Ever felt stuck in a 'woe is me' mindset with no clear path forward? In this episode we sit down with life coach Doug Hartle to unravel how coaching can reframe your perspective, leading to self-discovery fueled by the Holy Spirit and a renewed sense of personal responsibility. Through enlightening discussions on the similarities and differences between coaching, mentoring, and spiritual guidance, Doug shares insights from his Facebook group, Coffee Thoughts, and motivates listeners to embrace growth within their Christian journey. 

In our conversation with Doug, we shed light on the delicate subject of suffering and how it's possible to adopt a victim mentality in those circumstances. We discuss the potential hazards of this mindset and explore how it can be replaced with a scripture-anchored perspective. This episode delves into the profound impact of modern technologies, like social media, on our worldview and how they can unintentionally foster a victim mindset. Doug enlightens us by highlighting how a coach can switch this narrative by encouraging an attitude centered on seeking God's will, even amid hardships. 

But our journey doesn't end there. We dive deeper into the essence of love in coaching, drawing inspiration from the ultimate coach, Jesus. His unconditional love for everyone serves as a blueprint for us to love others as they are, and encourage them to follow His path. Doug emphasizes the importance of being grounded in our identity to love those not following Jesus, and we delve into the promises Jesus gave in John 13-17. We also address the critical role of the Holy Spirit in transforming lives, the power of personal stories, and the importance of coaching to communicate these life-altering experiences. This episode is not merely about coaching, but an exploration of the transformative power of faith and love in our lives. Tune in to be inspired and transformed!

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Join us as we explore the profound depths of the scriptures with our special guest, Marlene Lamb, a devoted worship leader with a passion for transformation and a gift for communicating across generations. Together, we journey through Revelations 2 and 3, John 15, and other passages, finding wisdom and guidance in Jesus' messages to the church.

Imagine boarding a flight and having an unexpected encounter which deeply impacts your spiritual journey. Marlene shares her fascinating encounter with an Orthodox Jewish man, showcasing how travel and interaction with different beliefs can shape and refine our faith. We delve into the crucial art of listening and loving those who hold different perspectives, and the importance of standing firm in our beliefs while emanating love and respect for others.

Ever thought about the power of digital communication in your spiritual journey? We explore innovative ways of fostering connections within our community, from digital materials to social media, and the central role our church app plays in this digital mission field. Hear Marlene's unique insights from her role as a worship leader and the story behind her inspiring song 'Without Hesitation'. By the end of our conversation, we hope you’ll be stirred to stay connected with your faith, embrace diverse perspectives, and harness the power of communication in your spiritual journey.

Listen to 'Without Hesitation' here! 

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Imagine weathering the storm of Covid-19, and emerging with a newfound appreciation for life and an amplified sense of humility and empathy. Our guest, Dan Heyn, a formidable leader from Siemens Company, takes us on a deeply personal journey of his encounter with the virus. A journey that not only strengthened his faith but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and community among his loved ones. Listen to his powerful testimony, a stark reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing each day as a divine gift.

Now, let's talk about thriving amidst chaos. Rachael Larson, another inspiring leader shares insight into her leadership style during the pandemic. Learn how she kept her team connected despite the physical distance, building a sense of community and collaboration with regular communication. Plus, Rachael opens up about the challenges of balancing family mealtimes in an ever-bustling world. Hear how she navigated the demands of remote work, keeping a balanced approach to managing task and people-oriented individuals and the lessons she learned along the way.

And as we wrap up, we dive into the critical aspect of leadership - empowering others. From fostering a contributor mindset to the importance of letting leaders lead - both in the church and the marketplace. We discuss the adaptability of the church amid changing needs and methods while maintaining its core values. And we reflect on the struggles of respecting unique cultural practices while preserving the clarity of Jesus Christ's gospel. A riveting conversation that blurs the lines between faith, leadership, and community - join us for this enlightening podcast episode.

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Are you ready to traverse the intricate landscape of immigrant experiences within the American Christian Church? Join us as we engage our guest, Dr. Eugene Kim, in a dynamic discourse exploring the subtle evolution of church practices tailored to the needs of generations of immigrants. Together, we uncover the progressive emergence of second-generation English ministry churches that are creating a welcoming haven for those who lack a place to celebrate holidays, spotlighting the critical role humility and cultural understanding play in this context.

