In this episode of Christendom and the World, Pastor Andrew Preus sits down with Pastor Philip Hale, Editor of Christian News, to discuss Hale’s journey into Lutheran journalism, the challenges of church leadership during COVID-19, and the renewed debate around family, birth control, and cultural decline. They take a deep dive into narrative criticism—exploring how subtle academic methods can undermine biblical authority—and examine how modern preaching often substitutes storytelling for proclamation. Hale calls for a return to bold, doctrinally clear preaching that convicts and comforts, challenging listeners to engage the Word of God not passively, but with humility and focus.

In this week’s episode of Christendom in the World, Rev. Dr. Edward Naumann joins us to discuss his work with the South Asia Lutheran Mission—a grassroots effort to equip pastors and congregations with faithful, doctrinally sound resources across Nepal, India, and beyond.

Dr. Naumann shares how the mission prioritizes open-access publishing, local printing, and long-term relationships built on trust. He tells powerful stories of entire villages in Nepal converting to Christianity, often at great personal cost, and explains the mission’s focus on education—from teaching the Small Catechism to translating liturgies and hymnals.

We also talk about the dangers of dependency, the challenges of discernment in international mission work, and the surprising ways Western churches can learn from newly converted believers in places where the Gospel is taking root with boldness and urgency.

https://southasialutheranmission.com/ 

They’re back. The Schlie twins return for Round 2—diving even deeper into the clichés shaping modern ministry. In this week’s episode of Christendom and the World, they unpack the risks of relying on familiar preaching formulas, like “Law then Gospel,” and explore how good theology can lose its weight when it becomes routine. From performative pulpits to the fear of failure in ministry, this conversation is a challenge to preach with clarity, conviction, and real faithfulness.

The Didymus Podcast: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/6gxSfIqYXAYdpNAiub9XJI?si=ce9f444d66fc4712 

In this episode of Christendom and the World, we’re joined by twin brothers and pastors Joseph and Jesse Schlie for a thoughtful conversation on the rise of Christian clichés and what they reveal about the modern church.

Together, they reflect on the pastoral call to speak clearly, confront sin, and preach Christ with conviction. From shallow phrases to deep theology, the Schlie pastors urge both pastors and hearers to trade feel-good slogans for faithful doctrine — and to rediscover the power of true, confessional preaching.

The Didymus Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6gxSfIqYXAYdpNAiub9XJI?si=ce9f444d66fc4712 

In this week’s episode of Christendom and the World, we explore how character development in storytelling helps us better understand God’s own character. The conversation moves beyond simply knowing God’s attributes to the importance of personal relationship and revelation through Scripture. We also reflect on the mystery of God's nature, how His attributes are revealed through creation, and why the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.

On the Line:

In the second half of this conversation, Pastor Andrew Preus continues his interview with Grace Otten as she reflects on her adult life, her work with Lutheran News, and the shifting landscape of the church in the 1960s and beyond. Grace shares candid memories of the responsibilities she carried, the relationships that shaped her journey, and the convictions that sustained her through seasons of upheaval. From practical matters like managing a household and publishing a newspaper, to navigating theological conflicts and personal trials, Grace offers a thoughtful, firsthand glimpse into a life lived in faithful service to the church and her family. This episode is rich with honesty, clarity, and the quiet strength of someone who remained steadfast through decades of change.

In this week’s episode of Christendom and the World, we sit down with Grace Otten to hear the first part of her story — a candid look at her early years growing up Lutheran. From her childhood experiences with faith and family to the subtle shaping forces of church life, Grace shares how her understanding of spiritual authority began to take root. She also reflects on how she met her husband, and the role faith played in shaping their relationship from the very beginning. It’s a conversation about memory, formation, and the quiet ways influence takes hold.

In this week’s episode of Christendom and the World, Pastor Andrew Preus takes a hard look at the state of leadership in today’s church. As cultural narratives continue to reshape how people view authority, masculinity, and order, many Christians are left wondering: who is truly leading the flock? Pastor Preus unpacks the influence of the Red Pill movement, the feminization of church culture, and the growing reliance on emotional appeal and soft power within both liberal and evangelical circles. He explores the consequences of abandoning normative, biblical authority and considers why so many young men are turning to more “traditional” expressions of Christianity in search of structure and truth. Are churches forming faithful shepherds — or leaving space for wolves to enter unnoticed?

https://youtu.be/quZR6VSKMDw?si=XpsCA_tbJ9ENA72E

In this episode of Christendom and the Word, Pastor James Preus joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on Christian political engagement. We explore how a biblical understanding of natural law, civil duty, and conscience informs everything from our view of rights to our role in society. Is libertarianism compatible with a Christian worldview? What does Romans 13 really mean for believers today? Pastor Preus challenges us to think clearly, live faithfully, and obey for conscience’ sake—not just for political gain.

Whether you're wrestling with political philosophy, the limits of government authority, or simply trying to make sense of your Christian duty in a chaotic world, this conversation offers clarity rooted in Scripture and tradition.

*Audio Note: We’re aware of the audio issues in this week’s recording. We ran into some technical difficulties, but we’re working on it and will be back and sounding better next week.

This episode of Christendom and the World Pastor Andrew Preus talks with Rev. Dr. Daniel N. Harmelink, tracing his vocational journey from parish ministry in California to his current work at the Concordia Historical Institute in St. Louis. Pastor Harmelink reflects on the significance of preserving the history of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, particularly through times of crisis and change. The discussion explores the theological implications of church conventions, the authority of scripture, and the enduring relevance of law and gospel. With a focus on mission, identity, and faithful witness, this episode highlights the importance of deep theological engagement and the role of history in shaping the church’s present and future.