Why does the church need pastors? How does the church prepare pastors?

In the Bible, the office of shepherd, or pastor, is not only described, but is prescribed for the church. Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Boyle (Ph.D., University of Michigan), the Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, introduces the listeners to what the pastoral office is and how pastoral formation is undertaken in the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod.

Professor Boyle connects the family life of the pastor with the pastoral calling to shepherd souls. In addition to learning about how English- speaking pastors are formed for their vocation, Professor Boyle also shares how pastors from various language groups (i.e., Spanish, German) are prepared to serve in the Office of the Holy Ministry. In conclusion, Professor Boyle specifies how a person who feels called to serve as a pastor, or a deaconess, or a professional church worker, may receive help, support, and prayer, as he/she explores his/her calling. Rev. Dr. Douglas Krengel hosts.

Sola scriptura, sola gratia and sola fide, that is, scripture alone, by grace alone, through faith alone. Join host Pastor David Schultz as he welcomes the Rev. Dr. Laurence White to the Engaging Truth microphone to offer comment on the basis of Luther's efforts to reform the church.

Modern day sexual morals (or lack thereof) are vigorously debated inside and outside the church today. God selected a wife for the prophet Hosea. Her name was Gomer. Gomer’s sexual expression would fit in well with today’s hyper-sexual culture. Yet, despite Gomer’s numerous flings, Hosea repeatedly received her back as his wife. In this interview, Professor Kevin Golden, Concordia Seminary, explains the marital dynamics between Hosea and Gomer and how this unusual marital union came to communicate God’s great love for all sinful people. With Dr. Golden as an expert guide, this Old Testament prophet speaks powerfully to our modern world concerns. Rev. Dr. Douglas Krengel hosts.

Interested in missions? Then this interview is for you. Lutheran Women in Mission, also known as the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML), is a leader in the world-wide mission to share the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sally Krueger serves in part of this mission field as the President of the Texas District chapter of LWML. Listeners will learn how the risen and reigning Christ miraculously turns pocket change into millions of dollars of effective evangelism ministry. In addition to supporting worldwide missions, the women of the LWML also lead outreach efforts in the mission field where they live, work, and worship. This interview is not about the theory of mission work; rather, President Krueger, and her coworkers in Christ, are delivering incarnational ministry that affects the body, soul, mind, and spirit of real people in these modern days. Rev. Dr. Douglas Krengel hosts.

Faith draws us to eternity, while rehabilitation is one of its fruits today. . . A wonderful benefit to every citizen is that true moral rehabilitation is happening in many prisons. Real rehabilitation is happening with inmates, prior to their release, all working to keep us safer. One couple, Grove and Dr. Brenna Norwood, have made it their lives' work to help establish and raise support for two accredited Colleges, awarding the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Applied Ministry. As a result of this education, trained inmates have become ministers to their fellow incarcerated in 55 prisons, while more will graduate soon. Listen as the Norwoods tell us about the educational progress of the Heart of Texas Foundation College of Ministry (hotfcom.org). Pastor John Cain hosts.

Faith draws us to eternity, while rehabilitation is one of its fruits today. . . A wonderful benefit to every citizen is that of true moral rehabilitation is happening in many prisons. Real rehabilitation is happening with inmates, prior to their release, all working to keep us safer. One couple, Grove and Dr. Brenna Norwood, have made it their lives' work to help establish and raise support for two accredited Colleges, awarding the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Applied Ministry. As a result of this education, trained inmates have become ministers to their fellow incarcerated in 55 prisons, while more will graduate soon. Listen as the Norwoods tell us about the educational progress of the Heart of Texas Foundation College of Ministry (hotfcom.org). Pastor John Cain hosts.

The only thing Las Vegas and Liberia seem to have in common is that the names for both places begin with the letter “L.” By the hand of the risen Lord Jesus, while living in the Las Vegas area, Linda Kurtz was introduced to a person from Liberia. Stories of wars and the results of such wars were shared. The Holy Spirit moved in the hearts of His people and a mission to Liberia was started. Now over 15 years later, Hope and Care Ministries offers a full spectrum of Christ-centered services to orphans, to widows, to single mothers, and to those who do not yet know the joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Radio ministry, medical clinics, schools, and outreach events are just a few of the offerings sponsored through Hope and Care Ministries. Not only does Linda describe the effect of the power of the Gospel in this interview, she also shares how it feels for her to serve God’s people in Liberia. Do you want to learn about the power of the Gospel to save and to serve? Then you would be well served to take a few minutes to listen to Linda Kurtz share and pray. Rev. Dr. Douglas Krengel hosts. hopeandcare.org

Culture is all around us, and much of what we see in it runs contrary to the good, the true, and the beautiful. This week we talk to Dr. Benjamin Quinn of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. We discuss a range of topics, including how Christians can approach culture with wisdom and do kingdom work in each of our contexts. Rev. Josh Knippa hosts.

How do you explain something important, in a way that people will remember? You tell a true story, like Jesus did! The Rev. Nate Jore spent 17 years as a missionary in Uganda, Africa. In Africa he practiced retelling the Good News of Jesus Christ using help from the Orality Institute (oralityinstitute.org). And you can too! Rev. John Cain hosts.

How can we help the Hill Country? This week, we talk to Julie Tucker, the Texas District Emergency Management Director. Julie updates us on the status of flood recovery in the Kerrville, Texas, area and in other parts of the state. We discuss ways to help and how we can find hope in the midst of the storm. Pastor Josh Knippa hosts.