In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Christina Hergenrader joins as guest to talk about her newest Bible Study, Everlasting: Peaks, Valleys, and Grace in the Psalms. 

Get a copy of the book at cph.org/everlasting.

Show Notes

Anxious. Worthy. Ashamed. Nostalgic. Lonely. Secure. This is just a handful of emotions we observe in the Psalms—and in our day-to-day lives, too. In her newest women’s Bible study, beloved author Christina Hergenrader guides readers through 25 psalms, digging into their genres, perplex emotions, glimpses of Jesus, and more. 

During the episode, Christina discusses what led her to explore emotions and the Psalms, what it’s like sharing personal stories in the book, why Christians struggle to believe that our emotions matter to God, how she envisions readers will use Everlasting, and more.

 Questions

• What led you to explore emotions and the psalms in Everlasting?
• You talk about reading the psalms with new eyes at this stage of life. What shifted for you?
• How did your experience with the Executive Coaching Program at the Townsend Institute influence your approach to this study?
• You share personal stories throughout Everlasting. Is it hard for you to be vulnerable when sharing these?
• What do the Psalms teach us about the relationship between faith and emotional honesty?
• How would you encourage someone who is afraid to be emotionally vulnerable with God?
• Was there a particular psalm that surprised you as you studied it?
• Why do you think that many Christians struggle to believe that our emotions matter to God?
• Talk about the Psalms of lament and exhaustion.
• If someone is feeling disconnected from their faith, what would you say to them?
• Why are Messianic Psalms important?
• What is the danger of leaving nostalgia unchecked?
• Why was it important for you to encourage readers to write their own psalms? How do you suggest they approach this?
• How do you envision readers using Everlasting?

About the Guest
Christina Hergenrader is busy doing what she loves. As a wife, mother, Christian teacher, and writer, she finds that life continues to keep her on her toes. After growing up in Galveston Island, Texas, Christina moved to Nebraska and attended Concordia University Nebraska, where she pursued her passion: education. With a teaching degree in hand, she moved to Houston, Texas, with her husband, Mike, to start her first job. At the end of the year, Christina was named “Teacher of the Year” by Houston’s Lutheran School Association. She also received the “Young Alumnus of the Year” award from her alma mater, Concordia-Seward. Later, Christina earned a master’s degree in Creative Writing. She also began writing and sharing devotions with her classes. Encouraged by their feedback, Christina submitted a manuscript to Concordia Publishing House. Since then, she has written several books, Bible studies and articles that have been published by CPH. When she’s not writing, Christina loves spending time with her husband and four children, teaching, speaking to women’s groups, traveling, photography, and spending time in prayer.

In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Rev. Dr R. Lee Hagan, author of Faithful, Hopeful, and Bold: Encouragement for the Church. During the episode, Hagan reminds listeners that wherever God’s Word is proclaimed, there is hope for His people. 

Get Hagan’s new book at cph.org/hagan.

 Show Notes

Our world is constantly shifting, changing, and moving away from Christianity. This post-Christian culture feels bleak and full of hopelessness for the next generation and the future of our congregations. Yet, the current generations are not the first to have faced this struggle.

In his new book, Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan brings readers 12 different stories and reflections that address the hopelessness and struggle in today’s churches. The book is perfect for church leaders to find spiritual encouragement and strengthen the faith in their own congregations. Hagan discusses the ins and outs of writing the book with host Elizabeth Pittman, as well as how church leaders should respond to the despair felt for the future of the church, how leadership is centered in discipleship, what it means to be bold as a church leader today, and more.

Questions

• What inspired you to write Faithful, Hopeful, and Bold? Why is it important for us today?
• The book opens by acknowledging the despair many Christians feel about the future of the church. What do you think are the root causes of that despair, and how should church leaders respond?
• In the reflection “Small Church, Big Savior,” you highlight the strength that comes from Christ to even the smallest congregations. What encouragement would you give to pastors or leaders of small churches?
• You mention that even in the closing of congregations, God’s Word has not failed. Can you share a story or moment that illustrates that truth?
• In “Living as Exiles,” you compare our current culture to the exile experience in Scripture. How can congregations faithfully live as exiles without retreating or becoming combative?
• You write that “leaders are followers first.” In a culture obsessed with leadership, how can the church cultivate a different vision of leadership grounded in discipleship?
• What does it mean to be “bold” as a church leader today—and how does boldness differ from brashness or arrogance?
• You discuss grief over the past in “For Such a Time as This.” How can churches move from nostalgia to opportunity without losing their history or identity?
• How do you define success in ministry today, especially when metrics like attendance or offerings may be declining?
• You describe hope as a “gift of God” and “antidote to despair.” What practices can help church leaders personally stay rooted in that hope?
• Your final chapter is titled Quo Vademus? or “Where do we go from here?” If a church leader finishes your book and asks that very question—what’s one step you hope they take next?
• How do you envision this book being used in congregational settings or among pastors?
• What’s your prayer for the Church today as we seek to be faithful, hopeful, and bold in Christ?

About the Guest
Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan serves as president of the Missouri District-LCMS and as chairman of the LCMS Council of Presidents. He is a 1992 graduate of Concordia College (now University), Seward, Nebraska. He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis with a Master of Divinity in 1996 and Doctor of Ministry in 2011.

Dr. Robert Kolb joins The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to talk about the second edition of The Christian Faith, A Lutheran Exposition. Dr. Kolb, along with his coauthor Ted Hopkins, use the history of the church and its creeds and confessions as a guide to share new perspectives on the presentation of Christian doctrine for current day.

Get the book on cph.org now. 

Show Notes

For Martin Luther, pure doctrine was not just the content of Scripture but also that content conveyed faithfully into the lives of those who hear God’s Word.

In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Dr. Robert Kolb joins host Elizabeth Pittman to talk about the second edition of The Christian Faith, A Lutheran Exposition. He discusses his personal faith journey and ministry, why doctrinal theology is necessary, how Law and Gospel are central to Lutheranism, cultural and theological challenges facing Christians today, and more. 

 Questions

• Could you tell us about your faith journey? How did you come to enter the ministry?
• What is your reaction to the election of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope? 
• What was the motivation for revising The Christian Faith after three decades, and what new challenges in the church or society prompted this second edition?
• You begin the book with the resurrection of Jesus. Why is the empty tomb the starting point for Christian theology?
• Why is doctrinal theology necessary in every generation?
• Why is it significant that this is a Lutheran exposition of the Christian faith, and not just a general Christian theology textbook?
• You highlight the importance of distinguishing Law and Gospel. Why is this so central to Lutheran theology—and how can readers learn to do it well?
• How does theology “listen” both to God and to the neighbor, and what’s the danger if we ignore either one?
• You note that “Christendom” is over. How does that change the task of theology and the way the Gospel is shared?
• What are some of the specific cultural or theological challenges facing Christians today that this new edition addresses?
• You write “The sanctified life is often called a life of new obedience.” What does a life of new obedience look like?
• In an age of increasing biblical illiteracy, how can theology still function as proclamation rather than just academic reflection?
• What do you say to someone who thinks doctrine divides more than it unites?

About the Guest

 Rev. Dr. Robert Kolb received M. Div. and S.T.M. degrees from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and a Ph.D. in history at the University of Wisconsin. He served as the director of the Center for Reformation Research from 1973-1977 and as a professor at Concordia College in Saint Paul, Minnesota from 1977-1993, then the acting president from 1989-1990. Kolb was then the director of the Institute for Mission Studies and professor of systematic theology at Concordia Seminary in Saint Louis from 1993-2006. He continues to teach classes at the seminary following his retirement.

In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by guest Sharla Fritz to discuss Sharla’s newest book, Divine Directions: How God Guides Your Path. 

Order the book now on CPH’s website at cph.org/divinedirections.

Show Notes
From Moses’ journey to the Promised Land and Ruth’s journey in life, it’s easy to see that following your own itinerary never goes as planned. In her new book, Divine Directions, Sharla Fritz writes about how this is especially true in her own travel woes. During the episode, listen as Sharla discusses these personal travel stories, the eight Biblical travels she writes about in the book, what it looks like to trust God’s itinerary instead of our own, how to reflect on our spiritual journeys, and more. 

Questions

• What inspired you to write Divine Directions, and how did your own experiences with travel influence the theme?
• Why did you choose these eight biblical journeys to include in the study? Was there one that surprised you during your research?
• What common threads did you find among these journeys, despite their very different circumstances and outcomes?
• Can you share how one of these stories—perhaps Ruth or Jonah—has shaped your understanding of God’s guidance?
• One of the study's key ideas is that “God rarely gives us a detailed map.” How can that be comforting instead of frustrating?
• What does it look like, practically, to trust God’s itinerary instead of our own?
• You include timelines, maps, and historical context. How does understanding the “where and when” of Scripture help readers apply it to the “here and now”?
• This study is meant for both individual reflection and small group discussion. How does community enhance our ability to follow God’s lead?
• You encourage readers to share their own stories. Why is it so powerful to reflect on our spiritual journeys out loud?
• What encouragement would you offer to someone currently feeling lost or stuck at a crossroads in life?
• What do you hope readers take away from this study once they’ve completed all eight journeys?

About the Guest
Sharla Fritz loves to speak with women's groups and to share about her own struggles, victories, and failures, speaking about how God is miraculously present through them all. In doing so, she hopes to share a few laughs and meet new sisters in Christ. Sharla is a Lutheran author, musician, and speaker. She has published numerous books with Concordia Publishing House, including Measured by Grace, God's Relentless Love, Divine Makeover: God Makes You Beautiful, Divine Design: 40 Days of Spiritual Makeover, and Bless These Lips: 40 Days of Spiritual Transformation.

Rev. Kris Whitby joins this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss his new book with CPH, Come and Be Filled: Feasting with Jesus in His Word. Kris and host Elizabeth Pittman discuss 11 Biblical meals that Kris writes about in the book, and how Jesus blesses us when we dine together. 

Get his book by visiting cph.org/feast.
 
 Show Notes

In his new book, Come and Be Filled, Kristopher R. Whitby explores eleven meals throughout Scripture and the lessons God teaches there around His table. Through Jesus, your meals will mean more.

Kris talks to listeners about the idea behind his book and how it originated, how he went about choosing and studying the eleven meals in Scripture that he writes about, the importance of fellowship and having meals together in today’s world, and more.
 

About the Guest

 Rev. Kristopher Whitby served for 24 years as a parish pastor, both in Florida and Illinois. In his years of pastoral ministry, Kris was honored to serve as the national LWML pastoral counselor as well as the Northern Illinois District’s North Region Vice President. He has been blessed to host the radio talk show “Faith Talks” and serve as a volunteer chaplain for the Association of Retired Intelligence Officers during the days of 9/11. Pastor Kris now serves on district staff as Assistant to the President–Mission and Ministry in the Northern Illinois District. He and his wife, Marguerita, enjoy their son and daughter, their daughter- and son-in-law, and their three grandchildren that the Lord has provided them, as well as board games, theater, and improv comedy. 

On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Donna Snow joins host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss her newest Bible Study, Strong and Courageous: Studying God's Promises in Joshua. Donna discusses why she chose to write about Joshua and what we can learn from his story. 

Get Donna’s newest Bible Study at cph.org/joshua.
 
 Show Notes
Joshua was called into what is arguably one of the most intimidating leadership roles in the history of God’s people. As he stood at the Jordan River looking into the land that God had promised, Joshua knew what awaited him—but he was strong and courageous, having faith that God was with him. 

In her new Bible Study, Donna Snow looks at the life of Joshua in in an eight-session, verse-by-verse format. During the episode, Donna reflects on why she chose Joshua, how we can relate to his study today, the connects she made to the Armor of God, how we can be strong and courageous in our everyday lives, and more. 

