In part one of this two-part series, host Adele Werner sits down with three guests who bring deep personal, pastoral, and on-the-ground experience with Mormon (LDS) culture and theology. Former Mormon–turned–Lutheran pastor Rev. Jeremy Lamont and LDS outreach leaders Rev. Mark Parsons and Molly Parsons explore the key theological differences between Mormonism (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and our Christian confession. Together, they discuss how the LDS view of Jesus as an “elder brother” contrasts with the historic Christian confession of Christ as true God and Savior, why many Latter-day Saints now identify as Christians, and what the LDS “covenant path” means for everyday members.

Listeners will gain a clear understanding of LDS teachings on salvation, eternal families, and the pre-mortal existence—and why these differ from Scripture. The guests also share practical, compassionate strategies for witnessing to Mormon friends, including how to ask meaningful questions, how to talk about grace, and why simply marveling at Jesus often opens more doors than debating doctrine.

Whether you’re engaging with LDS missionaries, have Mormon family members, or want to grow in confident Christian witness, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical guidance. All of it rests on a firm biblical grounding in Christ alone.

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In this episode, Rev Dr. Randy Duncan shares his personal faith journey and insights on engaging with Gen Z. Both once unaffiliated with any religion, Adele and Randy share how they came to the Lutheran faith—and what their stories reveal about God’s grace meeting people in their masks, their trials, and their mistakes. Together they explore challenges and opportunities in reaching younger generations and why Gen Z is drawn to authenticity. This episode offers advice for how churches can better connect with young people, emphasizes the need for the church to be a place of belonging and support, and encourages listeners to actively participate in their faith communities.

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In part two of our series on Neopaganism and spiritual blending, host Adele Werner continues the conversation with Pastor Gabe Kasper and Pastor Maxx Fisher. Together, they explore how the church can respond to today’s spiritual trends with both compassion and conviction. Instead of fear or judgment, Lutheran theology points us back to the unchanging truth of God’s Word and the comfort of His ordinary gifts—Word and Sacrament—where God promises to meet us with grace. This episode offers encouragement for a shifting world: no matter how many new beliefs arise, the truth of Christ remains steady, certain, and life-giving.

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Crystals. Tarot. Horoscopes. “Spiritual but not religious.” For many today, spirituality is no longer about dogma or tradition but about borrowing rituals that feel meaningful in the moment. But what’s driving this desire and how should the church respond? In part one of a two-part series, we’ll sit down with Pastor Gabe Kasper and Pastor Maxx Fisher to explore the rise of Neopagan practices, why it’s growing, and what its popularity reveals about the spiritual hunger of our age.

This conversation doesn’t approach Neopaganism as a scare tactic. Instead, it seeks to understand our neighbors with compassion, name where counterfeit spiritualities distract from Christ, and equip the church to walk faithfully in a culture full of competing narratives.

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How do we faithfully talk about sex, purity, and relationships in the church today? In this episode, we sit down with Deaconess Sarah Rusche and Deaconess Rebekah Lukas for an honest, grace-filled conversation about sex education, purity culture, and what it means to teach and live out a biblical sexual ethic. This isn’t just a discussion about rules—it’s a deeper exploration of vocation, love of neighbor, and the freedom we have in Christ. Whether you grew up with purity rings or never had these conversations in church, this episode will encourage you to think faithfully about sexuality, grace, and the gospel that covers us all.

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What happens when your faith is captured on camera—and broadcast to millions?

In this conversation, Emily Worthmore reflects on her role in the Emmy-winning documentary “Girls State.” She reflects on her faith and identity, particularly in the context of her conservative views in a predominantly liberal environment and the friendships formed across political divides. From debating legislation to navigating social tension, Emily reveals how her Christian identity shaped every moment—and why she wouldn’t change a thing.

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Worship can be both faithful to Lutheran tradition and culturally resonant. During this episode, we’ll explore the complexities of worship practices within the Lutheran church and discuss the concept of inculturated worship. By sharing personal experiences and biblical frameworks, this conversation explores the intersection of culture and theology within our Lutheran worship practices.

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In the inaugural episode of Conversations on Culture and Faith, host Adele Werner is joined by members of her family to explore their diverse paths in serving the church. The conversation delves into their childhood experiences, the influence of family, and the various roles within church work. Each guest shares personal stories of how they arrived at their current positions, the encouragement they received, and the impact of their upbringing on their faith and professional choices. The discussion highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and the evolving nature of church service.

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In today’s ever-changing world, we need the never-changing God to guide us.

Conversations on Culture & Faith is a podcast exploring how Lutheran theology is lived out in real-life issues. Hosted by Adele Werner, this show features honest, Christ-centered dialogue with everyday Christians navigating life, leadership, and faith in today’s world.

Each episode tackles relevant cultural topics—the big questions facing our world and the challenges inside of our own churches. Whether you’re curious about how to live out your faith in a secular world or exploring the beauty of how our theology drives our practices, this podcast offers thoughtful conversation rooted in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

If you’re looking for a Lutheran podcast that combines biblical truth with cultural relevance, Conversations on Culture & Faith is for you. Together, we’ll seek God’s Word to transform how we engage with our neighbor.

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1.7 Meet the Director of Mission Development | Rev. Dr. Scott Yakimow | Mission in the Mitten

In the season finale, we talk with Scott Yakimow, the Michigan District’s new Director of Mission Development. Scott shares his unexpected journey from a career in mechanical engineering to full-time mission work, highlighting how God led him through a unique path of study and service. He discusses the mission field in Michigan, the importance of reaching the “nones and dones,” and how churches can partner together to bring the Gospel into their communities. The conversation touches on post-COVID ministry challenges, the role of theology in mission, and why the Church must be willing to embrace real-life messiness. Scott encourages congregations to step boldly into mission, trusting Christ to work through every challenge.

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• Website: michigandistrict.org/
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• YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS