Guest Rev. Matt Hoffmann TOPICS: Reflections on Independence Day Conspiracy Theories Preaching with Metaphor and Illusions Gospel vs. Politics CRAFT of PREACHING WORKSHOP August 4-6, 2025 at St. James, Chicago Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp ...
Jul 09, 2025•51 min
Welcome special Guest Dieter Reinstorf, Former bishop (2010-2023) of the Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa (FELSISA). His academic expertise is New Testament and Hermeneutics, and he has served as a research associate of the Department of New Testament Studies in the Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria. TOPICS: Post-apartheid Preaching in South Africa Listening to the voice of the oppressed Interpretation should challenge the Interpreter Recovering interest in the Chr...
Jul 03, 2025•46 min
TOPICS: Dress like a Man Gen Z worship trends Men and women in church Why the tree of good and evil? CRAFT of PREACHING WORKSHOP August 4-6, 2025 at St. James, Chicago Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love my man”...
Jun 13, 2025•50 min
TOPICS: Manly Poetry Why not follow the OT law? What its like to work for Joel… Living Together before Marriage CRAFT of PREACHING WORKSHOP August 4-6, 2025 at St. James, Chicago Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love my man...
May 28, 2025•57 min
TOPICS: Hope for Humanity at the Ball game New Pope talk Christ’s Ascension & Implications Guest: Rev. James Hopkins CRAFT of PREACHING WORKSHOP August 4-6, 2025 at St. James, Chicago Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I lo...
May 21, 2025•58 min
TOPICS: The Call Day Experience Choosing a Church New Pastor Advice Essential Friendships in the Ministry JOIN US! readingtwotexts.com CONFERENCE JUNE 10-11, 2025 Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love my man”...
May 09, 2025•59 min
TOPICS: Absurd Easter Memories Passing of Pope Francis Resurrection and Remembrance Confession Absolution The “Closed” Canon of Scripture JOIN US! readingtwotexts.com CONFERENCE JUNE 10-11, 2025 (Registration open until May 10) Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess -...
Apr 30, 2025•55 min
TOPICS: The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction NEW BOOK Words of Identity Community in Recovery Empathy vs. Sympathy Symbols in Worship GUEST: Rev. Donavan Riley NEW BOOK: The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction JOIN US! readingtwotexts.com CONFERENCE JUNE 10-11, 2025 (Registration open until May 10) Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR:...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 15 min
TOPICS: Swearing Pastors Why does Mark’s Gospel end like it does? Fear and Trembling “They know not what they do” JOIN US! readingtwotexts.com CONFERENCE JUNE 10-11, 2025 (Registration open until May 10) Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love...
Apr 16, 2025•45 min
TOPICS: Rivalry in Sport and Society The Chosen Christian Entertainment Repentance and Forgiveness JOIN US! readingtwotexts.com CONFERENCE JUNE 10-11, 2025 (Registration open until May 10) Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I l...
Apr 01, 2025•55 min
TOPICS: Comfort Dogs Loneliness Anti-social Technology Revolt against a King readingtwotexts.com CONFERENCE JUNE 10-11, 2025 (Registration open until May 10) Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love my man” Other: Written in M...
Mar 25, 2025•50 min
TOPICS: Situation and text Newton/Einstein interpretation Deconstructionism asks good questions. Best Theories comes before Best practices De-centering of the self Modernism is not our salvation readingtwotexts.com CONFERENCE JUNE 10-11, 2025 (Registration open until May 10) Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Ringside interviews the incredible minds at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne during Symposia 2025. Guest Rev. Dr. Jason Lane TOPICS: Benedict Option Democracy as the new religion Joyful Living: It’s fun Formulated ideas by podcasts Technology is faster or Slower? Liturgy of rest Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: James Houseman, Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https:...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Ringside interviews the incredible minds at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne during Symposia 2025. Guest Rev. Dr. Jeff Pulse TOPICS: Inside Scoop: Straight outta Seminary A new pastor & his communication skills Longevity in the first call Prepping Pastors for ministry Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: James Houseman, Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.p...