About the Guest
A soul-stirring, engaging speaker, author, Bible teacher, and worship leader, Donna Snow has a passion for studying and teaching God’s Word. Her clear, down-to-earth style encourages women of all ages to wholeheartedly love, serve, and live for Jesus Christ. Since launching Artesian Ministries in 2007, Donna has scratched out over 20 Bible studies and enjoys the incredible privilege of traveling throughout the U.S. and internationally to speak and teach where the Lord opens doors. Donna writes regularly on her blog, Hydrated Living, as she seeks to find beauty in the quiet and sacred in the chaos, treasuring that this path is a holy experience planned by God before the beginning of time. A native, life-long Texan, Donna fuels her incredible journey with the Word, coffee, chocolate, family, friends, and worship.

Rev. David A. Shadday joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to talk about his new book, Reclaiming the Heart of Marriage.

Get Shadday’s book on the CPH website today.

Show Notes

Why did God give us marriage? Companionship or procreation might be answers that come to mind, but marriage also serves as something even bigger—it is a reflection of Christ and His bride, the church. Listen to the episode to hear author David A. Shadday discuss his book that includes an eight-week journey “to understand the love God has for you, your response to His love, and the meaning that love brings to your life and your home” (p. 7). David also talks about why God gives us the gift of marriage, common misconceptions about marriage, how single or engaged Christians can prepare for marriage, and advice he’d give to those starting the book with their spouse. 

Questions

• What inspired you to write this Bible study?
• Why did God give us marriage?
• How would you respond to someone who thinks that the applications you share in the study are idealistic or theoretical?
• What are some common misconceptions about marriage?
• How does understanding marriage as a covenant deepen our appreciation of marriage and salvation?
• Explain what you mean by describing Song of Solomon as the Ephesians 5 of the Old Testament.
• What does this mean? How should love be defined? How should authority be defined?
• Talk about the biblical images used to describe God’s relationship with His people and how they relate to marriage.
• How can single/engaged Christians prepare for a biblical understanding of marriage?
• What advice do you have for couples/groups who are beginning this study?

About the Guest

 David A. Shadday is the pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Indianapolis. He has devoted much of his 40 years as a pastor to the subject of marriage and family. He has been married to his wife Sherry (Heierman) for 44 years, and they have four children and seven grandchildren. Pastor Shadday’s main hobby is writing songs.

On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Rev. Michael Newman joins host Elizabeth Pittman as the guest to talk about his recently released book with CPH, Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Men. Mike talks with Elizabeth about the struggles young men face today, from isolation to peer pressure and bullying. He tells listeners how his new book (the companion to Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Womenby Cassie Moore) contains devotions that point young men to the hope that can only be found in Jesus.  
 
Learn more and get the book at cph.org/faith-notes.
 
Show Notes
Anxiety. Isolation. Bullying. Faced with issues like these, where can teen boys turn? They can turn to God. During the episode, author Mike Newman tells listeners how his book, Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Men, features nearly 100 devotions on topics like these, pointing youth to God's truth, showing them God's forgiveness and hope, and steering them toward Christ. Devotional topics include anxiety, mistakes, family and home life, purity, relationships, and more. 

Mike also delves into his experiences as a pastor and father and how these shaped his insight in the book, advice he has for young men who feel disconnected from God, why he chose the format he did for the book, and more. 

Questions

• How did your experiences as a pastor and parent shape the topics covered in the book?
• What are some of the biggest struggles you see young men facing today?
• The book covers difficult topics like anxiety and pornography—how do you approach these issues with grace and biblical guidance?
• Why did you choose the format of short reflections with space to write or sketch?
• How do you hope young men will engage with this book—individually, in small groups, or with mentors?
• What advice would you give to a young man who feels disconnected from God and struggles to trust in Him?
• The title calls this a “survival kit”—how does this devotional equip young men to navigate today’s world?
• What feedback have you received from young men, parents, or youth leaders about this book?

