On this episode, I talk with Joel Biermann of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis about Christian leadership, the challenges facing the Church today, and the hope that continues to anchor God’s people. Dr. Biermann—longtime professor, pastor, and current candidate for president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod—reflects on the experiences that shaped his calling, the role of theological formation in a changing world, and what it means for Christians to stay centered on Jesus amid cultural uncertainty.

Whether you’re Lutheran, from another Christian tradition, or simply curious about faith, this conversation offers clarity without insider language (or at least we explain that language!), depth without jargon, and a thoughtful look at how the Church can engage the world with both conviction and compassion. Dr. Biermann brings a steady, pastoral voice to questions of identity, mission, and the future—and invites listeners to consider where God may be calling them to lead, serve, and hope.

Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play by Joel Biermann

The Quest for Holiness by Adolf Koberle

Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those stars really help others discover us.

Next, hit that like button or give us a thumbs-up—it’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.

Finally, share this episode!

Text it to a friend, post it on social media, or tell someone about it over coffee.

You never know who might need to hear this message today.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The St. Mathew YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The St. Matthew Podcast Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here for more information about St. Matthe⁠w⁠

They met as kids, grew up together, then started a life together!

Meet Jonathan and Christa Petzold.

He's an author and pastor of church in Northeast Illinois.

She's an author and doctoral student and pastor's wife.

And they are living in Christ!

You can find out more about the Petzolds and get their books here.

Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those stars really help others discover us.

Next, hit that like button or give us a thumbs-up—it’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.

Finally, share this episode!

Text it to a friend, post it on social media, or tell someone about it over coffee.

You never know who might need to hear this message today.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The St. Mathew YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The St. Matthew Podcast Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here for more information about St. Matthe⁠w⁠

Imagine what your life would be like if you were to do the things that Jesus says - which is in red letters in many Bibles?

That's the premise of the Red Letter Challenge by Zach Zehnder and that is what we talk about on this episode!

Check out the Red Letter Challenge website here.

Purchase your copy of Red Letter Challenge here.

You can find out more about Zach and his ministry here.

Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those stars really help others discover us.

Next, hit that like button or give us a thumbs-up—it’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.

Finally, share this episode!

Text it to a friend, post it on social media, or tell someone about it over coffee.

You never know who might need to hear this message today.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The St. Mathew YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠The St. Matthew Podcast Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here for more information about St. Matthe⁠w⁠

Dr. Jeff Kloha, dean of the Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadershi, has spent his career helping the Church think deeply about Scripture, formation, and the mission of God in a changing world. In his work with pastors and leaders, he brings a rare blend of theological depth, practical wisdom, and a heart for equipping God’s people for faithful ministry.

For more information about The Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership, click here.

Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those stars really help others discover us.

Next, hit that like button or give us a thumbs-up—it’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.

Finally, share this episode!

Text it to a friend, post it on social media, or tell someone about it over coffee.

You never know who might need to hear this message today.

⁠⁠⁠⁠The St. Mathew YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠The St. Matthew Podcast Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Click here for more information about St. Matthe⁠w⁠

He comes from New York, grew up in Iowa and now lives in Wisconsin.

A life-long - and long-suffering - Buffalo Bills fan, as well as being the youngest of seven children, Steve Kline has a rather unique insight on who God is and what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

To find out more about Steve:

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Books recommended by Steve:

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Joseph Gretty, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, and Emily Gregory

The Best Is Yet to Come: 7 Doors of Spiritual Growth by John Kieschnick

If You Want to Walk on Water by John Ortberg

Heaven by Randy Alcorn

Red Letter Challenge by Zach Zehnder

Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those stars really help others discover us.

Next, hit that like button or give us a thumbs-up—it’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.

Finally, share this episode!

Text it to a friend, post it on social media, or tell someone about it over coffee.

You never know who might need to hear this message today.

⁠⁠⁠The St. Mathew YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠The St. Matthew Podcast Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Click here for more information about St. Matthe⁠w⁠

He is a husband, father, pastor, public speaker, and author. And he’s got something to say to today’s generation!

The Christian Faith is not an obligation.

The Christian Church is not a place where you “check the boxes.”

Meet Zach Zehnder, who tells us that following Jesus is an opportunity!

For more about Zach, head over to his website, Red Letter Challenge.

Red Letter Challenge

Books recommended by Zach:

Confessing Jesus’ Mission by Tim Ahlman

The Prodigal God by Tim Keller

Steps by Jon Ortberg

Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

Good to Great by Jim Collins

Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those stars really help others discover us.

Next, hit that like button or give us a thumbs-up—it’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.

Finally, share this episode!

Text it to a friend, post it on social media, or tell someone about it over coffee.

You never know who might need to hear this message today.

⁠⁠The St. Mathew YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠The St. Matthew Podcast Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Click here for more information about St. Matthe⁠w⁠

From humble beginnings growing up in Texas to being the leader of several churches, a District President and the the President of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod - a church body of nearly 2 million people - the Rev. Dr. Jerry Kieschnick inspires us to answer God's call to serve others!

Books recommended by Jerry:

The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those stars really help others discover us.

Next, hit that like button or give us a thumbs-up—it’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.

Finally, share this episode!

Text it to a friend, post it on social media, or tell someone about it over coffee.

You never know who might need to hear this message today.

⁠The St. Mathew YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠

The St. Matthew Podcast Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Click here for more information about St. Matthe⁠w⁠

Life feels heavy at times. Especially in dark times.

Where do you turn when it does? Who do you turn to to get through what you're going through?

Tanner Olson returns to the Reflection Podcast with a new book of poems and essays!

To find out more about Tanner, go to Written to Speak.

To get a copy of Getting Through What You're Going Through, click here.

Here are the previous episodes featuring Tanner.

That's What I Need to Hear with Tanner Olson and Blake Flattley.

Life is Not a Race and You are Not Behind with Tanner Olson.

Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those stars really help others discover us.

Next, hit that like button or give us a thumbs-up—it’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.

Finally, share this episode!

Text it to a friend, post it on social media, or tell someone about it over coffee.

You never know who might need to hear this message today.

The St. Mathew YouTube Channel⁠⁠The St. Matthew Podcast Channel⁠⁠⁠Click here for more information about St. Matthe⁠w⁠