Embark on an intellectual pilgrimage with the esteemed Reverend Dr. Andrew Jackson as we dissect the delicate interplay of the Holy Spirit and profound scriptural truths that are steering today's church reformation. Our exchange delves into the historical ebbs and flows of spiritual revivals, offering listeners a unique lens through which to view the transformative effects of diverse Christian traditions on collective growth and personal discipleship. By threading the needle between ecclesiastic...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 84
Imagine the transformation that could unfold within the American Christian Church if unity prevailed. Reverend Dr. Darrell Zimmerman joins me to shed light on this pressing issue, emphasizing the potential for the Church to exemplify Christ's love amidst societal divisions. Our heartfelt conversation traverses the challenges of harmony, both among congregants and leaders, revealing the necessity for a ministry that radiates with unified purpose. Sharing anecdotes and wisdom, we uncover the metho...
Mar 27, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 87
Embark on a transformative expedition with church planting luminary Peyton Jones as we uncover the bedrock principles necessary for a modern-day spiritual awakening within the American Christian Church. In a world where the definition of church success is often measured by size, we invite you to reconsider what it means to sow seeds of faith and foster genuine discipleship. Peyton, drawing from his book "Church Plantology," imparts his wisdom on the resurgence of community churches, advocating f...
Mar 27, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 83
Venture with us as we sit down with Reverend Dr. Rich Rudowske , a figure of profound impact in the sphere of Bible translation, and journey through the intersections of faith, language, and culture. His experiences, from the sands of Botswana translating the Gospel of Luke to leading expansive translation projects across Southern Africa, weave a narrative of dedication and vision. We're not just talking about the American Christian Church's evolution; we're witnessing it through the lens of glo...
Mar 20, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 82
When Tess Wolthuis and I sat down to talk, the air buzzed with an unmistakable charge of both joy and solemnity. Tess, a beacon of faith and unity within the American Church, and a treasured family friend who stood by my wife in her darkest hours, brings a perspective on discipleship that is as refreshing as it is profound. Our conversation wove through the fabric of community, identity challenges in today's youth, and the profound impact of parenting guided by grace and truth. You're about to s...
Mar 13, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 81
Embark on a transformative exploration with Lyndsay Ermeling , former Miss California and arts educator, as she brings her vision for a reimagined American Christian Church to our latest podcast discussion. Lindsay's artistic insights and experiences as a parent weave through this episode, revealing how creativity and change can revitalize our spiritual journeys. Discover the power of 'metanoia' as we challenge the status quo, seeking to engage the next generation with a faith that's as dynamic ...
Mar 06, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 80
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Reverend Dr. David Maxwell, whose profound work translating Cyril's commentary on John opens a window to the soul-stirring depths of early church patristic exegesis. Our discussion traverses the landscape of scriptural interpretation, revealing the intricacies of a bygone era where texts wove together to narrate salvation's story. We delve into the pressing call for a modern Reformation within the American Christian Church, one that echoes the ancien...
Feb 28, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 79
Jeffrey Fellman brings us compassionate insights due to his unique experience that intersects pastoral care, child abuse investigation, and foster care program direction. Join us for a riveting conversation that draws upon Jeff's expertise to address the imperative of a trauma-informed church, exploring the potential within our congregations to become sanctuaries of healing. We delve into the transformative effects of recognizing our painful experiences not as solely burdens but as wellsprings o...
Feb 23, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 78
Embarking on a transformative mission can redefine not only our own paths but the lives of countless others. That's precisely what Tony Webb of Vision USA Church Planting has done, transitioning from leading established congregations to pioneering a church-planting movement that's igniting an American Reformation. Our dialogue with Tony uncovers the seismic shifts he navigated and delves into the powerful Gatherer-Shepherd-Explorer (GSE) model—crucial tactics for church growth that defy traditio...
Feb 14, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 77
When the discipline of sports intersects with the spiritual fervor of faith, remarkable transformations occur. John Carlson, the former Notre Dame standout and NFL tight end, joins our heartfelt conversation to share how these two worlds have shaped his life and vision. As we unravel John's story, from his early days dreaming on high school fields to the trials and triumphs within the NFL, we witness a man whose identity has been as much carved by his athletic endeavors as it has been anchored i...
