Tangible: Theology Learned and Lived

For centuries, the location of Bethsaida has been a mystery. This fishing village was the home of three apostles and one of the backdrops of Jesus's ministry. Dr. Steven Notley, Dean of Religious Studies at Pillar College in New Jersey, believes he solved the debate after a decade of archeological digs near the Sea of Galilee. Join Notley and Dr. David Adams, professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in a discussion about the significance of this recent archeological discovery.

The Divine Service is more than an order of worship. Rev. Steven Zank, director of the Parish Music Program and the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine, discusses his research into the history of the Divine Service in the Lutheran Church. Dr. Kent Burreson, professor of systematic theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, brings his expertise in the theology of worship to the discussion.

Dr. Ely Prieto, associate professor of practical theology, explores examples in the Old and New Testaments of caring for those with disabilities. Rev. Ellory Glenn, pastor at Chapel of the Cross Lutheran church in St. Louis, and Mrs. Kathy Glenn, his wife and caregiver, discuss their experience dealing with disabilities and share ways in which the church can reach out in love.

Dr. Ronald Rall and Mary Anne Rall, missionaries to the people of Papua New Guinea, each share a story from the mission field about how God saved their lives in very tangible ways. This episode is a special feature that accompanies Episode 69, "Called to the Jungles of Papua New Guinea."

Dr. Ronald Rall and Mary Anne Rall have been missionaries to the people of Papua New Guinea since 1973. Over the past fifty years, they have seen God's church grow and flourish. "Still today, the people always say to me, 'Thank you for bringing us the light because we were in total darkness.' Their faith is so strong!" said Mary Anne Rall. Join the Ralls as they share their story as overseas missionaries and how it changed their ministry back home.

Developing an attitude of outreach in your congregation is fostered by church leaders and carried out as a community. Join Dr. Douglas Rutt, professor emeritus of practical theology; Dr. David Loy, dean of Christ College at Concordia University in Irvine, California; and Kristin Woods, New American Families Facilitator at Word of Life Lutheran School in St. Louis, as they discuss ways to intentionally look outward.

"I use songwriting as a tool for engaging with the text of scripture and bringing my questions to God. It's meant to be a moment of reflection," says singer-songwriter Rev. Hayden Lukas. Join us in a conversation between Lukas and Dr. Timothy Saleska, professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary, as they discuss the connections between Psalm 22 and the song it evoked. This conversation leads to music!

"If God has placed an immigrant group in your community, we have the opportunity to reach out and share the lovely gifts that God has given us," said Rev Jeff Thormodson, the executive director of the Lutheran Society of Missiology. "The Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology raises up leaders who speak Congolese, Aramaic, Telugu. It's a wonderful opportunity to make disciples of all nations." Learn more about how the Lord is raising up leaders in his church through Concordia Seminary, St. Louis!

"The schools in the Concordia University System are an incredible gift; we have a responsibility to steward them well for the next generation," says Dr. Peter Nafzger, associate professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. In this conversation Nafzger and Rev. Jeff Cloeter, pastor of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, compare their experiences as alumni and as parents of students attending a Concordia University. "Concordia Universities are a ligament of the church," said Cloeter. "The relational connectivity that happens in the classroom or on the basketball court benefits the kingdom of God." Join us in a discussion of the benefits and potential disadvantages of studying at a CUS school.

Join us for a conversation about the text for June 28, 2026! The readings for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost are Jeremiah 28:5–9, Psalm 119:153–160, Romans 7:1–13, and Matthew 10:34–42.