Cross Checking - podcast cover

Cross Checking

Joshua LeBorious, Ben Oelshlaegerpodcasters.spotify.com
Dive deep into the world of faith with Ben and Josh, two pastors in the LCMS. Join us for casual conversations about the Bible, theology, and how our faith intersects with the world around us. We'll tackle everything from church doctrines to cultural dilemmas, all with a healthy dose of humor and a shared passion for exploring the Christian faith. Think of it like grabbing coffee with your friends and geeking out about the Gospel. New episodes every Monday on all major podcast platforms.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Lutherans and Alcohol

Lutherans have a history with alcohol and, in some ways, it has become part of our corporate identity. Ben and Josh talk about that today and where we have to be careful. Also, the audio issues are on Ben - so surely Josh can get some additional points. Right?!

Jun 30, 202526 minSeason 8Ep. 1

Historic Identity

Lutheran history goes back to the 1500s - right?Well, that depends on your perspective. In this episode, Ben and Josh talk about different historical parts of the church and how they have contributed to Lutheran Identity over the years.

Jun 23, 202541 minSeason 8Ep. 1

Lutheran Identity

In the first episode of Season 8 of Cross Checking (formerly Manbuns and Jesus, formerly Coffee, Protein Shakes, and Jesus), Josh and Ben introduce the season's topic - Lutheran Identity - and why it might matter to you!

Jun 16, 202541 minSeason 8Ep. 1

Inspiration

In the season finale of Cross Checking, Ben and Josh talk about one of the most fundamental things they don't teach you about at Seminary. How do you convince people to care about this stuff?

May 19, 202533 minSeason 7Ep. 13

Exhibition: Picking the Pope

Honestly, we could not remember what the season finale was supposed to be about. So instead we covered some current events (kinda) and talked about some of the best ways to pick leaders in the church.

May 12, 202536 min

Church is Not a Business

Join Ben and Josh in the penultimate episode of the season where we talk about some issues with the framework of how we think about church sometimes.

May 05, 202536 minSeason 7Ep. 12

Diplomacy

Today Ben and Josh talk about creatively diplomatic emails and messages to deal with problems that are kinda problems but not full on problems .

Apr 28, 202536 minSeason 7Ep. 11

Exhibition: Snap Your Fingers

On this light after-Easter episode, Ben and Josh talk about a couple things they would magically fix in the LCMS if they could.

Apr 21, 202512 min

The Rapture

Continuing in the series-within-a-series on correction bad theology - today Ben and Josh talk about the Rapture. A lot of end-times-y stuff lately, someone should tell these guys to chill.

Apr 14, 202533 minSeason 7Ep. 10

Decisions, Decisions

Ben and Josh continue a little mini-series on correction bad theology. What's in their crosshairs today? Decision theology!

Apr 07, 202536 minSeason 7Ep. 9

Predestined

Are you predestined for greatness? What about for eternal life? Part of a mini-series on how we correct bad theology.

Mar 31, 202536 minSeason 7Ep. 8

Grow Up!

This week Ben and Josh are talking about immaturity in the church. It can impact our spiritual walks and our operations as a community - so we all could probably do with some growing up!

Mar 03, 202537 minSeason 7Ep. 7

Context is Key

Context is a word that gets thrown around a lot (at least in our circles). Why is it such a big deal and how do we understand the contexts we are in?

Feb 24, 202539 minSeason 7Ep. 6

Silver Bullets

In this episode, Ben and Josh talk about when programs are useful for congregations to implement . . . and when they aren't.

Feb 17, 202537 minSeason 7Ep. 5

Major Changes

Ben and Josh talk about how churches should approach organizational change.

Feb 10, 202542 minSeason 7Ep. 4

Church Shopping

In this episode, Ben and Josh talk about what it should look like when you're picking a church. We also have some mildly spicy takes on what it shouldn't look like.

Feb 03, 202534 minSeason 7Ep. 3

Change is Hard

Josh and Ben talk about what happens when churches have to go through major transitions like different professional church workers or changing major ministries.

Jan 27, 202537 minSeason 7Ep. 2

Checking In

Welcome to Season 7 of Cross Checking (formerly Manbuns and Jesus)! This season we will spend a lot of time talking about the work of the church, the limitations of pastors, and the roles of volunteers in the church. We kick that off by checking in on our ministry contexts and reflecting on where we both are.

Jan 20, 202546 minSeason 7Ep. 1

Concerning Christ's Descent Into Hell

Jesus went to hell for you. And the more you think about it, the more meaningful we realize His sacrifice was.

Nov 12, 202426 minSeason 6Ep. 25

Concerning the Third Use of the Law

The Law is a good gift that serves as our guide, but that isn't all it does. Also, here is the link for the book Josh shamelessly plugs during the episode....

Oct 29, 202449 minSeason 6Ep. 24

Concerning Excommunication

In the church, we're called to deal with sin. Excommunication is one of the tools we use to do it. Big name, scary name, but ultimately a process driven by compassion and a desire for reconciliation.

Oct 22, 202444 minSeason 6Ep. 23

Concerning the Marriage of Priests and Monastic Vows

It's really more of an episode about vocation, but we want the titles for the season to be consistent. And yes, I know I could just say "Concerning Vocation" but that didn't occur to me until I was writing the description and I'd have to actually click back on the Title box instead of just using the Tab key - not on your life!

Sep 10, 202445 minSeason 6Ep. 19
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast