God's Mission Here — LCMS National Mission
God's Mission Here spotlights the work that God is doing through His people, often closer to home than expected. The show features conversations with down-to-earth individuals who are actively involved in God's mission field. Listeners are encouraged to get inspired, be encouraged, and get involved. More information is available at lcms.org/nationalmission.
Episodes
S10Ep7. A Culture of Caring within Congregations | Rev. Jim Henkell
Rev. Jim Henkell describes how a culture of caring within congregations impacts a church worker toward wellness and invigoration for sharing the Gospel.
Bio:
Rev. Jim Henkell serves as the Ministry Executive for the Pacific Southwest District (LC-MS), guiding churches and church workers through various seasons of ministry. Prior to this, he was a pastor of Lutheran churches and schools in
S10Ep6. Peace-Making Congregations | Rev. Brady Finnern
What are the marks of a peace-making congregation, and how does this kind of peace-making culture impact the wellness of church workers?
Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling, used by permission, TheHymnalProject.com.
S10Ep5. Addressing Trends in Church Worker Health | Dr. Bev Yahnke & Rev. Dr. Greg Walton
Dr. Bev Yahnke and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton have both devoted their professional lives to caring for LCMS called church workers. Listen in as they discuss the alarming trends in recent surveys of church worker wellbeing and how the LCMS is working to address these needs and provide sustaining care for called church workers.
Resources:
Visit Doxology at doxology.us
Visit Grace Place Wellness a
S10Ep4. The Impact of Lay Leadership on Church Worker Wellness | David Kuschel
Learn about the kind of impact lay leaders can have in supporting and caring for their congregation’s called workers.
Learn how Concordia Plans cares for church workers at concordiaplans.org
Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling, used by permission, TheHymnalProject.com.
S10Ep3. Help Them Serve Well | Rev. Jonathan Manor
Rev. Jonathan Manor, Director of PALS and Continuing Education for the LCMS, shares ideas for congregations to show appreciation and share encouragement for their church workers.
Resources:
Learn more about LCMS National Mission lcms.org/nationalmission
Visit LCMS Worker Wellness at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/church-worker-wellness
Not all the views expressed are necessarily those o
S10Ep2. Wholistic Wellness for Workers | Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador
What is a wholistic approach to wellness and how does it shape the way we steward our own lives? Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador joins Tiffany and Steph to share how caring for our workers involves a wholistic approach.
Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling, used by permission, TheHy
S10Ep1. Why Worker Wellness? | Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor & Stephanie Neugebauer
What is a distinctively Lutheran approach to church worker wellness and what does it have to do with God’s mission on earth?
View the LCMS Wellness Wheel at lcms.org/workerwellness
Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling, used by permission, TheHymnalProject.com.
S9Ep6. Men Matter in Family Ministry | Rev. Brandon Metcalf
Rev. Brandon Metcalf talks with Steph and Andy about his strategies for Family Ministry and why men play a vital role in the church and home.
Bio:
Brandon Metcalf currently serves as the Associate Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, IL and previously served as a DCE in the Missouri District. He is a contributing author to numerous books and Bible studies for youth ministries and ha
S9Ep5. Family is Foundational | Rev. Dr. Todd Biermann
Rev. Dr. Todd Biermann joins Andy and Steph to talk about why family is so important in Christian theology and gives us simple habits that can make families stronger in both faith and love.
Bio:
Married to Heather Stange of Frankenmuth, MI in 1995, Rev. Dr. Todd A. Biermann has always had a passion for fostering marriages and families in God’s way. This has been true in his role as a paris
S9Ep4. Family Ministry & Intergenerational Community | Deborah Jurchen
In this episode, our guest Deb Jurchen talks about the importance of intergenerational connectedness as it relates to Family Ministry in churches and homes.
Bio:
Deb Jurchen holds a BFA in K-12 Art Education from Concordia University, Nebraska, and an MSE in Family Life Education from Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor. Professionally, Deb serves as the Director of University Insti
S9Ep3. Benchmarks of Faith | Mark Cook
Learn how recognizing milestones and benchmarks in the faith leads to healthy spiritual development for children and adults alike!
Bio:
Mark Cook is a graduate of Concordia Nebraska and is in his 15th year serving as DCE at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. He serves in the areas of family ministry, youth ministry, confirmation, and children’s ministry. He enjoys playing with his ki
S9Ep2. What is Family Discipleship? | Rev. Dan Galchutt
Rev. Dan Galchutt talks about the privilege of parents to pass down the faith to their children, and how the setting of the home is a prime training ground for young believers.
Resources:
Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
LCMS Life Ministry www.lcms.org/life
LCMS Family Ministry www.lcms.org/family
Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any
S9Ep1. LCMS Family Ministry | Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, Rev. Andy Becker, Stephanie Neugebauer
What is Family Ministry and why is it so important for our church? Listen in as this episode will discuss what LCMS Family Ministry is all about.
Resources:
Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
LCMS Life Ministry www.lcms.org/family
Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Cal
S8Ep6. Members of One Body | Rev. Michael Meyer and Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe
Members of One Body, a forthcoming workshop through the Office of National Mission, guides members from gathering, to belonging, to prospering as the body of Christ. Trained members guide and support people attached to the congregation to deepen their connection to the mission and to joyfully use their gifts as contributing members. This helps guide members of the church from a mindset of “I go
S8Ep5. Shepherding Our Strays | Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe and Rev. Clark Jahnke
Shepherding Our Strays guides congregations through the process of intentionally caring for inactive members. Using the imagery of a shepherd and sheep, members are categorized as safe, at risk, straying, and strayed. This directly corresponds to how involved the members are, whether they are decreasing or increasing in involvement, and how frequently they attend church events. A CARE (concern,
S8Ep4. Connect to Disciple | Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe and Rev. Derek Mathers
Connect to Disciple guides congregations through the process of building awareness for the church, creating connections with people in the community, nurturing and deepening those relationships through shared activities, and then “making disciples.” This last work is the proper work of the Holy Spirit. We can take part in this process by bringing people to the Means of Grace and bringing the Mea
S8Ep3. Serving in God’s Mission | Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe and Rev. Patrick Galligar
Serving in God’s Mission guides congregations through a consensus-based process of strategically planning for the future. This begins with an inventory of all the good things God is already doing in the congregation and community. Working with the entire congregation, a core planning team comprised of several church members identifies their purpose statement, mission statement, vision statements,
S8Ep2. Every One His Witness | Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe and Rev. Dr. Mark Wood
Every One His Witness is a comprehensive guide for Lutheran Evangelism. Instead of putting pressure on ourselves to say just the right thing or to “win someone for Jesus,” Every One His Witness rightly assigns that task to the Holy Spirit while equipping Christians to sharing the Gospel effectively.
Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe and Rev. Dr. Mark Wood, the creator of Every One His Witness, discuss LAS
S8Ep1. Introduction to LCMS Discipleship Ministry | Rev. Michael Meyer and Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe
The Office of National Mission offers a wealth of resources for individuals and congregations. From congregational self-studies, to Lutheran evangelism, to revitalization, there are many faithful efforts that we as God’s children can undertake to engage our communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Rev. Michael Meyer and Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe discuss resources that train Christians to sh
S7Ep4. Barriers and Benefits to Congregational Stewardship with Pastor Jonathan Conner
Pastor Conner talks about the difference faithful stewardship can make in the life of a congregation.
Bio:
Pastor Conner serves the people of God in Manning, Iowa. He is an experienced pastor who can testify to the long term benefits of teaching the Word of God regarding congregational stewardship.
Resources:
www.lcms.org/stewardship
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling
S7Ep3. Stewardship with Pastor Anonymous
An average (and anonymous) Lutheran pastor talks about the stewardship challenges at his average (and anonymous) LCMS congregation. An interview with an LCMS pastor whose congregation knows that it needs some intentional teaching on stewardship. But where to start?
Bio:
Pastor Anonymous serves somewhere in the Midwest. His congregation is full of faithful Christians who have not heard a lo
S7Ep2. The Stewardship Crisis in the Garden with Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador
Dr. Meador starts at the beginning (literally!) to teach us about the Scripture’s vision for generosity within our divinely given vocations.
Bio:
Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador is executive assistant to the president in the South Wisconsin District and a Stewardship Specialist for the Office of National Mission.
