Zach Zehnder's Blog

Pastor and author Joe Beran breaks down what the data reveals about the LCMS: pastoral shortages, declining attendance, and the alarming loss of youth. He shares why innovation, experimentation, and deeper discipleship are essential for the next generation. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

   

Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources to help the church produce greater disciples. Our newest 40-day challenge, Giving Challenge, launched this past Fall — and the results have been incredible.

Churches and individuals are experiencing real joy as they step into the generous life Jesus calls us to. We’ve heard amazing stories already:

One church received offerings more than double their average for two weeks in a row.

Another saw more first-time givers than at any point in their history.

One family increased their giving from 13% to 23%.

A teenager gave away more than $200 to people in need.

One woman gave a $20,000 gift to a charity she loves.

Another family completely rewrote their will through the journey.

And that’s just from the first few months.

If you want a 40-day challenge that not only helps people practice everyday generosity but also helps pastors and church leaders fund the God-sized visions in front of them, it’s time to jump in.

You can find everything — individual copies, church packs, sermon series, small group videos, and more — at www.redlettergiving.com.

With daily readings, weekly sermons, small group videos, and practical challenges rooted in the words of Jesus, the Giving Challenge will equip your community to live with greater joy, gratitude, and impact.

Resources mentioned in the episode

The Ends of the LCMS by Joe Beran (Amazon)

Lutheran Religious Life Survey – Lyman Stone

Great Dechurching (Davis & Graham)

Apologetics at the Cross

Center for Pastoral and Missional Leadership (CPML)

“Voices of the LCMS” Video Series (Red Letter Living)

Meet Joe BeranKey insights from the episode

“We deceive ourselves without data. Numbers help us see what’s really happening.” – Joe Beran

“About 9–10% of LCMS congregations currently have no pastor. That should break our hearts.” – Joe Beran

“Historically, Lutherans were innovators. We adopted the printing press, radio, and early TV faster than anyone. We’ve stalled in the internet age.” – Joe Beran

“We lose 60% of our kids before confirmation and 80% before age 20. That’s the crisis beneath every other crisis.” – Joe Beran

“If someone comes to love Lutheran theology but we offer no pathway for them to stay, they’ll take their gifts somewhere else.” – Joe Beran

“Blockbuster didn’t decline because movies became less important. They declined because they stopped adapting. The church can make the same mistake.” – Joe Beran

“We can’t only play defense. The LCMS needs pastors not just to fill vacancies but to plant new churches in growing areas.” – Joe Beran

“Gen Z isn’t hostile—many are hungry for ancient, historic Christianity. But we must be ready to receive them.” – Joe Beran

“We need boldness to run experiments. Innovation doesn’t threaten our theology; it helps us steward it.” – Joe Beran

“Our greatest opportunities will come from empowering faithful leaders and telling the stories of what’s working.” – Joe Beran

Joe Beran’s Challenge of the Week

Identify one relationship in your life where you can be the hands and feet of Jesus this week. If you don’t have someone disconnected from the church whom you’re loving intentionally—go make a friend.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

Watch the entire season for free: 

We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.

The post 111: Joe Beran on the Future of the LCMS, New Pathways for Pastors, and Why 80% of Our Youth Are Leaving appeared first on Red Letter Living.

Nebraska District President Richard Snow shares the joys and challenges of serving as a DP, from walking with pastors and congregations to raising up the next generation of leaders. He reflects on conflict, communication, and why the future of the LCMS depends on deeper discipleship and greater trust in God’s Word. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

   

Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources to help the church produce greater disciples. This season we are launching a series of videos on our YouTube channel called “The Voices of the LCMS,” where we are unpacking data from our survey of 1054 Lutheran leaders. These videos are opening up questions, conversations, and opportunities to help us walk together in the future.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Nebraska District LCMS: ndlcms.org

Mission Ignition (Nebraska District initiative)

Everyone His Witness (LCMS resource)

Joining Jesus on His Mission by Greg Finke

Lutheran Hour Ministries evangelism tools

Red Letter Living’s Spiritual Gifts Test

“Voices of the LCMS” VideosKey insights from the episode

“The most important work I do is helping congregations find pastors. Seeing that partnership of the pastor and people begin is a joy.” – Richard Snow

“I spend far more time helping local congregations than dealing with national issues. The church’s life happens on the ground.” – Richard Snow

“We can’t walk together if we don’t talk together, and we can’t talk together if we don’t meet together.” – Richard Snow

“As Lutherans, we believe in the power of the Word, but less than 10% of our adults are in Bible study. That has to change.” – Richard Snow

“The gospel is not on defense—it’s on offense. The gates of hell will not prevail against it.” – Richard Snow

“Our attitude toward one another too often reflects the divisiveness of society rather than the unity Scripture calls us to.” – Richard Snow

“The circuit is the foundation of our walking together. That’s where real conversations and relationships happen.” – Richard Snow

“Change doesn’t happen in an instant. It comes through practice over time.” – Richard Snow

“Pastors need to get out of their people’s way and let the body of Christ fly.” – Richard Snow

Richard Snow’s Challenge of the Week

Do what you’ve been given. Instead of worrying about what others should be doing, identify one practice you need to put into action this week and start doing it.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

Watch the entire season for free: 

We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.

