Michigan District, LCMS Podcast

By Michigan District, LCMSReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Michigan District, LCMS Podcast episodes

September 302.3 Called to Ordinary Faithfulness: All Pastors Conference 2026 Preview | Mission in the Mitten
Show Notes;
How can pastors be refreshed in their own faith and vocation? And why does gathering together with fellow pastors still matter?
In this episode, we’re joined by Rev. Sam Fink, pastor of Heart of the Shepherd Lutheran Church in Howell and Chair of the 2026 All Pastors Conference Committee, for a preview of this year’s conference, A Patient Endeavor: The Witness of Ordinary Faithfulness.
From worship and time in God’s Word to private confession and absolution, this year’s conference intentionally creates space for pastors not only to learn, but also to receive the gifts of Christ themselves. Pastor Fink shares why the committee chose to pair a keynote speaker with a conference chaplain and previews conversations about discipleship, the seven deadly sins, Christian witness, and bringing the Gospel into everyday life.
Listen for a thoughtful conversation about pastoral vocation, Christian community, receiving Christ’s gifts, and the ordinary faithfulness through which God continues to work in His Church.
Today’s Resources:
Listen to On the Line: ontheline.net
Heart of the Shepherd Lutheran Church: heartoftheshepherd.church
Follow the Michigan District:
Website: michigandistrict.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/
YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS
39 min
September 162.2 More Than a Mountaintop: District High School Youth Gathering Recap | Mission in the Mitten
Show Notes;
What happens when nearly 900 high school youth gather on Mackinac Island to worship, study God’s Word, serve, and spend time together? In this episode of Mission in the Mitten, Adele Werner is joined by Zane Simon, Director of Family Life Ministry at St. Paul, Caro, to reflect on the 2026 Michigan District High School Youth Gathering and the impact it had on the students he brought.
Together, they talk about friendships formed across congregations, deeper engagement in worship, the growth in understanding of vocation, and helping young people see that faith is part of everyday life. They also explore the value of face-to-face relationships in a technology-filled world and why experiences like the gathering are worth the investment. Listen for stories from Mackinac Island and a hopeful reminder that young people are hungry for God’s Word, eager to be challenged, and ready to share the hope they have in Jesus.
Today’s Resources:
See all from Michigan District Youth Ministry: michigandistrict.org/youth
Learn more about Concordia Center for the Family: concordiacenterforthefamily.org
Follow the Michigan District:
Website: michigandistrict.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/
YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS
1 hr 13 min
September 022.1 Passing it On: Wisdom from Three District Presidents | Mission in the Mitten
Show Notes:
What makes ministry healthy? How do strong relationships shape congregations? And what wisdom is worth passing on to the next generation of pastors, church workers, and lay leaders?
In this episode, Michigan District President Rev. David A. Davis is joined by former District Presidents Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier and Rev. Dr. C. William Hoesman for a wide-ranging conversation about ministry, leadership, relationships, and the future of the Church. Together, they reflect on decades of experience serving congregations and church workers throughout the Michigan District.
From mentoring young pastors and building strong congregational communities to navigating conflict, encouraging future church workers, and reaching neighbors with the Gospel, the conversation keeps returning to one central truth: ministry happens through relationships. In a culture that can often feel increasingly isolated, they discuss why face-to-face connection, Christian friendship, prayer, and intentional community still matter deeply.
They also look ahead, asking how congregations can recognize gifts, encourage vocations, and surround young people with faithful adults who notice them, support them, and invite them to consider how God might use them in service to His Church and world.
Listen for stories, laughter, practical wisdom, and a hopeful reminder that, even in the midst of change and challenge, Christ continues to build His Church.