Resources:
www.lcms.org/stewardship
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus
S7Ep1. What Now? | Rev. Heath Curtis
What happens to a congregation when there simply is no more money? The Office of National Mission’s head of Stewardship, Rev. Heath Curtis, talks about how his parish experience led him to this role.
Bio:
Rev. Heath Curtis is pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Worden IL and Zion Lutheran Church in Carpenter IL. Since 2013 he has also served the Office of National Mission as the manager fo
S6Ep6. Church Music and Spiritual Care | Cantor Paul Soulek
What is a cantor? Or a kantor? And, just what, exactly, is a Director of Parish Music? Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of LCMS Worship, talks with Cantor Paul Soulek about these various titles for church musicians, and how those serving the Church in the role of chief musician support God’s Mission Here among us through their stewardship of liturgy, music, hymnody, and song.
Bio:
Paul Soulek,
S6Ep5. An Inside View of the 2024 Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music | Kantor Christina Roberts
How does one plan an Institute? Kantor Christina Roberts joins Rev. Sean Daenzer to discuss the details and logistics that go into planning an event like the 2024 LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music, held this past July in Seward, NE and the important role that church musicians play in bringing the Word of God to the Church in music and song.
Bio:
Christina Roberts has se
S6Ep4. LCMS Worship Institute – Concordia Student Perspectives | Shane Perry, Noah Martini, Joshua Rueter and Jacob Tung
Join Rev. Sean Daenzer and Concordia Irvine students Shane, Noah, Joshua, and (CUI adjacent) Jacob as they reflect on their formative experiences at the 2024 LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music this past July, and as they discuss how the liturgy, psalms, and the habit of praying the daily offices has deepened and expanded their growth as young Christians as they study for future
S6Ep3. Entering Lutheran Worship | Rev. Roy Askins
LCMS Worship partnered with the Lutheran Witness for a whole series of monthly articles on worship in 2024. The series kicked off with the January issue devoted to the Divine Service, perfect for guiding new Lutherans gently into the Church’s ways of worship and veterans into the depths of its riches. Rev. Roy Askins joins Rev. Sean Daenzer to discuss these resources and how to help bring Christia
S6Ep2. The House of God’s Word: Scripture, Prayer and Discipleship | Rev. Christopher Nuttelman
God’s Word is a rich treasury of comfort, instruction, admonition, and truth for the Christian. Rev. Christopher Nuttelman joins Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship, to discuss our calling as Christians to dwell regularly in the scriptures through meditation, prayer, study, and devotion, and how the Holy Spirit uses the Word - especially the Psalms - to shape us in the pattern of faithful
S6Ep1. An Introduction to LCMS Worship | Rev. Daniel Galchutt and Rev. Sean Daenzer
LCMS Worship aims to nurture a culture of confessional faithfulness, artistic excellence, and integrity in the presentation, distribution, and reception of God’s life-giving gifts in the Word and Sacraments. This ministry seeks to deepen an understanding of and love for the Lutheran heritage in Christian worship, while also identifying and encouraging the many musical treasures and gifts that the
S5Ep4. Prison Ministry | Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Nehrt
Rev. Dr. Brian Heller and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Nehrt discuss all things prison ministry, including ways for both church workers and laity to get involved as well as helpful resources available for congregations.
Learn more about LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry - The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (lcms.org)
Bio:
Rev. Dr. Jeffery D. Nehrt receiv
S5Ep3. Service of Mercy: A Deaconess’s Perspective on Specialized Care | Deac. Raquel Rojas
Deaconess Rojas describes the work that she does in specialized and diverse contexts and also provides insight into how LCMS church workers can productively engage clinical training programs like Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
Learn more about LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry - The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (lcms.org)
Bio:
Deaconess R
S5Ep2. Pastor-Chaplain Relationship | Rev. Daniel Grimmer
Pastor Grimmer describes how the relationship between the LCMS pastor and the LCMS church worker serving in a chaplaincy role at a local institution is an incredible blessing to all involved, and also provides helpful suggestions for ways that congregations can care for residents of senior living communities.
Bio:
Pastor Daniel Grimmer was raised in metro Detroit. He has been pastor of Zio
S5Ep1. What is LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry? | Rev. Dr. Brian Heller
Rev. Dr. Brian Heller and Deac. Dr. Tiffany Manor discuss the ins and outs of LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry, highlighting the joys and challenges of serving in specialized contexts, training opportunities available for church workers, resources produced for church workers serving in chaplaincy roles, and prison ministry, to name a few.
