We talk about love, but Jesus talks about it in a concrete way. If it is concrete, then how do we experience it with our senses. This sermon will wrestle with that thought.

In this episode of the Ground Up Faith Podcast, my partner in ministry Kai Thurow and I sit down and reflect on our life in ministry, challenges, opportunities, and the recent Gallup Poll reporting that for the first time in the 80 year history (of keeping track) church membership has fallen below 50 percent. For more reading and access to the poll check this link https://news.gallup.com/poll/341963/church-membership-falls-below-majority-first-time.aspx

This sermon flows from the Good Shepherd Discourse of Jesus in John 10:11-18. It reflects on the central role of a shepherd to find good pasture for the sheep in their charge. Together we reflect on the pastures Jesus has nourished us with in the past even as we consider what new pastures we might be lead to.

In this episode of The Ground Up Faith Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Mindy Makant. Associate Professor of Religion at Lenoir Rhyne University and author of "Holy Mischief; In honor and celebration of Women in ministry" marking the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Lutheran Church. Her book can be purchased here https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Mischief-Honor-Celebration-Ministry/dp/1532649223/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=holy+mischief+mindy+makant&qid=1618967345&sr=8-1

In this Sermon we reflect on the ever present role doubt plays in our navigating the changing times we encounter when following Jesus. 

In this episode of the Ground Up Faith Podcast, we sit down with Ted Goins, Bee keeper, Pastor's kid, President of Lutheran Services of the Carolinas, and good neighbor to all. Learn more about his insights on living your Christian faith where you are everyday, leadership, and how we can all make an impact.

This sermon reflects on our practice of always referring to Thomas as one who doubts in the context of our own regular practice of dismissing one another with our words. It invites us to participate in the practice of Jesus of speaking peace into all of life's situations.

On Maundy Thursday we remember Jesus's washing his disciple's feet and instructing them to do likewise. With Lil Nas X's release of his Satan Shoes this week how might Christian's respond? 

In this episode of the Ground Up Faith Podcast, we invite you to join in on my wide-ranging conversation with Bishop Timothy Smith about his life; what it means to be called; and what service to the church looks like including stories about facing off with James Worthy & Michael Jordan; smuggling money to bring down the Soviet Union; & and being the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's North Carolina Synod; these are just some of the stories you'll hear in this episode. 

This sermon, on Palm Sunday, reflects on the Triumphal Entry story from John 12. It invites us to wrestle with what our expectations are verses what God's reality is. In God's care for us, God meets us in our expectations and invites us to participate in the reality of life.