Visiting those in prison is one of the fundamental calls in fulfilling the gospel, but within that call lies an invitation to relationship. Pastor Fred Nelson from Redeemer Lutheran Church in Park Ridge, Ill., is founder and executive director of The Inside Out Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping connect people both inside prisons and those beyond the walls in more meaningful, effective ways.

Pastor Nelson is joined by Aneel Travetti, Associate Director of Inside Out, to share with us about this prison ministry that has now expanded to impact churches and incarcerated persons around the nation.

For more information about the Inside Out Network, CLICK HERE.

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Learning the history of the Lutheran church is not complete without exploring the rich history of the African descent Lutheran movement. The black Lutheran church began as early as 1620 by most accounts.

In this episode of Three Sides, host Shanna Crawford spoke with Lutheran historian Dr. Richard Stewart, Pastor Lucille Mills and Pastor Albert Starr about the early years of African descent Lutherans, what’s happening in the church today and what the future holds.  Learn more about Dr. Stewart’s research and a more detailed history on his blog.

Listen to Andrew Steele’s full interview with Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director of ELCA Global Mission. Rafael talks to Andrew about the church’s mission theology of “accompaniment,” which defines how ELCA missionaries carry out their work with more than 80 companion churches around the world.

Find ELCA Global Mission HERE

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In the ELCA there is no mission “to,” only mission “with” and “among” as its missionaries walk together with those they serve.

In this episode of the Three Sides podcast, we hear from ELCA missionaries and ELCA Global Mission staff who talk about what it means to “bear one another’s burdens” by walking together and sharing God’s love in communities throughout the world.

Visit ELCA Global Mission HERE

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In this episode of the Three Sides podcast, we speak with Dawn Rundman, author of Little Steps, Big Faith: How the Science of Early Childhood Development Can Help You Grow Your Child’s Faith.

Rundman discusses the science behind child brain development in the first five years of life and how to use this scientific insight in faith formation with daily practices for parents. She also provides insight into how congregations can create an inviting environment for children to experience God.

Rundman’s book is available from Beaming Books.

In this episode of the Three Sides podcast we focus on the unique partnerships that exist among three distinct congregations in Rockford, Ill.

We hear from Rev. Brent Dahlseng, senior pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Loves Park; Rev. Rob James, pastor of GPS Faith Community in Machesney Park; and Rev. Maurice West, pastor of West Side Church of God in Christ in Rockford.

The three pastors share the motivation behind the creation of these partnerships, the joys of being in ministry together and the challenges they’ve encountered along the way. Each discusses how their congregations have adapted over time to respond to the needs of both their immediate communities and the larger community they share.

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In this bonus episode, Three Sides features Wendy Davidson, president of US Specialty Channels at the Kellogg Co.

In her full interview from the “Women Who Lead” episode, Davidson shares insight on the intersection of her faith journey and leadership development through challenges, learnings and utilizing her seat at the table for change.

In this episode of the Three Sides podcast we hear from three women from within the ELCA who hold leadership positions in three different fields – religion, business and the nonprofit world.

In the three segments of Three Sides, we’ll introduce you to ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton; Dr. Sylvia Sloan Black, a retired professor and now an executive coach; and Wendy Davidson, president of US Specialty Channels at the Kellogg Co.

The three leaders speak about the role of women in religious, educational and corporate settings, how those roles have evolved, the inspiration that led them down each path, the challenges they’ve faced and what the future looks like for female leaders.

Get to know the hosts for Three Sides, the new monthly podcast featuring stories of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

In this introductory episode, Shanna Crawford, Philip LaDeur and Andrew Steele talk about why they're excited to co-host the ELCA's new podcast which will present unique stories from diverse voices across this church.

Our hosts also share a little about themselves and they'll give listeners a sneak peek from the first episode, "Women who lead," which launches in August.

Visit the show's webpage at LivingLutheran.org/Podcast, connect with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ThreeSidesPod and on Twitter at Twitter.com/ThreeSidesPod.