Summary

In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach welcomes Pastor Matt Doebler, a missionary in Australia, to discuss the pressing issue of spiritual apathy among Christians. They explore the biblical story of Gideon as a metaphor for the journey from feeling like a 'nobody' to recognizing one's identity in Christ. The conversation delves into the importance of repentance, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the need for a purposeful life rooted in the Gospel. They also discuss the balance between self-improvement and faith, emphasizing that true meaning comes from an eternal perspective.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gird Up Podcast and Mission

02:09 Introducing Pastor Matt Doebler and His Work

03:21 Exploring Spiritual Apathy and Its Implications

06:20 The Connection Between Gideon and Spiritual Apathy

08:25 The Gospel of Luke: A Focus on Nobodies

09:40 Understanding Jesus' Call to Discipleship

12:09 The Weight of Following Jesus

13:43 The Comfort of the Gospel Amidst Apathy

17:53 Living in the Tension of Law and Gospel

19:13 The Struggle with Apathy and Faith

23:50 Afflicting the Comfortable and Comforting the Afflicted

25:36 Apathy as the Antithesis of Love

32:36 Defining a Purposeful Life

36:31 Meaningful Life vs. Full Life

38:18 The Struggle of Apathy in Faith

40:04 Meaningful Life: A Question of Purpose

44:18 The Importance of Gratitude and Recognition

46:01 Journey and Rest: A Christian Perspective

51:54 The Role of Repentance in Christian Life

55:37 Disordered Loves and the Need for Christ

01:02:33 Integrating Self-Improvement with Faith

Matt's Links:

Order "More than Meh" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/dG2jVAK

Matt's Gospel-Centered Substack: http://gospelcenteredmentoring.site/

Matt's Author Page: https://matthewdoebler.us/

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.

Summary

In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages with Andrew Marotta, a veteran educator and leadership coach. They discuss the importance of maintaining a strong Christian faith in education, the journey from considering the priesthood to becoming a school leader, and the significance of family and community support. Andrew shares insights on leadership, self-control, and the value of mentorship, while emphasizing the need for positive school culture and the role of parents in supporting educational institutions. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt story about Andrew's father, highlighting the impact of personal connections and the importance of expressing appreciation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gird Up Podcast and Mission

01:53 Guest Introduction: Andrew Marotta's Background

03:43 Exploring the Priesthood: Andrew's Journey

07:35 Family Values and Prioritizing Dinner Time

11:02 Overcoming Limited Mindsets and Pursuing Opportunities

14:40 Identifying and Pursuing Goals

18:26 The Importance of Role Models and Mentorship

26:37 The Power of Mentorship and Sharing Knowledge

27:58 Emulating Effective Leadership

29:16 Testing the Waters: Feedback and Reflection

36:16 Adapting to Audience Needs in Speaking Engagements

38:21 Choosing Public vs. Catholic Education

40:43 Making Impact in Challenging Environments

46:05 Supporting Schools: The Role of Parents

51:41 Controlling the Controllables

52:30 The Importance of Culture in Organizations

53:07 Visual Cues of a Positive Environment

55:03 Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere

56:23 Changing Culture Through Ownership

56:56 Modeling Positive Behavior

01:00:30 The Power of Positivity

01:01:08 Identifying Leadership Potential

01:04:24 Navigating Leadership Roles

01:05:48 Conversations with Underperforming Leaders

01:10:52 Honoring Legacy Through Leadership Stories

Andrew's Links:

https://andrewmarotta.com/

https://www.instagram.com/marottaandrew?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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.

Summary

In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Paul Wendland, a Lutheran theologian, about the pressing issues surrounding gender and sexuality in today's culture. They explore the cultural shifts that have led to a redefinition of gender identity, the church's role in addressing these issues, and the importance of compassion and empathy in conversations with those struggling with their identity. Dr. Wendland emphasizes the need for a supportive community and the significance of grounding one's identity in Christ amidst the challenges of modern society.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gird Up Podcast and Mission

02:17 Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Gender and Sexuality

12:11 The Rise of LGBTQ Awareness and Identity

17:45 Navigating Truth in a Confused Culture

30:35 Compassion vs. Integrity in Conversations about LGBTQ Issues

36:31 Navigating Truth and Relationships

42:46 Long-Term Witness and Compassion

44:29 Social Interactions and Christian Witness

48:09 Conscience and Public Stance

52:11 Creating Open Family Environments

57:16 Support for Struggling Individuals

01:01:58 Finding Comfort in Struggle

Dr. Wendland's Links:

https://madeknown.net/

http://essays.wisluthsem.org:8080/bitstream/handle/123456789/4507/WendlandTransgender.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

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.

Summary

In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach welcomes Pastor Jacob Klug to discuss the significance of Martin Franzmann's hymnody and the value of beautiful words in articulating Christian faith. They explore the role of art and poetry in the church, the importance of men in leadership roles, and the concept of the church militant. The conversation emphasizes the need for a bold and beautiful expression of faith in a world filled with challenges, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with their beliefs and the arts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gird Up Podcast

02:13 Welcoming Pastor Jacob Klug

07:32 Exploring Martin Franzman and His Significance

16:30 Diving into Hymns: Thy Strong Word

18:38 The Value of Beautiful Words in Christianity

23:27 Articulating Faith Through Poetry

29:14 The Role of Context in Sharing the Gospel

35:15 The Intersection of Beauty and Theology

38:40 The Search for Beauty in a Broken World

41:24 The Beauty of Human Existence

44:04 The Wisdom of the Cross

46:18 The Power of Words and Poetry

47:34 The Vision of Eternal Beauty

49:46 Exploring Hymns and Their Messages

54:36 The Call for Church Unity

56:50 The Militant Church and Spiritual Warfare

01:12:06 Encouraging Male Leadership in Faith

Jacob's Links:

https://mountainviewchurch.org

https://www.youtube.com/ @RevKlug

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0t553CTKZiojRZttWuEnMh?si=c6fd897338b94f81

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.

Summary

In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach speaks with Grace Ungemach about her journey as a pastor's wife in Cincinnati, the importance of church marketing, and the unique challenges and opportunities in urban ministry. They discuss setting boundaries in ministry life, the role of personal branding, and how women can find meaningful roles in church beyond teaching. Grace shares her insights on navigating social media and the significance of having a clean and accessible church website.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Girt Up Podcast

02:35 Meet Grace Ungemach: A New Journey

03:44 Life in Cincinnati: Community and Ministry

05:16 Navigating the Role of a Pastor's Wife

07:13 Urban vs. Rural: The Appeal of City Life

09:40 The Challenge of Being a Pastor's Partner

13:31 Adjusting to Life as a Pastor's Wife

15:38 Setting Boundaries in Ministry

19:12 Finding Contentment in Challenges

22:45 The Importance of Courage in New Ventures

24:32 Grace's Business: Church Marketing Solutions

28:06 The Role of Aesthetics in Church Marketing

31:04 Prioritizing Church Marketing in Ministry

32:30 Understanding Website Trust and Design

35:40 Mission Statements and Community Engagement

36:30 Traits of Thriving Churches

38:35 Navigating Social Media for Personal Branding

43:41 Branding vs. Marketing: Key Differences

45:22 The Importance of Personal Branding

54:58 Finding Your Path: Career Transitions and Ministry

01:02:55 Exploring Non-Teaching Roles in Church Work

Grace's Links:

https://lutheran.marketing/

[email protected]

(803) 317-3307

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.

In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach sits down with Dan Van Voorhis — teacher, historian, and host of the Christian History Almanac. Together they explore the importance of church history, the role of the Lutheran church today, and the future of Christianity in a changing world.

Dan shares why hope matters, how diverse church traditions can enrich our understanding of the faith, and why knowing the past helps us live faithfully now. The conversation also touches on the hidden lives of faithful pastors, what makes historical Christian leaders influential, and how tools like AI can help in research and ministry.

00:00 — Introduction & Support for Gird Up

01:23 — Meet Dan Van Voorhis: A Journey in Podcasting

03:40 — The Christian History Almanac: Daily Exploration

05:39 — The Unique Sign-Off: A Message of Hope

10:09 — “Everything Is Going to Be Okay”

13:07 — Why Studying Church History Matters

16:32 — Fascinating Figures Through the Ages

20:01 — Exploring Diverse Church Traditions

25:22 — Understanding American Christianity

28:53 — The Lutheran Church’s Role Today

38:11 — Mysticism & Spirituality

39:57 — Navigating Church History’s Big Names

43:29 — Pastors’ Hidden Impact

47:12 — Learning from the Saints

48:47 — Traits of Influential Christian Leaders

52:09 — Reclaiming Wisdom from the Past

55:08 — Where Sports & Faith Intersect

58:37 — Recommended Biographers & Resources

01:06:13 — Concerns for the Church’s Future

01:08:47 — Anticipating Joy in What’s Ahead

Gird Up Links:

   / @girdupministries4911  

  / girdup_be_a_man  

https://www.girdupministries.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Summary

In this episode of the Grid Up Podcast, Charlie Ungemach and Connor Herter reflect on their journey towards ministry, discussing the sentimental nature of their upcoming vicar year, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the importance of maintaining relationships while pursuing their calling. They explore the significance of relatability in ministry, the spiritual needs of different communities, and the personal growth that comes with embracing their roles as future pastors. The conversation emphasizes the grace of God in their lives and the excitement and fears that accompany their journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Grit Up Podcast

01:40 Sentimental Reflections on Change

04:55 Facing Imposter Syndrome

07:32 The Role of Imperfection in Ministry

10:29 Excitement and Fears of Vicar Year

13:03 Personal Growth and Commitment to Ministry

18:38 Realizing Your Passion and Purpose

20:01 The Noble Calling of Ministry

21:54 Baggage and Its Impact on Life

22:59 Finding Direction After Loss

25:38 The Importance of Relatability in Ministry

27:42 Spiritual Needs Across Different Communities

29:05 Understanding the Commonalities in Spiritual Needs

31:19 Cultural Connections in Ministry

33:39 The Importance of Speaking the Language of the People

37:05 Preparing for Worship and Preaching

41:25 The Power of Prayer and Humility

44:02 Maintaining Relationships Across Distances

46:54 Navigating Life as a Future Pastor

48:35 Envisioning the Future: Family and Faith

50:20 Struggles with Control and Self-Discipline

53:46 Reflections on Life's Journey and Identity

https://www.instagram.com/connor.herter/

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.

