Dr. Kurt Senske joins host Elizabeth Pittman in this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to talk about his newest book, The CEO and the Board: The Art of Nonprofit Governance as a Competitive Advantage. Dr. Senske discusses the key points made in his book regarding the relationships between CEOs and boards and how strong governance models are made. 

Get a copy of his new book on cph.org.

Show Notes:
 
The world is increasingly uncertain, complex, and competitive. The governance model that many boards and CEOs are currently using may not be best suited for their future. 

In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Senske reveals how the time has come for leadership teams to collectively work together to implement an evolving, adaptive model of governance that is tailored to the current situation of their unique organization.  Laid out in his book, Dr. Senske gives listeners a preview of how he goes through different facets of how nonprofits can make effective changes to craft an intentional relationship between the board and the CEO for organizational success. He also discusses the inspiration for the book, how he came to write it, and his experience on 11 different boards of directors through the years.
               
Questions Covered

-          What has it been like have a new book launched during your retirement?

-          What are some of the most common questions you are getting about your book?

-          What would you say to a consultant who tells an organization that there is one governance model that they should be using?

-          When it comes to choosing the right model, what are the roles and responsibility of every board and CEO, regardless of the model that they're going to use?

-          You talk about appropriately diverse boards for your situation. What do you mean by that?

-          You mentioned three non-negotiables for every board member. Tell us about those.

-          Tell us more about emotional intelligence and what it is when it comes to boards. 

-          Tell us some of the hallmarks of both positive and negative leadership.

-          How can an organization cultivate that servant leadership?

-          Why is it so important that we not only name the elephant in the room, but we deal with it?

-          What does a healthy CEO board relationship look like?

-          What is the competitive advantage that organizations will gain as they master this art of governance?

-          What do we have as a unique advantage in this as Christian organizations?

-          How can you see your book being useful to pastors and church leaders?

About the Guest
 
Dr. Kurt Senske  spent twenty-three years as CEO of Upbring, where he more than quadrupled the size of the agency and steered the once-troubled agency back to financial strength. Dr. Senske is the founder and now principal of CEO-Board Services, a consulting firm that specializes in working with mission-oriented organizational leaders and boards around issues of governance, strategy, organizational structure, succession planning, coaching, and mergers and acquisitions.

In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Pastor Chris Kennedy. The duo discuss his new book, Jesus Said What? and some of our Savior’s words that many people may struggle to understand at first glance. Kennedy sits down to urge readers and listeners alike to look to Scripture to interpret Scripture. 

Get a copy of his book on cph.org.

Show Notes:

In his new book, Pastor Kennedy brings clarity to 15 of Jesus' most difficult teachings on topics such as money, relationships, and consequences for sin.

During this episode he dives into writing his third book with CPH and how this title differed from the last two. Pastor Kennedy goes over some of Jesus’ words that didn’t make it into the book, and the verses that people seemed to be most curious about. He also previews a few of the actual phrases from Jesus that he deciphers in the book and encourages listeners to continue their learning with the tools provided in Jesus Said What?.
                                             
               
Questions Covered

-        Tell listeners a little bit about how writing your third book differed from the first and the second.

-        What are a few of the verses that might have come in just under the first tier that you didn't have room for in the book? What were some of those verses that people were really curious about?

-        If we don't know those original languages in the Scripture, is that hurting us?

-        When someone asks ‘What translation of the Bible should I be reading?’, what is your advice to them?

-        What is Jesus’ overriding concern that you mention in the book and what steps does He take to try to help us understand?

-        Why is it so important that we look to the fundamental rule of “Scripture interprets Scripture” when we're trying to understand these verses?

-        Let’s at a few of the verses that you cover in the book:

o   “Unforgivable sin”

o   “Make friends by unrighteous wealth”

o   “No forgiveness for the unforgiving”

-        Tell us about the tools that you provide in the book and how they can help readers. 

About the Guest

Pastor Christopher Kennedy is a writer, podcaster, and pastor. He is also author of Equipped: The Armor of God for Everyday Struggles and Grace under Pressure: Responding Faithfully to Stress. He serves a large congregation in San Antonio, Texas. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communication, a master’s degree in theology, and a doctorate in ministry. Chris and his wife are parents of four.

In this episode of the Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Elizabeth Pittman is joined by CPH colleague Peggy Kuethe, who is Senior Editor of Children & Family Resources at CPH. The pair discusses the beloved children’s books in the series God, I Need to Talk to You and talk about the new editions coming this spring. 

The new God, I Need to Talk to You books will be available on cph.org in March 2023. 

Show Notes:

Talking with your children about the hard things in life is not always easy. In this episode, CPH editor Peggy Kuethe talks about the resources that the God, I Need to Talk to You books provide to parents and families when discussing difficult topics such as anger, greed, bullying, feeling sad, and more. Peggy and Elizabeth also preview the new editions coming out in March 2023 that will cover timely topics including screen time, violence, worrying, and loving others.
               
 Questions Covered

·        These new releases cover hard topics to talk about - fear, patience, loving others, screen time, violence, and worrying. What are some signs that children are struggling with these?

·        What are some age-appropriate conversation starters to discuss these topics with the young ones?

·        How do you teach and encourage children to pray?

·        How do you help children understand what God is?

·        These books provide an excellent framework for addressing these weighty topics - think about their behavior, pray about it, and look to the Scripture. Can you discuss a little how parents and others charged with caring for children (relatives, teachers, etc.)  can use this framework with children for any difficult topic?
 
 About the Guest

Peggy Kuethe is Senior Editor of Children & Family Resources at Concordia Publishing House. 

In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, guest and author Dr. Andrew Das and host Elizabeth Pittman examine the Biblical book of Galatians. Packed with vital issues concerning the Christian faith, the pair dive into who the Galatians were, the issues they faced, and how believers can relate to them today. 

Dr. Das wrote the Concordia Commentary edition on the book of Galatians, which is available on the CPH website. He also did a series on Galatians on the CPH YouTube channel that you can watch here. 

Show Notes:

The central issue in Galatians can be seen as a matter of identity. As the author of the letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul speaks of embodying Christ in his own life and in the lives of the Galatians. In this episode Dr. Das shares his knowledge into this prevalent theme that is present throughout Galatians and talks about how it relates to our lives as Christians living in the modern world. Dr. Das also analyzes several concepts in Paul’s writing, dissects Martin Luther’s commentary on Galatians, and more in this episode.

Learn more about Dr. Das: http://andrewdas.net/                           
Read Dr. Das’s bio on cph.org: https://www.cph.org/m-124-a-andrew-das                                                           
Questions Covered

• Who were the Galatians? 
• What is “the Gospel” Paul preached versus the “different gospel” to which the Galatians turned?
•  Galatians is loaded with vital issues for the Christian faith. What particular issues plagued the church in Galatia, and are there equivalent issues plaguing the church today? 
• Luther's commentary on the Galatians is usually considered a classic, why is that? 
• Are we saved through faith alone (“Abraham believed … and it was credited as righteousness”) or through faith plus doing “works of the Law”? 
• Which came first, the Law or the Gospel promise?  
• What does it mean for Paul and for us to say “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20)? 
• What does Paul mean when he says “there is neither male nor female” but those baptized into Christ “are all one”? 
• What are “the works of the flesh” and “the works of the Spirit” (Galatians 5)? 

 About the Guest

Considered among the leading Pauline theorists of the last century, Dr. A. Andrew Das is the Donald W. and Betty J. Buik Chair and Professor of Religious Studies at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois. He teaches in biblical studies, early Christianity, and Second Temple Judaism. Dr. Das was an invited member of the Society of Biblical Literature’s Paul and Scripture Seminar and has presented at the Society of Biblical Literature; the African Society of Biblical Scholars; the Chicago Society of Biblical Research; the international Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas, of which he is an elected member; and the Evangelical Theological Society. He is also a member of the Catholic Biblical Association of America and serves on the Holman Christian Standard Bible revision committee. Dr. Das is a prolific writer, having authored several books and articles, including his major academic commentary on Galatians (CPH 2014). Dr. Das received his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, and did his graduate work at Yale University, Duke Universit

Every congregation needs to determine its organizational strategy in order to best proclaim the Gospel. In the first episode of season four of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Dr. David Peter from Concordia Seminary St. Louis to discuss his new book, Organizing for Ministry and Mission: Options for Church Structure. Available on cph.org now.

Show Notes:
 
Organization is never optional. 

In order for any church to best administer sacraments and care for its members, all congregations must take a thoughtful approach to structural details in order to carry out its goals for ministry and mission. Dr. David Peter dives into this idea and why he chose this topic as the main theme in his new book in this episode. While Church congregations are more than just an organization, it is vital to think of it as both a part of the body of Christ and an organization that requires intentional leadership and purposeful guidance in organizational structure. 
 
 David’s Bio: https://www.csl.edu/directory/david-peter/                                             
               
Questions Covered

·        Why do we need organization in the church?

·        Why do you think the need for organization often overlooked?

·        What theological dynamics are at work in parish organization?

·        What guidance did CFW Walther have about congregational organization? What can we take away from his guidance today?

·        You write that organizing your church is not optional. What are the models of organization that are common today, and how can congregations organize for the better?

