The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Rev. Nabil S. Nour — a Palestinian Christian from Nazareth, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hartford, SD, and Fourth Vice President of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his heritage as a Palestinian Christian, his childhood in Israel, the history of the conflict between Palestine and Israel, how each group's understanding of land possession plays a role in this conflict, how we understand the Israel of the Scriptures and the nation-state of Israel established in 1948, what this conflict presents for an Arab Palestinian Christian from Israel living in the USA, and if there's a solution for this seeming unending conflict. Download Pastor's Nour's Bible Study by clicking here.

Rev. Brian Hamer, active duty Navy Chaplain and author of the Lifted Voice column in Around the Word: Theology for the Curious Christian, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Sacred Music for Child-Loss Month, including why sacred music is meaningful when addressing the topic of child loss, his encounter with the concept of the unborn Christ child, and three pieces of music that are especially helpful in this conversation. 
 
 These pieces are:
 
 James MacMillan: A Child's Prayer | Seattle Pro Musica youtu.be/tIgDUVUbOng?feature=shared
 
 
 Maurice Duruflé: Requiem, Op. 9: Kyrie youtu.be/cauEGSW73hg?feature=shared
 
 
 VOCES8: Nunc Dimittis - Paul Smith youtu.be/qwyqJoTmPCM?feature=shared
 
 
 Read more from Chaplain Brian Hamer at whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer.

Rev. Dr. Charles Gieschen — Provost and Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, and Rev. Dr. Ronald Mudge — Provost and Chief Academic Officer and Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, join Andy and guest co-host Rev. Dr. James Baneck for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their journeys into church work, the various aspects of seminary life that shaped their individual pastoral formation, what has changed in pastoral formation and seminary life since their days in seminary, and the rigors of current seminary education.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Rev. Dr. John Bombaro, Associate Director of Eurasia for the LCMS and Chair of the Systematics Department for Luther Academy in Rīga, Latvia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about today's age of Humanitarian ethics and the mission of Humanitarianism, how identity plays a role in this worldview, where we see these ethics at play today, and how to recognize and combat these ethics in our families and congregations.
 
 Learn more about the Lutheran Church in Latvia, Dr. Bombaro's work with Luther Academy, and the LCMS Eurasia region at engage.lcms.org/latvia-spring-2021.
 
 This program originally aired January 13, 2022.

Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about leadership as a means of pastoral care, including the relationship of pastoral duties (preaching, teaching, and administering the sacraments) to all other aspects of pastoral leadership, how leadership issues are related to spiritual issues, how pastoral leadership is stewarding the gifts entrusted to you, and how someone can become and remain a high-quality pastoral leader.
 
 Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.

Rev. Mark Kiessling — Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, Julianna Shults — Program Manager for LCMS Youth Ministry, and Meredith Smith — Communications Specialist for LCMS Youth Ministry, join Andy to talk about the 2025 LCMS Gathering theme Endure based on Hebrews 12:1-3. They discuss what happens in the four days that make up an LCMS Youth Gathering, why this is a valuable experience for LCMS youth and adults, and what attendees will experience in New Orleans on July 19–23, 2025!
 
 Follow all things gathering at lcmsgathering.com, facebook.com/lcmsgathering, and instagram.com/lcmsgathering.

Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, Professor of Theology & Ministry and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul, joins Andy to talk about questions surrounding Israel’s role in God’s plan of salvation as the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict continues and intensifies. They discuss some modern-day misunderstandings we should address, how divergent methods of biblical interpretation play a role in our misunderstandings about modern-day Israel, what Premillennial-Dispensationalism is, whether there is a difference between the modern nation or land now known as Israel and the Israel we read about in the Old Testament, a proper biblical understanding of the land now known as Israel and Palestine, and how we can lovingly talk about this Truth with friends who believe that the nation-state of Israel is a sign of the end times. 
 
 Find the "Lutheran Response to The Left Behind Series" at files.lcms.org and the companion Bible study at files.lcms.org.