Feb 18, 2025•49 min
Ringside interviews the incredible minds at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne during Symposia 2025. Guest: Rev. Dr. John Bombaro TOPICS: What does church architecture have to do with preaching? Imposing our physicality on Christ Engaging people with the mystery Gospel Means, Gospel Ends Masculine Preaching Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: James Houseman, Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE...
Feb 11, 2025•57 min
TOPICS: Song of Simeon Levitical Laws Miscarriage & Silence Serving the Church Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: James Houseman, Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love my man”...
Feb 05, 2025•57 min
TOPICS: Travel Nightmares (with Joel) Apologetics and Faith Free Will and Human Suffering Wisdom, God’s Plan Happy Birthday Tyler! Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love my man” Other Stuff: An epiphany at Cana, Malcolm Guid...
Jan 21, 2025•59 min
TOPICS: California Wildfires Christianity in Modern Culture Volunteer Dynamics at Church Language Barriers in Ministry Baptism of our Lord Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love my man”...
Jan 14, 2025•59 min
TOPICS: Drone or Angel? Gift Giving and Family Traditions Humor in Conversations Skepticism and Cynicism Power of the Christmas Narrative Angels, Messengers, and Mary Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love my man” Other Stuf...
Dec 25, 2024•56 min
TOPICS: The Role of Christmas Traditions The Intersection of Joy and Terror Creative Christmas Crimes Advent vs Christmas Rhythm of Life and Seasons Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love my man” Other Stuff: The Cultivation...
Dec 24, 2024•46 min
TOPICS: Dispensary or Church? Confessional vs. Traditional Churches Prohibition & Repeal Day Shorter Sermons? New Hermeneutic? TIS Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love my man” Other Stuff: For the Time Being, Auden...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr
Nov 27, 2024•49 min
TOPICS: Rhetoric and Comedy Should Church be the Realm of Free Speech? Permission to want the End Times The enemy inside Guest: Rev. Tim Barkett Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love my man”...
Nov 19, 2024•59 min
TOPICS: Lack of self reflection in America Authenticity in Politics Democratic and Republican pendulum Conservative vs. Orthodox Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love my man” Other: Election Day November 1884, Walt Whitman...
Nov 12, 2024•53 min
TOPICS: The Theology of Addiction: the Impossible Prize Tangible vs. Abstract Gospel God-given rights? Four rules of Preaching Institutionalize the Lutheran Confession Guest: Rev. Donavon Riley St John's Lutheran Church (Webster, MN) Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen ...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 7 min
TOPICS: Is it a sin to marry after divorce? Does Lutheran MEAN anything anymore? Pastors standing up for each other locally Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love my man” Other Stuff: LONELINESS— A GERMAN POEM BY MARTIN HEID...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Exclusive Ringside conversations with some of our favorite scholars from Concordia Seminary during Symposium 2024. TOPICS: James & Luther Formation and Jesus in the University Liberal Arts Education Guest: Rev. Dr. Jason Lane Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess...
Oct 22, 2024•50 min
Exclusive Ringside conversations with some of our favorite scholars from Concordia Seminary during Symposium 2024. TOPICS: What they hear in a sermon Technology has changed those who listen Why can’t preachers talk about their own preaching? Guest: Rev. Dr. David Schmitt Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_butt...
Oct 15, 2024•51 min
TOPICS: Lamentations or Taylor Swift? Ringside Growing up What is a Lutheran? Old Man Strength Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TZBU7UQQAWEVN Music: Joel Allen Hess - More on bandcamp Dead Horse One - “I love my man”...
Oct 10, 2024•1 hr
Exclusive Ringside conversations with some of our favorite scholars from Concordia Seminary during Symposium 2024. TOPICS: New Tech is just getting the job done! Preaching for living life TOGETHER Community Involved Sermon Exegesis of Culture & People Guests: Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger Thank you: 1517.org thejaggedword.com Grace Lutheran Ventura St. James Lutheran, Chicago Monthly Sponsors: Frankie Meadows, Blayne Watts, and Eddie Switek YOU CAN BE A RINGSIDE SPONSOR: https://www.paypal.com/dona...
Oct 08, 2024•46 min