Feb 07, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 76
Have you ever felt the tug in your heart for a deeper, more unified Christian church in America? Dennae Pierre joins me as we navigate the complex terrain of faith, confronting the cultural entrapments of individualism and consumerism. Our earnest dialogue traverses the landscape of church reformation, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ-centered love and relationships. We delve into the importance of unity and reconciliation within the church, unraveling the threads of identity that ...
Jan 31, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 75
Embark on a transformative journey with Reverend Tiago Albrecht as we explore the pressing need for a resurgence of Biblical foundations in today's Christian church. Delving into the heart of what it means to be a follower of Christ, Tiago imparts wisdom on the importance of spiritual connection over material gain. His insights illuminate the path toward a church that is rich in scripture and sacrament, where the resurrected life of Jesus is not just preached but passionately lived out. Join us ...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 74
Discover the transformative power of blending faith with education as we sit down with Tanya Calendo, an insightful principal and doctor in the Lutheran Church of Missouri Synod. Tanya brings to light the historical and present-day significance of Lutheran education, and her doctoral research opens up the potential for a reformation in the American Christian Church. We tackle the nuances of the church-school relationship and its impact on family needs, while also diving into the ways Christian s...
Jan 17, 2024•56 min•Season 2Ep. 73
Embark on an enlightening voyage through the tapestry of American Christianity with me and our esteemed guest, Reverend Dr. Bob Sundquist . Our conversation unearths the enduring imprint of Reformation theology on today's faith, revealing how seminal works and thinkers like Luther and Bonhoeffer continue to inform our spiritual journey. We weave through the fabric of Lutheran doctrine, exploring the transformative power of "Freedom of a Christian," baptismal identity, and their impact on interfa...
Jan 10, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 72
We're privileged to have Reverend Dr. Rick Meyer join us once again in a profound conversation that uncovers the role of divine communication in our trials, and the essential emotions of hope and joy that underpin a meaningful Christian journey. Together, we navigate the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah, extracting rich insights that resonate with today's challenges of faith. We also unpack Rick's personal struggle with chronic pain, shedding light on the sustenance we derive from God's steadfas...
Jan 03, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 71
Prepare to embark on a transformative exploration of the heart and soul within the realm of faith. The latest episode of the American Reformation Podcast features Doyle Theimer, an associate pastor with a quarter-century of dedicated service, who brings to light the indispensable role of emotional engagement in the church. Our conversation traverses the rich tapestry of Christianity—where intellect meets passion, and where the personal relationship with Jesus as our mediator deeply influences ho...
Dec 27, 2023•52 min•Season 2Ep. 70
Embark with us as Reverend Dr. Dennis Matyas unpacks the profound impact of preaching in shaping the Lutheran faith tradition. In a time where the spoken word competes with a digital cacophony, Dr. Matyas reignites the essence of the pastor's role as a beacon for the community, emphasizing how the vibrancy of sermonizing breathes life into Christian doctrine. Together, we traverse the historical significance of figures like Martin Luther and explore the necessity of dynamic preaching in sustaini...
Dec 20, 2023•52 min•Season 2Ep. 69
What if there was a tool that could accelerate your spiritual growth, enhance emotional health, and propel your leadership skills to new heights? Our guests for today, renowned ministry leaders Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, have unlocked this potential with the Enneagram. Throughout the episode, they enlighten us on how this transformative tool can be integrated into coaching and retreats, and how it addresses the emotional roots of our personality types. They share valuable insights into the essen...
Dec 13, 2023•51 min•Season 2Ep. 68
What if we told you that being a pastor is more than just about leading a congregation? It's about personal transformation, confronting challenges, and navigating through isolation. Our guest today, Heath Luehmann, a seasoned church leader, and coach, brings in a fresh perspective about these under-discussed areas in pastoral leadership. Join us as Heath shares his findings from a study he conducted with over 50 pastors, shedding light on the top challenges they face, including burnout, conflict...
Dec 06, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 67
Take a seat at our virtual table as Tardelli Voss, a missionary director for the Lutheran Mission Society in San Diego, and I explore the intriguing intersection of soccer's growing popularity, faith, and mission work. From our conversation, you'll discover a compelling perspective on the American Christian Church's need for reformation, as Tardelli passionately speaks about unity and dialogue between different Christian traditions. We delve into the importance of the missionary mindset, charact...