Robert Finch, pre-seminary student at Concordia University St. Paul, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey to Lutheranism and Concordia St. Paul, how he discovered Lutheran doctrine, what he's learning in pre-seminary studies, why he loves learning Biblical languages, and how this program will prepare him for his next chapter at seminary. Learn more about the pre-seminary program and $0 tuition at Concordia St. Paul at csp.edu/program/pre-seminary.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Robert Lunak, Superintendent of Lutheran Neighborhood Schools in the LCMS South Wisconsin District, joins Andy to talk about Lutheran education in South Wisconsin, what makes Lutheran Neighborhood Schools different, how this creative model will benefit students, and how our tradition of excellence in Lutheran education continues in this unique educational experience. Learn more about Lutheran Neighborhood Schools at mylns.org.

Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about financial matters and why they're important as a pastor, including how one’s understanding of money is significant in leadership and mission, why it's not enough to only teach good biblical stewardship from the pulpit, some financial terms and concepts that a pastoral leader should know, how laziness or complacency to financial matters impacts the health of a congregation, and why the pastor should be involved in the budgeting process.
 
 Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.

Mike Fischer, Senior Gift Planning Advocate with LCMS Mission Advancement, and Mark Hofman, Executive Director of LCMS Mission Advancement, join Andy to talk about what LCMS Mission Advancement is and how it supports the LCMS, Why Mission Advancement offers and promotes gift planning, what the theme of “Blessed to Be a Blessing?” means for Mission Advancement, and how to learn more about gift planning. Learn more at giftplanning.lcms.org.

Crysten Sanchez, Events Executive for Higher Things, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Retreat in a Box and the 2024 "Who Am I" Conferences, including what comes in the Retreat in a Box and how congregations can use it, the theme for next summer's main conferences, who will be presenting at these conferences, and what these conferences on identity and vocation will teach youth and young adults. Find Retreat in a Box at higherthings.org/events/riab and 2024 Summer Conference information at higherthings.org/events/who-am-i-2024.

Dr. Russell Dawn, president of Concordia University Chicago (CUC), joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his interesting path to becoming a church worker, how his varied background gives him perspective in leading a university and forming young people for service, CUC's role in preparing men and women for full-time church work, what sets the deaconess program apart from other programs, how to overcome distance when attending a university far away from home, and how CUC has partnered with Set Apart To Serve to raise up more church workers. Learn more about Concordia University Chicago at cuchicago.edu.
 
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Karen Lanter, Executive Director of St. Louis Health Equipment Lending Program (HELP), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how St. Louis HELP has made a difference for individuals and families, how St. Louis HELP began and how it continues to meet the needs of the community, the upcoming Equipment Drive on Saturday October 21, and what to donate to this equipment drive. Learn more and find locations for the equipment drive at stlhelp.org.

Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy to talk about flooding in southern Brazil, including the LCMS's relationship to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil (IELB), his visit to southern Brazil, the damaged caused by flooding and how it impacted the homes and communities of Lutherans, how the IELB is working to serve communities affected by floods, and how LCMS Disaster is supporting the IELB. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster.

Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about uplifting others in their leadership positions, including why it's important to do this to be an effective leader, what we mean by "servant leadership," where we find examples of this in Scripture, the role recognition plays in raising up new leaders, and what it means to lead without a title.
 
 Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.

Aubrey Blank, KFUO Radio Intern, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why she was interested in serving as an intern at KFUO Radio, some of the skills she's gained so far, what's been most challenging and most enjoyable, and what she's hoping to gain from this experience. 
 
 Applications are open now for Spring 2024 internship opportunities. Apply at lcms.org/careers.

Rev. Ken Krueger, President and Chair of Ministry Focus, joins Sarah to talk about the investment and cost of the education to become a rostered church worker, how debt can become a distraction for pastors and other called workers, how MinistryFOCUS addresses this challenge, who supports this ministry, and who is eligible for support. Learn more and apply at ministryfocus.org.

Kay Berry and Julia Petrovic — volunteer team leaders for short-term mission trips, Erin Mackenzie — volunteer coordinator for the Latin America & the Caribbean region, and Anne Gonzalez — manager of Short-term Mission Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Kay and Julia's service as team leaders, the different mission trips they've experienced, the responsibilities of a team leader, how a team leader ensures success of the trip, how Erin interacts with the team leaders, and qualifications for serving as a team leader. Find current opportunities to serve at servenow.lcms.org.

Dr. Alan Freeman — Director of LCMS School Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the faithful service of Lutheran Teachers during Church Worker Appreciation Month, including the teachers that influenced his journey to church work, what sets Lutheran teachers apart, and how he's able to interact with Lutheran educators in his role. Learn more about LCMS School Ministry at lcms.org/schools.
 
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the October 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Pressing on Toward the Goal" on Philippians 3:12-16. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!
 
 Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
 
 Philippians 3:12-16
 Straining Toward the Goal
 
 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
 
 Read full chapter
 
 
 English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about effective communication, including models of communication pastors use and what might be most effective, how communication in a ministry setting can differ from communication in other situations, what information is worth communicating, the role of listening in communication, and what makes an effective communicator.
 
 Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.

Rev. Dr. Kirk Clayton, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Mascoutah, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Apologetics 101 Workshop at Zion Lutheran, including what "apologetics" actually means, why apologetics is important to him, how we can use apologetics in our conversations, and the lineup of speakers. Learn more at sidlcms.org/2023/08/13/apologetics-101-apologetics-workshop.

Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan — President of the LCMS Missouri District, and Josh Swartz — Director of Schools for the LCMS Missouri District, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how how Concordia Universities and Seminaries are unique, how attending these institutions was important for both of them, what College Fair participants will experience, and how to attend. Learn more at mo.lcms.org/college-fair.

Josh Douglas, Gift Planning Advocate with LCMS Mission Advancement, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why he joined LCMS Mission Advancement, what a Gift Planning Advocate does, how he builds relationships with people across Synod as he helps them plan their giving, why joyful giving matters, and how to start the process of a long-term gift for the LCMS. Learn more at giftplanning.lcms.org.

Jennifer Glicker, Principal of Hephatha Lutheran School in Anaheim Hills, CA, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about what led her to Hephatha Lutheran School, her work in public schools before coming to Lutheran schools, the colloquy process she went through to become a commissioned rostered worker in the LCMS, why it was important for her to become a commissioned rostered worker, the work she does now as a Lutheran school principal, and her advice to other educators who are considering a second career as a LCMS educator. Find Hephatha Lutheran School at school.hephatha.net.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Rev. David Gruenwald, pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO, and Libby Gutberlet, CEO of the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA), join Andy and Sarah to talk about why Lutheran Schools are important for kids and families, how Lutheran education has made a different for both of their families, how LESA supports Lutheran schools and families in the St. Louis area, and the upcoming Brew in the Lou fundraising event for LESA. Learn more about LESA at lesastl.org and find more information and tickets for Brew in the Lou at brewinthelou.com.

Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about responsibilities in the office of Pastoral Leader, including how the success of others is important to the role of the leader, why words must match actions of the leader, how manual labor can be a valuable experience for leaders, and how to use relationships to read underneath someone's criticisms.
 
 Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.

Rev. Stephen Starke — published hymnwriter and retired Pastor of St. John Amelith Lutheran Church in Bay City, MI, Bary Bobb — published composer of choral and organ music and Director of the Center for Church Music at Concordia University Chicago, and Dr. Steven Wente — Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Music at Concordia University Chicago, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Lectures in Church Music happening at Concordia University Chicago October 15-17, 2023. They discuss the history of this event and how it has served church musicians over the years, Pastor Starke's plenary session on congregational singing, how congregational singing binds us together as a congregation, Barry Bobb's workshop on American Lutheran Hymnals Since 1993, and why it's important to study a variety of hymnals in American Lutheranism. Learn more, see the full schedule and workshop lineup and register at cuchicago.edu/events/2023/10/lectures-in-church-music.

Daniel Jenkins, President of Lutheran Braille Workers, and Nate Paredes, CFO of Lutheran Braille Workers, join Andy to talk about how many people are blind or visually impaired worldwide and in the US, what resources like Bibles are available to the blind and visually impaired, some roadblocks to resources like these being widely available, how LBW is meeting the needs of these people, and stories of lives who have been impacted by Lutheran Braille Workers. Learn more about Lutheran Braille Workers at lbwloveworks.org.