Learn more about LCMS Specialized Spiritual Ca
S4Ep6. Mental Health First Aid | Kelly Menke
You’ve heard it’s a good idea to have a first aid kit close at hand. But what about a Mental Health First Aid kit? Kelly Menke joins Tiffany and Steph to talk about being trained in Mental Health First Aid and why it’s also an important toolkit to have on hand!
Bio: Kelly joined Concordia Plans in May 2022 as a Health and Wellness Educator. She holds a Master of Science in public health from
S4Ep5. Can Unforgiveness Affect Mental Health? | Rev. Dr. Mark Rockenbach
Is there a link between forgiveness and mental well-being? Join Steph and Dr. Mark Rockenbach for a discussion about how forgiveness affects mental health and how withholding forgiveness affects not just the soul, but the body and mind.
Bio: Dr. Mark Rockenbach received his B.A. from Concordia College, Seward, NE; M.Div. from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO; M.A. in counseling from Doane Co
S4Ep4. Mental Health & Our Youth | Julianna Shults
Steph is joined by guest Julianna Shults to give a “state of the union” on the mental health of our young people.
Bio: Julianna Shults is a DCE serving as Program Manager of Resources and Leadership for LCMS Youth Ministry. With a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Community Development, Julianna served congregations in Florida and Chicago. She co-authored Relationships Count and contributed t
S4Ep.3 Building Resilient Minds | Dr. Belinda Karge & Dr. Kara Bratton
Dr. Karge and Dr. Bratton join Steph to talk about building mental resiliency in ourselves and in our young people.
Bio:
Dr. Belinda Karge devotes her career to ensuring that all students have successful opportunities and leaders are equipped with tools to transform education environments. She is a Professor in the School of Education Doctoral Program at Concordia University Irvine. She h
S4Ep2. 10 Top Tips to Improve Mental Health | Sarah Gulseth
Join Steph and Sarah Gulseth as they talk about some very practical ways we can care for our own mental health.
Bio: Sarah Gulseth currently works for KFUO Radio as Digital Media Manager, which includes co-hosting The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge podcast and The Coffee Hour with Andy Bates. She is a baptized child of God, INFJ Lutheran Lady, lover of First Article Gifts, certified #hymnnerd, histo
S4Ep1. The Church Cares about Mental Health
How do Christians approach the topic of mental health? Why should Christians care about their own mental health, as well as the mental health of those around them? Join Tiffany and Steph as they introduce this season on mental health!
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling, used by permission, TheHymnalProject.com.
God’s Mission Here spotlights the work that God is doing through His p
S3 Ep6. Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry
Dig into the Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry with LCMS Youth Ministry Director Mark Kiessling and Program Manager Julianna Shults. Hear about how we came up with these practices and what you might learn in our new book from Concordia Publishing House.
Learn more about LCMS Youth Ministry at lcms.org/youth. Get the Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry book from CPH at cph.org/seve
S3 Ep5. LCMS U and Campus Ministry | DCE Ron DuPree
As students leave high school many of them go on to colleges and universities. LCMS Campus Ministries, often called LCMS U chapters, provide a place for them to find other Lutheran students, and ongoing support of their walk with Jesus. In this episode, we hear how parents, supportive adults, and especially chapter leaders can provide this care for students they love.
