changing world, we need the never-changing God to guide us. Conversations on Culture & Faith is a podcast exploring how Lutheran theology is lived out in real-life issues. Hosted by Adele Werner, this show features honest, Christ-centered dialogue with everyday Christians navigating life, leadership, and faith in today’s world. Each episode tackles relevant cultural topics—the big questions facing our world and the challenges inside of our own churches. Whether you're curious about how to live out your faith in a secular world or exploring the beauty of how our theology drives our practices, this podcast offers thoughtful conversation rooted in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. If you're looking for a Lutheran podcast that combines biblical truth with cultural relevance, Conversations on Culture & Faith is for you. Together, we’ll seek God’s Word to transform how we engage with our neighbor. Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook:facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Trailer Notes:

In today’s ever-changing world, we need the never-changing God to guide us.

Conversations on Culture & Faith is a podcast exploring how Lutheran theology is lived out in real-life issues. Hosted by Adele Werner, this show features honest, Christ-centered dialogue with everyday Christians navigating life, leadership, and faith in today’s world.

Each episode tackles relevant cultural topics—the big questions facing our world and the challenges inside of our own churches. Whether you're curious about how to live out your faith in a secular world or exploring the beauty of how our theology drives our practices, this podcast offers thoughtful conversation rooted in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

If you're looking for a Lutheran podcast that combines biblical truth with cultural relevance, Conversations on Culture & Faith is for you. Together, we’ll seek God’s Word to transform how we engage with our neighbor.

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.7 Meet the Director of Mission Development | Rev. Dr. Scott Yakimow | Mission in the Mitten https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-7-meet-the-director-of-mission-development-rev-dr-scott-yakimow-mission-in-the-mitten 1.7 Meet the Director of Mission Development | Rev. Dr. Scott Yakimow | Mission in the Mitten Show Notes: In the season finale, we talk with Scott Yakimow, the Michigan District’s new Director of Mission Development. Scott shares his unexpected journey from a career in mechanical engineering to full-time mission work, highlighting how God led him through a unique path of study and service. He discusses the mission field in Michigan, the importance of reaching the “nones and dones,” and how churches can partner together to bring the Gospel into their communities. The conversation touches on post-COVID ministry challenges, the role of theology in mission, and why the Church must be willing to embrace real-life messiness. Scott encourages congregations to step boldly into mission, trusting Christ to work through every challenge. Follow the Michigan District: • Website: michigandistrict.org/ • Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ • YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-7-meet-the-director-of-mission-development-rev-dr-scott-yakimow-mission-in-the-mitten Thu, 07 Aug 2025 13:05:41 GMT Podcast Episodes 1.7 Meet the Director of Mission Development | Rev. Dr. Scott Yakimow | Mission in the Mitten Show Notes: In the season finale, we talk with Scott Yakimow, the Michigan District’s new Director of Mission Development. Scott shares his unexpected journey from a career in mechanical engineering to full-time mission work, highlighting how God led him through a unique path of study and service. He discusses the mission field in Michigan, the importance of reaching the “nones and dones,” and how churches can partner together to bring the Gospel into their communities. The conversation touches on post-COVID ministry challenges, the role of theology in mission, and why the Church must be willing to embrace real-life messiness. Scott encourages congregations to step boldly into mission, trusting Christ to work through every challenge. Follow the Michigan District: • Website: michigandistrict.org/ • Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ • YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS 1.7 Meet the Director of Mission Development | Rev. Dr. Scott Yakimow | Mission in the Mitten

Show Notes:

In the season finale, we talk with Scott Yakimow, the Michigan District’s new Director of Mission Development. Scott shares his unexpected journey from a career in mechanical engineering to full-time mission work, highlighting how God led him through a unique path of study and service. He discusses the mission field in Michigan, the importance of reaching the “nones and dones,” and how churches can partner together to bring the Gospel into their communities. The conversation touches on post-COVID ministry challenges, the role of theology in mission, and why the Church must be willing to embrace real-life messiness. Scott encourages congregations to step boldly into mission, trusting Christ to work through every challenge.

Follow the Michigan District: • Website: michigandistrict.org/ • Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ • YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS

]]> 1.6 Is the pro-life movement anti-women? | The Luke Clinic | Mission in the Mitten https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-6-is-the-pro-life-movement-anti-women-the-luke-clinic-mission-in-the-mitten 1.6 Is the pro-life movement anti-women? | The Luke Clinic | Mission in the Mitten Show Notes The Luke Clinic proves that compassionate care can help women choose to keep their babies. In this conversation, we speak with Penny Armbruster, a volunteer at the Luke Clinic, about the clinic's mission to provide compassionate care to vulnerable women and their families in Detroit. Listen as we discuss the unique model of care at the clinic, the challenges faced by patients, and the importance of building relationships and trust. Penny shares stories of transformation and the impact of faith in their work, emphasizing the need for community support and the church's role in creating a culture of life. The conversation also touches on the future of the clinic, including the need for sustainable funding and resources. Support the Luke Clinic: thelukeclinic.org/ Watch Luke Clinic testimonials: youtube.com/@thelukeclinic Learn more about Abigayle Ministries: abigayleministries.org/ Read roe by Kristen Lavalley: kristenlavalley.substack.com/p/roe Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-6-is-the-pro-life-movement-anti-women-the-luke-clinic-mission-in-the-mitten Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:00:20 GMT Podcast Episodes 1.6 Is the pro-life movement anti-women? | The Luke Clinic | Mission in the Mitten Show Notes The Luke Clinic proves that compassionate care can help women choose to keep their babies. In this conversation, we speak with Penny Armbruster, a volunteer at the Luke Clinic, about the clinic's mission to provide compassionate care to vulnerable women and their families in Detroit. Listen as we discuss the unique model of care at the clinic, the challenges faced by patients, and the importance of building relationships and trust. Penny shares stories of transformation and the impact of faith in their work, emphasizing the need for community support and the church's role in creating a culture of life. The conversation also touches on the future of the clinic, including the need for sustainable funding and resources. Support the Luke Clinic: thelukeclinic.org/ Watch Luke Clinic testimonials: youtube.com/@thelukeclinic Learn more about Abigayle Ministries: abigayleministries.org/ Read roe by Kristen Lavalley: kristenlavalley.substack.com/p/roe Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS

1.6 Is the pro-life movement anti-women? | The Luke Clinic | Mission in the Mitten

Show Notes

The Luke Clinic proves that compassionate care can help women choose to keep their babies. In this conversation, we speak with Penny Armbruster, a volunteer at the Luke Clinic, about the clinic's mission to provide compassionate care to vulnerable women and their families in Detroit. Listen as we discuss the unique model of care at the clinic, the challenges faced by patients, and the importance of building relationships and trust. Penny shares stories of transformation and the impact of faith in their work, emphasizing the need for community support and the church's role in creating a culture of life. The conversation also touches on the future of the clinic, including the need for sustainable funding and resources.

Support the Luke Clinic: thelukeclinic.org/

Watch Luke Clinic testimonials: youtube.com/@thelukeclinic

Learn more about Abigayle Ministries: abigayleministries.org/

Read roe by Kristen Lavalley: kristenlavalley.substack.com/p/roe

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.5 Do the incarcerated want to be ministered to? | Reproducible Prison Ministry w/ Madi Carter | Mission in the Mitten https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-5-do-the-incarcerated-want-to-be-ministered-to-reproducible-prison-ministry-w-madi-carter-mission-in-the-mitten 1.5 Do the incarcerated want to be ministered to? | Reproducible Prison Ministry w/ Madi Carter | Mission in the Mitten Show Notes: Prison ministry is vital spiritual care that many churches overlook. Joining us on today's episode is Madi Carter. Madi started a prison ministry program at University Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor. She brings her experience to the table with how she built a prison ministry program and her knowledge about how connecting incarcerated individuals to Christian community requires compassion and understanding. The conversation also touches on future aspirations for the ministry and resources for those interested in getting involved. Just Mercy: justmercy.eji.org/ Girls Incarcerated: netflix.com/title/80185178 Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-5-do-the-incarcerated-want-to-be-ministered-to-reproducible-prison-ministry-w-madi-carter-mission-in-the-mitten Wed, 02 Jul 2025 07:00:56 GMT Podcast Episodes 1.5 Do the incarcerated want to be ministered to? | Reproducible Prison Ministry w/ Madi Carter | Mission in the Mitten Show Notes: Prison ministry is vital spiritual care that many churches overlook. Joining us on today's episode is Madi Carter. Madi started a prison ministry program at University Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor. She brings her experience to the table with how she built a prison ministry program and her knowledge about how connecting incarcerated individuals to Christian community requires compassion and understanding. The conversation also touches on future aspirations for the ministry and resources for those interested in getting involved. Just Mercy: justmercy.eji.org/ Girls Incarcerated: netflix.com/title/80185178 Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS 1.5 Do the incarcerated want to be ministered to? | Reproducible Prison Ministry w/ Madi Carter | Mission in the Mitten

Show Notes:

Prison ministry is vital spiritual care that many churches overlook.

Joining us on today's episode is Madi Carter. Madi started a prison ministry program at University Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor. She brings her experience to the table with how she built a prison ministry program and her knowledge about how connecting incarcerated individuals to Christian community requires compassion and understanding. The conversation also touches on future aspirations for the ministry and resources for those interested in getting involved.

Just Mercy: justmercy.eji.org/

Girls Incarcerated: netflix.com/title/80185178

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.4 What’s the wisdom in attending a conference over “doing” ministry? | BPM: Heartland | Mission in the Mitten https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-4-whats-the-wisdom-in-attending-a-conference-over-doing-ministry-bpm-heartland-mission-in-the-mitten What’s the wisdom in attending a conference over “doing” ministry? | BPM: Heartland Show Notes: In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Joel Kaiser to discuss the upcoming Best Practices for Ministry Heartland conference, emphasizing its importance for church workers. We explore the challenges and opportunities of hosting the conference, the significance of attending for personal and professional growth, and the unique benefits for smaller churches. The conversation highlights how BPM: Heartland emphasizes networking, encouragement, and community support. It's a compelling case to participate in this free event! Register for the conference and learn more: stlorenz.org/bpmh Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-4-whats-the-wisdom-in-attending-a-conference-over-doing-ministry-bpm-heartland-mission-in-the-mitten Wed, 11 Jun 2025 09:25:28 GMT Podcast Episodes What’s the wisdom in attending a conference over “doing” ministry? | BPM: Heartland Show Notes: In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Joel Kaiser to discuss the upcoming Best Practices for Ministry Heartland conference, emphasizing its importance for church workers. We explore the challenges and opportunities of hosting the conference, the significance of attending for personal and professional growth, and the unique benefits for smaller churches. The conversation highlights how BPM: Heartland emphasizes networking, encouragement, and community support. It's a compelling case to participate in this free event! Register for the conference and learn more: stlorenz.org/bpmh Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS What’s the wisdom in attending a conference over “doing” ministry? | BPM: Heartland

Show Notes:

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Joel Kaiser to discuss the upcoming Best Practices for Ministry Heartland conference, emphasizing its importance for church workers. We explore the challenges and opportunities of hosting the conference, the significance of attending for personal and professional growth, and the unique benefits for smaller churches. The conversation highlights how BPM: Heartland emphasizes networking, encouragement, and community support. It's a compelling case to participate in this free event!

Register for the conference and learn more: stlorenz.org/bpmh

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.3 Is my pastor okay if he goes on a retreat? | Good Friend Ministries | Mission in the Mitten https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-3-is-my-pastor-okay-if-he-goes-on-a-retreat-good-friend-ministries-mission-in-the-mitten Is my pastor okay if he goes on a retreat? | Good Friend Ministries Show Notes: Pastor Mark Hannemann discusses the critical importance of church worker wellness. As stressors faced by church workers, including burnout and financial pressures, increase, families and congregations are impacted. Good Friend Ministries provides retreats for pastors and their wives, emphasizing the need for rest and renewal. Together, we explore the importance of balance in life and ministry, the need for congregational support, and the significance of self-care for church workers. The dialogue emphasizes the human side of pastoral life, the impact of family on ministry effectiveness, and practical ways congregations can help lighten the load for their pastors. They also touch on the importance of resources for church worker wellness and the need for grace and understanding within the church community. Support Good Friend Ministries: goodfriendministries.org/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-3-is-my-pastor-okay-if-he-goes-on-a-retreat-good-friend-ministries-mission-in-the-mitten Wed, 28 May 2025 07:00:52 GMT Podcast Episodes Is my pastor okay if he goes on a retreat? | Good Friend Ministries Show Notes: Pastor Mark Hannemann discusses the critical importance of church worker wellness. As stressors faced by church workers, including burnout and financial pressures, increase, families and congregations are impacted. Good Friend Ministries provides retreats for pastors and their wives, emphasizing the need for rest and renewal. Together, we explore the importance of balance in life and ministry, the need for congregational support, and the significance of self-care for church workers. The dialogue emphasizes the human side of pastoral life, the impact of family on ministry effectiveness, and practical ways congregations can help lighten the load for their pastors. They also touch on the importance of resources for church worker wellness and the need for grace and understanding within the church community. Support Good Friend Ministries: goodfriendministries.org/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Is my pastor okay if he goes on a retreat? | Good Friend Ministries

Show Notes:

Pastor Mark Hannemann discusses the critical importance of church worker wellness. As stressors faced by church workers, including burnout and financial pressures, increase, families and congregations are impacted. Good Friend Ministries provides retreats for pastors and their wives, emphasizing the need for rest and renewal. Together, we explore the importance of balance in life and ministry, the need for congregational support, and the significance of self-care for church workers. The dialogue emphasizes the human side of pastoral life, the impact of family on ministry effectiveness, and practical ways congregations can help lighten the load for their pastors. They also touch on the importance of resources for church worker wellness and the need for grace and understanding within the church community.

Support Good Friend Ministries: goodfriendministries.org/

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.2 How is Gen Alpha changing the Family Discipleship Model? | Concordia Center for the Family | Mission in the Mitten https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-2-how-is-gen-alpha-changing-the-family-discipleship-model-concordia-center-for-the-family-mission-in-the-mitten https://michigandistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2-CCF-Podcast_mixdown.mp3 1.2 How is Gen Alpha changing the Family Discipleship Model? | Concordia Center for the Family | Mission in the Mitten Show Notes: Todd Biermann from Concordia Center for the Family joins us to discuss how Generation Alpha is changing the Family Discipleship Model. In this episode, we converse about how churches can work to equip and support parents in passing the faith down to their children. Support Concordia Center for the Family: concordiacenterforthefamily.org/ Today’s Resources: Concordia Center for the Family Resource Page: concordiafamilystore.org/ Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministries: cph.org/seven-practices-of-healthy-youth-ministry/ Everyday Faith Calendar: blog.cph.org/serve/tag/everyday-faith-calendar Faith & Life Survey: concordiacenterforthefamily.org/Faith-Life-Survey Enduring Faith Confirmation Journal: cph.org/guided-by-truth-enduring-faith-confirmation-journal The Anxious Generation: a.co/d/dgOZH0u Teaching the Faith at Home: cph.org/teaching-the-faith-at-home-what-does-this-mean-how-is-this-done Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-2-how-is-gen-alpha-changing-the-family-discipleship-model-concordia-center-for-the-family-mission-in-the-mitten Wed, 21 May 2025 07:00:34 GMT Podcast Episodes https://michigandistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2-CCF-Podcast_mixdown.mp3 1.2 How is Gen Alpha changing the Family Discipleship Model? | Concordia Center for the Family | Mission in the Mitten Show Notes: Todd Biermann from Concordia Center for the Family joins us to discuss how Generation Alpha is changing the Family Discipleship Model. In this episode, we converse about how churches can work to equip and support parents in passing the faith down to their children. Support Concordia Center for the Family: concordiacenterforthefamily.org/ Today’s Resources: Concordia Center for the Family Resource Page: concordiafamilystore.org/ Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministries: cph.org/seven-practices-of-healthy-youth-ministry/ Everyday Faith Calendar: blog.cph.org/serve/tag/everyday-faith-calendar Faith & Life Survey: concordiacenterforthefamily.org/Faith-Life-Survey Enduring Faith Confirmation Journal: cph.org/guided-by-truth-enduring-faith-confirmation-journal The Anxious Generation: a.co/d/dgOZH0u Teaching the Faith at Home: cph.org/teaching-the-faith-at-home-what-does-this-mean-how-is-this-done Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS https://michigandistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2-CCF-Podcast_mixdown.mp3

1.2 How is Gen Alpha changing the Family Discipleship Model? | Concordia Center for the Family | Mission in the Mitten

Show Notes:

Todd Biermann from Concordia Center for the Family joins us to discuss how Generation Alpha is changing the Family Discipleship Model. In this episode, we converse about how churches can work to equip and support parents in passing the faith down to their children.

Support Concordia Center for the Family: concordiacenterforthefamily.org/

Today’s Resources:

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> 1.1 What challenges do inner city missions face? | Gifts For All God’s Children | Mission in the Mitten https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-1-what-challenges-do-inner-city-missions-face-gifts-for-all-gods-children-mission-in-the-mitten What challenges do inner city missions face? | Gifts For All God’s Children Show Notes: On today’s episode, we’re joined by Patti Jacques and Hailey Noonan from Gifts For All God’s Children as they discuss partnering with inner city missions to provide for physical needs in urban settings. Support Gift’s For All God’s Children: giftsforallgodschildren.org/get-involved/ Sign-up for an Urban Tour: trinityutica.com/ministrytour/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/1-1-what-challenges-do-inner-city-missions-face-gifts-for-all-gods-children-mission-in-the-mitten Wed, 14 May 2025 07:00:41 GMT Podcast Episodes What challenges do inner city missions face? | Gifts For All God’s Children Show Notes: On today’s episode, we’re joined by Patti Jacques and Hailey Noonan from Gifts For All God’s Children as they discuss partnering with inner city missions to provide for physical needs in urban settings. Support Gift’s For All God’s Children: giftsforallgodschildren.org/get-involved/ Sign-up for an Urban Tour: trinityutica.com/ministrytour/ Follow the Michigan District: Website: michigandistrict.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/ YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS What challenges do inner city missions face? | Gifts For All God’s Children

Show Notes:

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Patti Jacques and Hailey Noonan from Gifts For All God’s Children as they discuss partnering with inner city missions to provide for physical needs in urban settings.

Support Gift’s For All God’s Children: giftsforallgodschildren.org/get-involved/

Sign-up for an Urban Tour: trinityutica.com/ministrytour/

Follow the Michigan District:

]]> Mission: Remember https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mission-remember The Michigan District’s Director of Stewardship Ministries, Rev. Dr. Richard Wolfram, joins the podcast to discuss a new form of outreach--writing books for teens. Rev. Wolfram talks about the process and challenges of writing, along with how he hopes it will connect and reach teens for God. Show Notes: Rev. Richard Wolfram is the Director of Stewardship Ministries for the Michigan District. Find out more about the book and the author at richardwolframauthor.com To order the book, click here To contact Rev. Wolfram: Richard.wolfram@michigandistrict.org To learn more about the Intentional Interim Program: www.michigandistrict.org/leadership-development/transitional-interim-ministry Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mission-remember Mon, 25 Nov 2024 07:00:17 GMT Podcast Episodes The Michigan District’s Director of Stewardship Ministries, Rev. Dr. Richard Wolfram, joins the podcast to discuss a new form of outreach--writing books for teens. Rev. Wolfram talks about the process and challenges of writing, along with how he hopes it will connect and reach teens for God. Show Notes: Rev. Richard Wolfram is the Director of Stewardship Ministries for the Michigan District. Find out more about the book and the author at richardwolframauthor.com To order the book, click here To contact Rev. Wolfram: Richard.wolfram@michigandistrict.org To learn more about the Intentional Interim Program: www.michigandistrict.org/leadership-development/transitional-interim-ministry The Michigan District’s Director of Stewardship Ministries, Rev. Dr. Richard Wolfram, joins the podcast to discuss a new form of outreach--writing books for teens. Rev. Wolfram talks about the process and challenges of writing, along with how he hopes it will connect and reach teens for God.

Show Notes:

Rev. Richard Wolfram is the Director of Stewardship Ministries for the Michigan District.

Find out more about the book and the author at richardwolframauthor.com

To order the book, click here

To contact Rev. Wolfram: Richard.wolfram@michigandistrict.org

To learn more about the Intentional Interim Program: www.michigandistrict.org/leadership-development/transitional-interim-ministry

]]> Universal Pre-K and Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/universal-pre-k-and-great-start-readiness-program-gsrp The Superintendant of schools for the Michigan District, Travis Grulke, discusses the benefits and outreach from Universal Pre-K and the Great Start Readiness Programs with Lisa May and Barb Ackerman. Show Notes: For more information on Michigan District education: michigandistrict.org/schools/ To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org To contact Lisa May: lmay@bethlehemsaginaw.org To contact Barb Ackerman: Barba@immanuelbridgman.org Find out more about the Great Start Readiness Program: michigan.gov/mileap/early-childhood-education/early-learners-and-care/gsrp For the GSRP Implementation Manual: michigan.gov/mileap/early-childhood-education/early-learners-and-care/gsrp/resources/implementation-manual Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/universal-pre-k-and-great-start-readiness-program-gsrp Mon, 18 Nov 2024 07:00:10 GMT Podcast Episodes The Superintendant of schools for the Michigan District, Travis Grulke, discusses the benefits and outreach from Universal Pre-K and the Great Start Readiness Programs with Lisa May and Barb Ackerman. Show Notes: For more information on Michigan District education: michigandistrict.org/schools/ To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org To contact Lisa May: lmay@bethlehemsaginaw.org To contact Barb Ackerman: Barba@immanuelbridgman.org Find out more about the Great Start Readiness Program: michigan.gov/mileap/early-childhood-education/early-learners-and-care/gsrp For the GSRP Implementation Manual: michigan.gov/mileap/early-childhood-education/early-learners-and-care/gsrp/resources/implementation-manual The Superintendant of schools for the Michigan District, Travis Grulke, discusses the benefits and outreach from Universal Pre-K and the Great Start Readiness Programs with Lisa May and Barb Ackerman.