Nov 29, 2023•54 min•Season 2Ep. 66
Welcome Reverend Dr. Adam Clark. He's an outreach pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Mishawaka, Indiana, with a keen passion for Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "The Cost of Discipleship." Together, we navigate the tough terrain of parenting, grace, discipleship, and the allure of Bonhoeffer's call to truth. As the conversation unfolds, we probe the relationship between natural law and Christ, confronting the pitfalls of a deistic, moralistic, therapeutic mindset prevalent in the American church. We'r...
Nov 22, 2023•52 min•Season 2Ep. 65
Ready to challenge your perspective on faith, politics, and economy? Join us as we sit down and converse with the versatile Ray Keating, an acclaimed author, economist, and entrepreneur, who offers us a deep dive into the American Christian Church landscape, drawing from his Lutheran roots. Ray navigates through historical figures like Martin Luther and the Roman Catholic Church while sharing insights into his creative process. Prepare to embrace a riveting discussion on the intersection of fait...
Nov 15, 2023•48 min•Season 2Ep. 64
Ever felt stuck in a 'woe is me' mindset with no clear path forward? In this episode we sit down with life coach Doug Hartle to unravel how coaching can reframe your perspective, leading to self-discovery fueled by the Holy Spirit and a renewed sense of personal responsibility. Through enlightening discussions on the similarities and differences between coaching, mentoring, and spiritual guidance, Doug shares insights from his Facebook group, Coffee Thoughts, and motivates listeners to embrace g...
Nov 08, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 63
Join us as we explore the profound depths of the scriptures with our special guest, Marlene Lamb, a devoted worship leader with a passion for transformation and a gift for communicating across generations. Together, we journey through Revelations 2 and 3, John 15, and other passages, finding wisdom and guidance in Jesus' messages to the church. Imagine boarding a flight and having an unexpected encounter which deeply impacts your spiritual journey. Marlene shares her fascinating encounter with a...
Nov 01, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 62
Imagine weathering the storm of Covid-19, and emerging with a newfound appreciation for life and an amplified sense of humility and empathy. Our guest, Dan Heyn, a formidable leader from Siemens Company, takes us on a deeply personal journey of his encounter with the virus. A journey that not only strengthened his faith but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and community among his loved ones. Listen to his powerful testimony, a stark reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of ...
Oct 25, 2023•51 min•Season 2Ep. 61
Are you ready to traverse the intricate landscape of immigrant experiences within the American Christian Church? Join us as we engage our guest, Dr. Eugene Kim, in a dynamic discourse exploring the subtle evolution of church practices tailored to the needs of generations of immigrants. Together, we uncover the progressive emergence of second-generation English ministry churches that are creating a welcoming haven for those who lack a place to celebrate holidays, spotlighting the critical role hu...
Oct 18, 2023•53 min•Season 2Ep. 60
Have you ever wondered how to bridge the gap between technology and faith? How to engage young adults in a meaningful spiritual journey in today's digital age? Join us as we explore these questions and more with our remarkable guest, Wes Smith. Wes is a tech professional and active member of Cornerstone Lutheran who brings a unique perspective to his role as a young adult ministry leader. In our chat, we peek behind as Wes's candidly shares personal experience and his faith journey. He opens up ...
Oct 11, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 59
A fascinating journey back in time awaits us, as we delve into the rich history of the early church with Lutheran minister of 25 years, Todd Moritz . With a unique blend of a spiritual and corporate background, Todd opens up about the potent lessons from the first-century discipleship model - a paradigm that celebrated outreach to non-believers and embraced the priesthood of all believers. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of why we need to reignite our passion for sharing the gospel and ho...
Oct 04, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 58
Join us for a truly enlightening conversation with Jason Phelps, the Discipling Director and Executive Team Member at Gloria Day Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas. Jason’s unique journey, from being immersed in worship arts to fostering a culture of intentional disciple-making within the church, offers profound insights on transforming church-goers into kingdom contributors. During our chat, we explore how worship shapes the church community and varies according to context. Our dialogue takes a de...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 57
Ever thought about the role of gospel in the American Christian Church's journey towards reformation? Or considered the potential hurdles institutional and systemic control might pose to pastors and leaders? That's what we're tackling in this conversation with Phil Klopke, co-director of PLI's thousand young leaders. We're highlighting Phil's experiences of living in East Nashville, the most liberal district in Tennessee, and his insights into equipping all people with giftedness to lead in the ...
Sep 20, 2023•52 min•Season 2Ep. 56