·        How will a church know if it's selected the right organizing model?

·        From a laity perspective - what tips/advice do you have for members to get involved in the church and why would you encourage congregants to get involved in opportunities to help run the church?

·        How has the COVID experience changed the ways in which church boards function?

·        What advice do you have for congregational board(s)/members?

·        Can you talk about some common mistakes you see church leaders make and how to overcome them?

About the Guest

Dr. David J. Peter has spent twenty-three years in the parish, experiencing the realities of pastoral ministry and researching congregational dynamics. As a professor of practical theology and the dean of faculty at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, he regularly leads courses for practicing pastors. He has also gained many insights from students about the realities of administration and leadership in congregations.

Reading Isaiah | Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing

 Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing joins host Elizabeth Pittman in this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss the ins and outs of reading the book of Isaiah. Take a deep dive into Isaiah and learn about the influence it has on the Gospel story by tuning in. 

Reed has written two Concordia Commentaries on the book of Isaiah, including the volume on Isaiah 40 -55 and Isaiah 56- 66.

Show Notes:

Prophet. Husband. Jerusalem native. Martyr.

In this episode, author Reed Lessing and host Elizabeth Pittman discuss who Isaiah was as a figure in the Bible. They also investigate the hows and whys of the writing in Isaiah and the lasting impact it takes on the rest of the Bible, especially within the content of the New Testament.  Plus, the duo examines specific verses that will be used over the next several weeks in the Lutheran church’s lectionaries.

Reed’s Bio: www.cph.org/m-137-r-reed-lessing.aspx         
Reed’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/lessingr   
Reed’s Instagram: @lessingr                                     
               
 
 Questions Covered

·        Who was Isaiah?  

·        Was Isaiah’s ministry “successful”? 

·        Why is there a big change of focus in Isaiah 40-66 (compared to Isaiah 1-39)? 

·        Who is “the Servant of Yahweh”? Is the “Servant” Israel, or Jesus Christ, or both? 

·        What are the distinctive prophecies about the “Servant”/Jesus Christ in these chapters: Isaiah 42, Isaiah 49, Isaiah 50, Isaiah 53, and Isaiah 61? 

·        Does Isaiah say that salvation is only for Israel, or also for Gentiles? 

·        Does Isaiah prophesy about the church? 

·        What does Isaiah say about eternity?

About the Guest

Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing serves as Professor of Theology and Ministry at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. Previously he was Senior Pastor at Saint Michael Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and before that, Professor of Exegetical Theology and Director of the Graduate School at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and received the B.A. in pre-seminary studies from St. John’s College, Winfield, Kansas, in 1981. He earned his M.Div. (1985), S.T.M. (1989), and Ph.D. (2001) degrees from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He was ordained into the office of the holy ministry on June 29, 1986. From 1986 to 1999, he served pastorates in West Monroe, Louisiana, and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author and speaker Deb Burma talks with host Elizabeth Pittman about what it means to lean in to what really matters as we approach the beginning of a new year. 

Deb has written several books for Concordia Publishing House, including Be Still & Know: A Study of Rest and Refuge and Joy: A Study of Philippians. She also has a new Bible study coming out in May 2023 titled Leaning on Jesus: A Study of God’s Strength. Find her books on the CPH website here.

                 
Show Notes:

Advent is a time of preparation and expectation for Christians to reflect on the fact that we are never alone. The same can be said about preparing for the New Year and everything that leads to it. In this episode, Deb dives into the experience of being overwhelmed and distracted throughout the holiday season and how we can lean in to God’s strength to relax our anxieties. 

Deb also answers the question – Can there be space for both reflecting on Jesus this season as well as the hustle and bustle of worldly commitments? Listen now to hear her insight into this timely topic and more.
 
 Deb’s website: debburma.com
Deb’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/deb.burma              
Deb’s Instagram: @debburma
 
 

About the Guest
 
Deb Burma is a sought-after Christian speaker for women’s conferences, retreats, and ministry events. Her assortment of books and devotionals include best-selling Bible studies, Be Still & Know: A Study of Rest and Refuge, JOY: A Study of Philippians and Living a Chocolate Life, along with Beautiful Feet, Stepping Out, and more. Deb is a follower of Jesus, a pastor’s wife, and a mom. She’s a blogger, a women’s ministry leader, and a self-proclaimed coffee/chocolate connoisseur. Above all, she is a grace-filled child of God.

Tobin Beck joins host Elizabeth Pittman for this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss the seemingly ever-increasing divisiveness our society is experiencing, and how we can practically respond and critically reflect on cultural issues as Christians. 

Learn more about Tobin by visiting www.cune.edu.         