Deaconess Pamela Boehle-Silva, R.N. — serving at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, CA, and Founding director of Always Mercy, a US non-profit supporting the work of Rehema Open Door hospice and palliative care center in Kenya — joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about when she first learned about the office of deaconess, the path from serving as a parish nurse to a deaconess, what these service roles have in common, the focus of her service as a deaconess today, and how many experiences in countries around the world have led to Always Mercy and the Rehema Open Doors hospice and palliative care center in Kenya. Learn more about Always Mercy at alwaysmercy.org.
 
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irvine, CA, Chair of the LCMS Board for National Mission, and author of the forthcoming book Faith that Shines in the Culture from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how this book fits into his trilogy of books about faith and culture, how we understand vocation as Lutherans, our vertical relationship with God and horizontal relationships with our neighbors, what "light" has to do with all of this, and how we understand vocation within the three estates. Find your copy of Faith that Shines in the Culture at cph.org/faith-that-shines-in-the-culture.

Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about learning from your mistakes as a leader, understanding the beauty of forgiveness even for leaders, responding to criticism, leading the perpetually unhappy person, where the 8th commandment plays into this conversation, and how a leader works through betrayal.
 
 Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.

Rev. Peter Bender, Director of the Concordia Catechetical Academy, and Rev. Dr. Al Espinosa, member of the board of directors for the Concordia Catechetical Academy, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what catechesis is, what the Catechism is, why catechesis is important, how the Concordia Catechetical Academy began, how the Concordia Catechetical Academy serves the church at large, and how the status as a Recognized Service Organization will help them better carry out this faithful work. Find the Concordia Catechetical Academy at peacesussex.org/cca.

Rev. Stephen Kieser, Headmaster of Faith Lutheran School in Plano, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about classical Lutheran education, the marks of classical Lutheran education, why classical education has become a growing movement, why classical education works for Lutherans, the value schools being distinctly Lutheran, and the upcoming golf tournament to support Faith Lutheran School. Learn more about Faith Lutheran School at flsplano.org.

Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray, LCMS Director of LCMS Black Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey to the LCMS and then to the pastoral ministry, his experiences as a Black Lutheran pastor, the work that LCMS Black Ministry and the Black Clergy Caucus do today, and the opportunities he sees for these ministries to use SAS resources to encourage young people to consider church work vocations. Find LCMS Black Ministry at lcms.org/blackministry.
 
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Rev. Kevin Graudin — volunteer for missionary kid programming at the Eurasia Region missionary conference, and Anne Gonzalez — Manager of Short-Term Mission Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Pastor Graudin's experience serving in short-term international mission, what his responsibilities were on the team taking care of the missionary kids, what he learned on this experience, and how this experience compares to other short-term volunteer opportunities. Find more missionary kid program volunteer opportunities and other ways to serve at servenow.lcms.org.

Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about keeping the focus on leadership, maintaining purpose and motivation, being proactive in leadership, managing criticism and fear, and being a leader instead of a follower.
 
 Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.

Chelsea Irwin, serving the Lord in the Eurasia Region as missionary coordinator for volunteer opportunities based out of the Czech Republic, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what she does as coordinator for volunteer opportunities, what is most rewarding and challenging about this work, what she loves about living and serving in the Czech Republic, how her education and experience have prepared her for this work, and what she loves about being a young adult missionary. Learn more about Chelsea and how to support her work at lcms.org/irwin.

Mindy Thews, serving as Lutheran Education Coordinator in Taiwan with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her new role as Lutheran Education Coordinator for the Asia region, what education looks like in Taiwan, what curriculum and pedagogy look like on the mission field, the materials available for Lutheran education in Taiwan, and what's on the horizon for her and this new position. Learn more about Mindy and how to support her work at lcms.org/thews.

Rev Dr. Kurt Taylor, Director of Church Ministries program director for Concordia Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the role and job description of an average Director of Church Ministries, why DCMs are so important in our church and support the pastor in the congregation, what specialties exist within the DCM program, and how this program appeals to individuals who are looking for a second career in a church work capacity.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Deaconess Lorraine Roach — LCMS Ukraine Project Consultant - U.S., and Rev. Mark Sell — pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Fenton, MO, join Andy to talk about how Our Savior in Fenton became sponsors for a Ukrainian refugee family, how the congregation has been able to support them, how LCMS congregations can support Ukrainian refugees like Our Savior in Fenton has done, how the LCMS Grants help congregations carry out this kind of mercy work. Learn more at lcms.org/serve/grants/ukraine-refugee-grant-program.

Dr. Jinah Yoo Knapp, Music Director at Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO, along with violinist Amadi Azikiwe and pianist Min Ji Kwon, join Andy to talk about the upcoming concert at Timothy Lutheran Church, including their careers as professional musicians, how music is an important part of Timothy's ministry, and what to know about the pieces at this concert. Learn more at timothystl.org/events/timothy-autumn-concert/2023-09-16.
 
 
 September 16th at 4:00pm
 
 Program:
 
 Deliver my Soul - David Baker (1931-2016) - Blues 
 
 Zigeunerweisen, op. 20 - Pablo de Sarasate (1844- 1908) - Dramatic
 
 Suite for Violin and Piano - William Grant Still (1895-1978)
 
 African Dancer
 Mother and Child
 Gamin 
 
 Sonata for Violin and Piano in E-flat Major, op. 12 no. 3 - Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
 
 Allegro con spirito
 Adagio con molta espressione - in C major
 Rondo: Allegro molto

Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about the struggles and difficulties while leading.
 
 Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the September 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “All Is Rubbish Compared to Christ” on Philippians 3:7-11. This year, “Searching Scripture” will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!
 
 Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Rev. Dr. John Bombaro, Associate Director of Eurasia for the LCMS and Chair of the Systematics Department for Luther Academy in Rīga, Latvia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about today's age of Humanitarian ethics and the mission of Humanitarianism, how identity plays a role in this worldview, where we see these ethics at play today, and how to recognize and combat these ethics in our families and congregations.
 
 Learn more about the Lutheran Church in Latvia, Dr. Bombaro's work with Luther Academy, and the LCMS Eurasia region at engage.lcms.org/latvia-spring-2021.
 
 This is a rebroadcast from January 13, 2022.

Rev. Dr. James Baneck — LCMS Executive Director of Pastoral Education and the Set Apart to Serve Initiative, and Michael Ten Clay — Manager with Standing Partnership, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about why we invest in recruiting future church workers, how Set Apart to Serve provides a framework for all LCMS members to encourage youth and adults to consider church work, what we've learned with the pilot partners that will be shared in the Set Apart to Serve Town Hall, where we've already seen Set Apart to Serve taking root and bearing fruit, some of the resources and tools we’ll learn about in the Town Hall, and how to attend the virtual Set Apart to Serve Town Hall on September 27.
 
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative and register for the Town Hall at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Rev. Roy Askins, managing editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about some of the heresies explained in the August 2023 LW “Heresies: Ancient and Modern,” including Gnosticism, Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, and Prosperity Gospel. Pick up a copy to read more about these heresies and also Arianism, Nestorianism, Eutychianism, Pelagianism, and Double Predestination. Find it at witness.lcms.org/2023/lutheran-witness-august-2023.
 
 
 Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about the story of Jethro and Moses, how this story shows us a Biblical perspective for leadership structure, how we steward the resources God has provided, and what selfish pride or perfectionism can do to leadership.
 
 Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.

Anne Gonzalez, DCE — Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Stephanie Hovland — Deaconess Intern with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about "Missions Unpacked for Kids: The Church Lives!" including how students are immersed in the life of the Church around the world through Missions Unpacked, who kids will meet in Missions Unpacked, what they'll learn about our international friends, how the curriculum can be used, and tips and tricks for using the curriculum. Find Missions Unpacked for Kids at international.lcms.org/missions-unpacked-for-kids.