Episodes

  • Translating the Bible with Rich Rudowske
    Sep 21 2026

    In this episode Matt is joined by Rich Rudowske from Lutheran Bible Translators to explore the vital work of translating the Bible into languages around the world, the impact of technology and AI on this mission, and why access to God's word is crucial for every community.

    Links:
    Lutheran Bible Translators: https://lbt.org/
    Back to the Bible: https://lbt.org/back-to-the-bible-empower-your-church-through-scripture/
    VoxCon 2027: https://www.gotovox.com

    Support the show

    For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

    To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show

    Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.




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    42 mins
  • Fear and Anxiety with Luke Kjolhaug
    Sep 18 2026

    In this episode, Matt welcome Luke Kjolhaug to the show and together they explore how the message of Jesus transforms our relationship with fear and anxiety, drawing insights from Luke's new book 'Fear Not.'

    Links:

    Fear Not book: https://shop.1517.org/products/9781967920129-fear-not

    VoxCon: https://www.gotovox.com

    Support the show

    For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

    To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show

    Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.




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    44 mins
  • Why Christian College with Ryan Peterson
    Sep 11 2026

    In this episode, we discuss the importance of Christian higher education, focusing on its unique role in shaping students' faith, career, and life purpose.

    Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson, VP of Advancement at Concordia University St. Paul, shares insights on how Christian universities foster transformation, community, and faithfulness like noneother in a challenging world.

    Links:
    Concordia St. Paul: https://www.csp.edu
    Make It Simple: https://www.makeitsimple.org
    VoxCon 2027: https://www.gotovox.com

    Support the show

    For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

    To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show

    Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.




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    43 mins
  • Developing Leaders with Tim Ahlman
    Sep 4 2026

    In this episode Matt chats with Rev. Dr. Tim Ahlman about raising up leaders in the local church, the battle over "who can lead" in the LCMS, and much more.

    Links:

    Unite Leadership Collective: https://www.uniteleadership.org/

    VoxCon 2027: https://www.gotovox.com/

    Support the show

    For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

    To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show

    Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.




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    38 mins
  • Technology and the Church with Aaron Stewart
    Aug 28 2026

    If you work in ministry or volunteer at your church then chances are you've used Planning Center. In the latest episode of Make It Simple, Matt chats with Aaron Stewart, the co-founder of Planning Center Services to discuss technology and the church.

    Keywords: technology, tech, church, AI, ministry

    Planning Center: https://planningcenter.com

    VoxCon 2027: https://www.gotovox.com/

    Support the show

    For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

    To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show

    Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.




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    43 mins
  • Ministry and Leadership with Gregg Matte
    Aug 21 2026

    In the latest episode of Make It Simple, Matt sits down with Gregg Matte, Sr. Pastor of Houston's First Baptist Church and founder of Breakaway Ministry.

    Matt and Gregg discuss ministry and leadership in the second half of life, leaving a legacy as a leader, and much more.

    Info:
    Houston's First - https://www.houstonsfirst.org
    Breakaway Ministries - https://breakaway.org

    Support the show

    For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

    To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show

    Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.




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    42 mins
  • Reaching and Engaging Men in the Church with Guy Wasko
    Aug 14 2026

    In this episode of Make It Simple, we explore how to effectively reach and engage men in the church, focusing on creating safe spaces for vulnerability, understanding generational differences, and trusting in the movement of the Holy Spirit.

    Keywords:
    men's ministry, church engagement, vulnerability, leadership, spiritual growth, generational differences, Holy Spirit, community, discipleship

    Links:
    Guy Wasko: https://for.nyc
    VoxCon 2027: https://www.gotovox.com/

    Support the show

    For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

    To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show

    Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.




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    43 mins
  • Pastor's Kid to Stand-Up Comedy with Andrew Stanley
    Aug 7 2026

    Matt and Rachel talk to comedian Andrew Stanley. Andrew is a rising star in stand-up, playing arenas with Nate Bargatze. He's also the son of pastor Andy Stanley and grandson of Dr. Charles Stanley, two of the most prominent and influential pastors and communicators in the country.

    Andrew shares his journey from a preacher's kid to a stand-up comedian, discussing the challenges of vulnerability, the importance of practice, and how his faith influences his work. He offers insights on building a comedy career, managing self-worth, and living authentically.

    Keywords: comedy, stand-up, faith, vulnerability, career, storytelling, practice, legacy, mental health, authenticity

    Andrew Stanley: https://andrewstanleycomedy.com

    VoxCon 2027: https://www.gotovox.com/

    Support the show

    For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

    To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show

    Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.




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    48 mins