Summary
In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews Dr. Johnston, a professor and parish pastor, discussing his journey in ministry, the balance between academic life and parish duties, and the importance of curiosity in pastoral care. They explore the challenges faced by modern Christianity, the identity of the Lutheran Church, and the need for accessible resources on Reformation history. The conversation emphasizes the significance of knowledge and tradition in the church, as well as the joys and responsibilities of parish ministry. In this conversation, Charlie Ungemach and Bill Kahle explore the complexities of faith, worship, and ministry in the modern world. They discuss the sacrifices made for relevance, the historical significance of symbols like the surplus, and the importance of aesthetics in worship. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a deep understanding of history to navigate contemporary challenges in ministry, the balance of law and gospel, and the vital role of community in faith. The conversation concludes with encouragement for pastors facing the unique struggles of modern ministry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Gird Up Podcast and Support
06:09 The Joy of Parish Ministry
11:43 The Importance of Receiving the Gospel
17:12 The Role of Curiosity in Ministry
21:00 The Role of Law and Catechisms in Lutheranism
21:46 Exploring the Life and Work of Matthias Flacius
23:11 Expectations of Lay Knowledge in Reformation History
25:04 The Importance of Church History in Christian Formation
26:39 Reading Scripture in Community
28:39 The Need for Accessible Theology
30:00 The Substance of Lutheranism vs. Generic Protestantism
32:12 The Identity of the Lutheran Church
33:47 Continuity with Church History and the Fathers
35:54 Lutheranism's Rich Intellectual Heritage
37:44 The Challenge of Modern Church Identity
39:25 Understanding the Mass and Its Significance
43:03 The Cost of Relevance
45:49 The Surplus and Its Significance
48:41 Aesthetics and the Search for Authenticity
52:22 The Role of History in Faith
56:02 Rootedness in Tradition
58:44 The Structure of Worship and Its Evolution
01:07:08 Revisiting Sola Scriptura and Apostolic Worship
01:08:35 Expectations for Laity and Clergy Dynamics
01:09:49 Isolation and Connection in Clergy Life
01:11:47 The Role of Community in Ministry
01:13:42 The Challenge of Boredom in Ministry
01:16:28 Encouragement for Frustrated Pastors
01:18:17 Understanding the Nature of the Parish
01:20:00 Navigating Church Discipline and Catechesis
01:22:27 Finding Freedom in Ministry
01:24:19 The Messiness of Ministry and God's Grace
Wade's Links:
Let the Bird Fly Podcast: http://letthebirdfly.com/
Resurrection Lutheran Church MKE: http://rlcmilwaukee.org/
Wisconsin Lutheran College: http://wlc.edu/
Flacius Book: https://www.cph.org/life-under-the-cross-a-biography-of-the-reformer-matthias-flacius-illyricus?srsltid=AfmBOoqX5EC1kRkvb1anhL1sgC7SFh_Rn4ox410osHAVobKYk0JAAy3L
The Devil Behind the Surplice Book: https://www.amazon.com/Devil-behind-Surplice-Matthias-Adiaphora/dp/1532617720/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22GTG6TVBDE3B&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-ka4pg9CwjOsjNrYU9ujaMS_MVSwJGPu-1FWzzRcvKo.4-pEn1CAju2dxtROKWq-HIHmoeBRwMn_eViG4YoT1aU&dib_tag=se&keywords=devil+behind+the+surplice&qid=1752543927&sprefix=devil+behind+the+surplic%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1
Gird Up Links:
https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFx
https://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/
https://www.girdupministries.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.