Show Notes:

For more information on Michigan District education:

michigandistrict.org/schools/

To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org

To contact Lisa May: lmay@bethlehemsaginaw.org

To contact Barb Ackerman: Barba@immanuelbridgman.org

Find out more about the Great Start Readiness Program: michigan.gov/mileap/early-childhood-education/early-learners-and-care/gsrp

For the GSRP Implementation Manual: michigan.gov/mileap/early-childhood-education/early-learners-and-care/gsrp/resources/implementation-manual

]]> Pray for your Church https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/pray-for-your-church Rev. Chris Paavola joins the podcast to talk about a new initiative: Pray for your Church. Show Notes: Find out more about Pray for your Church: prayforyourchurch.com Find out more about St. Mark, Battle Creek: stmark.net Follow St. Mark on Facebook: facebook.com/stmarklutheran/ Contact Rev. Paavola: cpaavola@stmark.net Last time Rev. Paavola was on the podcast, he talked about 25 Prayers to Christmas: michigandistrict.org/podcast-episodes/25-prayers-to-christmas/ To purchase Rev. Chris Paavola’s book, 25 Prayers to Christmas, click here To see Rev. Paavola’s message at the 2019 Theological Conference, click here Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/pray-for-your-church Mon, 11 Nov 2024 07:00:21 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Chris Paavola joins the podcast to talk about a new initiative: Pray for your Church. Show Notes: Find out more about Pray for your Church: prayforyourchurch.com Find out more about St. Mark, Battle Creek: stmark.net Follow St. Mark on Facebook: facebook.com/stmarklutheran/ Contact Rev. Paavola: cpaavola@stmark.net Last time Rev. Paavola was on the podcast, he talked about 25 Prayers to Christmas: michigandistrict.org/podcast-episodes/25-prayers-to-christmas/ To purchase Rev. Chris Paavola’s book, 25 Prayers to Christmas, click here To see Rev. Paavola’s message at the 2019 Theological Conference, click here Rev. Chris Paavola joins the podcast to talk about a new initiative: Pray for your Church.

Show Notes:

Find out more about Pray for your Church:

prayforyourchurch.com

Find out more about St. Mark, Battle Creek: stmark.net

Follow St. Mark on Facebook: facebook.com/stmarklutheran/

Contact Rev. Paavola: cpaavola@stmark.net

Last time Rev. Paavola was on the podcast, he talked about 25 Prayers to Christmas: michigandistrict.org/podcast-episodes/25-prayers-to-christmas/

To purchase Rev. Chris Paavola’s book, 25 Prayers to Christmas, click here

To see Rev. Paavola’s message at the 2019 Theological Conference, click here

]]> Serving Homeschoolers in the Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/serving-homeschoolers-in-the-michigan-district Michigan District Superintendent of Schools, Travis Grulke, leads the discussion on the growth of homeschool ministries as we hear from two leaders in our District sharing their experiences with homeschool education at their congregations/schools. Show Notes: Find out more about Michigan District schools at michigandistrict.org/schools/ To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org More resources on homeschooling in Michigan: MICHN: michn.org HSLDA: hslda.org Facebook Group: LCMS Homeschoolers Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/serving-homeschoolers-in-the-michigan-district Mon, 28 Oct 2024 07:00:55 GMT Podcast Episodes Michigan District Superintendent of Schools, Travis Grulke, leads the discussion on the growth of homeschool ministries as we hear from two leaders in our District sharing their experiences with homeschool education at their congregations/schools. Show Notes: Find out more about Michigan District schools at michigandistrict.org/schools/ To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org More resources on homeschooling in Michigan: MICHN: michn.org HSLDA: hslda.org Facebook Group: LCMS Homeschoolers Michigan District Superintendent of Schools, Travis Grulke, leads the discussion on the growth of homeschool ministries as we hear from two leaders in our District sharing their experiences with homeschool education at their congregations/schools.

Show Notes:

Find out more about Michigan District schools at

michigandistrict.org/schools/

To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org

More resources on homeschooling in Michigan:

]]> Tri-Parish Ministry https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/tri-parish-ministry Rev. Kyle Kuehl shares the joys, adventures, and challenges of a tri-parish ministry in the Upper Peninsula. Show Notes: Find out more about Trinity Lutheran Church in Newberry: facebook.com/tlcnewberry/ Find out more about Bethlehem, Engadine: facebook.com/BethlehemEngadine Find out more about Grace, Germfask: facebook.com/GraceGermfask/ For more resources on collaboration and partnership: michigandistrict.org/resources/being-a-partner-church/ Being a Partner Church in Ministry Blog: michigandistrict.org/healthy-congregations/being-a-partner-church-in-ministry/ To contact Rev. Kuehl: pastorkuehl@outlook.com Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/tri-parish-ministry Mon, 21 Oct 2024 07:00:47 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Kyle Kuehl shares the joys, adventures, and challenges of a tri-parish ministry in the Upper Peninsula. Show Notes: Find out more about Trinity Lutheran Church in Newberry: facebook.com/tlcnewberry/ Find out more about Bethlehem, Engadine: facebook.com/BethlehemEngadine Find out more about Grace, Germfask: facebook.com/GraceGermfask/ For more resources on collaboration and partnership: michigandistrict.org/resources/being-a-partner-church/ Being a Partner Church in Ministry Blog: michigandistrict.org/healthy-congregations/being-a-partner-church-in-ministry/ To contact Rev. Kuehl: pastorkuehl@outlook.com Rev. Kyle Kuehl shares the joys, adventures, and challenges of a tri-parish ministry in the Upper Peninsula.

Show Notes:

Find out more about Trinity Lutheran Church in Newberry:

facebook.com/tlcnewberry/

Find out more about Bethlehem, Engadine: facebook.com/BethlehemEngadine

Find out more about Grace, Germfask: facebook.com/GraceGermfask/

For more resources on collaboration and partnership: michigandistrict.org/resources/being-a-partner-church/

Being a Partner Church in Ministry Blog: michigandistrict.org/healthy-congregations/being-a-partner-church-in-ministry/

To contact Rev. Kuehl: pastorkuehl@outlook.com

]]> Two Bryans https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/two-bryans We talk with Rev. Bryan Schindel and Rev. Bryan Varblow about a unique partnership that is serving many in Ypsilanti and Brooklyn. They also share inspiring stories of the building up and sending out of new pastors. Show Notes: Contact Rev. Schindel: pastor@crossandres.org Contact Rev. Varblow: bvarblow@stmarksih.org Cross and Resurrection is located at 812 Ann St Ypsilanti, MI 48197 St. Mark, Brooklyn is located at 11151 US Hwy 12 Brooklyn, MI 49230 Find out more about the Love Ypsilanti Mission crossandres.org/ypsi-love Find out more about the being a partner church: michigandistrict.org/resources/being-a-partner-church/ Find out more about building up and sending out church workers and the options that are available: michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/ Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/two-bryans Mon, 14 Oct 2024 07:00:05 GMT Podcast Episodes We talk with Rev. Bryan Schindel and Rev. Bryan Varblow about a unique partnership that is serving many in Ypsilanti and Brooklyn. They also share inspiring stories of the building up and sending out of new pastors. Show Notes: Contact Rev. Schindel: pastor@crossandres.org Contact Rev. Varblow: bvarblow@stmarksih.org Cross and Resurrection is located at 812 Ann St Ypsilanti, MI 48197 St. Mark, Brooklyn is located at 11151 US Hwy 12 Brooklyn, MI 49230 Find out more about the Love Ypsilanti Mission crossandres.org/ypsi-love Find out more about the being a partner church: michigandistrict.org/resources/being-a-partner-church/ Find out more about building up and sending out church workers and the options that are available: michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/ We talk with Rev. Bryan Schindel and Rev. Bryan Varblow about a unique partnership that is serving many in Ypsilanti and Brooklyn. They also share inspiring stories of the building up and sending out of new pastors.

Show Notes:

Contact Rev. Schindel:

pastor@crossandres.org

Contact Rev. Varblow: bvarblow@stmarksih.org

Cross and Resurrection is located at 812 Ann St Ypsilanti, MI 48197

St. Mark, Brooklyn is located at 11151 US Hwy 12 Brooklyn, MI 49230

Find out more about the Love Ypsilanti Mission crossandres.org/ypsi-love

Find out more about the being a partner church: michigandistrict.org/resources/being-a-partner-church/

Find out more about building up and sending out church workers and the options that are available: michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/

]]> Deaf Ministry https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/deaf-ministry Rev. Thomas Dunseth joins the podcast to share the stories and challenges of Deaf ministry, including a staggering number of unchurched people in this community. Show Notes: To find out more about the Michigan District Deaf Ministries: www.michigandistrict.org/leadership-development/care-ministries/deaf-ministries A list of deaf ministries in the Michigan District: Deaf Ministry List Looking to start a Deaf Ministry in your congregation? Contact Rev. Thomas Dunseth at twdunseth@gmail.com Video on St. Martin School for the Deaf: youtube.com/watch?v=EqrWpdKAUkI&t=2s "The Lip Reader" is the 70th episode of the sitcom Seinfeld. It is the sixth episode of the fifth season, and first aired on October 28, 1993. Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/deaf-ministry Mon, 07 Oct 2024 07:00:23 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Thomas Dunseth joins the podcast to share the stories and challenges of Deaf ministry, including a staggering number of unchurched people in this community. Show Notes: To find out more about the Michigan District Deaf Ministries: www.michigandistrict.org/leadership-development/care-ministries/deaf-ministries A list of deaf ministries in the Michigan District: Deaf Ministry List Looking to start a Deaf Ministry in your congregation? Contact Rev. Thomas Dunseth at twdunseth@gmail.com Video on St. Martin School for the Deaf: youtube.com/watch?v=EqrWpdKAUkI&t=2s "The Lip Reader" is the 70th episode of the sitcom Seinfeld. It is the sixth episode of the fifth season, and first aired on October 28, 1993. Rev. Thomas Dunseth joins the podcast to share the stories and challenges of Deaf ministry, including a staggering number of unchurched people in this community.

Show Notes:

To find out more about the Michigan District Deaf Ministries:

www.michigandistrict.org/leadership-development/care-ministries/deaf-ministries

A list of deaf ministries in the Michigan District: Deaf Ministry List

Looking to start a Deaf Ministry in your congregation? Contact Rev. Thomas Dunseth at twdunseth@gmail.com

Video on St. Martin School for the Deaf: youtube.com/watch?v=EqrWpdKAUkI&t=2s

"The Lip Reader" is the 70th episode of the sitcom Seinfeld. It is the sixth episode of the fifth season, and first aired on October 28, 1993.

]]> A Night of Missions - Blake Flattley and Tanner Olson https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/a-night-of-missions-blake-flattley-and-tanner-olson Blake Flattley and Tanner Olson share stories and experiences of how they work together and have created amazing shows of music and poetry. They are coming to Ann Arbor Oct. 5 to perform at the benefit concert The Language of Missions. Show Notes: Get tickets to the Oct. 5 show at St. Luke in Ann Arbor: michigandistrict.org/event/the-language-of-missions/ Find out more about Blake Flattley: blakeflattley.com Find out more about Tanner Olson: writtentospeak.com/ Find out more about MOST Ministries: mostministries.org The Language of Missions Concert is Oct. 5 at St. Luke, Ann Arbor Check out the video on the benefit Concert: youtu.be/3fHD9aPshU4 Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/a-night-of-missions-blake-flattley-and-tanner-olson Mon, 23 Sep 2024 07:00:54 GMT Podcast Episodes Blake Flattley and Tanner Olson share stories and experiences of how they work together and have created amazing shows of music and poetry. They are coming to Ann Arbor Oct. 5 to perform at the benefit concert The Language of Missions. Show Notes: Get tickets to the Oct. 5 show at St. Luke in Ann Arbor: michigandistrict.org/event/the-language-of-missions/ Find out more about Blake Flattley: blakeflattley.com Find out more about Tanner Olson: writtentospeak.com/ Find out more about MOST Ministries: mostministries.org The Language of Missions Concert is Oct. 5 at St. Luke, Ann Arbor Check out the video on the benefit Concert: youtu.be/3fHD9aPshU4 Blake Flattley and Tanner Olson share stories and experiences of how they work together and have created amazing shows of music and poetry. They are coming to Ann Arbor Oct. 5 to perform at the benefit concert The Language of Missions.

Show Notes:

Get tickets to the Oct. 5 show at St. Luke in Ann Arbor:

michigandistrict.org/event/the-language-of-missions/

Find out more about Blake Flattley: blakeflattley.com

Find out more about Tanner Olson: writtentospeak.com/

Find out more about MOST Ministries: mostministries.org

The Language of Missions Concert is Oct. 5 at St. Luke, Ann Arbor

Check out the video on the benefit Concert: youtu.be/3fHD9aPshU4

]]> Encouraging Our Church Workers https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/encouraging-our-church-workers Rev. Dan Ramthun of Guardian, Dearborn and Mrs. Laura Thomas, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Development join the podcast to discuss Church Worker Appreciation Month which starts in October. Show Notes: To contact Laura Thomas laura.thomas@michigandistrict.org To contact Rev. Dan Ramthun pastorramthun@guardianlutheran.org Links about Church Worker Appreciation: michigandistrict.org/healthy-workers/40-simple-ways-to-show-your-pastor-appreciation/ reporter.lcms.org/2021/celebrate-church-worker-appreciation-month-in-october/ focusonthefamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021Clergy-Appreciation-Month.pdf michigandistrict.org/healthy-workers/pastor-change-pastor-appreciation-month/ Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/encouraging-our-church-workers Mon, 23 Sep 2024 07:00:26 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dan Ramthun of Guardian, Dearborn and Mrs. Laura Thomas, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Development join the podcast to discuss Church Worker Appreciation Month which starts in October. Show Notes: To contact Laura Thomas laura.thomas@michigandistrict.org To contact Rev. Dan Ramthun pastorramthun@guardianlutheran.org Links about Church Worker Appreciation: michigandistrict.org/healthy-workers/40-simple-ways-to-show-your-pastor-appreciation/ reporter.lcms.org/2021/celebrate-church-worker-appreciation-month-in-october/ focusonthefamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021Clergy-Appreciation-Month.pdf michigandistrict.org/healthy-workers/pastor-change-pastor-appreciation-month/ Rev. Dan Ramthun of Guardian, Dearborn and Mrs. Laura Thomas, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Development join the podcast to discuss Church Worker Appreciation Month which starts in October.

Show Notes:

To contact Laura Thomas

laura.thomas@michigandistrict.org

To contact Rev. Dan Ramthun pastorramthun@guardianlutheran.org

Links about Church Worker Appreciation:

]]> The Road to Emmaus, Ann Arbor https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/a-church-inside-a-church-partnerships-part-7 Rev. Chris Troxel of Emmaus discusses the challenges of a new church plant in Ann Arbor and describes the Emmaus partnership with University Lutheran Chapel and St. Paul, Ann Arbor. Show notes: The vision of Emmaus Lutheran Church is create a community where people are seen, heard, and loved. Find out more about Emmaus Lutheran Church: emmausannarbor.org Emmaus is located at 420 W Liberty St Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Emmaus phone number: 810.990.7572 Follow Emmaus on Instagram: instagram.com/emmausannarbor/ Contact Rev. Chris Troxel: chris@emmausannarbor.org Find out more about Rev. Troxel: emmausannarbor.org/leadership Find out more about Working Genius by contacting Rev. Troxel Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/a-church-inside-a-church-partnerships-part-7 Mon, 16 Sep 2024 07:00:53 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Chris Troxel of Emmaus discusses the challenges of a new church plant in Ann Arbor and describes the Emmaus partnership with University Lutheran Chapel and St. Paul, Ann Arbor. Show notes: The vision of Emmaus Lutheran Church is create a community where people are seen, heard, and loved. Find out more about Emmaus Lutheran Church: emmausannarbor.org Emmaus is located at 420 W Liberty St Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Emmaus phone number: 810.990.7572 Follow Emmaus on Instagram: instagram.com/emmausannarbor/ Contact Rev. Chris Troxel: chris@emmausannarbor.org Find out more about Rev. Troxel: emmausannarbor.org/leadership Find out more about Working Genius by contacting Rev. Troxel Rev. Chris Troxel of Emmaus discusses the challenges of a new church plant in Ann Arbor and describes the Emmaus partnership with University Lutheran Chapel and St. Paul, Ann Arbor.

Show notes:

The vision of Emmaus Lutheran Church is create a community where people are seen, heard, and loved. Find out more about Emmaus Lutheran Church:

emmausannarbor.org

Emmaus is located at 420 W Liberty St Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Emmaus phone number: 810.990.7572

Follow Emmaus on Instagram: instagram.com/emmausannarbor/

Contact Rev. Chris Troxel: chris@emmausannarbor.org

Find out more about Rev. Troxel: emmausannarbor.org/leadership

Find out more about Working Genius by contacting Rev. Troxel

]]> Stewardship, Schools, and Baptisms https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/stewardship-schools-and-baptisms Rev. Doug Adams from St. Peter's, Eastpointe joins the podcast to talk about stewardship, the health of Lutheran schools, and the 20-plus baptisms recently performed at St. Peter's. Show Notes: Rev. Doug Adams has been serving congregations and schools in the Michigan District for the last 22 years. He graduated from Concordia University Ann Arbor and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Rev. Adams is one of 8 members of the Michigan Stewardship Committee. Find out more about St. Peter's Eastpointe at stpeterslutheranchurch.net Find out more about the Stewardship in the Michigan District www.michigandistrict.org/leadership-development/stewardship Check out the playlist for God’s Children are God’s Disciples youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj8v28O0X9LVduNyvIuoRL7kOzQeQILy5 Check out Michigan District stewardship resources www.michigandistrict.org/resources/topics/stewardship Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/stewardship-schools-and-baptisms Mon, 09 Sep 2024 07:00:04 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Doug Adams from St. Peter's, Eastpointe joins the podcast to talk about stewardship, the health of Lutheran schools, and the 20-plus baptisms recently performed at St. Peter's. Show Notes: Rev. Doug Adams has been serving congregations and schools in the Michigan District for the last 22 years. He graduated from Concordia University Ann Arbor and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Rev. Adams is one of 8 members of the Michigan Stewardship Committee. Find out more about St. Peter's Eastpointe at stpeterslutheranchurch.net Find out more about the Stewardship in the Michigan District www.michigandistrict.org/leadership-development/stewardship Check out the playlist for God’s Children are God’s Disciples youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj8v28O0X9LVduNyvIuoRL7kOzQeQILy5 Check out Michigan District stewardship resources www.michigandistrict.org/resources/topics/stewardship Rev. Doug Adams from St. Peter's, Eastpointe joins the podcast to talk about stewardship, the health of Lutheran schools, and the 20-plus baptisms recently performed at St. Peter's.

Show Notes:

Rev. Doug Adams has been serving congregations and schools in the Michigan District for the last 22 years. He graduated from Concordia University Ann Arbor and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Rev. Adams is one of 8 members of the Michigan Stewardship Committee.

Find out more about St. Peter's Eastpointe at stpeterslutheranchurch.net

Find out more about the Stewardship in the Michigan District www.michigandistrict.org/leadership-development/stewardship

Check out the playlist for God’s Children are God’s Disciples youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj8v28O0X9LVduNyvIuoRL7kOzQeQILy5

Check out Michigan District stewardship resources www.michigandistrict.org/resources/topics/stewardship

]]> Jr. High Gathering Recap and More https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/jr-high-gathering-and-more Luke Esselman joins the podcast to discuss the successes and challenges of a great week at the Junior High Gathering in Frankenmuth. Show Notes: Contact Luke Esselman luke.esselman@michigandistrict.org Check out the Michigan District events page to get updates on next year’s Junior High Gathering michigandistrict.org/events/ Watch the Junior High Gathering recap video youtu.be/QL7Gaohet7I Find out more about the Ministry Specialist Conference michigandistrict.org/events/ministry-specialist-conference/ youtu.be/K97Q_VrkTfA Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/jr-high-gathering-and-more Mon, 02 Sep 2024 07:00:02 GMT Podcast Episodes Luke Esselman joins the podcast to discuss the successes and challenges of a great week at the Junior High Gathering in Frankenmuth. Show Notes: Contact Luke Esselman luke.esselman@michigandistrict.org Check out the Michigan District events page to get updates on next year’s Junior High Gathering michigandistrict.org/events/ Watch the Junior High Gathering recap video youtu.be/QL7Gaohet7I Find out more about the Ministry Specialist Conference michigandistrict.org/events/ministry-specialist-conference/ youtu.be/K97Q_VrkTfA Luke Esselman joins the podcast to discuss the successes and challenges of a great week at the Junior High Gathering in Frankenmuth.

Show Notes:

Contact Luke Esselman

luke.esselman@michigandistrict.org

Check out the Michigan District events page to get updates on next year’s Junior High Gathering michigandistrict.org/events/

Watch the Junior High Gathering recap video youtu.be/QL7Gaohet7I

Find out more about the Ministry Specialist Conference

]]> Church Focus https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-focus Rev. Derek Riddle accepted a call to Trinity, Jackson a little over a year ago. He joins the podcast to talk about the process of getting to know his new congregation and the community where it is located, as well as the steps he and the congregation have taken to better focus on their ministry. Show notes: Find out more about Trinity, Jackson: tlmjackson.com To contact Rev. Riddle pastorjdriddle@tlsjackson.com To see the “This is Us” video series: facebook.com/trinityluthmin Find out more about FiveTwo ministries: fivetwo.com Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-focus Mon, 26 Aug 2024 07:00:24 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Derek Riddle accepted a call to Trinity, Jackson a little over a year ago. He joins the podcast to talk about the process of getting to know his new congregation and the community where it is located, as well as the steps he and the congregation have taken to better focus on their ministry. Show notes: Find out more about Trinity, Jackson: tlmjackson.com To contact Rev. Riddle pastorjdriddle@tlsjackson.com To see the “This is Us” video series: facebook.com/trinityluthmin Find out more about FiveTwo ministries: fivetwo.com Rev. Derek Riddle accepted a call to Trinity, Jackson a little over a year ago. He joins the podcast to talk about the process of getting to know his new congregation and the community where it is located, as well as the steps he and the congregation have taken to better focus on their ministry.

Show notes:

Find out more about Trinity, Jackson:

tlmjackson.com

To contact Rev. Riddle pastorjdriddle@tlsjackson.com

To see the “This is Us” video series: facebook.com/trinityluthmin

Find out more about FiveTwo ministries: fivetwo.com

]]> Church Partnerships - Part 6: Hub-and-Spoke Model https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-partnerships-part-6-hub-and-spoke-model Michigan District, LCMS Director of District Facilitators, Rev. Randy Johnson, joins the podcast to continue the discussion on church partnerships. Rev. Johnson talks about the hub-and-spoke model as a newer example of how church partnerships can work. This is part 6 of a series on partnering with other churches. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Show Notes: District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools. To get in touch with Rev. Randy Johnson: randy.johnson@michigandistrict.org Find out more about how District Facilitators can help: michigandistrict.org/facilitator/ Check out our resource page on partnerships: michigandistrict.org/resources/being-a-partner-church/ Resources from michigandistrict.org: Being a Partner Church in Ministry, by Dan Meckes 2024 North and East Pastors Conference videos (Sessions from the conference include: 1. The Landscape of Small and Midsize Churches Today; 2. Perils and Possibilities for Small Churches; 3. Perils and Possibilities for Midsize Churches; 4. Practices for a Post-Church Context) Books on Partnerships Better Together, by Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green Think Again, by Adam Grant Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-partnerships-part-6-hub-and-spoke-model Mon, 19 Aug 2024 07:00:42 GMT Podcast Episodes Michigan District, LCMS Director of District Facilitators, Rev. Randy Johnson, joins the podcast to continue the discussion on church partnerships. Rev. Johnson talks about the hub-and-spoke model as a newer example of how church partnerships can work. This is part 6 of a series on partnering with other churches. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Show Notes: District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools. To get in touch with Rev. Randy Johnson: randy.johnson@michigandistrict.org Find out more about how District Facilitators can help: michigandistrict.org/facilitator/ Check out our resource page on partnerships: michigandistrict.org/resources/being-a-partner-church/ Resources from michigandistrict.org: Being a Partner Church in Ministry, by Dan Meckes 2024 North and East Pastors Conference videos (Sessions from the conference include: 1. The Landscape of Small and Midsize Churches Today; 2. Perils and Possibilities for Small Churches; 3. Perils and Possibilities for Midsize Churches; 4. Practices for a Post-Church Context) Books on Partnerships Better Together, by Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green Think Again, by Adam Grant Michigan District, LCMS Director of District Facilitators, Rev. Randy Johnson, joins the podcast to continue the discussion on church partnerships. Rev. Johnson talks about the hub-and-spoke model as a newer example of how church partnerships can work.

This is part 6 of a series on partnering with other churches.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Show Notes:

District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools.

To get in touch with Rev. Randy Johnson: randy.johnson@michigandistrict.org

Find out more about how District Facilitators can help: michigandistrict.org/facilitator/

Check out our resource page on partnerships: michigandistrict.org/resources/being-a-partner-church/

Resources from michigandistrict.org:

Books on Partnerships

  • Better Together, by Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird
  • Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green
  • Think Again, by Adam Grant

]]> Church Partnerships - Part 5 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-partnerships-part-5 Rev. Trevor Sutton of St. Luke, Haslett and St. Luke, Christ Campus joins the podcast to talk about his experiences and the culture of St. Luke, Haslett as they seek to spread the Gospel through collaborating, breaking down silos, walking together, and taking the steps toward healthy church partnerships. This is part 5 of a series on partnering with other churches. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Show Notes: District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools. Find out more about how District Facilitators can help: michigandistrict.org/facilitator/ Contact Rev. Dan Meckes: Dan.Meckes@michigandistrict.org Find out more about St. Luke: knowingjesus.org Contact Rev. Trevor Sutton: pastortsutton@knowingjesus.org Find out more about Grace Lutheran: gracelutheranleslie.org Books on partnerships discussed in this series: Better Together, by Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green Think Again, by Adam Grant Resources from michigandistrict.org: Being a Partner Church in Ministry, by Dan Meckes 2024 North and East Pastors Conference videos (Sessions from the conference include: 1. The Landscape of Small and Midsize Churches Today; 2. Perils and Possibilities for Small Churches; 3. Perils and Possibilities for Midsize Churches; 4. Practices for a Post-Church Context) Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-partnerships-part-5 Mon, 12 Aug 2024 07:00:08 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Trevor Sutton of St. Luke, Haslett and St. Luke, Christ Campus joins the podcast to talk about his experiences and the culture of St. Luke, Haslett as they seek to spread the Gospel through collaborating, breaking down silos, walking together, and taking the steps toward healthy church partnerships. This is part 5 of a series on partnering with other churches. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Show Notes: District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools. Find out more about how District Facilitators can help: michigandistrict.org/facilitator/ Contact Rev. Dan Meckes: Dan.Meckes@michigandistrict.org Find out more about St. Luke: knowingjesus.org Contact Rev. Trevor Sutton: pastortsutton@knowingjesus.org Find out more about Grace Lutheran: gracelutheranleslie.org Books on partnerships discussed in this series: Better Together, by Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green Think Again, by Adam Grant Resources from michigandistrict.org: Being a Partner Church in Ministry, by Dan Meckes 2024 North and East Pastors Conference videos (Sessions from the conference include: 1. The Landscape of Small and Midsize Churches Today; 2. Perils and Possibilities for Small Churches; 3. Perils and Possibilities for Midsize Churches; 4. Practices for a Post-Church Context) Rev. Trevor Sutton of St. Luke, Haslett and St. Luke, Christ Campus joins the podcast to talk about his experiences and the culture of St. Luke, Haslett as they seek to spread the Gospel through collaborating, breaking down silos, walking together, and taking the steps toward healthy church partnerships.

This is part 5 of a series on partnering with other churches.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Show Notes:

District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools.

Find out more about how District Facilitators can help: michigandistrict.org/facilitator/

Contact Rev. Dan Meckes: Dan.Meckes@michigandistrict.org

Find out more about St. Luke: knowingjesus.org

Contact Rev. Trevor Sutton: pastortsutton@knowingjesus.org

Find out more about Grace Lutheran: gracelutheranleslie.org

Books on partnerships discussed in this series:

  • Better Together, by Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird
  • Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green
  • Think Again, by Adam Grant

Resources from michigandistrict.org:

]]> Church Partnerships - Part 4 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-partnerships-part-4 Rev. Tim Bollinger and Jim Jensen from Shepherd’s Gate Church in Shelby Twp. share their stories and insights on different types of collaboration between churches. This is part 4 of a series on partnering with other churches. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Show Notes: District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools. Find out more about how District Facilitators can help: michigandistrict.org/facilitator/ Contact Rev. Dan Meckes: Dan.Meckes@michigandistrict.org Find out more about Shepherd’s Gate: sgatechurch.org Contact Jim Jensen: jj@sgatechurch.org Books on partnerships discussed in this series: Better Together, by Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green Think Again, by Adam Grant Resources from michigandistrict.org: Being a Partner Church in Ministry, by Dan Meckes 2024 North and East Pastors Conference videos (Sessions from the conference include: 1. The Landscape of Small and Midsize Churches Today; 2. Perils and Possibilities for Small Churches; 3. Perils and Possibilities for Midsize Churches; 4. Practices for a Post-Church Context) Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-partnerships-part-4 Mon, 05 Aug 2024 07:00:19 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Tim Bollinger and Jim Jensen from Shepherd’s Gate Church in Shelby Twp. share their stories and insights on different types of collaboration between churches. This is part 4 of a series on partnering with other churches. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Show Notes: District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools. Find out more about how District Facilitators can help: michigandistrict.org/facilitator/ Contact Rev. Dan Meckes: Dan.Meckes@michigandistrict.org Find out more about Shepherd’s Gate: sgatechurch.org Contact Jim Jensen: jj@sgatechurch.org Books on partnerships discussed in this series: Better Together, by Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green Think Again, by Adam Grant Resources from michigandistrict.org: Being a Partner Church in Ministry, by Dan Meckes 2024 North and East Pastors Conference videos (Sessions from the conference include: 1. The Landscape of Small and Midsize Churches Today; 2. Perils and Possibilities for Small Churches; 3. Perils and Possibilities for Midsize Churches; 4. Practices for a Post-Church Context) Rev. Tim Bollinger and Jim Jensen from Shepherd’s Gate Church in Shelby Twp. share their stories and insights on different types of collaboration between churches. This is part 4 of a series on partnering with other churches.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Show Notes:

District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools.

Find out more about how District Facilitators can help: michigandistrict.org/facilitator/

Contact Rev. Dan Meckes: Dan.Meckes@michigandistrict.org

Find out more about Shepherd’s Gate: sgatechurch.org

Contact Jim Jensen: jj@sgatechurch.org

Books on partnerships discussed in this series:

  • Better Together, by Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird
  • Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green
  • Think Again, by Adam Grant

Resources from michigandistrict.org:

]]> Church Partnerships - Part 3 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-partnerships-part-3 Rev. Matt Schuler from Journey Lutheran Church in Oxford shares the stories of how vital partnerships have been to his church and encourages other churches in our District to work together for the good of the Kingdom. This is part 3 of a series on partnering with other churches. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Show Notes: District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools. Find out more about how District Facilitators can help: michigandistrict.org/facilitator/ Contact Rev. Dan Meckes: Dan.Meckes@michigandistrict.org Find out more about Journey Lutheran: journeylutheran.church Contact Rev. Matt Schuler: pastormatt@journeylutheran.church Books on partnerships discussed in this series: Better Together, by Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green Think Again, by Adam Grant Resources from michigandistrict.org: Being a Partner Church in Ministry, by Dan Meckes 2024 North and East Pastors Conference videos (Sessions from the conference include: 1. The Landscape of Small and Midsize Churches Today; 2. Perils and Possibilities for Small Churches; 3. Perils and Possibilities for Midsize Churches; 4. Practices for a Post-Church Context) Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-partnerships-part-3 Mon, 29 Jul 2024 07:00:44 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Matt Schuler from Journey Lutheran Church in Oxford shares the stories of how vital partnerships have been to his church and encourages other churches in our District to work together for the good of the Kingdom. This is part 3 of a series on partnering with other churches. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Show Notes: District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools. Find out more about how District Facilitators can help: michigandistrict.org/facilitator/ Contact Rev. Dan Meckes: Dan.Meckes@michigandistrict.org Find out more about Journey Lutheran: journeylutheran.church Contact Rev. Matt Schuler: pastormatt@journeylutheran.church Books on partnerships discussed in this series: Better Together, by Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green Think Again, by Adam Grant Resources from michigandistrict.org: Being a Partner Church in Ministry, by Dan Meckes 2024 North and East Pastors Conference videos (Sessions from the conference include: 1. The Landscape of Small and Midsize Churches Today; 2. Perils and Possibilities for Small Churches; 3. Perils and Possibilities for Midsize Churches; 4. Practices for a Post-Church Context) Rev. Matt Schuler from Journey Lutheran Church in Oxford shares the stories of how vital partnerships have been to his church and encourages other churches in our District to work together for the good of the Kingdom. This is part 3 of a series on partnering with other churches.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Show Notes:

District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools.

Find out more about how District Facilitators can help: michigandistrict.org/facilitator/

Contact Rev. Dan Meckes: Dan.Meckes@michigandistrict.org

Find out more about Journey Lutheran: journeylutheran.church

Contact Rev. Matt Schuler: pastormatt@journeylutheran.church

Books on partnerships discussed in this series:

  • Better Together, by Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird
  • Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green
  • Think Again, by Adam Grant

Resources from michigandistrict.org:

]]> Church Partnerships - Part 2 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-partnerships-part-2 Michigan District Facilitators Rev. Dan Meckes and Rev. John Greig join the podcast to talk about church partnerships as part 2 of a series on collaborating with other churches. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Show Notes: District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools. Find out more about how District Facilitators can help michigandistrict.org/facilitator/ Contact Rev. Dan Meckes Dan.Meckes@michigandistrict.org 2024 North and East Pastors Conference Videos youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj8v28O0X9LUzvHhAjKTNwJskCIpN9BYn Sessions from the conference include The Landscape of Small and Midsize Churches Today Perils and Possibilities for Small Churches Perils and Possibilities for Midsize Churches Practices for a Post-Church Context Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-partnerships-part-2 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 07:00:30 GMT Podcast Episodes Michigan District Facilitators Rev. Dan Meckes and Rev. John Greig join the podcast to talk about church partnerships as part 2 of a series on collaborating with other churches. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Show Notes: District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools. Find out more about how District Facilitators can help michigandistrict.org/facilitator/ Contact Rev. Dan Meckes Dan.Meckes@michigandistrict.org 2024 North and East Pastors Conference Videos youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj8v28O0X9LUzvHhAjKTNwJskCIpN9BYn Sessions from the conference include The Landscape of Small and Midsize Churches Today Perils and Possibilities for Small Churches Perils and Possibilities for Midsize Churches Practices for a Post-Church Context Michigan District Facilitators Rev. Dan Meckes and Rev. John Greig join the podcast to talk about church partnerships as part 2 of a series on collaborating with other churches.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Show Notes:

District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools.

Find out more about how District Facilitators can help michigandistrict.org/facilitator/

Contact Rev. Dan Meckes Dan.Meckes@michigandistrict.org

2024 North and East Pastors Conference Videos youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj8v28O0X9LUzvHhAjKTNwJskCIpN9BYn

Sessions from the conference include

  • The Landscape of Small and Midsize Churches Today
  • Perils and Possibilities for Small Churches
  • Perils and Possibilities for Midsize Churches
  • Practices for a Post-Church Context
]]> Church Life Cycle https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-life-cycle Michigan District Facilitators Rev. Dan Meckes and Rev. John Greig join the podcast to talk about the life cycle of a church. This is part of a series on partnering with other churches. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Show Notes: District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools. Find out more about how District Facilitators can help michigandistrict.org/facilitator/ Contact Rev. Dan Meckes: dan.meckes@michigandistrict.org 2024 North and East Pastors Conference Videos youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj8v28O0X9LUzvHhAjKTNwJskCIpN9BYn Sessions from the conference include The Landscape of Small and Midsize Churches Today Perils and Possibilities for Small Churches Perils and Possibilities for Midsize Churches Practices for a Post-Church Context Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-life-cycle Mon, 15 Jul 2024 07:00:00 GMT Podcast Episodes Michigan District Facilitators Rev. Dan Meckes and Rev. John Greig join the podcast to talk about the life cycle of a church. This is part of a series on partnering with other churches. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Show Notes: District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools. Find out more about how District Facilitators can help michigandistrict.org/facilitator/ Contact Rev. Dan Meckes: dan.meckes@michigandistrict.org 2024 North and East Pastors Conference Videos youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj8v28O0X9LUzvHhAjKTNwJskCIpN9BYn Sessions from the conference include The Landscape of Small and Midsize Churches Today Perils and Possibilities for Small Churches Perils and Possibilities for Midsize Churches Practices for a Post-Church Context Michigan District Facilitators Rev. Dan Meckes and Rev. John Greig join the podcast to talk about the life cycle of a church. This is part of a series on partnering with other churches.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Show Notes:

District Facilitators are experienced District staff members deployed to assist ministry staff and lay leaders in order to strengthen and support local churches and schools.

Find out more about how District Facilitators can help michigandistrict.org/facilitator/

Contact Rev. Dan Meckes: dan.meckes@michigandistrict.org

2024 North and East Pastors Conference Videos youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj8v28O0X9LUzvHhAjKTNwJskCIpN9BYn

Sessions from the conference include

  • The Landscape of Small and Midsize Churches Today
  • Perils and Possibilities for Small Churches
  • Perils and Possibilities for Midsize Churches
  • Practices for a Post-Church Context
]]> The Luke Clinic https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-luke-clinic-3 The Executive Director of The Luke Clinic, Penny Armbruster, joins the podcast to share the heartbreak and the success in the stories about the mothers and babies who receive their free healthcare in Detroit. Show Notes: For more information on The Luke Clinic - thelukeclinic.org and facebook.com/TheLukeClinic The Luke Clinic is a free life-affirming 501c3 non-profit charity dedicated to taking care of mothers, providing prenatal care, and infant care. The Luke Clinic is open in Detroit on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month 2 p.m.-6 p.m. The Luke Clinic address: 7354 Whitaker Street, Detroit, MI 48209 Contact The Luke Clinic (866) 458-5352 penny@thelukeclinic.org The latest video from The Luke Clinic - https://youtu.be/POH87nHSsRQ Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-luke-clinic-3 Mon, 08 Jul 2024 07:00:08 GMT Podcast Episodes The Executive Director of The Luke Clinic, Penny Armbruster, joins the podcast to share the heartbreak and the success in the stories about the mothers and babies who receive their free healthcare in Detroit. Show Notes: For more information on The Luke Clinic - thelukeclinic.org and facebook.com/TheLukeClinic The Luke Clinic is a free life-affirming 501c3 non-profit charity dedicated to taking care of mothers, providing prenatal care, and infant care. The Luke Clinic is open in Detroit on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month 2 p.m.-6 p.m. The Luke Clinic address: 7354 Whitaker Street, Detroit, MI 48209 Contact The Luke Clinic (866) 458-5352 penny@thelukeclinic.org The latest video from The Luke Clinic - https://youtu.be/POH87nHSsRQ The Executive Director of The Luke Clinic, Penny Armbruster, joins the podcast to share the heartbreak and the success in the stories about the mothers and babies who receive their free healthcare in Detroit.

Show Notes:

For more information on The Luke Clinic -

thelukeclinic.org

and

facebook.com/TheLukeClinic

The Luke Clinic is a free life-affirming 501c3 non-profit charity dedicated to taking care of mothers, providing prenatal care, and infant care.

The Luke Clinic is open in Detroit on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month 2 p.m.-6 p.m.

The Luke Clinic address: 7354 Whitaker Street, Detroit, MI 48209

Contact The Luke Clinic

The latest video from The Luke Clinic - https://youtu.be/POH87nHSsRQ

]]> Revive Fest https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/revive-fest Rev. David Grimm joins the podcast to share the stories and ways God is working at Revive Fest, a summer of music and worship at the En Gedi Campground in Leonidas, Mich. Show Notes: Revive Fest (formerly En Gedi Music Fest) is a Christian event featuring a variety of nationally known contemporary music artists. ​The atmosphere of this festival is perfect for families, groups, and individuals. For more information on Revive Fest: myrevivefest.com Headliners this year include Tauren Wells and Danny Gokey. Revive Fest is July 26-28 at En Gedi Resort, 30321 Covey Road, Leonidas, MI 49066 Get tickets - myrevivefest.ticketspice.com/revive-fest2024?t=REVIVE For camping - myrevivefest.com/camping-1 Revive Fest will host a number of outdoor activities including rock climbing and much more. Alpha Building Center of Nottawa is hosting a craft tent with projects for kids. For more information on Creator’s Praise Ministires - creatorspraiseministries.org Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/revive-fest Mon, 01 Jul 2024 07:00:05 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. David Grimm joins the podcast to share the stories and ways God is working at Revive Fest, a summer of music and worship at the En Gedi Campground in Leonidas, Mich. Show Notes: Revive Fest (formerly En Gedi Music Fest) is a Christian event featuring a variety of nationally known contemporary music artists. ​The atmosphere of this festival is perfect for families, groups, and individuals. For more information on Revive Fest: myrevivefest.com Headliners this year include Tauren Wells and Danny Gokey. Revive Fest is July 26-28 at En Gedi Resort, 30321 Covey Road, Leonidas, MI 49066 Get tickets - myrevivefest.ticketspice.com/revive-fest2024?t=REVIVE For camping - myrevivefest.com/camping-1 Revive Fest will host a number of outdoor activities including rock climbing and much more. Alpha Building Center of Nottawa is hosting a craft tent with projects for kids. For more information on Creator’s Praise Ministires - creatorspraiseministries.org Rev. David Grimm joins the podcast to share the stories and ways God is working at Revive Fest, a summer of music and worship at the En Gedi Campground in Leonidas, Mich.

Show Notes:

Revive Fest (formerly En Gedi Music Fest) is a Christian event featuring a variety of nationally known contemporary music artists. ​The atmosphere of this festival is perfect for families, groups, and individuals.

For more information on Revive Fest: myrevivefest.com

Headliners this year include Tauren Wells and Danny Gokey.

Revive Fest is July 26-28 at En Gedi Resort, 30321 Covey Road, Leonidas, MI 49066

Get tickets - myrevivefest.ticketspice.com/revive-fest2024?t=REVIVE

For camping - myrevivefest.com/camping-1

Revive Fest will host a number of outdoor activities including rock climbing and much more.

Alpha Building Center of Nottawa is hosting a craft tent with projects for kids.

For more information on Creator’s Praise Ministires - creatorspraiseministries.org

]]> Lutheran Adult Gathering https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/lutheran-adult-gathering Rev. Bill Wangelin and his wife Kristin join the podcast to talk about how God is working at the Lutheran Adult Gathering on Mackinac Island. They also share some amazing stories on COFA, another ministry that is close to their heart. Show Notes: The Lutheran Adult Gathering takes place October 11-13, 2024 on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel Find out more about the Lutheran Adult Gathering - michigandistrict.org/event/lutheran-adult-gathering-2024/ Frequently asked questions about the Luthearn Adult Gathering: michigandistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/LAG2024_FAQs.pdf Register today: michigandistrict.org/lutheran-adult-gathering-registration/ COFA stands for Christian Outreach for Africa Find our more about COFA at africaoutreach.org Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/lutheran-adult-gathering Mon, 24 Jun 2024 07:00:48 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Bill Wangelin and his wife Kristin join the podcast to talk about how God is working at the Lutheran Adult Gathering on Mackinac Island. They also share some amazing stories on COFA, another ministry that is close to their heart. Show Notes: The Lutheran Adult Gathering takes place October 11-13, 2024 on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel Find out more about the Lutheran Adult Gathering - michigandistrict.org/event/lutheran-adult-gathering-2024/ Frequently asked questions about the Luthearn Adult Gathering: michigandistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/LAG2024_FAQs.pdf Register today: michigandistrict.org/lutheran-adult-gathering-registration/ COFA stands for Christian Outreach for Africa Find our more about COFA at africaoutreach.org Rev. Bill Wangelin and his wife Kristin join the podcast to talk about how God is working at the Lutheran Adult Gathering on Mackinac Island. They also share some amazing stories on COFA, another ministry that is close to their heart.

Show Notes:

The Lutheran Adult Gathering takes place October 11-13, 2024 on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel

Find out more about the Lutheran Adult Gathering - michigandistrict.org/event/lutheran-adult-gathering-2024/

Frequently asked questions about the Luthearn Adult Gathering: michigandistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/LAG2024_FAQs.pdf

Register today: michigandistrict.org/lutheran-adult-gathering-registration/

COFA stands for Christian Outreach for Africa

Find our more about COFA at africaoutreach.org

]]> Franklin Avenue Mission (FAM) https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/franklin-avenue-mission-fam Despite chaos, including a recent shooting and string of house fires, Franklin Avenue Mission (FAM) continues to bring God's hope to the Flint community. Brian Baughman, the Executive Director of FAM, joins the podcast to share how they do it. Show Notes: Franklin Avenue Mission - franklinavenuemission.org To contact Franklin Avenue Mission - contact@flintmissionnetwork.org or call 810.285.9598 FAM provides dinners to the Flint neighborhood on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Summer Bible study for kids is available on Mondays and Tuesdays.\ Franklin Avenue Mission JAM: June 29, 3-7 p.m. - Free event at Franklin Avenue Mission, 2210 N. Franklin Avenue, Flint, MI48506 FAM is always looking for volunteers and partner churches - franklinavemission.org/volunteer/ Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/franklin-avenue-mission-fam Mon, 17 Jun 2024 07:00:52 GMT Podcast Episodes Despite chaos, including a recent shooting and string of house fires, Franklin Avenue Mission (FAM) continues to bring God's hope to the Flint community. Brian Baughman, the Executive Director of FAM, joins the podcast to share how they do it. Show Notes: Franklin Avenue Mission - franklinavenuemission.org To contact Franklin Avenue Mission - contact@flintmissionnetwork.org or call 810.285.9598 FAM provides dinners to the Flint neighborhood on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Summer Bible study for kids is available on Mondays and Tuesdays.\ Franklin Avenue Mission JAM: June 29, 3-7 p.m. - Free event at Franklin Avenue Mission, 2210 N. Franklin Avenue, Flint, MI48506 FAM is always looking for volunteers and partner churches - franklinavemission.org/volunteer/ Despite chaos, including a recent shooting and string of house fires, Franklin Avenue Mission (FAM) continues to bring God's hope to the Flint community. Brian Baughman, the Executive Director of FAM, joins the podcast to share how they do it.

Show Notes:

Franklin Avenue Mission -

franklinavenuemission.org

To contact Franklin Avenue Mission - contact@flintmissionnetwork.org or call 810.285.9598

FAM provides dinners to the Flint neighborhood on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Summer Bible study for kids is available on Mondays and Tuesdays.\

Franklin Avenue Mission JAM: June 29, 3-7 p.m. - Free event at Franklin Avenue Mission, 2210 N. Franklin Avenue, Flint, MI48506

FAM is always looking for volunteers and partner churches - franklinavemission.org/volunteer/

]]> Mission Partners Platform: Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mission-partners-platform-rev-dr-david-p-e-maier Rev. Dr. David P.E. Maier joins the podcast to talk about a new ministry he’s involved in, called Mission Partners Platform and its support toward the Prayer and Praise Gatherings for Concordia University Ann Arbor this week. He also shares his thoughts regarding CUAA. Show Notes: Mission Partners Platform - missionpartnersplatform.com Concordia Market - concordiamarket.com God Works - www.godworks.com Prayer and Praise Gatherings for CUAA Battle Creek | June 5 (4-8 p.m.) | stmark.net/ Livestream: youtube.com/live/ULB6n25DoSA?feature=share Ann Arbor | June 6 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) | www.ulcannarbor.org/ Livestream: youtube.com/live/Yk8Ajmt8cqI?feature=share Grand Blanc | June 6 (1-4 p.m.) | faithgb.org/ Livestream: www.youtube.com/@FaithGB For more information on the Prayer and Praise Gatherings for CUAA - michigandistrict.org/enewsevents/ To pledge support for CUAA - michigandistrict.org/pledge-support-for-concordia-university-ann-arbor/ Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mission-partners-platform-rev-dr-david-p-e-maier Mon, 03 Jun 2024 07:00:37 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. David P.E. Maier joins the podcast to talk about a new ministry he’s involved in, called Mission Partners Platform and its support toward the Prayer and Praise Gatherings for Concordia University Ann Arbor this week. He also shares his thoughts regarding CUAA. Show Notes: Mission Partners Platform - missionpartnersplatform.com Concordia Market - concordiamarket.com God Works - www.godworks.com Prayer and Praise Gatherings for CUAA Battle Creek | June 5 (4-8 p.m.) | stmark.net/ Livestream: youtube.com/live/ULB6n25DoSA?feature=share Ann Arbor | June 6 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) | www.ulcannarbor.org/ Livestream: youtube.com/live/Yk8Ajmt8cqI?feature=share Grand Blanc | June 6 (1-4 p.m.) | faithgb.org/ Livestream: www.youtube.com/@FaithGB For more information on the Prayer and Praise Gatherings for CUAA - michigandistrict.org/enewsevents/ To pledge support for CUAA - michigandistrict.org/pledge-support-for-concordia-university-ann-arbor/ Rev. Dr. David P.E. Maier joins the podcast to talk about a new ministry he’s involved in, called Mission Partners Platform and its support toward the Prayer and Praise Gatherings for Concordia University Ann Arbor this week. He also shares his thoughts regarding CUAA.

Show Notes:

Mission Partners Platform - missionpartnersplatform.com

Concordia Market - concordiamarket.com

God Works - www.godworks.com

Prayer and Praise Gatherings for CUAA Battle Creek | June 5 (4-8 p.m.) | stmark.net/ Livestream: youtube.com/live/ULB6n25DoSA?feature=share

Ann Arbor | June 6 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) | www.ulcannarbor.org/ Livestream: youtube.com/live/Yk8Ajmt8cqI?feature=share

Grand Blanc | June 6 (1-4 p.m.) | faithgb.org/ Livestream: www.youtube.com/@FaithGB

For more information on the Prayer and Praise Gatherings for CUAA - michigandistrict.org/enewsevents/

To pledge support for CUAA - michigandistrict.org/pledge-support-for-concordia-university-ann-arbor/

]]> Campus Connect https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/campus-connect Rev. Bryan Schindel from Cross and Resurrection on the campus of Eastern Michigan University joins the podcast. He talks about the importance of bringing college students to Christ at the universities around the state. Show Notes: Find out more about Campus Connect michigandistrict.org/campusconnect/ Website for Cross and Resurrection at Eastern Michigan crossandres.org/ To reach Rev. Bryan Schindel pastor@crossandres.org For a list of active campus ministries in Michigan michigandistrict.org/ministries/specialized-ministries/campus-ministry/ Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/campus-connect Mon, 20 May 2024 07:00:36 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Bryan Schindel from Cross and Resurrection on the campus of Eastern Michigan University joins the podcast. He talks about the importance of bringing college students to Christ at the universities around the state. Show Notes: Find out more about Campus Connect michigandistrict.org/campusconnect/ Website for Cross and Resurrection at Eastern Michigan crossandres.org/ To reach Rev. Bryan Schindel pastor@crossandres.org For a list of active campus ministries in Michigan michigandistrict.org/ministries/specialized-ministries/campus-ministry/ Rev. Bryan Schindel from Cross and Resurrection on the campus of Eastern Michigan University joins the podcast. He talks about the importance of bringing college students to Christ at the universities around the state.

Show Notes:

Find out more about Campus Connect

michigandistrict.org/campusconnect/

Website for Cross and Resurrection at Eastern Michigan crossandres.org/

To reach Rev. Bryan Schindel pastor@crossandres.org

For a list of active campus ministries in Michigan michigandistrict.org/ministries/specialized-ministries/campus-ministry/

]]> Set Apart to Serve - Part 3 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/set-apart-to-serve-part-3 Rev. Dr. Charles Schulz and CUAA student Justin Goodrich discuss how and why they got started in ministry and share advice and encouragement to others interested in taking the step. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Show Notes: Find out more about Set Apart to Serve www.lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve Find out more about Concordia Seminary in St. Louis www.csl.edu Find out more about Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne www.ctsfw.edu Find out more about Concordia University Ann Arbor www.cuaa.edu Get in touch with Rev. Dr. Kasper at email The Junior High Gathering takes place in Frankenmuth July 30-August 1. Find out more about the Junior High Gathering michigandistrict.org/event/junior-high-youth-gathering-2024/ Trinity Time is a CUAA-sponsored retreat for high school students and recent graduates (ages 15-18) who are interested in exploring the possibility of a calling into church work. Trinity Time takes place at Concordia University Ann Arbor on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 12:45 PM until Monday, July 22, 2024 at 5:00 PM. Find out more about Trinity Time apply.cuw.edu/register/?id=5c3f7571-c758-43df-809d-c9b3184e19d3&site=cuaa You can find the Suffering Servants podcast: sufferingservants.buzzsprout.com Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/set-apart-to-serve-part-3 Mon, 13 May 2024 07:00:39 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Charles Schulz and CUAA student Justin Goodrich discuss how and why they got started in ministry and share advice and encouragement to others interested in taking the step. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Show Notes: Find out more about Set Apart to Serve www.lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve Find out more about Concordia Seminary in St. Louis www.csl.edu Find out more about Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne www.ctsfw.edu Find out more about Concordia University Ann Arbor www.cuaa.edu Get in touch with Rev. Dr. Kasper at email The Junior High Gathering takes place in Frankenmuth July 30-August 1. Find out more about the Junior High Gathering michigandistrict.org/event/junior-high-youth-gathering-2024/ Trinity Time is a CUAA-sponsored retreat for high school students and recent graduates (ages 15-18) who are interested in exploring the possibility of a calling into church work. Trinity Time takes place at Concordia University Ann Arbor on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 12:45 PM until Monday, July 22, 2024 at 5:00 PM. Find out more about Trinity Time apply.cuw.edu/register/?id=5c3f7571-c758-43df-809d-c9b3184e19d3&site=cuaa You can find the Suffering Servants podcast: sufferingservants.buzzsprout.com Rev. Dr. Charles Schulz and CUAA student Justin Goodrich discuss how and why they got started in ministry and share advice and encouragement to others interested in taking the step.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Show Notes:

Find out more about Set Apart to Serve

www.lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

Find out more about Concordia Seminary in St. Louis www.csl.edu

Find out more about Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne www.ctsfw.edu

Find out more about Concordia University Ann Arbor www.cuaa.edu

Get in touch with Rev. Dr. Kasper at email

The Junior High Gathering takes place in Frankenmuth July 30-August 1.

Find out more about the Junior High Gathering michigandistrict.org/event/junior-high-youth-gathering-2024/

Trinity Time is a CUAA-sponsored retreat for high school students and recent graduates (ages 15-18) who are interested in exploring the possibility of a calling into church work.

Trinity Time takes place at Concordia University Ann Arbor on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 12:45 PM until Monday, July 22, 2024 at 5:00 PM.

Find out more about Trinity Time apply.cuw.edu/register/?id=5c3f7571-c758-43df-809d-c9b3184e19d3&site=cuaa

You can find the Suffering Servants podcast: sufferingservants.buzzsprout.com

]]> Mental Health Awareness Month https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mental-health-awareness-month May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Deaconess Christie Hansard joins the podcast to discuss how we can identify and cope with stress. She also shares important resources on the topic. Show Notes: Find out more about help available for church workers and families at michigandistrict.org/churches/church-worker-care/mental-health-case-manager/ . Contact Deaconess Christie Hansard Concordia Plan Services has resources available at www.concordiaplans.org Concordia Publishing House - www.cph.org Resource Books available on Stress Grace Under Pressure www.cph.org/grace-under-pressure-responding-faithfully-to-stress Martin Luther on Mental Health www.cph.org/martin-luther-on-mental-health-practical-advice-for-christians-today Emotions in the Gospel www.cph.org/emotions-the-gospel-created-for-connection Vantage Point www.amazon.com/Vantage-Point-View-Rest-Rhythm-ebook/dp/B0791XPY2Q The Gift of Empathy www.stephenministries.org/giftofempathy/default.cfm/1802 Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mental-health-awareness-month Mon, 29 Apr 2024 10:11:26 GMT Podcast Episodes May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Deaconess Christie Hansard joins the podcast to discuss how we can identify and cope with stress. She also shares important resources on the topic. Show Notes: Find out more about help available for church workers and families at michigandistrict.org/churches/church-worker-care/mental-health-case-manager/ . Contact Deaconess Christie Hansard Concordia Plan Services has resources available at www.concordiaplans.org Concordia Publishing House - www.cph.org Resource Books available on Stress Grace Under Pressure www.cph.org/grace-under-pressure-responding-faithfully-to-stress Martin Luther on Mental Health www.cph.org/martin-luther-on-mental-health-practical-advice-for-christians-today Emotions in the Gospel www.cph.org/emotions-the-gospel-created-for-connection Vantage Point www.amazon.com/Vantage-Point-View-Rest-Rhythm-ebook/dp/B0791XPY2Q The Gift of Empathy www.stephenministries.org/giftofempathy/default.cfm/1802 May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Deaconess Christie Hansard joins the podcast to discuss how we can identify and cope with stress. She also shares important resources on the topic.

Show Notes:

Find out more about help available for church workers and families at

michigandistrict.org/churches/church-worker-care/mental-health-case-manager/

.

Contact Deaconess Christie Hansard

Concordia Plan Services has resources available at www.concordiaplans.org

Concordia Publishing House - www.cph.org

Resource Books available on Stress

]]> Set Apart to Serve - Part 2 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/set-apart-to-serve-part-2 Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper sits down with three women who are spiritual influencers in the Michigan District and who work to raise awareness for full-time church work. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Show Notes: Find out more about Set Apart to Serve: www.lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve Get in touch with Rev. Dr. Kasper at robert.kasper@michigandistrict.org The Junior High Youth Gathering takes place in Frankenmuth July 30-August 1. Find out more about the Junior High Youth Gathering: www.michigandistrict.org/event/junior-high-youth-gathering-2024/ ​Camp Concordia exists to provide opportunities for children, youth, and their families to encounter Christ in the midst of God's creation: enriching body and soul and resulting in strong missional skills and actions. For more information on Camp Concordia: www.campconcordia.org Trinity Time is a CUAA-sponsored retreat for high school students and recent graduates (ages 15-18) who are interested in exploring the possibility of a calling into church work. For more information visit www.cuaa.edu/trinitytime Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/set-apart-to-serve-part-2 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 07:00:19 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper sits down with three women who are spiritual influencers in the Michigan District and who work to raise awareness for full-time church work. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Show Notes: Find out more about Set Apart to Serve: www.lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve Get in touch with Rev. Dr. Kasper at robert.kasper@michigandistrict.org The Junior High Youth Gathering takes place in Frankenmuth July 30-August 1. Find out more about the Junior High Youth Gathering: www.michigandistrict.org/event/junior-high-youth-gathering-2024/ ​Camp Concordia exists to provide opportunities for children, youth, and their families to encounter Christ in the midst of God's creation: enriching body and soul and resulting in strong missional skills and actions. For more information on Camp Concordia: www.campconcordia.org Trinity Time is a CUAA-sponsored retreat for high school students and recent graduates (ages 15-18) who are interested in exploring the possibility of a calling into church work. For more information visit www.cuaa.edu/trinitytime Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper sits down with three women who are spiritual influencers in the Michigan District and who work to raise awareness for full-time church work.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Show Notes:

Find out more about Set Apart to Serve:

www.lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

Get in touch with Rev. Dr. Kasper at robert.kasper@michigandistrict.org

The Junior High Youth Gathering takes place in Frankenmuth July 30-August 1.

Find out more about the Junior High Youth Gathering: www.michigandistrict.org/event/junior-high-youth-gathering-2024/

​Camp Concordia exists to provide opportunities for children, youth, and their families to encounter Christ in the midst of God's creation: enriching body and soul and resulting in strong missional skills and actions.

For more information on Camp Concordia: www.campconcordia.org

Trinity Time is a CUAA-sponsored retreat for high school students and recent graduates (ages 15-18) who are interested in exploring the possibility of a calling into church work. For more information visit www.cuaa.edu/trinitytime

]]> Set Apart to Serve - Part 1 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/set-apart-to-serve Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper leads a discussion with Carole Koke and Joel Zander (Faith, Grand Blanc) on the importance of raising up full-time church workers with the youth in our district. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Show Notes: Find out more about Set Apart to Serve https://www.lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve Get in touch with Rev. Dr. Kasper at robert.kasper@michigandistrict.org The Junior High Gathering takes place in Frankenmuth July 30-August 1. Find out more about the Junior High Gathering https://michigandistrict.org/event/junior-high-youth-gathering-2024/ Trinity Time is a CUAA sponsored retreat for high school students and recent graduates (ages 15-18) who are interested in exploring the possibility of a calling into church work. Trinity Time takes place at Concordia University Ann Arbor Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 12:45 p.m. until Monday, July 22, at 5 p.m. Find out more about Trinity Time https://apply.cuw.edu/register/?id=5c3f7571-c758-43df-809d-c9b3184e19d3&site=cuaa Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/set-apart-to-serve Mon, 15 Apr 2024 07:00:55 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper leads a discussion with Carole Koke and Joel Zander (Faith, Grand Blanc) on the importance of raising up full-time church workers with the youth in our district. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Show Notes: Find out more about Set Apart to Serve https://www.lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve Get in touch with Rev. Dr. Kasper at robert.kasper@michigandistrict.org The Junior High Gathering takes place in Frankenmuth July 30-August 1. Find out more about the Junior High Gathering https://michigandistrict.org/event/junior-high-youth-gathering-2024/ Trinity Time is a CUAA sponsored retreat for high school students and recent graduates (ages 15-18) who are interested in exploring the possibility of a calling into church work. Trinity Time takes place at Concordia University Ann Arbor Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 12:45 p.m. until Monday, July 22, at 5 p.m. Find out more about Trinity Time https://apply.cuw.edu/register/?id=5c3f7571-c758-43df-809d-c9b3184e19d3&site=cuaa Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper leads a discussion with Carole Koke and Joel Zander (Faith, Grand Blanc) on the importance of raising up full-time church workers with the youth in our district.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Show Notes:

Find out more about Set Apart to Serve

https://www.lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

Get in touch with Rev. Dr. Kasper at robert.kasper@michigandistrict.org

The Junior High Gathering takes place in Frankenmuth July 30-August 1.

Find out more about the Junior High Gathering https://michigandistrict.org/event/junior-high-youth-gathering-2024/

Trinity Time is a CUAA sponsored retreat for high school students and recent graduates (ages 15-18) who are interested in exploring the possibility of a calling into church work.

Trinity Time takes place at Concordia University Ann Arbor Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 12:45 p.m. until Monday, July 22, at 5 p.m.

Find out more about Trinity Time https://apply.cuw.edu/register/?id=5c3f7571-c758-43df-809d-c9b3184e19d3&site=cuaa

]]> The Professional Church Worker https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-professional-church-worker Jeff Heisner is joined by professional church workers Luke Esselman and Tyler Seehafer. They discuss their new vlog, which will target the needs of professional church workers throughout the Michigan District. Show Notes: The purpose of the vlog The Professional Church Worker is to provide encouragement, resources, support, direction, and maybe a little entertainment for all those working or volunteering in the 2nd chair ministries in the Church. Click here to access the playlist. Tyler Seehafer is currently working at St. Paul, Ann Arbor, and has been serving in the LCMS for 12 years. He has served with 3 congregations as well as MOST Ministries. Luke Esselman has served as a DCE at Grace, Coopersville for 15 years and for a total of 21 years in LCMS education. Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-professional-church-worker Mon, 08 Apr 2024 07:00:13 GMT Podcast Episodes Jeff Heisner is joined by professional church workers Luke Esselman and Tyler Seehafer. They discuss their new vlog, which will target the needs of professional church workers throughout the Michigan District. Show Notes: The purpose of the vlog The Professional Church Worker is to provide encouragement, resources, support, direction, and maybe a little entertainment for all those working or volunteering in the 2nd chair ministries in the Church. Click here to access the playlist. Tyler Seehafer is currently working at St. Paul, Ann Arbor, and has been serving in the LCMS for 12 years. He has served with 3 congregations as well as MOST Ministries. Luke Esselman has served as a DCE at Grace, Coopersville for 15 years and for a total of 21 years in LCMS education. Jeff Heisner is joined by professional church workers Luke Esselman and Tyler Seehafer. They discuss their new vlog, which will target the needs of professional church workers throughout the Michigan District.

Show Notes:

The purpose of the vlog

The Professional Church Worker

is to provide encouragement, resources, support, direction, and maybe a little entertainment for all those working or volunteering in the 2nd chair ministries in the Church.

Click here

to access the playlist.

Tyler Seehafer is currently working at St. Paul, Ann Arbor, and has been serving in the LCMS for 12 years. He has served with 3 congregations as well as MOST Ministries.

Luke Esselman has served as a DCE at Grace, Coopersville for 15 years and for a total of 21 years in LCMS education.