Our journey doesn't stop there. With Dr. Kim, we delve into the profound impact of language learning, embodying Christ's humility, and the effects of global advancements on church dynamics. As we examine the American church's swing toward a non-denominational model, we ignite intriguing debates around identity, branding, and the indispensable need for humility when uncovering our 'brand' within the community. Drawing on cherished LCMS roots, we reflect on how this heritage can offer a steadfast foundation within God's mission.

Lastly, we contemplate the essential role of character within leadership and the church's responsibility in bettering humankind. Diving into the Biblical concept of the 'Rule of Firsts', we connect it to the poignant story of Abraham and Isaac while exploring societal versus scriptural definitions of love. Considering the church's influence on individuals, especially in terms of gender roles, we emphasize the need for confession, absolution, and vulnerability within the church. Join us and Dr. Eugene Kim as we journey through these insightful and transformative discussions.

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Have you ever wondered how to bridge the gap between technology and faith? How to engage young adults in a meaningful spiritual journey in today's digital age? Join us as we explore these questions and more with our remarkable guest, Wes Smith. Wes is a tech professional and active member of Cornerstone Lutheran who brings a unique perspective to his role as a young adult ministry leader. 

In our chat, we peek behind as Wes's candidly shares personal experience and his faith journey. He opens up about understanding Lutheran beliefs, managing the challenges associated with young adult ministry, and the importance of building relationships in today's digital-centric landscape. 

As we delve deeper into the conversation, we uncover insights on the church's role in evangelism and how it transcends beyond just the pastor's job. Wes emphasizes the importance of multiple exposures to Christ in one's faith journey, likening it to brand awareness in the secular world. We conclude our chat with a discussion on equipping the faithful for evangelism, highlighting the need for humility, openness, and learning from those around us. Join us for this enlightening conversation with Wes Smith as we navigate the intersections of faith, technology, and evangelism.

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A fascinating journey back in time awaits us, as we delve into the rich history of the early church with Lutheran minister of 25 years, Todd Moritz. With a unique blend of a spiritual and corporate background, Todd opens up about the potent lessons from the first-century discipleship model - a paradigm that celebrated outreach to non-believers and embraced the priesthood of all believers. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of why we need to reignite our passion for sharing the gospel and how this could catalyze growth in the modern church, much like it did in the early Christian era.

This episode isn't just about history, though. Todd takes us through his compelling faith journey, which saw him transitioning from an agnostic upbringing to a profound encounter with Jesus, all the way to becoming a Lutheran minister. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this inspiring story that beautifully illustrates the God's uncanny knack for showing up in the most unexpected places, including a beer-drinking fraternity. Moreover, Todd's candid discussion about transitioning from a corporate career to church leadership and his belief in honoring those with executive experience, while elevating the office of holy ministry, provides a fresh perspective on leading a church in the modern era.

Our conversation wouldn't be complete without addressing the idea of innovation in the church. Todd shares insightful ideas on how the church can harness innovation to connect with people in unique ways, all while staying true to its core theology. Also, get a sneak peek into his fascinating work at Lutech and the hybrid high school model he is developing. Plus, learn about the concept of Friendship Sunday and the importance of hospitality. So, grab a cup of coffee and join us for this enlightening exploration into the past, present, and future of the American Christian Church with Todd Moritz.

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Join us for a truly enlightening conversation with Jason Phelps, the Discipling Director and Executive Team Member at Gloria Day Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas. Jason’s unique journey, from being immersed in worship arts to fostering a culture of intentional disciple-making within the church, offers profound insights on transforming church-goers into kingdom contributors. 

During our chat, we explore how worship shapes the church community and varies according to context. Our dialogue takes a deep dive into the power of sharing transformation stories across different congregation sizes and how celebrating values publicly can influence a community. Jason and I also discuss how Gloria Day Lutheran Church is moving away from the consumer model and embracing the kingdom contributor model to promote a discipling culture.