Summary

In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews Chad Bird, who shares his profound journey of faith, including his upbringing in the church, struggles with pride and lust, and the path to redemption. Chad discusses the importance of sharing one's story, the role of spiritual advisors, and the significance of community in healing. He also offers insights on building a Christian marriage, engaging in ecumenical conversations, and maintaining a devotional life centered around the Psalms. The conversation emphasizes the need for humility in ministry and the joy of salvation through God's grace.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gird Up Podcast

01:25 Support and Mission of Gird Up

02:39 Chad Bird's Journey Begins

03:49 Foundations of Faith and Theology

06:51 Transition to Teaching and Academia

09:32 The Downfall: Pride and Infidelity

13:15 Consequences of Sin and Identity Crisis

16:21 The Road to Repentance

17:59 Choosing to Share the Story

24:29 Guidance on Sharing Personal Struggles

27:24 The Role of Pride in Daily Life

30:11 Preventing Downfalls: The Importance of Accountability

35:17 Finding a Trusted Confessor

37:49 Maintaining Humility in Ministry

41:17 Confronting Imposter Syndrome

43:06 The Role of Fear in Spiritual Life

45:18 Understanding God's Love and Acceptance

47:15 Finding Joy in Salvation

50:02 Overcoming the Pit of Despair

53:41 Building Healthy Relationships

56:37 Developing a Devotional Life

58:25 The Importance of the Psalms

01:11:05 Engaging in Ecumenical Conversations

Chad's Links:

Books:

https://www.amazon.com/Books-Chad-Bird/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AChad%2BBird

Podcasts:

https://www.1517.org/podcasts/40-minutes-in-the-old-testament

https://www.1517.org/podcasts/hidden-streams

https://www.1517.org/podcasts/a-field-guide-to-the-bible

Articles:

https://www.1517.org/contributors/chad-bird

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.

Summary

In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews Bill Kahle, a passionate coach and evangelist. They discuss the importance of mentorship in coaching, the struggles with addiction, and the connection between high achievers and substance abuse. Bill shares his journey of balancing faith, family, and coaching, emphasizing the need for open conversations in parenting and the role of the church in personal growth. The conversation also explores different wrestling styles, the growth of Greco-Roman wrestling in America, and the significance of setting high expectations for young athletes. In this conversation, Charlie Ungemach and Bill Kahle discuss the multifaceted impact of education, international experiences, and wrestling on youth development. They explore how challenges in education can shape character, the importance of international exposure in broadening perspectives, and the role of wrestling in instilling resilience and work ethic. The discussion also delves into the significance of faith and spirituality in athletic pursuits, emphasizing how these elements contribute to personal growth and leadership in family dynamics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Support for Gird Up Podcast

04:41 The Role of Faith in Coaching

09:29 The Pressure of High Achievers and Escapism

14:05 Balancing Family, Faith, and Sports

19:00 Parenting and Hard Conversations

23:40 The Importance of Vocalizing Struggles

28:03 Understanding the Church's Role in Community

33:17 Coaching and Mentorship in Wrestling

39:40 The Value of Dreaming Big

41:54 Navigating Coaching and Family Life

44:41 Experiences in International Wrestling

48:34 Navigating Challenges in Education

51:42 The Impact of International Experiences on Youth

56:26 The Importance of Hard Work and Masculinity

01:00:51 Passion and Purpose in Life

01:05:08 Coaching Philosophy and Personal Growth

01:09:41 Faith and Personal Development in Sports

01:11:47 The Power of Forgiveness and Redemption

01:12:37 David vs. Goliath: Courage and Preparation

01:13:45 Confidence in Skills and Faith

01:14:23 Spirituality in Sports and Life's Battles

01:15:39 Youth and the Search for Purpose

01:16:43 Spiritual Warfare and Inner Battles

01:17:05 Legacy of Greatness: David's Ancestry

01:18:59 The Role of Mentorship in Growth

01:20:23 Building Community and Leadership

01:21:38 The Importance of Male Role Models

01:22:32 Everyday Leadership and Responsibility

01:24:07 The Balance of Strength and Meekness

01:25:27 Modeling Behavior and Influence

01:27:21 The Complexity of Language and Communication

01:29:23 Strength in Control and Discipline

Bill's Links:

https://www.instagram.com/billkahle?igsh=Yzd1NWxsdzFpd2d6&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/payton_jacobson34?igsh=NDN0anZkbjB0cDJh

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.