]]> Connecting with Young Adults https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/connecting-with-young-adults Rev. Dan Howard from Hope, Warren sits down with Jeff Heisner to talk about a thriving young adult ministry and how they’ve engaged with a demographic group the church has struggled to reach. Show Notes Young Adult Game Nights happen at Hope, Warren the 4th Friday of every month Hope Warren - www.hopewarren.com Find out more about Rev. Dan Howard - www.hopewarren.com/people/dan-howard/ Contact Rev. Howard – pastordan@hopewarren.com Barna study on young adults - www.barna.com/research/young-adults-goals/ Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/connecting-with-young-adults Mon, 01 Apr 2024 09:58:54 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dan Howard from Hope, Warren sits down with Jeff Heisner to talk about a thriving young adult ministry and how they’ve engaged with a demographic group the church has struggled to reach. Show Notes Young Adult Game Nights happen at Hope, Warren the 4th Friday of every month Hope Warren - www.hopewarren.com Find out more about Rev. Dan Howard - www.hopewarren.com/people/dan-howard/ Contact Rev. Howard – pastordan@hopewarren.com Barna study on young adults - www.barna.com/research/young-adults-goals/ Rev. Dan Howard from Hope, Warren sits down with Jeff Heisner to talk about a thriving young adult ministry and how they’ve engaged with a demographic group the church has struggled to reach.

Show Notes

Young Adult Game Nights happen at Hope, Warren the 4th Friday of every month

Hope Warren - www.hopewarren.com

Find out more about Rev. Dan Howard - www.hopewarren.com/people/dan-howard/

Contact Rev. Howard – pastordan@hopewarren.com

Barna study on young adults - www.barna.com/research/young-adults-goals/

]]> LHF - Spreading the Good News Around the World https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/lhf-spreading-the-good-news-around-the-world Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise joins the podcast to share some amazing stories of how the Lutheran Heritage Foundation is spreading the Word of God. Some of those stories include missionaries working in extreme and life-threatening situations. Show Notes: Lutheran Heritage Foundation gives books of the Lutheran faith to people around the world in their own languages. Find out more about the Lutheran Heritage Foundation lhfmissions.org Contact the LHF at info@lhfmissions.org or 800.554.0723 Lutheran Heritage Foundation is located at 51474 Romeo Plank, Macomb, MI 48042 Ways to Support the LHF Mission lhfmissions.org/support__trashed/10-ways-to-support-the-lhf-mission/ LHF blog about Somali translator, Rev. Mohamed Gurhan lhfmissions.org/lhf-translator-forced-to-flee/ Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/lhf-spreading-the-good-news-around-the-world Mon, 11 Mar 2024 07:00:42 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise joins the podcast to share some amazing stories of how the Lutheran Heritage Foundation is spreading the Word of God. Some of those stories include missionaries working in extreme and life-threatening situations. Show Notes: Lutheran Heritage Foundation gives books of the Lutheran faith to people around the world in their own languages. Find out more about the Lutheran Heritage Foundation lhfmissions.org Contact the LHF at info@lhfmissions.org or 800.554.0723 Lutheran Heritage Foundation is located at 51474 Romeo Plank, Macomb, MI 48042 Ways to Support the LHF Mission lhfmissions.org/support__trashed/10-ways-to-support-the-lhf-mission/ LHF blog about Somali translator, Rev. Mohamed Gurhan lhfmissions.org/lhf-translator-forced-to-flee/ Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise joins the podcast to share some amazing stories of how the Lutheran Heritage Foundation is spreading the Word of God. Some of those stories include missionaries working in extreme and life-threatening situations.

Show Notes:

Lutheran Heritage Foundation gives books of the Lutheran faith to people around the world in their own languages.

Find out more about the Lutheran Heritage Foundation lhfmissions.org

Contact the LHF at info@lhfmissions.org or 800.554.0723

Lutheran Heritage Foundation is located at 51474 Romeo Plank, Macomb, MI 48042

Ways to Support the LHF Mission lhfmissions.org/support__trashed/10-ways-to-support-the-lhf-mission/

LHF blog about Somali translator, Rev. Mohamed Gurhan lhfmissions.org/lhf-translator-forced-to-flee/

]]> Second Season Shepherds - Part 2 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/second-season-shepherds-part-2 Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Director of Leadership Development for the Michigan District, LCMS leads a discussion with Rev. Bryce Roche and Rev. David McCarty about alternate routes to becoming a pastor. They discuss what led them to become pastors after years in different professions. Part 1 | Part 2 Show Notes: Find out more about the seminary: https://www.csl.edu https://www.ctsfw.edu Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper michigandistrict.org/people/rev-dr-robert-e-kasper/ Find out more information on the routes to becoming an ordained pastor michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/become-an-ordained-pastor/ The Specific Ministry Pastor Program is a four-year distance education program that prepares men for pastoral ministry in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To find out more information regarding this program please visit: Concordia Seminary – St. Louis Concordia Theological Seminary – Ft. Wayne Find out more about the Michigan School for Missional Formation Program michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/lay-leadership-training/ Explore available financial aid options michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/financial-aid/ Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/second-season-shepherds-part-2 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 07:00:56 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Director of Leadership Development for the Michigan District, LCMS leads a discussion with Rev. Bryce Roche and Rev. David McCarty about alternate routes to becoming a pastor. They discuss what led them to become pastors after years in different professions. Part 1 | Part 2 Show Notes: Find out more about the seminary: https://www.csl.edu https://www.ctsfw.edu Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper michigandistrict.org/people/rev-dr-robert-e-kasper/ Find out more information on the routes to becoming an ordained pastor michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/become-an-ordained-pastor/ The Specific Ministry Pastor Program is a four-year distance education program that prepares men for pastoral ministry in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To find out more information regarding this program please visit: Concordia Seminary – St. Louis Concordia Theological Seminary – Ft. Wayne Find out more about the Michigan School for Missional Formation Program michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/lay-leadership-training/ Explore available financial aid options michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/financial-aid/ Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Director of Leadership Development for the Michigan District, LCMS leads a discussion with Rev. Bryce Roche and Rev. David McCarty about alternate routes to becoming a pastor. They discuss what led them to become pastors after years in different professions.

Part 1 | Part 2

Show Notes:

Find out more about the seminary:

Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper michigandistrict.org/people/rev-dr-robert-e-kasper/

Find out more information on the routes to becoming an ordained pastor michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/become-an-ordained-pastor/

The Specific Ministry Pastor Program is a four-year distance education program that prepares men for pastoral ministry in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

To find out more information regarding this program please visit:

Find out more about the Michigan School for Missional Formation Program michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/lay-leadership-training/

Explore available financial aid options michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/financial-aid/

]]> Second Season Shepherds Part 1 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/second-season-shepherds-part-1 Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Leadership Development, leads a discussion with Rev. Bob Scott and Rev. Steve Woodfin on alternate routes to becoming a pastor. They discuss how congregations identify and support people who might be candidates for the SMP program. Show Notes: Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper - michigandistrict.org/people/rev-dr-robert-e-kasper/ Find out more information on the routes to becoming an ordained pastor michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/become-an-ordained-pastor/ The Specific Ministry Pastor Program is a four-year distance education program that prepares men for pastoral ministry in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To find out more information regarding this program please visit: Concordia Seminary – St. Louis Concordia Theological Seminary – Ft. Wayne Find out more about the Michigan School of Missional Formation michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/lay-leadership-training/ Explore available financial aid options michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/financial-aid/ Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/second-season-shepherds-part-1 Mon, 26 Feb 2024 07:00:52 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Leadership Development, leads a discussion with Rev. Bob Scott and Rev. Steve Woodfin on alternate routes to becoming a pastor. They discuss how congregations identify and support people who might be candidates for the SMP program. Show Notes: Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper - michigandistrict.org/people/rev-dr-robert-e-kasper/ Find out more information on the routes to becoming an ordained pastor michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/become-an-ordained-pastor/ The Specific Ministry Pastor Program is a four-year distance education program that prepares men for pastoral ministry in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To find out more information regarding this program please visit: Concordia Seminary – St. Louis Concordia Theological Seminary – Ft. Wayne Find out more about the Michigan School of Missional Formation michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/lay-leadership-training/ Explore available financial aid options michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/financial-aid/ Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Leadership Development, leads a discussion with Rev. Bob Scott and Rev. Steve Woodfin on alternate routes to becoming a pastor. They discuss how congregations identify and support people who might be candidates for the SMP program.

Show Notes:

Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper -

michigandistrict.org/people/rev-dr-robert-e-kasper/

Find out more information on the routes to becoming an ordained pastor michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/become-an-ordained-pastor/

The Specific Ministry Pastor Program is a four-year distance education program that prepares men for pastoral ministry in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

To find out more information regarding this program please visit:

Find out more about the Michigan School of Missional Formation michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/lay-leadership-training/

Explore available financial aid options michigandistrict.org/churches/future-church-workers/financial-aid/

]]> MOST Ministries https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mostministries Marty Moro, Executive Director of MOST Ministries, joins the podcast to share stories from the mission field and the immediate needs that their eyeglass ministry is facing. Show Notes: Find out more about MOST Ministries - www.mostministries.org/ MOST Ministries schedule and Mission Trips - www.mostministries.org/team_schedule Contact Marty Moro by email. MOST Ministries provides opportunities for people to be strategically and personally involved in mission work through "Goer" and "Sender" activities. A "Goer" is someone who joins a short-term mission team. With Christ as our example, each MOST Ministries team strives to address the physical and spiritual needs of people. A "Sender" is someone who contributes their time, talent, or treasure to help our mission team members go out to serve. Senders: Make or purchase witnessing items to share the Gospel message Make or collect eyeglasses Collect or provide other mission supplies Provide prayer support Provide financial support Volunteer in the MOST Ministries office Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mostministries Mon, 12 Feb 2024 07:00:06 GMT Podcast Episodes Marty Moro, Executive Director of MOST Ministries, joins the podcast to share stories from the mission field and the immediate needs that their eyeglass ministry is facing. Show Notes: Find out more about MOST Ministries - www.mostministries.org/ MOST Ministries schedule and Mission Trips - www.mostministries.org/team_schedule Contact Marty Moro by email. MOST Ministries provides opportunities for people to be strategically and personally involved in mission work through "Goer" and "Sender" activities. A "Goer" is someone who joins a short-term mission team. With Christ as our example, each MOST Ministries team strives to address the physical and spiritual needs of people. A "Sender" is someone who contributes their time, talent, or treasure to help our mission team members go out to serve. Senders: Make or purchase witnessing items to share the Gospel message Make or collect eyeglasses Collect or provide other mission supplies Provide prayer support Provide financial support Volunteer in the MOST Ministries office Marty Moro, Executive Director of MOST Ministries, joins the podcast to share stories from the mission field and the immediate needs that their eyeglass ministry is facing.

Show Notes:

Find out more about MOST Ministries -

www.mostministries.org/

MOST Ministries schedule and Mission Trips - www.mostministries.org/team_schedule

Contact Marty Moro by email.

MOST Ministries provides opportunities for people to be strategically and personally involved in mission work through "Goer" and "Sender" activities.

A "Goer" is someone who joins a short-term mission team. With Christ as our example, each MOST Ministries team strives to address the physical and spiritual needs of people.

A "Sender" is someone who contributes their time, talent, or treasure to help our mission team members go out to serve. Senders:

  • Make or purchase witnessing items to share the Gospel message
  • Make or collect eyeglasses
  • Collect or provide other mission supplies
  • Provide prayer support
  • Provide financial support
  • Volunteer in the MOST Ministries office

]]> Church Governance and Right Sizing Part 3 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-governance-and-right-sizing-part-3 How do we make decisions that are in the best interest of our congregations? Michigan District, LCMS President, Rev. David A. Davis, and Director of Leadership Development, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, talk about the best practices for church governance in the last episode of this 3-part series. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Show Notes: The video of this podcast is available at youtu.be/u7y5qyK7AD4 Check out Jim Galvin's book, Maximizing Board Effectiveness: A Practical Guide for Effective Governance: www.amazon.com/Maximizing-Board-Effectiveness-Practical-Governance/dp/193884033X Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Leadership Development – email Contact Rev. David A. Davis, Michigan District, LCMS President – email Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-governance-and-right-sizing-part-3 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 07:00:55 GMT Podcast Episodes How do we make decisions that are in the best interest of our congregations? Michigan District, LCMS President, Rev. David A. Davis, and Director of Leadership Development, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, talk about the best practices for church governance in the last episode of this 3-part series. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Show Notes: The video of this podcast is available at youtu.be/u7y5qyK7AD4 Check out Jim Galvin's book, Maximizing Board Effectiveness: A Practical Guide for Effective Governance: www.amazon.com/Maximizing-Board-Effectiveness-Practical-Governance/dp/193884033X Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Leadership Development – email Contact Rev. David A. Davis, Michigan District, LCMS President – email How do we make decisions that are in the best interest of our congregations? Michigan District, LCMS President, Rev. David A. Davis, and Director of Leadership Development, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, talk about the best practices for church governance in the last episode of this 3-part series.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Show Notes:

The video of this podcast is available at

youtu.be/u7y5qyK7AD4

Check out Jim Galvin's book, Maximizing Board Effectiveness: A Practical Guide for Effective Governance: www.amazon.com/Maximizing-Board-Effectiveness-Practical-Governance/dp/193884033X

Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Leadership Development – email

Contact Rev. David A. Davis, Michigan District, LCMS President – email

]]> Church Governance and Right Sizing Part 2 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-governance-and-right-sizing-part-2 How do we make decisions that are in the best interest of our congregations? Michigan District, LCMS President, Rev. David A. Davis, and Director of Leadership Development, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, talk about the best practices for church governance in part 2 of a 3-part series. Part 1 | Part 2 Show Notes: The video of this podcast is available at youtu.be/PQsxubZV4_M Check out Jim Galvin's book, Maximizing Board Effectiveness: A Practical Guide for Effective Governance: www.amazon.com/Maximizing-Board-Effectiveness-Practical-Governance/dp/193884033X Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Leadership Development – email Contact Rev. David A. Davis, Michigan District, LCMS President – email Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-governance-and-right-sizing-part-2 Mon, 29 Jan 2024 07:00:06 GMT Podcast Episodes How do we make decisions that are in the best interest of our congregations? Michigan District, LCMS President, Rev. David A. Davis, and Director of Leadership Development, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, talk about the best practices for church governance in part 2 of a 3-part series. Part 1 | Part 2 Show Notes: The video of this podcast is available at youtu.be/PQsxubZV4_M Check out Jim Galvin's book, Maximizing Board Effectiveness: A Practical Guide for Effective Governance: www.amazon.com/Maximizing-Board-Effectiveness-Practical-Governance/dp/193884033X Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Leadership Development – email Contact Rev. David A. Davis, Michigan District, LCMS President – email How do we make decisions that are in the best interest of our congregations? Michigan District, LCMS President, Rev. David A. Davis, and Director of Leadership Development, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, talk about the best practices for church governance in part 2 of a 3-part series.

Part 1 | Part 2

Show Notes:

The video of this podcast is available at

youtu.be/PQsxubZV4_M

Check out Jim Galvin's book, Maximizing Board Effectiveness: A Practical Guide for Effective Governance: www.amazon.com/Maximizing-Board-Effectiveness-Practical-Governance/dp/193884033X

Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Leadership Development – email

Contact Rev. David A. Davis, Michigan District, LCMS President – email

]]> Church Governance and Right Sizing Part 1 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-governance-and-right-sizing-part-1 How do we make decisions that are in the best interest of our congregations? Michigan District, LCMS President, Rev. David A. Davis, and Director of Leadership Development, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, talk about the best practices for church governance in part 1 of a 3-part series. Part 1 | Part 2 Show Notes: The video of this podcast is available at youtu.be/WB1FLZLc2pU Check out Jim Galvin's book, Maximizing Board Effectiveness: A Practical Guide for Effective Governance: www.amazon.com/Maximizing-Board-Effectiveness-Practical-Governance/dp/193884033X Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Leadership Development – email Contact Rev. David A. Davis, Michigan District, LCMS President – email Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-governance-and-right-sizing-part-1 Mon, 22 Jan 2024 07:00:06 GMT Podcast Episodes How do we make decisions that are in the best interest of our congregations? Michigan District, LCMS President, Rev. David A. Davis, and Director of Leadership Development, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, talk about the best practices for church governance in part 1 of a 3-part series. Part 1 | Part 2 Show Notes: The video of this podcast is available at youtu.be/WB1FLZLc2pU Check out Jim Galvin's book, Maximizing Board Effectiveness: A Practical Guide for Effective Governance: www.amazon.com/Maximizing-Board-Effectiveness-Practical-Governance/dp/193884033X Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Leadership Development – email Contact Rev. David A. Davis, Michigan District, LCMS President – email How do we make decisions that are in the best interest of our congregations? Michigan District, LCMS President, Rev. David A. Davis, and Director of Leadership Development, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, talk about the best practices for church governance in part 1 of a 3-part series.

Part 1 | Part 2

Show Notes:

The video of this podcast is available at

youtu.be/WB1FLZLc2pU

Check out Jim Galvin's book, Maximizing Board Effectiveness: A Practical Guide for Effective Governance: www.amazon.com/Maximizing-Board-Effectiveness-Practical-Governance/dp/193884033X

Contact Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Michigan District, LCMS Director of Leadership Development – email

Contact Rev. David A. Davis, Michigan District, LCMS President – email

]]> Ministering in a Time of Indifference https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/ministering-in-a-time-of-indifference Rev. Gabe Kasper and Rev. Marcus Lane from University Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor share stories and advice for ministering in the post-Christian world that’s no longer hostile, but indifferent. Show Notes: Find out more about University Lutheran Chapel https://www.ulcannarbor.org ULC Alpha is a series of group conversations that explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly environment. It’s a place to connect with people, where you can say anything you like or nothing at all. Everyone’s welcome. You’re invited, no matter your background or beliefs. ULC Alpha https://www.ulcannarbor.org/alpha/ Additional links on the Post-Christian culture: – Playlist: Legislation in a Post-Christian Culture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26ugq1uHVis – Carl Medearis - 2015 APC https://michigandistrict.org/event/theological-conference-2024/ - Theological Conference 2024: Love Talks: Daring Conversations Toward Reconciliation https://michigandistrict.org/healthy-congregations/its-still-all-about-jesus/ - Blog It’s Still All About Jesus Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/ministering-in-a-time-of-indifference Mon, 15 Jan 2024 07:00:17 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Gabe Kasper and Rev. Marcus Lane from University Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor share stories and advice for ministering in the post-Christian world that’s no longer hostile, but indifferent. Show Notes: Find out more about University Lutheran Chapel https://www.ulcannarbor.org ULC Alpha is a series of group conversations that explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly environment. It’s a place to connect with people, where you can say anything you like or nothing at all. Everyone’s welcome. You’re invited, no matter your background or beliefs. ULC Alpha https://www.ulcannarbor.org/alpha/ Additional links on the Post-Christian culture: – Playlist: Legislation in a Post-Christian Culture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26ugq1uHVis – Carl Medearis - 2015 APC https://michigandistrict.org/event/theological-conference-2024/ - Theological Conference 2024: Love Talks: Daring Conversations Toward Reconciliation https://michigandistrict.org/healthy-congregations/its-still-all-about-jesus/ - Blog It’s Still All About Jesus Rev. Gabe Kasper and Rev. Marcus Lane from University Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor share stories and advice for ministering in the post-Christian world that’s no longer hostile, but indifferent.

Show Notes:

Find out more about University Lutheran Chapel

https://www.ulcannarbor.org

ULC Alpha is a series of group conversations that explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly environment. It’s a place to connect with people, where you can say anything you like or nothing at all. Everyone’s welcome. You’re invited, no matter your background or beliefs.

ULC Alpha https://www.ulcannarbor.org/alpha/

Additional links on the Post-Christian culture:

]]> Board of Directors https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/boardofdirectors Jeff Heisner is joined by two members of the Michigan District Board of Directors to discuss how the board is seeking and listening to input from congregations throughout the district. They explain what they’re hearing and how it can be implemented. Show Notes: To find out more about the Board of Directors or to contact the board, go to michigandistrict.org/about-us/board-of-directors/ . To find the Board of Directors’ upcoming Listening Events, go to our events page: michigandistrict.org/events/. To register and find out more about the Theological Conference, go to michigandistrict.org/event/theological-conference-2024/. The next Listening Event will happen March 18, 2024 at Trinity, Monroe. Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/boardofdirectors Mon, 06 Nov 2023 07:00:52 GMT Podcast Episodes Jeff Heisner is joined by two members of the Michigan District Board of Directors to discuss how the board is seeking and listening to input from congregations throughout the district. They explain what they’re hearing and how it can be implemented. Show Notes: To find out more about the Board of Directors or to contact the board, go to michigandistrict.org/about-us/board-of-directors/ . To find the Board of Directors’ upcoming Listening Events, go to our events page: michigandistrict.org/events/. To register and find out more about the Theological Conference, go to michigandistrict.org/event/theological-conference-2024/. The next Listening Event will happen March 18, 2024 at Trinity, Monroe. Jeff Heisner is joined by two members of the Michigan District Board of Directors to discuss how the board is seeking and listening to input from congregations throughout the district. They explain what they’re hearing and how it can be implemented.

Show Notes:

To find out more about the Board of Directors or to contact the board, go to

michigandistrict.org/about-us/board-of-directors/

.

To find the Board of Directors’ upcoming Listening Events, go to our events page: michigandistrict.org/events/.

To register and find out more about the Theological Conference, go to michigandistrict.org/event/theological-conference-2024/.

The next Listening Event will happen March 18, 2024 at Trinity, Monroe.

]]> March For Life https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/marchforlife Rev. Paul Clark joins the Thought Leader Podcast to discuss what’s happening a year after Prop 3 became a reality in Michigan and to encourage our church body to join in the upcoming March for Life in Lansing. Show Notes: The Michigan March for Life is happening November 8, 2023 in Lansing. There is a rally at the Capitol beginning at 11 a.m. The march takes place at noon. Find out more about the Michigan March for Life at marchforlife.org/michigan-march-for-life/ To register, go to p2a.co/9sD90j6 Find out more about Lutherans for Life at lutheransforlife.org Rev. Paul Clark is the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fowler, Mich. He also serves as the president of Lutherans For Life of Michigan, as well as the Life Coordinator for the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and is a state representative to the national Lutherans For Life board of directors. Hope Lutheran Church in DeWitt is hosting a follow-up gathering immediately following the March for Life, at 1 p.m. Hope Lutheran is located at 1180 W Herbison Rd, DeWitt, MI, United States, 48820. Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/marchforlife Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:37 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Paul Clark joins the Thought Leader Podcast to discuss what’s happening a year after Prop 3 became a reality in Michigan and to encourage our church body to join in the upcoming March for Life in Lansing. Show Notes: The Michigan March for Life is happening November 8, 2023 in Lansing. There is a rally at the Capitol beginning at 11 a.m. The march takes place at noon. Find out more about the Michigan March for Life at marchforlife.org/michigan-march-for-life/ To register, go to p2a.co/9sD90j6 Find out more about Lutherans for Life at lutheransforlife.org Rev. Paul Clark is the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fowler, Mich. He also serves as the president of Lutherans For Life of Michigan, as well as the Life Coordinator for the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and is a state representative to the national Lutherans For Life board of directors. Hope Lutheran Church in DeWitt is hosting a follow-up gathering immediately following the March for Life, at 1 p.m. Hope Lutheran is located at 1180 W Herbison Rd, DeWitt, MI, United States, 48820. Rev. Paul Clark joins the Thought Leader Podcast to discuss what’s happening a year after Prop 3 became a reality in Michigan and to encourage our church body to join in the upcoming March for Life in Lansing.

Show Notes:

The Michigan March for Life is happening November 8, 2023 in Lansing.

There is a rally at the Capitol beginning at 11 a.m.

The march takes place at noon.

Find out more about the Michigan March for Life at marchforlife.org/michigan-march-for-life/

To register, go to p2a.co/9sD90j6

Find out more about Lutherans for Life at lutheransforlife.org

Rev. Paul Clark is the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fowler, Mich. He also serves as the president of Lutherans For Life of Michigan, as well as the Life Coordinator for the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and is a state representative to the national Lutherans For Life board of directors.

Hope Lutheran Church in DeWitt is hosting a follow-up gathering immediately following the March for Life, at 1 p.m. Hope Lutheran is located at 1180 W Herbison Rd, DeWitt, MI, United States, 48820.

]]> All Professional Church Workers https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/all-professional-church-workers Michigan District, LCMS President Rev. David A. Davis talks with Rev. Brad Hubbard about the upcoming Professional Church Workers Conference. Show Notes: For everything you need to know about the conference: michigandistrict.org/pcw23 . Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/all-professional-church-workers Mon, 09 Oct 2023 07:00:04 GMT Podcast Episodes Michigan District, LCMS President Rev. David A. Davis talks with Rev. Brad Hubbard about the upcoming Professional Church Workers Conference. Show Notes: For everything you need to know about the conference: michigandistrict.org/pcw23 . Michigan District, LCMS President Rev. David A. Davis talks with Rev. Brad Hubbard about the upcoming Professional Church Workers Conference.

Show Notes:

For everything you need to know about the conference:

michigandistrict.org/pcw23

.

]]> The Proper Christian Posture Toward Culture https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-proper-christian-posture-toward-culture Michigan District President Rev. David A. Davis leads an important conversation with Mr. Travis Grulke and Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz on the topic of the proper Christian posture toward culture. Show Notes: This is episode 3 of 3. To listen to episode 1 in this series, click here . To listen to episode 2, click here . Find the video version of this conversation on YouTube: youtu.be/a7wTJsudsVk To contact Rev. David A. Davis or Travis Grulke by email David Davis & Travis Grulke Dr. Gregory Seltz is Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, and Speaker Emeritus of the Lutheran Hour, one who has/is committed to the mission of our Church, even now to protect our public voice so that all can hear about Jesus. Find out more about the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty lcrlfreedom.org/ To watch the conversations on YouTube, check out the playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj8v28O0X9LVAUO15UUkkC1z90iaAg47C Check out how to protect your ministry in our resources link michigandistrict.org/resources/protecting-your-ministry/ Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-proper-christian-posture-toward-culture Mon, 02 Oct 2023 07:00:07 GMT Podcast Episodes Michigan District President Rev. David A. Davis leads an important conversation with Mr. Travis Grulke and Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz on the topic of the proper Christian posture toward culture. Show Notes: This is episode 3 of 3. To listen to episode 1 in this series, click here . To listen to episode 2, click here . Find the video version of this conversation on YouTube: youtu.be/a7wTJsudsVk To contact Rev. David A. Davis or Travis Grulke by email David Davis & Travis Grulke Dr. Gregory Seltz is Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, and Speaker Emeritus of the Lutheran Hour, one who has/is committed to the mission of our Church, even now to protect our public voice so that all can hear about Jesus. Find out more about the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty lcrlfreedom.org/ To watch the conversations on YouTube, check out the playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj8v28O0X9LVAUO15UUkkC1z90iaAg47C Check out how to protect your ministry in our resources link michigandistrict.org/resources/protecting-your-ministry/ Michigan District President Rev. David A. Davis leads an important conversation with Mr. Travis Grulke and Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz on the topic of the proper Christian posture toward culture.

Show Notes:

This is episode 3 of 3. To listen to episode 1 in this series,

click here

. To listen to episode 2,

click here

.

Find the video version of this conversation on YouTube: youtu.be/a7wTJsudsVk

To contact Rev. David A. Davis or Travis Grulke by email David Davis & Travis Grulke

Dr. Gregory Seltz is Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, and Speaker Emeritus of the Lutheran Hour, one who has/is committed to the mission of our Church, even now to protect our public voice so that all can hear about Jesus.

Find out more about the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty lcrlfreedom.org/

To watch the conversations on YouTube, check out the playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj8v28O0X9LVAUO15UUkkC1z90iaAg47C

Check out how to protect your ministry in our resources link michigandistrict.org/resources/protecting-your-ministry/

]]> Legislation Impacting the Church https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/legislation-impacting-the-church Michigan District President Rev. David A. Davis leads an important conversation with Travis Grulke and Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz on the topic of key legislation that impacts the church. Show Notes: This is episode 1 of 3 in a series. Find the video version of this conversation on YouTube: youtu.be/a7wTJsudsVk To contact by email: Rev. David A. Davis or Travis Grulke Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz is Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, and Speaker Emeritus of the Lutheran Hour, one who is committed to the mission of our Church, even now to protect our public voice so that all can hear about Jesus. Find out more about the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty www.lcrlfreedom.org/. Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/legislation-impacting-the-church Mon, 18 Sep 2023 07:00:09 GMT Podcast Episodes Michigan District President Rev. David A. Davis leads an important conversation with Travis Grulke and Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz on the topic of key legislation that impacts the church. Show Notes: This is episode 1 of 3 in a series. Find the video version of this conversation on YouTube: youtu.be/a7wTJsudsVk To contact by email: Rev. David A. Davis or Travis Grulke Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz is Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, and Speaker Emeritus of the Lutheran Hour, one who is committed to the mission of our Church, even now to protect our public voice so that all can hear about Jesus. Find out more about the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty www.lcrlfreedom.org/. Michigan District President Rev. David A. Davis leads an important conversation with Travis Grulke and Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz on the topic of key legislation that impacts the church.

Show Notes:

This is episode 1 of 3 in a series.

Find the video version of this conversation on YouTube: youtu.be/a7wTJsudsVk

To contact by email: Rev. David A. Davis or Travis Grulke

Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz is Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, and Speaker Emeritus of the Lutheran Hour, one who is committed to the mission of our Church, even now to protect our public voice so that all can hear about Jesus.

Find out more about the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty www.lcrlfreedom.org/.

]]> 2023 Synod Convention Recap https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/convention-recap Rev. Dr. Robert Kasper joins the Thought Leader Podcast to discuss what happened at The 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and how it affects the Michigan District, LCMS. Show Notes: You can reach Rev. Dr. Robert Kasper at robert.kasper@michigandistrict.org Find out more about The 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod at www.lcms.org/convention/national For details about the elections and results, go to www.lcms.org/convention/national/elections For details floor committee 6, seminary education and need for pastors, go to reporter.lcms.org/2023/floor-committee-6-affirms-seminary-education-and-need-for-pastors/ Here is a 2023 LCMS convention focus on universities discussion reporter.lcms.org/2023/2023-lcms-convention-focus-on-universities/ The Theological Conference is February 3, 2024 Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/convention-recap Tue, 08 Aug 2023 09:19:00 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Robert Kasper joins the Thought Leader Podcast to discuss what happened at The 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and how it affects the Michigan District, LCMS. Show Notes: You can reach Rev. Dr. Robert Kasper at robert.kasper@michigandistrict.org Find out more about The 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod at www.lcms.org/convention/national For details about the elections and results, go to www.lcms.org/convention/national/elections For details floor committee 6, seminary education and need for pastors, go to reporter.lcms.org/2023/floor-committee-6-affirms-seminary-education-and-need-for-pastors/ Here is a 2023 LCMS convention focus on universities discussion reporter.lcms.org/2023/2023-lcms-convention-focus-on-universities/ The Theological Conference is February 3, 2024 Rev. Dr. Robert Kasper joins the Thought Leader Podcast to discuss what happened at The 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and how it affects the Michigan District, LCMS.

Show Notes:

You can reach Rev. Dr. Robert Kasper at robert.kasper@michigandistrict.org

Find out more about The 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod at www.lcms.org/convention/national

For details about the elections and results, go to www.lcms.org/convention/national/elections

For details floor committee 6, seminary education and need for pastors, go to reporter.lcms.org/2023/floor-committee-6-affirms-seminary-education-and-need-for-pastors/

Here is a 2023 LCMS convention focus on universities discussion reporter.lcms.org/2023/2023-lcms-convention-focus-on-universities/

The Theological Conference is February 3, 2024

]]> Artificial Intelligence in the Church https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/artificial-intelligence-in-the-church Rev. A Trevor Sutton joins the Thought Leader Podcast to discuss artificial intelligence (AI): What are the uses for AI in the church and what are the possible pitfalls that can come from using it. Show Notes: Rev. A. Trevor Sutton is the Pastor at St Luke Lutheran Church in Haslett and Lansing. Find out more about St. Luke at https://knowingjesus.org Find out more about Rev. Sutton https://atrevorsutton.com Rev. Sutton has written 5 Books Clearly Christian: Following Jesus in this Age of Confusion Why Should I Trust the Bible? – Concordia Publishing House Being Lutheran – Concordia Publishing House Authentic Christianity: How Lutheran Theology Speaks to a Post-Modern World Redeeming Technology: A Christian Approach to Healthy Digital Habits He recently wrote an article on Artificial Intelligence for Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/june-web-only/ai-artificial-intelligence-risk-threat-warn-church-pastor.html Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/artificial-intelligence-in-the-church Mon, 17 Jul 2023 07:00:15 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. A Trevor Sutton joins the Thought Leader Podcast to discuss artificial intelligence (AI): What are the uses for AI in the church and what are the possible pitfalls that can come from using it. Show Notes: Rev. A. Trevor Sutton is the Pastor at St Luke Lutheran Church in Haslett and Lansing. Find out more about St. Luke at https://knowingjesus.org Find out more about Rev. Sutton https://atrevorsutton.com Rev. Sutton has written 5 Books Clearly Christian: Following Jesus in this Age of Confusion Why Should I Trust the Bible? – Concordia Publishing House Being Lutheran – Concordia Publishing House Authentic Christianity: How Lutheran Theology Speaks to a Post-Modern World Redeeming Technology: A Christian Approach to Healthy Digital Habits He recently wrote an article on Artificial Intelligence for Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/june-web-only/ai-artificial-intelligence-risk-threat-warn-church-pastor.html Rev. A Trevor Sutton joins the Thought Leader Podcast to discuss artificial intelligence (AI): What are the uses for AI in the church and what are the possible pitfalls that can come from using it.

Show Notes:

Rev. A. Trevor Sutton is the Pastor at St Luke Lutheran Church in Haslett and Lansing.

Find out more about St. Luke at https://knowingjesus.org

Find out more about Rev. Sutton https://atrevorsutton.com

Rev. Sutton has written 5 Books

He recently wrote an article on Artificial Intelligence for Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/june-web-only/ai-artificial-intelligence-risk-threat-warn-church-pastor.html

]]> Community Worship Network Gatherings https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/community-worship-network-gatherings Topic: In this Thought Leader Podcast, Jeff Heisner talks with Rev. Steve Zank, Dr. John Boonenberg, and Dan Reinert about Worship Arts and how the new Community Worship Network Gatherings can be a valuable resource to help your church experience rich Lutheran Worship. Show Notes: For more information on the Community Worship Network Gathering, go to michigandistrict.org/cwn Join the mailing list and check out the upcoming events at michigandistrict.org/cwn Upcoming CWN events: August 4 (Zion, Kalamazoo) and September 30 (St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth) Check out Rev. Steve Zank’s worship-focused podcast, Theology in Motion Rev. Steve Zank serves as the Director of the Center for Worship Leadership and Director of the Director of Parish Music Program at Concordia University Irvine. Dr. John Boonenberg serves as the Kreft Endowed Chair in Music, Assistant Professor of Music, and Director of Choral Activities & Church Music at Concordia University Ann Arbor. He also serves as Director of Music at St. Paul, Ann Arbor. Dan Reinert serves as the Director of Media Technology at St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth. The Michigan District, LCMS Community Worship Network (CWN) is a community of worship arts leaders, church music leaders, pastors, and students serving within the Michigan District. CWN will support and connect worship leaders and their churches through prayer, inspirational learning, helpful resources, encouragement, and ongoing support. The music in this podcast is brought to you by The Hymnal Project. Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/community-worship-network-gatherings Mon, 19 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT Podcast Episodes Topic: In this Thought Leader Podcast, Jeff Heisner talks with Rev. Steve Zank, Dr. John Boonenberg, and Dan Reinert about Worship Arts and how the new Community Worship Network Gatherings can be a valuable resource to help your church experience rich Lutheran Worship. Show Notes: For more information on the Community Worship Network Gathering, go to michigandistrict.org/cwn Join the mailing list and check out the upcoming events at michigandistrict.org/cwn Upcoming CWN events: August 4 (Zion, Kalamazoo) and September 30 (St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth) Check out Rev. Steve Zank’s worship-focused podcast, Theology in Motion Rev. Steve Zank serves as the Director of the Center for Worship Leadership and Director of the Director of Parish Music Program at Concordia University Irvine. Dr. John Boonenberg serves as the Kreft Endowed Chair in Music, Assistant Professor of Music, and Director of Choral Activities & Church Music at Concordia University Ann Arbor. He also serves as Director of Music at St. Paul, Ann Arbor. Dan Reinert serves as the Director of Media Technology at St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth. The Michigan District, LCMS Community Worship Network (CWN) is a community of worship arts leaders, church music leaders, pastors, and students serving within the Michigan District. CWN will support and connect worship leaders and their churches through prayer, inspirational learning, helpful resources, encouragement, and ongoing support. The music in this podcast is brought to you by The Hymnal Project. Topic: In this Thought Leader Podcast, Jeff Heisner talks with Rev. Steve Zank, Dr. John Boonenberg, and Dan Reinert about Worship Arts and how the new Community Worship Network Gatherings can be a valuable resource to help your church experience rich Lutheran Worship.

Show Notes:

For more information on the Community Worship Network Gathering, go to michigandistrict.org/cwn

Join the mailing list and check out the upcoming events at michigandistrict.org/cwn

Upcoming CWN events: August 4 (Zion, Kalamazoo) and September 30 (St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth)

Check out Rev. Steve Zank’s worship-focused podcast, Theology in Motion

Rev. Steve Zank serves as the Director of the Center for Worship Leadership and Director of the Director of Parish Music Program at Concordia University Irvine.

Dr. John Boonenberg serves as the Kreft Endowed Chair in Music, Assistant Professor of Music, and Director of Choral Activities & Church Music at Concordia University Ann Arbor. He also serves as Director of Music at St. Paul, Ann Arbor.

Dan Reinert serves as the Director of Media Technology at St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth.

The Michigan District, LCMS Community Worship Network (CWN) is a community of worship arts leaders, church music leaders, pastors, and students serving within the Michigan District.

CWN will support and connect worship leaders and their churches through prayer, inspirational learning, helpful resources, encouragement, and ongoing support.

The music in this podcast is brought to you by The Hymnal Project.

]]> Interview with Rev. Richard Snow https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/interview-with-rev-richard-snow President Davis has asked all the candidates for Synod President to join him for an interview to help the Michigan District make an informed decision. In this Thought Leader Podcast, President Davis talks with LCMS Presidential Nominee Rev. Richard Snow. Show Notes: Find out more about Rev. Snow and the Nebraska District, where he serves at https://ndlcms.org/about/ The presidential election will take place from June 17 to July 11, 2023, and results will be announced by July 15. Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/interview-with-rev-richard-snow Mon, 12 Jun 2023 07:00:07 GMT Podcast Episodes President Davis has asked all the candidates for Synod President to join him for an interview to help the Michigan District make an informed decision. In this Thought Leader Podcast, President Davis talks with LCMS Presidential Nominee Rev. Richard Snow. Show Notes: Find out more about Rev. Snow and the Nebraska District, where he serves at https://ndlcms.org/about/ The presidential election will take place from June 17 to July 11, 2023, and results will be announced by July 15. President Davis has asked all the candidates for Synod President to join him for an interview to help the Michigan District make an informed decision. In this Thought Leader Podcast, President Davis talks with LCMS Presidential Nominee Rev. Richard Snow.

Show Notes:

Find out more about Rev. Snow and the Nebraska District, where he serves at https://ndlcms.org/about/

The presidential election will take place from June 17 to July 11, 2023, and results will be announced by July 15.

]]> Interview with Rev. Dr. Patrick Ferry https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/interview-with-rev-dr-patrick-ferry President Davis has asked all the candidates for Synod President to join him for an interview to help the Michigan District make an informed decision. In this Thought Leader Podcast, President Davis talks with LCMS Presidential Nominee Rev. Dr. Pat Ferry. Show Notes: Find out more about Pat Ferry for LCMS President at https://www.patferry.com The presidential election for Synod will take place from June 17 to July 11, 2023, and results will be announced by July 15. Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/interview-with-rev-dr-patrick-ferry Mon, 05 Jun 2023 07:00:53 GMT Podcast Episodes President Davis has asked all the candidates for Synod President to join him for an interview to help the Michigan District make an informed decision. In this Thought Leader Podcast, President Davis talks with LCMS Presidential Nominee Rev. Dr. Pat Ferry. Show Notes: Find out more about Pat Ferry for LCMS President at https://www.patferry.com The presidential election for Synod will take place from June 17 to July 11, 2023, and results will be announced by July 15. President Davis has asked all the candidates for Synod President to join him for an interview to help the Michigan District make an informed decision. In this Thought Leader Podcast, President Davis talks with LCMS Presidential Nominee Rev. Dr. Pat Ferry.

Show Notes:

Find out more about Pat Ferry for LCMS President at

https://www.patferry.com

The presidential election for Synod will take place from June 17 to July 11, 2023, and results will be announced by July 15.

]]> Education - Part 3 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/education-part-3 Michigan District President Dave Davis talks with Superintendent of Schools, Travis Grulke, and Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson for part three of our 3-part discussion on education, highlighting the power of the grace of God in this ministry. Show Notes For more information on the Michigan District visit michigandistrict.org For more information on Michigan District Schools visit michigandistrict.org/schools To find out more about Concordia University Ann Arbor cuaa.edu To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org Back to Episodes Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/education-part-3 Mon, 24 Apr 2023 07:00:44 GMT Podcast Episodes Michigan District President Dave Davis talks with Superintendent of Schools, Travis Grulke, and Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson for part three of our 3-part discussion on education, highlighting the power of the grace of God in this ministry. Show Notes For more information on the Michigan District visit michigandistrict.org For more information on Michigan District Schools visit michigandistrict.org/schools To find out more about Concordia University Ann Arbor cuaa.edu To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org Back to Episodes Michigan District President Dave Davis talks with Superintendent of Schools, Travis Grulke, and Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson for part three of our 3-part discussion on education, highlighting the power of the grace of God in this ministry.

Show Notes

For more information on the Michigan District visit michigandistrict.org

For more information on Michigan District Schools visit michigandistrict.org/schools

To find out more about Concordia University Ann Arbor cuaa.edu

To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org

Back to Episodes

]]> Education - Part 2 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/education-part-2 Michigan District President David Davis talks with Superintendent of Schools, Travis Grulke, and Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson for part two of our 3-part discussion on education, including the topic of the crucial needs in Christian education. Show Notes: For more information on the Michigan District visit michigandistrict.org For more information on Michigan District Schools visit michigandistrict.org/schools To find out more about Concordia University Ann Arbor cuaa.edu To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org Back to Episodes Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/education-part-2 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 07:00:28 GMT Podcast Episodes Michigan District President David Davis talks with Superintendent of Schools, Travis Grulke, and Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson for part two of our 3-part discussion on education, including the topic of the crucial needs in Christian education. Show Notes: For more information on the Michigan District visit michigandistrict.org For more information on Michigan District Schools visit michigandistrict.org/schools To find out more about Concordia University Ann Arbor cuaa.edu To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org Back to Episodes Michigan District President David Davis talks with Superintendent of Schools, Travis Grulke, and Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson for part two of our 3-part discussion on education, including the topic of the crucial needs in Christian education.

Show Notes:

For more information on the Michigan District visit michigandistrict.org

For more information on Michigan District Schools visit michigandistrict.org/schools

To find out more about Concordia University Ann Arbor cuaa.edu

To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org

Back to Episodes

]]> Education - Part 1 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/education-part-1 Michigan District President David Davis talks with Superintendent of Schools, Travis Grulke, and Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson for part one of our 3-part discussion on education, including the topic of the controversial Elliot-Larsen bill. Show Notes: For more information on the Michigan District visit michigandistrict.org For more information on Michigan District Schools visit michigandistrict.org/schools To find out more about Concordia University Ann Arbor cuaa.edu To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org Back to Episodes Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/education-part-1 Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:14:26 GMT Podcast Episodes Michigan District President David Davis talks with Superintendent of Schools, Travis Grulke, and Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson for part one of our 3-part discussion on education, including the topic of the controversial Elliot-Larsen bill. Show Notes: For more information on the Michigan District visit michigandistrict.org For more information on Michigan District Schools visit michigandistrict.org/schools To find out more about Concordia University Ann Arbor cuaa.edu To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org Back to Episodes Michigan District President David Davis talks with Superintendent of Schools, Travis Grulke, and Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson for part one of our 3-part discussion on education, including the topic of the controversial Elliot-Larsen bill.