As we conclude our conversation, Jason shares the essential ingredients needed to catalyze a disciple-making movement. We delve into the significance of adopting a mission-focused, outcome-focused, habit-fueled, content-flavored, and community-forged approach. Jason also addresses misconceptions about spiritual gifts, highlighting the profound connection between these gifts and the character of Christ. Join us as we unpack the concept of a fully alive life, exploring how the church can foster deep community and exert influence through our unique gifts and passions. Tune in and discover a fresh perspective on discipleship, worship, and church culture.

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Ever thought about the role of gospel in the American Christian Church's journey towards reformation? Or considered the potential hurdles institutional and systemic control might pose to pastors and leaders? That's what we're tackling in this conversation with Phil Klopke, co-director of PLI's thousand young leaders. We're highlighting Phil's experiences of living in East Nashville, the most liberal district in Tennessee, and his insights into equipping all people with giftedness to lead in the kingdom. Engage with us as we discuss the dangers of missing the gospel and how to effectively communicate with those who hold different beliefs.

Phil takes us through his personal journey of faith and leadership development, sharing the transformation and re-orientation of how Jesus interacts in the lives of those who participate in PLI's programs. We also touch on church formation and leadership training, talking candidly about the challenges church leaders and pastors face when trying to integrate young leaders into congregational life. Phil's experiences at conventions and his words of wisdom for church leaders are a must-listen for anyone passionate about strengthening church leadership.

The third part of our conversation focuses on developing leaders for community impact, emphasizing the power of storytelling in shifting perspectives and cultures. You'll be inspired by Phil's recounting of a leader who used his passion for pizza to serve the homeless, creating a unique form of discipleship. We also discuss unity and dialogue within the church, the significant role of women, and the importance of contextual hospitality when administering the Lord's Supper. Lastly, we reflect on the necessity of taking care of our physical health as a spiritual discipline, with Phil sharing his personal journey towards healthier living. Join us for a thought-provoking and heartwarming discussion, sure to challenge and inspire you in your own journey.

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We're privileged to have Rick Meyer with us, a man whose impressive history of pastoring and caring for leaders is nothing short of inspiring. Today, we're journeying through the landscape of soul care, examining its pivotal role in the American Reformation. Rick’s insights on discipleship and relationships within the church will uplift you and rekindle your faith.

We'll journey into the depths of our faith as Rick shares his personal experiences and reflections on Psalm 22, a powerful tool for expressing our pain and responding to suffering. Rick's story of radical dependence on God during times of hardship illuminates the importance of the cross and the hope of resurrection. These reflections will guide us as we explore ways to nurture our own stories and care for the souls of others. The road may not always be easy, but the rewards of such explorations are rich and deeply fulfilling.

Finally, we venture into the often-untrodden territory of emotional needs and vulnerability. Here, Rick opens up about the importance of finding a safe space for sharing and the fear of appearing weak. We'll explore societal norms, the differences between men and women, and how we can foster an environment that allows for genuine expression. This episode is a powerful reminder that we are, each of us, fearfully and wonderfully made. So let's buckle up for an emotional and enlightening ride through soul care, discipleship, and emotional vulnerability in the church.

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Ready to explore the evolving landscape of modern Christianity? Make sure to tune in for our enlightening conversation with Dr. Steve Mueller, Chief Mission Officer at Concordia University in Irvine, California, as he offers valuable insights about the American church's response to a rapidly changing culture. Learn how Concordia University is preparing students to excel in their vocations and become leaders in the secular marketplace, extending the love of Jesus in every corner of society. This is not just about navigating the darkness in the world; it's about being the beacon of light and hope in it.

We also delve into Dr. Mueller's rich career, starting from his days in youth and camp ministry to his current role at Concordia University. Discover the importance of maintaining a connection with parish life, the unique partnership between St Paul's and Concordia, and his takeaways from the recent Lutheran Church Missouri Synod convention. Not to miss, we have also covered some gripping discussions about church politics, the business aspect of the church, and the dynamic relationship between the board of directors and the Concordia University system.

Finally, we bring you valuable perspectives on Generation Z, their incredible desire to make a difference, and the pressures they face in today's world. Listen to how Lewis's writings can open hearts and minds to the gospel and the secret of communicating the gospel truth effectively in the current culture. This conversation is sure to inspire you to foster humility, trust, and unity within your church community. So, are you ready to join us on this journey of faith and leadership?

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