Today’s Resources:
Learn more about the Michigan District, LCMS: michigandistrict.org/
Learn more about ongoing ministry and mission work from former president Maier: thecenter.info
Follow the Michigan District:
Website: michigandistrict.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/
YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS
1 hr 23 min
June 03BONUS EPISODE | Leadership in the Lutheran Church: Insights from Joel Biermann
Show Notes:
In this conversation, Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann shares his journey from growing up in a Lutheran parsonage to serving as a pastor, seminary professor, and now a nominee for President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Drawing on his ministry experience, he reflects on the responsibilities of synodical leadership, the challenges and opportunities facing the church today, and the importance of remaining grounded in Christ and His mission. He also offers thoughtful insights on church politics, leadership, congregational ministry, and embracing the diversity of gifts within the Body of Christ.
Whether you're a pastor, church worker, delegate, or engaged member of an LCMS congregation, this conversation provides a helpful perspective on the future of our Synod and our shared work of proclaiming Christ to the world.
Follow the Michigan District:
Website: https://michigandistrict.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miLCMS/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michiganLCMS
15 min
April 211.8 Receiving a Call: What Comes Next? | The Professional Church Worker
Show Notes:
You’ve received the call—now comes the discernment.
During this episode, Tyler and Luke walk through what to do after a call is extended. They share practical guidance and wisdom from their years in ministry to help you evaluate the position, understand the congregation, and faithfully discern your next step.
The conversation focuses on the key areas to consider—role expectations, staff dynamics, compensation, and personal and family impact—so you can move forward with clarity, honesty, and trust in where God may be leading.
Follow the Michigan District:
Website: michigandistrict.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/
YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS
31 min
April 081.7 Seeking a New Call | The Professional Church Worker
Show Notes:
How do you know when it’s time to move on from your current call?
In this episode, Tyler and Luke talk through the process of discerning whether God may be leading you somewhere new. From burnout and conflict to family needs and new opportunities, they explore the many reasons church workers begin seeking a call—and how to navigate that faithfully.
They also share practical advice on connecting with your district, updating your CMIF, and continuing to serve well where you are, even in a season of transition.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time for a change, this episode is for you.
Follow the Michigan District:
Website: michigandistrict.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/
YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS
23 min
March 251.6 The Beginning of the Call Process | The Professional Church Worker
Show Notes:
Whether you're heading into your first call, considering a second, or haven’t navigated the process in decades, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and healthy “best practices” for what happens before a call is officially extended.
This episode focuses specifically on the early stages — the “nibble,” the interview process, and how to navigate it with integrity and clarity.
Follow the Michigan District:
Website: michigandistrict.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/
YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS
26 min
March 111.5 How Do I Navigate the First Year of Ministry? | The Professional Church Worker
Show Notes:
In this conversation, Tyler and Luke discuss the challenges and lessons learned during the first year of ministry. They emphasize the importance of establishing healthy boundaries, building a social network outside the church, and being transparent about one's capabilities and expectations. The discussion also highlights the need for self-care and the significance of modeling healthy practices for others in the ministry.
Follow the Michigan District:
Website: michigandistrict.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/
YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS
23 min
February 251.4 You’re at a New Ministry. Now What? | The Professional Church Worker
Show Notes:
In this conversation, Tyler and Luke discuss healthy practices for church workers entering new cultures, particularly during their first few calls in ministry. They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of patience, communication, and understanding the unique dynamics of each congregation. The discussion also touches on the challenges of measuring success through numbers and the significance of building relationships within the community.
Follow the Michigan District:
Website: michigandistrict.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/
YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS
23 min
February 111.3 Do You Have a Mentor? | The Professional Church Worker
Show Notes:
In this episode of The Professional Church Worker, Tyler and Luke discuss the importance of mentorship in church work. They explore what defines a mentor, the various forms mentorship can take, and the value it brings to personal and professional growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability, guidance, and support from mentors, as well as the responsibility of experienced church workers to mentor others. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on navigating mentorship relationships, concluding with a call to action for listeners to seek out mentors and be mentors themselves.
Follow the Michigan District:
Website: michigandistrict.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/
YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS
26 min