Resources in this episod
S3 Ep4. LCMS Servant Events | Rev. Craig Bertram and Shelly Carlson
LCMS Youth Ministry has supported LCMS Servant Events for over 40 years, and in this episode, we hear more about their benefits to young people, those who serve alongside them, and those they serve in the name of Christ. Service on longer, intensive weeks like servant events or mission trips gives youth a chance to live out their faith through the work of the Holy Spirit and build relationships
S3 Ep3. YouthLead | Ally Graves and Johanna Shaw
LCMS Youth Ministry offers a variety of ways we engage and empower young leaders, including YouthLead. For over 40 years, YouthLead has equipped teens to develop and use their leadership skills as they serve Christ within their congregations and communities. In this episode, Mark and Julianna discuss the YouthLead trainings, curriculum and more. They also share an interview from 2021 with YouthLea
S3 Ep2. LCMS Youth Gathering
The biggest event put on by LCMS Youth Ministry is the LCMS Youth Gathering. Held every 3 years since 1980, the LCMS Youth Gathering provides thousands of youth and adults the opportunity to come together as a community of God’s people to be encouraged in their walk with Jesus Christ and learn about the Christian faith and their Lutheran identity. Join the staff in talking about the five days of t
S3 Ep1 LCMS Youth Ministry | Rev. Michael Meyer with Rev. Mark Kiessling
LCMS Youth Ministry strives to lead, serve, resource, and network youth and adults with Christ and His gifts at the heart and center of everything. Rev. Michael Meyer interviews Rev. Mark Kiessling, the Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, about the resources and events they provide and support. Learn more about LCMS Youth Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/youth-ministry.
Theme music: Hark th
S2Ep4. Lutheran School Consulting Service & Genesis School Start | Tom Kolb, Joel Landskroener
Learn about the Genesis School Start project and Lutheran School Consulting Service. Find details at luthed.org or contact your local Education Executive.
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling, used by permission, TheHymnalProject.com.
God’s Mission Here spotlights the work that God is doing through His people... and this work is closer to home than you might expect! Listen as we cha
S2Ep3. National Lutheran School Accreditation | Mel Sandfort, Tom Kolb, Dorothy Krans
Learn about National Lutheran School Accreditation. Find details about NLSA at nlsa-lcms.org.
Learn more about LCMS School Ministry at luthed.org.
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling, used by permission, TheHymnalProject.com.
God’s Mission Here spotlights the work that God is doing through His people... and this work is closer to home than you might expect! Listen as we chat wit
S2Ep2. School Leadership Development | Mel Sandfort, Tom Kolb, Joel Landskroener
Learn about School Leadership Development. Find details about SLED at luthed.org/school-leadership-development-sled.
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling, used by permission, TheHymnalProject.com.
God’s Mission Here spotlights the work that God is doing through His people... and this work is closer to home than you might expect! Listen as we chat with some very down-to-earth people
S2 Ep1. LCMS School Ministry | Rev. Michael Meyer with Dr. Alan Freeman
Learn about LCMS School Ministry as we discuss a variety of resources available to congregations and schools. Dr. Alan Freeman, the Director of LCMS School Ministry, shares the important work of supporting Lutheran schools and resources for planting new schools. Learn more about LCMS School Ministry at luthed.org.
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling, used by permission, TheHymnalProjec
S1Ep3. Missions on the Move: Part Two | Rev. Michael Meyer, Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, Rev. Dr. Mark Wood
How does Synod partner with others in advancing the Gospel? How does Synod support individual churches, schools, church workers, and families? Listen in as Dan and his returning guests discuss what it means to be the body of Christ, partnering within the Church to serve its members.
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling, used by permission, TheHymnalProject.com.
God’s Mission Here spo
S1Ep2. Missions on the Move: Part One | Rev. Michael Meyer, Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, Rev. Dr. Mark Wood
How do we decide who to serve and how to serve when there’s so much to be done within the church and outside the church? We have a couple of guiding ministry principles as a Synod, also known as the Seven Mission Priorities. Listen in as Dan and his returning guests talk about church revitalization, theological training, and caring through Word & Sacrament ministry.
Theme music: Hark the Voice
S1Ep1. The Who, What, Where, & Why of God’s Mission | Rev. Michael Meyer, Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, Rev. Dr. Mark Wood
What is God’s mission? Where is it? Who gets to be involved? Why is God’s mission my mission? Join host Rev. Dan Galchutt and LCMS Office of National Mission managing directors Rev. Michael Meyer, Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, and Rev. Dr. Mark Wood as they discuss the answers to these questions and more! Plus, in this episode, listeners get to hear about how the Office of National Mission is here
00. Introducing God's Mission Here!
LCMS National Mission introduces a new podcast that is a must-listen for all people seeking to serve God’s kingdom where their own two feet are on the ground.
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling, used by permission, TheHymnalProject.com.
God’s Mission Here spotlights the work that God is doing through His people... and this work is closer to home than you might expect! Listen as
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