 Show Notes:

We are all seeing disagreements and disputes play out in the news and on social media today as political tensions rise and the gap between groups widens. Professor Tobin Beck from Concordia University Nebraska talks about his process for critical thinking when reflecting on the cultural issues we face today, so that we can have healthier and more productive conversations. As a journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he shares what he has learned from different roles in the industry and what he now is able to share with his students in the classroom. 

 Learn more about Tobin: www.cune.edu/today/directory/people/tobin-beck.       
                

Questions Covered

·        What are you experiencing – and do you have any thoughts – on the divisiveness we are seeing today and how it’s impacting students?

·        Tell us about the difference between political commentary and news and ethics. What should be looking at as we filter information?

·        Have you had any students who have tried your process and it worked?

·        When we find ourselves in an emotional situation or a kneejerk reaction coming on, how can we catch ourselves?

·        How do you get to a place where you can have online dialogue in a respectful way? Are there benefits?

·        What encouragements do you have for listeners as midterm elections approach and as family holidays draw near where you may have conversations with people who hold different opinions than your own?
 

About the Guest

Tobin Beck teaches journalism and global issues classes at Concordia University Nebraska. He is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience, including 13 years of experience as a global news service writer-editor-senior manager in Washington, D.C. He has written and edited for newspapers, radio, television, the web, and magazines. He taught at American University in Washington, D.C., and at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Tobin grew up in Seward, where his father, Theodore, taught music at Concordia. 

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller rejoins host Elizabeth Pittman for the second part of a two-part series to answer a big question: Has American Christianity failed? The pair dive into the why behind American Christians’ move away from the real meaning of our faith, and what this means for the future.
 
 Get a copy of Bryan’s book Has American Christianity Failed? by visiting cph.org.
 
 Show Notes:

It is evident that American Christianity’s focus has turned from Christ to Christian. 

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller explains what he means by this statement in this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast. The source of our faith is Jesus, but many have confused this along the way. Instead, modern American Christians think that Jesus starts our faith but it us up to us to continue it through good works. Pastor Wolfmueller shares his thoughts on how American Christians can bring their focus back to Jesus and recognize the invitation to serve Him found in His Word. 

 Wolfmueller's website: https://wolfmueller.co/                             
Wolfmueller's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolfmueller         
Wolfmueller's Twitter: https://twitter.com/bwolfmueller             
 

Questions Covered

·        You write that American Christianity softens the Bible’s teaching on sin. What does that look like?

·        In American Christianity, the focus has moved from Christ to the Christian. Why is it essential that we keep the Cross/Christ at the center of our theology?

·        In American Christianity, the spiritual life is on the inside. What does this mean?  What is the better posture?  

·        What about good works? How does American Christianity view them? How does God view them?

·        “Christianity is not a religion, it’s a relationship.” What is this cliché supposed to mean and what are the problems with relationship theology?

·        How are we surprised by the Gospel?

·        What is the alternative to American Christianity?

About the Guest

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller is the pastor at St. Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX.  Prior to that he was the pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Aurora, CO since 2005.

He is the co-host of Table Talk Radio, the world’s most famous Lutheran theological game show. Bryan has a new hobby every day, but he always comes back to reading about Law and Gospel. He lives in Round Rock, TX with his wife Keri and four children.

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller joins host Elizabeth Pittman for the first part of a two-part series to answer a big question: Has American Christianity failed? Bryan discusses different ideas surrounding this question, and leaves listeners with the assurance that can only come from one place – the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
 
 Get a copy of Bryan’s book Has American Christianity Failed? by visiting cph.org.
 
 Show Notes:

Jesus never fails us. He claims us as His own. 

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller offers this comfort to all Christians in this episode of The CPH Podcast. Bryan provides his thoughts on how believers can defend themselves against poor theological teachings, and what dangers there are in modern American teachings. Truth is our number one tool, and we must use it to combat errors in American Christianity and when trying to understand what God says in His Word.
 
 Learn more about Bryan: https://wolfmueller.co/                             
Bryan’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolfmueller         
Bryan’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/bwolfmueller             
 

Questions Covered

·        How have Americans gone theologically nose-blind? How can we combat this?

·        What are the four movements that lead to error in American Christianity?

·        What does it mean to understand that God speaks in His Word and His speaking is in His Word?

About the Guest

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller is the pastor at St. Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX.  Prior to that he was the pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Aurora, CO since 2005.

He is the co-host of Table Talk Radio, the world’s most famous Lutheran theological game show. Bryan has a new hobby every day, but he always comes back to reading about Law and Gospel. He lives in Round Rock, TX with his wife Keri and four children.