About the Guest
When not teaching and writing, Michael W. Newman enjoys running the Texas roads, reading a good book, and spending time with his family. He is husband to Cindy, father to two beautiful daughters, and grandpa to a brood of wonderful grandchildren.

In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman speaks with author Rev. Andrew R. Jones about his newest book, Ten Lies Satan Loves to Tell. Andy dives into the truth that Satan lies to us all the time but helps us recognize and combat 10 of the major lies with God’s Word. 

Get Andy’s newest book at cph.org/tenlies.

 Show Notes
“You need and deserve more.” “You should cover up your sins.” “You are too sinful to be forgiven.”

Have you ever heard Satan murmur these lies into your ear? In Ten Lies Satan Loves to Tell, Andrew R. Jones identifies 10 lies Satan—the father of lies (John 8:44)—tells in an effort to dismantle God’s kingdom and God’s people. Andy tells listeners that by enhancing your radar for Satan’s schemes, you can better defend against his deception, and be encouraged to live in God’s truth. Andy also talks about writing this book as a follow-up to his first, Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible, how he narrowed down all the lies Satan tells to just 10, what Satan aims to achieve through his lies, and how God provides us tools to defend against both sin and Satan. 

About the Guest
Andrew R. Jones lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he enjoys writing, hiking, and adventuring with his wife, Stephanie. He has served the church on three continents in varying roles, including campus ministry, international mission work, professor of preaching, and parish pastor. His writings speak to the importance of spiritual formation in the midst of a hectic world. 

On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, we take a look at the history and legacy of Lutheran homiletics with guest Pastor Isaac Johnson. Isaac is the translator of Reinhold Pieper's Evangelical Lutheran Homiletics, available now on cph.org. 

Show Notes

Listen now as host Elizabeth Pittman and guest Isaac Johnson talk discuss his translation of Reinhold Pieper’s Evangelical Lutheran Homiletics, which offers a fuller understanding of the history of preaching within the LCMS as typified by C. F. W. Walther. Pieper, a student of Walther who would serve as a homiletics professor and president of Concordia Preachers’ Seminary from 1891–1914, dissects the task of preaching from start to finish as inspired by the classic German homiletics textbook by J. J. Rambach. 

Isaac talks about who Reinhold Pieper was, historical context behind Pieper’s writing, how Pieper has influenced his own work, and advice for pastors and the challenges they face in today’s fast-paced world. 

Questions

• Who was Reinhold Pieper?
• In the foreword, Dr. Adam Koontz writes Reinhold was “the heir of much and the preserver of more.” What motivated Reinhold to write this book, and what were the influences that he was working to preserve? 
• How does this work reflect the influence of Reinhold’s teacher, CFW Walther?
• How does this book complement Walther's Law and Gospel as a preaching guide?
• What was the historical context in which Pieper wrote this book? How did this context shape his approach to preaching?
• How was this book used at LCMS seminaries before the transition to English?Pieper emphasized “strictly textual” preaching. What does this mean, and why is it important?
• Walk us through Pieper’s approach to sermon preparation.
• What does Pieper have to say about the preachers personal style, and how pastors can balance individuality with faithfulness to the text?
• How has Pieper influenced your own preaching? If you could ask him any questions about preaching in our modern context, what would you ask him?
• What advice might you expect Pieper to give to pastors today who are faced with the challenges of preaching in a highly digital and fast-paced world? 

About the Guest
 
Isaac Johnson is the pastor of New Hope Lutheran Church in Charles City, Iowa. He is married to Kaite Johnson, and they have five children: Elise, Clara, Lyla, James, and Annie. Besides ministry and family, Johnson is involved in the translation of German and Latin, focusing on the field of early Missouri Synod homiletics. He is currently enrolled in the reduced-residency Ph.D. program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in the Culture and Theology department with an emphasis in homiletics. He enjoys preaching, reading aloud to his family, classical guitar, and choral music.