Michigan District, LCMS Podcast

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.

Follow the Michigan District:

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

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.

Follow the Michigan District:

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

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.

Follow the Michigan District:

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

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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1.6 Is the pro-life movement anti-women? | The Luke Clinic | Mission in the Mitten

The Luke Clinic proves that compassionate care can help women choose to keep their babies. In this conversation, we speak with Penny Armbruster, a volunteer at the Luke Clinic, about the clinic's mission to provide compassionate care to vulnerable women and their families in Detroit. Listen as we discuss the unique model of care at the clinic, the challenges faced by patients, and the importance of building relationships and trust. Penny shares stories of transformation and the impact of faith in their work, emphasizing the need for community support and the church's role in creating a culture of life. The conversation also touches on the future of the clinic, including the need for sustainable funding and resources.

Support the Luke Clinic: thelukeclinic.org/

Watch Luke Clinic testimonials: youtube.com/@thelukeclinic

Learn more about Abigayle Ministries: abigayleministries.org/

Read roe by Kristen Lavalley: kristenlavalley.substack.com/p/roe

Follow the Michigan District:

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

1.5 Do the incarcerated want to be ministered to? | Reproducible Prison Ministry w/ Madi Carter | Mission in the Mitten

Prison ministry is vital spiritual care that many churches overlook.

Joining us on today's episode is Madi Carter. Madi started a prison ministry program at University Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor. She brings her experience to the table with how she built a prison ministry program and her knowledge about how connecting incarcerated individuals to Christian community requires compassion and understanding. The conversation also touches on future aspirations for the ministry and resources for those interested in getting involved.

Just Mercy: justmercy.eji.org/

Girls Incarcerated: netflix.com/title/80185178

Follow the Michigan District:

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

What’s the wisdom in attending a conference over “doing” ministry? | BPM: Heartland

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Joel Kaiser to discuss the upcoming Best Practices for Ministry Heartland conference, emphasizing its importance for church workers. We explore the challenges and opportunities of hosting the conference, the significance of attending for personal and professional growth, and the unique benefits for smaller churches. The conversation highlights how BPM: Heartland emphasizes networking, encouragement, and community support. It's a compelling case to participate in this free event!

Register for the conference and learn more: stlorenz.org/bpmh

Follow the Michigan District:

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

Is my pastor okay if he goes on a retreat? | Good Friend Ministries

Pastor Mark Hannemann discusses the critical importance of church worker wellness. As stressors faced by church workers, including burnout and financial pressures, increase, families and congregations are impacted. Good Friend Ministries provides retreats for pastors and their wives, emphasizing the need for rest and renewal. Together, we explore the importance of balance in life and ministry, the need for congregational support, and the significance of self-care for church workers. The dialogue emphasizes the human side of pastoral life, the impact of family on ministry effectiveness, and practical ways congregations can help lighten the load for their pastors. They also touch on the importance of resources for church worker wellness and the need for grace and understanding within the church community.

Support Good Friend Ministries: goodfriendministries.org/

Follow the Michigan District:

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

https://michigandistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2-CCF-Podcast_mixdown.mp3

1.2 How is Gen Alpha changing the Family Discipleship Model? | Concordia Center for the Family | Mission in the Mitten

Todd Biermann from Concordia Center for the Family joins us to discuss how Generation Alpha is changing the Family Discipleship Model. In this episode, we converse about how churches can work to equip and support parents in passing the faith down to their children.

Support Concordia Center for the Family: concordiacenterforthefamily.org/

Today’s Resources:

• Concordia Center for the Family Resource Page: concordiafamilystore.org/
• Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministries: cph.org/seven-practices-of-healthy-youth-ministry/
• Everyday Faith Calendar: blog.cph.org/serve/tag/everyday-faith-calendar
• Faith & Life Survey: concordiacenterforthefamily.org/Faith-Life-Survey
• Enduring Faith Confirmation Journal: cph.org/guided-by-truth-enduring-faith-confirmation-journal
• The Anxious Generation: a.co/d/dgOZH0u
• Teaching the Faith at Home: cph.org/teaching-the-faith-at-home-what-does-this-mean-how-is-this-done

Follow the Michigan District:

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

What challenges do inner city missions face? | Gifts For All God’s Children

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Patti Jacques and Hailey Noonan from Gifts For All God’s Children as they discuss partnering with inner city missions to provide for physical needs in urban settings.

Support Gift’s For All God’s Children: giftsforallgodschildren.org/get-involved/

Sign-up for an Urban Tour: trinityutica.com/ministrytour/

Follow the Michigan District:

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