Show Notes:

For more information on the Michigan District visit

michigandistrict.org

For more information on Michigan District Schools visit michigandistrict.org/schools

To find out more about Concordia University Ann Arbor cuaa.edu

To contact Travis Grulke: travis.grulke@michigandistrict.org

Back to Episodes

]]> Michigan School of Missional Formation https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/michigan-school-of-missional-formation Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Rev. Ken Huner, and Deacon Al Renard join the podcast to share how the Michigan School of Missional Formation is making a difference in congregations across the state. They also talk about how to identify and lift up men and women in this ministry. Show Notes: For more information on the Michigan School of Missional Formation: michigandistrict.org/missional/ To get in touch with the Assistant to the President, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper: robert.kasper@michigandistrict.org To get in touch with the school’s Dean of Instruction, Rev. Ken Huner: ken.huner@michigandistrict.org To get in touch with Deacon Al Renard: al.renard@michigandistrict.org Cost is $350 per course and it is estimated that the program will take 2–3 years. For an application to the Michigan School of Missional Formation: Application Back to Episodes Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/michigan-school-of-missional-formation Tue, 14 Mar 2023 09:17:38 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Rev. Ken Huner, and Deacon Al Renard join the podcast to share how the Michigan School of Missional Formation is making a difference in congregations across the state. They also talk about how to identify and lift up men and women in this ministry. Show Notes: For more information on the Michigan School of Missional Formation: michigandistrict.org/missional/ To get in touch with the Assistant to the President, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper: robert.kasper@michigandistrict.org To get in touch with the school’s Dean of Instruction, Rev. Ken Huner: ken.huner@michigandistrict.org To get in touch with Deacon Al Renard: al.renard@michigandistrict.org Cost is $350 per course and it is estimated that the program will take 2–3 years. For an application to the Michigan School of Missional Formation: Application Back to Episodes Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper, Rev. Ken Huner, and Deacon Al Renard join the podcast to share how the Michigan School of Missional Formation is making a difference in congregations across the state. They also talk about how to identify and lift up men and women in this ministry.

Show Notes:

For more information on the Michigan School of Missional Formation:

michigandistrict.org/missional/

To get in touch with the Assistant to the President, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper: robert.kasper@michigandistrict.org

To get in touch with the school’s Dean of Instruction, Rev. Ken Huner: ken.huner@michigandistrict.org

To get in touch with Deacon Al Renard: al.renard@michigandistrict.org

Cost is $350 per course and it is estimated that the program will take 2–3 years.

For an application to the Michigan School of Missional Formation: Application

Back to Episodes

]]> President Davis' First 100 Days https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/president-davis-first-100-days President Davis joins the Thought Leader Podcast to share the State of the District and to preview the upcoming Theological Conference, The Word Works: Building an Ethic of Bible Reading. Show Notes: The Theological conference is open to all. It takes place Saturday, February 4, in Lansing at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 7910 E. St. Joe Hwy., Lansing MI Register for the Theological Conference, in person and livestream at https://michigandistrict.org/event/theological-conf-2023/ Find out more about President Davis - https://michigandistrict.org/people/rev-david-a-davis/ Back to Episodes Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/president-davis-first-100-days Mon, 16 Jan 2023 07:00:52 GMT Podcast Episodes President Davis joins the Thought Leader Podcast to share the State of the District and to preview the upcoming Theological Conference, The Word Works: Building an Ethic of Bible Reading. Show Notes: The Theological conference is open to all. It takes place Saturday, February 4, in Lansing at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 7910 E. St. Joe Hwy., Lansing MI Register for the Theological Conference, in person and livestream at https://michigandistrict.org/event/theological-conf-2023/ Find out more about President Davis - https://michigandistrict.org/people/rev-david-a-davis/ Back to Episodes President Davis joins the Thought Leader Podcast to share the State of the District and to preview the upcoming Theological Conference, The Word Works: Building an Ethic of Bible Reading.

Show Notes:

The Theological conference is open to all. It takes place Saturday, February 4, in Lansing at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 7910 E. St. Joe Hwy., Lansing MI

Register for the Theological Conference, in person and livestream at https://michigandistrict.org/event/theological-conf-2023/

Find out more about President Davis - https://michigandistrict.org/people/rev-david-a-davis/

Back to Episodes

]]> 25 Prayers to Christmas https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/25-prayers-to-christmas Rev. Chris Paavola joins the Thought Leader Podcast to talk about prayer and his latest book, 25 Prayers to Christmas. Show notes: To purchase Rev. Chris Paavola’s book 25 Prayers to Christmas, click here To see Rev. Paavola’s message at the 2019 Theological Conference, click here. Back to Episodes Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/25-prayers-to-christmas Mon, 14 Nov 2022 07:00:06 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Chris Paavola joins the Thought Leader Podcast to talk about prayer and his latest book, 25 Prayers to Christmas. Show notes: To purchase Rev. Chris Paavola’s book 25 Prayers to Christmas, click here To see Rev. Paavola’s message at the 2019 Theological Conference, click here. Back to Episodes

Rev. Chris Paavola joins the Thought Leader Podcast to talk about prayer and his latest book, 25 Prayers to Christmas.

Show notes:

To purchase Rev. Chris Paavola’s book 25 Prayers to Christmas,

click here

To see Rev. Paavola’s message at the 2019 Theological Conference, click here.

Back to Episodes

]]> Proposal 3 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/proposition-3 Rev. Paul Clark, President Lutherans for Life of Michigan, and Rev. Dennis Matyas, pastor of St. Paul, Bay City join the Thought Leader Podcast to discuss the State of Michigan's Proposal 3 and the fight to keep it from passing. For more information and resources on Proposal 3, click here . Back to Episodes Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/proposition-3 Mon, 17 Oct 2022 12:09:28 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Paul Clark, President Lutherans for Life of Michigan, and Rev. Dennis Matyas, pastor of St. Paul, Bay City join the Thought Leader Podcast to discuss the State of Michigan's Proposal 3 and the fight to keep it from passing. For more information and resources on Proposal 3, click here . Back to Episodes Rev. Paul Clark, President Lutherans for Life of Michigan, and Rev. Dennis Matyas, pastor of St. Paul, Bay City join the Thought Leader Podcast to discuss the State of Michigan's Proposal 3 and the fight to keep it from passing. For more information and resources on Proposal 3, click

here

.

Back to Episodes

]]> The Journey to Becoming a Published Author https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-journey-to-becoming-a-published-author We have so many aspiring authors within our district. The book writing process is not easy and getting a book published is yet another issue. The Michigan District’s Jeff Heisner is joined by Pastor Trevor Sutton from St. Luke, Haslett to help writers take the next step in their journey. Back to Episodes Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-journey-to-becoming-a-published-author Mon, 10 Oct 2022 07:00:16 GMT Podcast Episodes We have so many aspiring authors within our district. The book writing process is not easy and getting a book published is yet another issue. The Michigan District’s Jeff Heisner is joined by Pastor Trevor Sutton from St. Luke, Haslett to help writers take the next step in their journey. Back to Episodes We have so many aspiring authors within our district. The book writing process is not easy and getting a book published is yet another issue. The Michigan District’s Jeff Heisner is joined by Pastor Trevor Sutton from St. Luke, Haslett to help writers take the next step in their journey.

Back to Episodes

]]> Parenting Practices https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/parenting-practices Dr. Randy Schroeder has counseled couples and families throughout the LCMS. Dr. Schroeder joins Jeff Heisner for part 2 of our series to share some of his best practices. This time, the topic is parenting. You can find more information on this topic at drrandyschroeder.com . Back to Episodes | Part One - Marriage | Part Two - Parenting Practices Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/parenting-practices Mon, 26 Sep 2022 11:03:46 GMT Podcast Episodes Dr. Randy Schroeder has counseled couples and families throughout the LCMS. Dr. Schroeder joins Jeff Heisner for part 2 of our series to share some of his best practices. This time, the topic is parenting. You can find more information on this topic at drrandyschroeder.com . Back to Episodes | Part One - Marriage | Part Two - Parenting Practices Dr. Randy Schroeder has counseled couples and families throughout the LCMS. Dr. Schroeder joins Jeff Heisner for part 2 of our series to share some of his best practices. This time, the topic is parenting. You can find more information on this topic at

drrandyschroeder.com

.

Back to Episodes | Part One - Marriage | Part Two - Parenting Practices

]]> Marriage Practices https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/marriage-practices Dr. Randy Schroeder has helped over 2,000 couples strengthen their marriage. Dr. Schroeder joins Jeff Heisner to share some of the best practices to help marriages. You can find more information on this topic at drrandyschroeder.com. Back to Episodes | Part One - Marriage Practices | Part Two - Parenting Practices Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/marriage-practices Tue, 20 Sep 2022 09:39:42 GMT Podcast Episodes Dr. Randy Schroeder has helped over 2,000 couples strengthen their marriage. Dr. Schroeder joins Jeff Heisner to share some of the best practices to help marriages. You can find more information on this topic at drrandyschroeder.com. Back to Episodes | Part One - Marriage Practices | Part Two - Parenting Practices Dr. Randy Schroeder has helped over 2,000 couples strengthen their marriage. Dr. Schroeder joins Jeff Heisner to share some of the best practices to help marriages. You can find more information on this topic at drrandyschroeder.com.

Back to Episodes | Part One - Marriage Practices | Part Two - Parenting Practices

]]> Leading Compassionately after Roe Ruling https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/leading-compassionately-after-roe-ruling Executive Director of The Luke Clinic, Penny Armbruster and Michigan District, LCMS President David Maier talk about the societal divide after the recent Supreme Court ruling on Roe v Wade and how the Michigan District can lead through compassion. Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/leading-compassionately-after-roe-ruling Mon, 29 Aug 2022 06:44:39 GMT Podcast Episodes Executive Director of The Luke Clinic, Penny Armbruster and Michigan District, LCMS President David Maier talk about the societal divide after the recent Supreme Court ruling on Roe v Wade and how the Michigan District can lead through compassion. Executive Director of The Luke Clinic, Penny Armbruster and Michigan District, LCMS President David Maier talk about the societal divide after the recent Supreme Court ruling on Roe v Wade and how the Michigan District can lead through compassion.

]]> Technology at Trinity https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/technology-at-trinity Trinity Lutheran in Utica is one of the churches leading the way when it comes to livestreaming, social media, and using technology to reach and engage their members and the community. Rev. Justin Krupsky, together with Josh Britton, Chris Winter, and Josh Weyhing, join us to talk about technology in the church. They share experiences and lessons learned as they find new and innovative ways to incorporate technology into their ministry. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/technology-at-trinity Tue, 31 May 2022 07:00:58 GMT Podcast Episodes Trinity Lutheran in Utica is one of the churches leading the way when it comes to livestreaming, social media, and using technology to reach and engage their members and the community. Rev. Justin Krupsky, together with Josh Britton, Chris Winter, and Josh Weyhing, join us to talk about technology in the church. They share experiences and lessons learned as they find new and innovative ways to incorporate technology into their ministry. Back to Episodes Trinity Lutheran in Utica is one of the churches leading the way when it comes to livestreaming, social media, and using technology to reach and engage their members and the community. Rev. Justin Krupsky, together with Josh Britton, Chris Winter, and Josh Weyhing, join us to talk about technology in the church. They share experiences and lessons learned as they find new and innovative ways to incorporate technology into their ministry.

Back to Episodes

]]> President Maier's Easter Message https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/president-maiers-easter-message President Maier shares a message of hope and God's blessings this Easter. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/president-maiers-easter-message Mon, 18 Apr 2022 07:00:45 GMT Podcast Episodes President Maier shares a message of hope and God's blessings this Easter. Back to Episodes President Maier shares a message of hope and God's blessings this Easter.

Back to Episodes

]]> Zach Zehnder: Red Letter Challenge https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/zach-zehnder-red-letter-challenge Jeff Heisner talks with Rev. Zach Zehnder who is the author of the Red Letter Challenge Bible study series that have become popular in churches around the world. Rev. Zehnder shares his insight into the Red Letter Challenge, Being Challenge and Forgiving Challenge and a Guinness Book of World Records Sermon. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/zach-zehnder-red-letter-challenge Thu, 17 Mar 2022 09:04:02 GMT Podcast Episodes Jeff Heisner talks with Rev. Zach Zehnder who is the author of the Red Letter Challenge Bible study series that have become popular in churches around the world. Rev. Zehnder shares his insight into the Red Letter Challenge, Being Challenge and Forgiving Challenge and a Guinness Book of World Records Sermon. Back to Episodes Jeff Heisner talks with Rev. Zach Zehnder who is the author of the Red Letter Challenge Bible study series that have become popular in churches around the world. Rev. Zehnder shares his insight into the Red Letter Challenge, Being Challenge and Forgiving Challenge and a Guinness Book of World Records Sermon.

Back to Episodes

]]> Ministry in the Aftermath of the Oxford Tragedy https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/ministry-in-the-aftermath-of-the-oxford-tragedy Rev. Matt Schuler and Rev. Dan Meckes from Journey, Oxford share what their community is dealing with in the wake of the shooting at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021. They discuss the grief and pain they both experienced and have seen in Oxford and share how we can help through providing counseling. You can donate to help those in need at https://www.journeylutheran.church/give. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/ministry-in-the-aftermath-of-the-oxford-tragedy Mon, 20 Dec 2021 13:30:18 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Matt Schuler and Rev. Dan Meckes from Journey, Oxford share what their community is dealing with in the wake of the shooting at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021. They discuss the grief and pain they both experienced and have seen in Oxford and share how we can help through providing counseling. You can donate to help those in need at https://www.journeylutheran.church/give. Back to Episodes Rev. Matt Schuler and Rev. Dan Meckes from Journey, Oxford share what their community is dealing with in the wake of the shooting at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021. They discuss the grief and pain they both experienced and have seen in Oxford and share how we can help through providing counseling. You can donate to help those in need at https://www.journeylutheran.church/give.

Back to Episodes

]]> The Still Worship Collective https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-still-worship-collective In this podcast, Trevor Noonan, Director of Modern Praise and Worship Arts at St. John, Rochester, and Shaun Tomczak talk about their brand-new project, The Still Worship Collective. Noonan and Tomczak are creating a community and platform which will share worships songs written for congregational worship. You can find out more information at thestillworship.com. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-still-worship-collective Mon, 13 Dec 2021 13:00:00 GMT Podcast Episodes In this podcast, Trevor Noonan, Director of Modern Praise and Worship Arts at St. John, Rochester, and Shaun Tomczak talk about their brand-new project, The Still Worship Collective. Noonan and Tomczak are creating a community and platform which will share worships songs written for congregational worship. You can find out more information at thestillworship.com. Back to Episodes In this podcast, Trevor Noonan, Director of Modern Praise and Worship Arts at St. John, Rochester, and Shaun Tomczak talk about their brand-new project, The Still Worship Collective. Noonan and Tomczak are creating a community and platform which will share worships songs written for congregational worship. You can find out more information at thestillworship.com.

Back to Episodes

]]> Adult Instruction https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/adult-instruction The Michigan District, LCMS Rev. Jay Cashmer discusses with Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper an innovative approach to adult instruction by rooting faith formation in Scripture. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/adult-instruction Mon, 20 Sep 2021 07:00:08 GMT Podcast Episodes The Michigan District, LCMS Rev. Jay Cashmer discusses with Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper an innovative approach to adult instruction by rooting faith formation in Scripture. Back to Episodes The Michigan District, LCMS Rev. Jay Cashmer discusses with Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper an innovative approach to adult instruction by rooting faith formation in Scripture.

Back to Episodes

]]> Helping Hand during 9-11 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/helping-hand-during-9-11 Michigan District Pastor and FBI chaplain, Rev. Carl W. Bassett, was called to New York just after the planes hit the World Trade Center towers. He shares his experience on how he was able to help and how he saw God at work. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/helping-hand-during-9-11 Mon, 13 Sep 2021 07:00:50 GMT Podcast Episodes Michigan District Pastor and FBI chaplain, Rev. Carl W. Bassett, was called to New York just after the planes hit the World Trade Center towers. He shares his experience on how he was able to help and how he saw God at work. Back to Episodes Michigan District Pastor and FBI chaplain, Rev. Carl W. Bassett, was called to New York just after the planes hit the World Trade Center towers. He shares his experience on how he was able to help and how he saw God at work.

Back to Episodes

]]> Mental Health Awareness Part Two https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mental-health-awareness-part-two Rev. John Rathje and Mrs. Christie Hansard, the Michigan District, LCMS Mental Health Case Manager, join us for part two on the topic of Mental Health Awareness. They discuss compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression, and stress. To connect directly with Christie, click here. Back to Episodes | Part 1 Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mental-health-awareness-part-two Tue, 25 May 2021 12:06:30 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. John Rathje and Mrs. Christie Hansard, the Michigan District, LCMS Mental Health Case Manager, join us for part two on the topic of Mental Health Awareness. They discuss compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression, and stress. To connect directly with Christie, click here. Back to Episodes | Part 1 Rev. John Rathje and Mrs. Christie Hansard, the Michigan District, LCMS Mental Health Case Manager, join us for part two on the topic of Mental Health Awareness. They discuss compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression, and stress. To connect directly with Christie, click here.

Back to Episodes | Part 1

]]> Mental Health Awareness https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mental-health-awareness In this episode, Rev. John Rathje and Christie Hansard, RN, BSN discuss mental health and offer tips and resources. Back to Episodes | Part Two Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mental-health-awareness Mon, 03 May 2021 07:00:59 GMT Podcast Episodes In this episode, Rev. John Rathje and Christie Hansard, RN, BSN discuss mental health and offer tips and resources. Back to Episodes | Part Two In this episode, Rev. John Rathje and Christie Hansard, RN, BSN discuss mental health and offer tips and resources.

Back to Episodes | Part Two

]]> Raising Up Pastors and Church Workers https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/raising-up-pastors-and-church-workers Jeff Heisner talks with two Michigan District pastors, Rev. Dr. Evan Gaertner and Rev. Andrew Menz, on how we can help raise up the next generation of pastors and church workers. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/raising-up-pastors-and-church-workers Mon, 16 Nov 2020 07:00:26 GMT Podcast Episodes Jeff Heisner talks with two Michigan District pastors, Rev. Dr. Evan Gaertner and Rev. Andrew Menz, on how we can help raise up the next generation of pastors and church workers. Back to Episodes Jeff Heisner talks with two Michigan District pastors, Rev. Dr. Evan Gaertner and Rev. Andrew Menz, on how we can help raise up the next generation of pastors and church workers.

Back to Episodes

]]> Team Recruitment https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/team-recruitment As we heard in a previous episode, identifying the right people to be on your team is important to the team’s success. However, actually getting the people you’ve identified to join the team is the first indicator of your effectiveness in casting vision and developing relationship connections with others. The focus on today’s podcast with Rev. Dr. Todd Jones is on the recruitment process of team development: how to successfully invite your ideal team player to be part of the team. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/team-recruitment Mon, 24 Aug 2020 07:00:11 GMT Podcast Episodes As we heard in a previous episode, identifying the right people to be on your team is important to the team’s success. However, actually getting the people you’ve identified to join the team is the first indicator of your effectiveness in casting vision and developing relationship connections with others. The focus on today’s podcast with Rev. Dr. Todd Jones is on the recruitment process of team development: how to successfully invite your ideal team player to be part of the team. Back to Episodes As we heard in a previous episode, identifying the right people to be on your team is important to the team’s success. However, actually getting the people you’ve identified to join the team is the first indicator of your effectiveness in casting vision and developing relationship connections with others. The focus on today’s podcast with Rev. Dr. Todd Jones is on the recruitment process of team development: how to successfully invite your ideal team player to be part of the team.

Back to Episodes

]]> Ministry: Better Together https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/ministry-better-together In this week's podcast, pastors Matt Schuler and Dan Meckes, whose congregations merged, talk about how they have found that ministry is better together. This is part 2 of 2. Back to Episodes | Part 1 Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/ministry-better-together Mon, 17 Aug 2020 07:00:58 GMT Podcast Episodes In this week's podcast, pastors Matt Schuler and Dan Meckes, whose congregations merged, talk about how they have found that ministry is better together. This is part 2 of 2. Back to Episodes | Part 1 In this week's podcast, pastors Matt Schuler and Dan Meckes, whose congregations merged, talk about how they have found that ministry is better together. This is part 2 of 2.

Back to Episodes | Part 1

]]> Churches Coming Together https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/churches-coming-together In this week's podcast we talk about two churches in Oakland county (Holy Cross, Oxford and Living Word, Rochester) that have decided to come together to form Journey Lutheran Church. Pastors Matt Schuler and Dan Meckes talk about how and why they decided to make this happen and how they have found that ministry is better together. This is part 1 of 2. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/churches-coming-together Mon, 10 Aug 2020 07:00:22 GMT Podcast Episodes In this week's podcast we talk about two churches in Oakland county (Holy Cross, Oxford and Living Word, Rochester) that have decided to come together to form Journey Lutheran Church. Pastors Matt Schuler and Dan Meckes talk about how and why they decided to make this happen and how they have found that ministry is better together. This is part 1 of 2. Back to Episodes In this week's podcast we talk about two churches in Oakland county (Holy Cross, Oxford and Living Word, Rochester) that have decided to come together to form Journey Lutheran Church. Pastors Matt Schuler and Dan Meckes talk about how and why they decided to make this happen and how they have found that ministry is better together. This is part 1 of 2.

Back to Episodes

]]> Selection of Team Members https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/selection-of-team-members In this episode, Rev. Dr. Todd Jones discusses selection criteria for ministry team members and how you can make your teams more effective. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/selection-of-team-members Mon, 20 Jul 2020 07:00:47 GMT Podcast Episodes In this episode, Rev. Dr. Todd Jones discusses selection criteria for ministry team members and how you can make your teams more effective. Back to Episodes In this episode, Rev. Dr. Todd Jones discusses selection criteria for ministry team members and how you can make your teams more effective.

Back to Episodes

]]> The Hymnal Project https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-hymnal-project-2 Jeff Heisner hosts this episode of the Thought Leader Podcast and is joined by Peter Prochnow from The Hymnal Project. Prochnow shares what resources are available to churches through The Hymnal Project and discusses how they were able to help during the pandemic. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-hymnal-project-2 Mon, 06 Jul 2020 07:00:09 GMT Podcast Episodes Jeff Heisner hosts this episode of the Thought Leader Podcast and is joined by Peter Prochnow from The Hymnal Project. Prochnow shares what resources are available to churches through The Hymnal Project and discusses how they were able to help during the pandemic. Back to Episodes Jeff Heisner hosts this episode of the Thought Leader Podcast and is joined by Peter Prochnow from The Hymnal Project. Prochnow shares what resources are available to churches through The Hymnal Project and discusses how they were able to help during the pandemic.

Back to Episodes

]]> Ministry is a Team https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/ministry-is-a-team In this Thought Leader Podcast, Rev. Dr. Todd Jones talks about how forming and effectively using teams in your congregation can take your ministry to the next level. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/ministry-is-a-team Mon, 29 Jun 2020 07:00:45 GMT Podcast Episodes In this Thought Leader Podcast, Rev. Dr. Todd Jones talks about how forming and effectively using teams in your congregation can take your ministry to the next level. Back to Episodes In this Thought Leader Podcast, Rev. Dr. Todd Jones talks about how forming and effectively using teams in your congregation can take your ministry to the next level.

Back to Episodes

]]> Life in the New Normal https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/life-in-the-new-normal In this podcast, Rev. Brad Hubbard interviews Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier, president of the Michigan District, LCMS. They talk about current events following the death of George Floyd and how we, as children of God, can respond. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/life-in-the-new-normal Tue, 09 Jun 2020 10:00:28 GMT Podcast Episodes In this podcast, Rev. Brad Hubbard interviews Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier, president of the Michigan District, LCMS. They talk about current events following the death of George Floyd and how we, as children of God, can respond. Back to Episodes In this podcast, Rev. Brad Hubbard interviews Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier, president of the Michigan District, LCMS. They talk about current events following the death of George Floyd and how we, as children of God, can respond.

Back to Episodes

]]> Mental Health - Part 2 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mental-health-part-2 Christie Hansard, RN, BSN is the Michigan District Mental Health Case Manager. She joins Jeff Heisner to discuss issues that could come up as we begin to gather together again as congregations. Hansard shares how pastors and church workers can spot and minister to people who are dealing with issues related to mental health. This is part 2 of our Thought Leader Podcast on the topic of mental health. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1 Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mental-health-part-2 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 07:00:18 GMT Podcast Episodes Christie Hansard, RN, BSN is the Michigan District Mental Health Case Manager. She joins Jeff Heisner to discuss issues that could come up as we begin to gather together again as congregations. Hansard shares how pastors and church workers can spot and minister to people who are dealing with issues related to mental health. This is part 2 of our Thought Leader Podcast on the topic of mental health. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1 Christie Hansard, RN, BSN is the Michigan District Mental Health Case Manager. She joins Jeff Heisner to discuss issues that could come up as we begin to gather together again as congregations. Hansard shares how pastors and church workers can spot and minister to people who are dealing with issues related to mental health. This is part 2 of our Thought Leader Podcast on the topic of mental health.

Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1

]]> Conducting an Online Voters’ Meeting https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/conducting-an-online-voters-meeting In this podcast, Rev. Dr. Todd Jones from the Michigan District, LCMS addresses questions related to holding an online congregational voters’ meeting. Download a transcript of this podcast here. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/conducting-an-online-voters-meeting Wed, 27 May 2020 07:00:19 GMT Podcast Episodes In this podcast, Rev. Dr. Todd Jones from the Michigan District, LCMS addresses questions related to holding an online congregational voters’ meeting. Download a transcript of this podcast here. Back to Episodes In this podcast, Rev. Dr. Todd Jones from the Michigan District, LCMS addresses questions related to holding an online congregational voters’ meeting. Download a transcript of this podcast here.

Back to Episodes

]]> Mental Health - Part 1 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mental-health-part-1 Michigan District's Jeff Heisner chats with Autumn Casiglia, MA LLP PLLC, a psychologist who serves on the Commission for Church Worker Care. In this episode, you will learn how to recognize, understand, and be of help to those with mental health conditions that may have surfaced or escalated during COVID-19. The episode also offers resources for your use. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2 Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/mental-health-part-1 Mon, 11 May 2020 07:00:35 GMT Podcast Episodes Michigan District's Jeff Heisner chats with Autumn Casiglia, MA LLP PLLC, a psychologist who serves on the Commission for Church Worker Care. In this episode, you will learn how to recognize, understand, and be of help to those with mental health conditions that may have surfaced or escalated during COVID-19. The episode also offers resources for your use. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2 Michigan District's Jeff Heisner chats with Autumn Casiglia, MA LLP PLLC, a psychologist who serves on the Commission for Church Worker Care. In this episode, you will learn how to recognize, understand, and be of help to those with mental health conditions that may have surfaced or escalated during COVID-19. The episode also offers resources for your use.

Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2

]]> Preparing for the Return of the Saints https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/preparing-for-the-return-of-the-saints Jeff Heisner and Rev. Dr. Robert Kasper from the Michigan District, LCMS talk about how to prepare for the return of God's people into the church after the COVID-19 pandemic. Kasper offers suggestions and things to consider to help your church come back together safely. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/preparing-for-the-return-of-the-saints Tue, 28 Apr 2020 15:10:13 GMT Podcast Episodes Jeff Heisner and Rev. Dr. Robert Kasper from the Michigan District, LCMS talk about how to prepare for the return of God's people into the church after the COVID-19 pandemic. Kasper offers suggestions and things to consider to help your church come back together safely. Back to Episodes Jeff Heisner and Rev. Dr. Robert Kasper from the Michigan District, LCMS talk about how to prepare for the return of God's people into the church after the COVID-19 pandemic. Kasper offers suggestions and things to consider to help your church come back together safely.

Back to Episodes

]]> What is a good online worship experience? https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/what-is-a-good-online-worship-experience In an effort to connect with people, we are putting our worship services online. Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares best practices that help create a good online worship experience. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/what-is-a-good-online-worship-experience Mon, 06 Apr 2020 07:00:00 GMT Podcast Episodes In an effort to connect with people, we are putting our worship services online. Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares best practices that help create a good online worship experience. Back to Episodes In an effort to connect with people, we are putting our worship services online. Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares best practices that help create a good online worship experience.

Back to Episodes

]]> Ministry in the Midst of COVID-19 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/ministry-in-the-midst-of-covid-19 Rev. Dr. Todd Jones discusses why social presence is so important and offers strategies for developing social presence in an online group experience such as streaming worship services or online video devotions. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/ministry-in-the-midst-of-covid-19 Mon, 23 Mar 2020 15:39:30 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Todd Jones discusses why social presence is so important and offers strategies for developing social presence in an online group experience such as streaming worship services or online video devotions. Back to Episodes Rev. Dr. Todd Jones discusses why social presence is so important and offers strategies for developing social presence in an online group experience such as streaming worship services or online video devotions.

Back to Episodes

]]> Growing Your Ministry through the Gifts for All God's Children Model https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/growing-your-ministry-through-the-gifts-for-all-gods-children-model In this Thought Leader Podcast, Jeff Heisner talks with Patti Jacques and Carlyn Roth from Gifts for All God’s Children about the model they have created in making GFAGC such an impactful ministry. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/growing-your-ministry-through-the-gifts-for-all-gods-children-model Mon, 09 Mar 2020 07:00:29 GMT Podcast Episodes In this Thought Leader Podcast, Jeff Heisner talks with Patti Jacques and Carlyn Roth from Gifts for All God’s Children about the model they have created in making GFAGC such an impactful ministry. Back to Episodes In this Thought Leader Podcast, Jeff Heisner talks with Patti Jacques and Carlyn Roth from Gifts for All God’s Children about the model they have created in making GFAGC such an impactful ministry.

Back to Episodes

]]> The Power of the Promise (Part 3) https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-power-of-the-promise-part-3 In part 3 of this Thought Leader Podcast, Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares some suggestions on effectively equipping children with the Gospel. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1 "The Power of the Promise" | Listen to Part 2 "The Promise" Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-power-of-the-promise-part-3 Mon, 02 Mar 2020 07:00:29 GMT Podcast Episodes In part 3 of this Thought Leader Podcast, Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares some suggestions on effectively equipping children with the Gospel. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1 "The Power of the Promise" | Listen to Part 2 "The Promise" In part 3 of this Thought Leader Podcast, Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares some suggestions on effectively equipping children with the Gospel.

Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1 "The Power of the Promise" | Listen to Part 2 "The Promise"

]]> Multi-site Congregations https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/multi-site-congregations Rev. David Davis joins Rev. Dr. Todd Jones in this edition of the Thought Leaders Podcast. Rev. Davis explains why it is important for churches to start thinking about joining together to form a multi-site congregation. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/multi-site-congregations Mon, 27 Jan 2020 07:00:30 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. David Davis joins Rev. Dr. Todd Jones in this edition of the Thought Leaders Podcast. Rev. Davis explains why it is important for churches to start thinking about joining together to form a multi-site congregation. Back to Episodes Rev. David Davis joins Rev. Dr. Todd Jones in this edition of the Thought Leaders Podcast. Rev. Davis explains why it is important for churches to start thinking about joining together to form a multi-site congregation.

Back to Episodes

]]> Website Content - Part 3 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/website-content This week’s Thought Leader Podcast is the third in a series designed to help your church online, and it challenges you to think about what your website is saying about your church. Rev. Dr. Todd Jones will help you prepare and upload better website content and improve your online presence. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1 | Listen to Part 2 Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/website-content Mon, 13 Jan 2020 07:00:15 GMT Podcast Episodes This week’s Thought Leader Podcast is the third in a series designed to help your church online, and it challenges you to think about what your website is saying about your church. Rev. Dr. Todd Jones will help you prepare and upload better website content and improve your online presence. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1 | Listen to Part 2 This week’s Thought Leader Podcast is the third in a series designed to help your church online, and it challenges you to think about what your website is saying about your church. Rev. Dr. Todd Jones will help you prepare and upload better website content and improve your online presence.

Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1 | Listen to Part 2

]]> The Future Church https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-future-church This podcast helps resolve some of the tension many experience between staying with past traditions and progressively looking into the future. Dr. Todd Jones explores what Martin Luther taught in regards to the Mass and how the future church could be transformed. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-future-church Mon, 25 Nov 2019 07:00:50 GMT Podcast Episodes This podcast helps resolve some of the tension many experience between staying with past traditions and progressively looking into the future. Dr. Todd Jones explores what Martin Luther taught in regards to the Mass and how the future church could be transformed. Back to Episodes This podcast helps resolve some of the tension many experience between staying with past traditions and progressively looking into the future. Dr. Todd Jones explores what Martin Luther taught in regards to the Mass and how the future church could be transformed.

Back to Episodes

]]> Digital Footprint Initiative - Part 2 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/digital-footprint-initiative Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares the Michigan District’s plan for its new Digital Footprint Initiative. The plan is being developed to improve a ministry’s visibility on the web. Jones talks about how to create a website that engages an audience and even goes through the steps to help you out. Back to Episodes | Videocast Available | Listen to Part 1 | Listen to Part 3 Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/digital-footprint-initiative Mon, 11 Nov 2019 07:00:57 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares the Michigan District’s plan for its new Digital Footprint Initiative. The plan is being developed to improve a ministry’s visibility on the web. Jones talks about how to create a website that engages an audience and even goes through the steps to help you out. Back to Episodes | Videocast Available | Listen to Part 1 | Listen to Part 3 Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares the Michigan District’s plan for its new Digital Footprint Initiative. The plan is being developed to improve a ministry’s visibility on the web. Jones talks about how to create a website that engages an audience and even goes through the steps to help you out.

Back to Episodes | Videocast Available | Listen to Part 1 | Listen to Part 3

]]> Connecting with Internationals https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/connecting-with-internationals Rev. Dr. Todd Jones of the Michigan District, LCMS sits down with Rev. David Davis, pastor at St. Luke, Haslett and St. Luke--Christ Campus, Lansing, to discuss connecting with international people at a local level. Rev. Davis shares his experiences and best practices in sharing the Gospel with people from different countries and backgrounds. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/connecting-with-internationals Mon, 28 Oct 2019 07:00:21 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Todd Jones of the Michigan District, LCMS sits down with Rev. David Davis, pastor at St. Luke, Haslett and St. Luke--Christ Campus, Lansing, to discuss connecting with international people at a local level. Rev. Davis shares his experiences and best practices in sharing the Gospel with people from different countries and backgrounds. Back to Episodes Rev. Dr. Todd Jones of the Michigan District, LCMS sits down with Rev. David Davis, pastor at St. Luke, Haslett and St. Luke--Christ Campus, Lansing, to discuss connecting with international people at a local level. Rev. Davis shares his experiences and best practices in sharing the Gospel with people from different countries and backgrounds.

Back to Episodes

]]> The Promise (Part 2) https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-promise This podcast continues the discussion on the lack of engagement from our children in our youth ministry. Rev. Dr. Todd Jones offers one suggestion and examines its implications to children and youth ministry. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1 "The Power of the Promise" | Listen to Part 3 "The Power of the Promise" Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-promise Mon, 21 Oct 2019 07:00:36 GMT Podcast Episodes This podcast continues the discussion on the lack of engagement from our children in our youth ministry. Rev. Dr. Todd Jones offers one suggestion and examines its implications to children and youth ministry. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1 "The Power of the Promise" | Listen to Part 3 "The Power of the Promise" This podcast continues the discussion on the lack of engagement from our children in our youth ministry. Rev. Dr. Todd Jones offers one suggestion and examines its implications to children and youth ministry.

Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1 "The Power of the Promise" | Listen to Part 3 "The Power of the Promise"

]]> The Power of the Promise (Part 1) https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-power-of-the-promise How does your Sunday School, children’s ministry and youth ministry benefit your children and how does it prepare them for greater success in life? Rev. Dr. Todd Jones looks into an important issue many churches face when it comes to the ministries involving children and youth. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2 "The Promise" | Listen to Part 3 "The Power of the Promise" Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-power-of-the-promise Tue, 03 Sep 2019 07:00:20 GMT Podcast Episodes How does your Sunday School, children’s ministry and youth ministry benefit your children and how does it prepare them for greater success in life? Rev. Dr. Todd Jones looks into an important issue many churches face when it comes to the ministries involving children and youth. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2 "The Promise" | Listen to Part 3 "The Power of the Promise" How does your Sunday School, children’s ministry and youth ministry benefit your children and how does it prepare them for greater success in life? Rev. Dr. Todd Jones looks into an important issue many churches face when it comes to the ministries involving children and youth.

Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2 "The Promise" | Listen to Part 3 "The Power of the Promise"

]]> Recruitment of Professional Church Workers https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/recruitment-of-professional-church-workers There is an increasingly big discrepancy between the number of professional church workers we are turning out and the number we need. Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper of the Michigan District, LCMS talks about how we can fix the problem and what hurdles we need to overcome. It’s not a quick fix, but one we need to start addressing. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/recruitment-of-professional-church-workers Mon, 26 Aug 2019 07:00:10 GMT Podcast Episodes There is an increasingly big discrepancy between the number of professional church workers we are turning out and the number we need. Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper of the Michigan District, LCMS talks about how we can fix the problem and what hurdles we need to overcome. It’s not a quick fix, but one we need to start addressing. Back to Episodes There is an increasingly big discrepancy between the number of professional church workers we are turning out and the number we need. Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper of the Michigan District, LCMS talks about how we can fix the problem and what hurdles we need to overcome. It’s not a quick fix, but one we need to start addressing.

Back to Episodes

]]> Servant Leaders https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/servant-leaders In this episode of the Thought Leader Podcast, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper explains what servant leadership is and why it’s so important in the church. He also explains what happens when leaders fail and gives some resources that could be of great value on this topic. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/servant-leaders Fri, 16 Aug 2019 07:00:05 GMT Podcast Episodes In this episode of the Thought Leader Podcast, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper explains what servant leadership is and why it’s so important in the church. He also explains what happens when leaders fail and gives some resources that could be of great value on this topic. Back to Episodes In this episode of the Thought Leader Podcast, Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper explains what servant leadership is and why it’s so important in the church. He also explains what happens when leaders fail and gives some resources that could be of great value on this topic.

Back to Episodes

]]> Church Governance https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-governance There are some different models of church governance available to you and your ministry. Rev. Dr. Todd Jones with the Michigan District, LCMS helps you evaluate what type of governance can help your organization flourish. This episode of the Thought Leader Podcast also offers action steps to help measure your organization’s policies and structure. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-governance Wed, 14 Aug 2019 07:00:11 GMT Podcast Episodes There are some different models of church governance available to you and your ministry. Rev. Dr. Todd Jones with the Michigan District, LCMS helps you evaluate what type of governance can help your organization flourish. This episode of the Thought Leader Podcast also offers action steps to help measure your organization’s policies and structure. Back to Episodes There are some different models of church governance available to you and your ministry. Rev. Dr. Todd Jones with the Michigan District, LCMS helps you evaluate what type of governance can help your organization flourish. This episode of the Thought Leader Podcast also offers action steps to help measure your organization’s policies and structure.

Back to Episodes

]]> Development of a Ministry Website - Part 1 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/development-of-a-ministry-website Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares insights on developing a strategic framework for your ministry's web presence. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2 | Listen to Part 3 Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/development-of-a-ministry-website Tue, 09 Jul 2019 13:32:57 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares insights on developing a strategic framework for your ministry's web presence. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2 | Listen to Part 3 Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares insights on developing a strategic framework for your ministry's web presence.

Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2 | Listen to Part 3

]]> The Small Church--Must be my Fault? https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-small-church-must-be-my-fault Rev. Randy Johnson talks about the pressures of trying to grow a church and how pastors feel when those expectations for growth don't meet with what is actually happening. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/the-small-church-must-be-my-fault Wed, 19 Jun 2019 07:15:30 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Randy Johnson talks about the pressures of trying to grow a church and how pastors feel when those expectations for growth don't meet with what is actually happening. Back to Episodes Rev. Randy Johnson talks about the pressures of trying to grow a church and how pastors feel when those expectations for growth don't meet with what is actually happening.

Back to Episodes

]]> Conversational Evangelism Part 2 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/conversational-evangelism-part-2 Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares more on the topic of conversational evangelism. Part two focuses on the skills that can be developed to engage people in meaningful conversations. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1 Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/conversational-evangelism-part-2 Wed, 12 Jun 2019 12:15:05 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares more on the topic of conversational evangelism. Part two focuses on the skills that can be developed to engage people in meaningful conversations. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1 Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares more on the topic of conversational evangelism. Part two focuses on the skills that can be developed to engage people in meaningful conversations.

Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 1

]]> Conversational Evangelism Part 1 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/conversational-evangelism-part-1 Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares the critical first step in conversational evangelism. In part one of two podcasts, we will focus on broadening connections into the community. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2 Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/conversational-evangelism-part-1 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 19:49:53 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares the critical first step in conversational evangelism. In part one of two podcasts, we will focus on broadening connections into the community. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2 Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares the critical first step in conversational evangelism. In part one of two podcasts, we will focus on broadening connections into the community.

Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2

]]> Church is not a Spectator Sport https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-is-not-a-spectator-sport Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares some of his best practices for getting volunteers to get out of the bleachers and onto the field. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/church-is-not-a-spectator-sport Thu, 02 May 2019 17:52:07 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares some of his best practices for getting volunteers to get out of the bleachers and onto the field. Back to Episodes Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares some of his best practices for getting volunteers to get out of the bleachers and onto the field.

Back to Episodes

]]> Unaddressed Conflict https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/unaddressed-conflict Rev. Dr. Todd Jones talks about best practices in handling conflict and how to be a proactive leader in these difficult situations. Back to Episodes Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/unaddressed-conflict Thu, 02 May 2019 17:51:24 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Todd Jones talks about best practices in handling conflict and how to be a proactive leader in these difficult situations. Back to Episodes Rev. Dr. Todd Jones talks about best practices in handling conflict and how to be a proactive leader in these difficult situations.

Back to Episodes

]]> Measuring the Health of your Ministry Part 2 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/measuring-the-health-of-your-ministry-part-2 Rev. Dr. Todd Jones and Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper discuss what are the key indicators of a healthy ministry. Back to Episodes Michigan District Podcast https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/measuring-the-health-of-your-ministry-part-2 Thu, 02 May 2019 17:49:14 GMT Podcast Episodes Rev. Dr. Todd Jones and Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper discuss what are the key indicators of a healthy ministry. Back to Episodes Rev. Dr. Todd Jones and Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper discuss what are the key indicators of a healthy ministry.

Back to Episodes

]]> Measuring the Health of your Ministry Part 1 https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/measuring-the-health-of-your-ministry-part-1 We're all slaves to the attendance numbers but are they a true indicator of a healthy congregation? Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares how we can truly measure the health of our congregation. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2 Michigan District https://michigandistrict.org/resources/podcast-episodes/measuring-the-health-of-your-ministry-part-1 Thu, 02 May 2019 17:42:17 GMT Podcast Episodes We're all slaves to the attendance numbers but are they a true indicator of a healthy congregation? Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares how we can truly measure the health of our congregation. Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2 We're all slaves to the attendance numbers but are they a true indicator of a healthy congregation? Rev. Dr. Todd Jones shares how we can truly measure the health of our congregation.

Back to Episodes | Listen to Part 2

]]>