The post 110: Richard Snow on What the LCMS Needs Most in the Next 10 Years, How to Disagree Well, and How to Form Pastors appeared first on Red Letter Living.

Dr. Joel Biermann of Concordia Seminary unpacks the good and bad of Lutheran identity, debates the effectiveness of online seminary, and explains why theology matters not just for pastors but for every disciple of Jesus. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

   

Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources to help the church produce greater disciples. This season we are launching a series of videos on our YouTube channel called “The Voices of the LCMS,” where we are unpacking data from our survey of 1054 Lutheran leaders. These videos are opening up questions, conversations, and opportunities to help us walk together in the future.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Day 7 by Joel Biermann (CPH / Amazon)

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

The Book of Concord

Norman Nagel (systematic theology influence)

Robert Benne (Reasonable Ethics)

On the Line Podcast – Debate on Christian Nationalism

YouTube: @JoelBiermann

“Voices of the LCMS” VideosKey insights from the episode

“Doctrine is nothing more than God’s truth. And if we’re going to live fruitful, meaningful lives, we should probably pay attention to God’s truth.” – Joel Biermann

“Systematic theology is always relevant because it’s God’s unchanging truth applied to an ever-changing world.” – Joel Biermann

“If you pit pastor and people against each other, you’ve already missed the whole point. The same is true if you pit confession and mission against each other.” – Joel Biermann

“The church doesn’t need a defensive posture. God will preserve His truth. Our job is simply to be faithful.” – Joel Biermann

“Joy should be a hallmark of our confession. If confessional theologians don’t have joy, something’s fundamentally wrong.” – Joel Biermann

“Discipleship is not a dirty word. If Lutherans feel threatened by it, they don’t have their theology straight.” – Joel Biermann

“Christianity isn’t just me and Jesus — it’s me and all His brothers and sisters too.” – Joel Biermann

“The church doesn’t need gimmicks to be relevant. She just needs to be faithful to who she is.” – Joel Biermann

“If you’re burned out, it’s probably because you’re trusting yourself too much. Jesus is Lord — let Him be in control.” – Joel Biermann

Joel Biermann’s Challenge of the Week

Slow down this week and delight in God’s creation. Notice a tree, a person, a cloud—something ordinary—and thank God for the beauty He’s placed around you.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

Watch the entire season for free: 

We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.

The post 109: Joel Biermann on the Good and Bad of Lutheran Identity and Online Seminary, and Why Christianity Is More than a Personal Relationship with Jesus appeared first on Red Letter Living.

Dr. Rich Rudowske, Executive Director of Lutheran Bible Translators, unpacks why Bible engagement is declining in America, what research says about its impact, and why Scripture is vital for the flourishing of the church. Together we explore the global 2033 Bible translation goal and the unique opportunity the LCMS has to play a key role. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

   

Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources to help the church produce greater disciples. This season we are launching a series of videos on our YouTube channel called “The Voices of the LCMS,” where we are unpacking data from our survey of 1054 Lutheran leaders. These videos are opening up questions, conversations, and opportunities to help us walk together in the future.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT)

God Speaks Challenge Book

YouVersion Bible App (1 billion downloads milestone)

Collective Impact Alliance (global Bible translation collaboration)

American Bible Society research on Scripture engagement

Augsburg Confession and the Lutheran Confessions

“Voices of the LCMS” VideosKey insights from the episode

“By 2033, every language group on the planet could have access to God’s Word. That’s never happened before in human history.” – Rich Rudowske

“Just because the Bible is sitting there doesn’t mean somebody will pick it up and use it. We have to create access points and encourage engagement.” – Rich Rudowske

“Even picking up your Bible once a week moves you from struggling to thriving in almost every area of life.” – Rich Rudowske

“Confessional theology assumes people know their Bibles. You can’t have it without Scripture.” – Rich Rudowske

“We are a lot closer than we think in the LCMS. We all want the same thing—people to know Jesus.” – Rich Rudowske

“Access to the Bible is one of the greatest unifiers in the global church.” – Rich Rudowske

“We can’t assume biblical knowledge anymore. We have to intentionally fill it in.” – Rich Rudowske

“When we open the Bible together, trust is built—no matter what kind of church we’re in.” – Rich Rudowske

“Gen Z is hungry for truth. They’re asking, ‘Where can I find stability?’ That’s our opportunity.” – Rich Rudowske

Rich Rudowske’s Challenge of the Week

Read your Bible every day, and take it a step further by reading with a group. Use an app like YouVersion, invite friends, and share comments to sharpen and encourage one another.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

Watch the entire season for free: 

We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.

The post 108: Rich Rudowske on Bible Translation, Why Bible Engagement Matters, and How the LCMS’s Unique Opportunity Can Bring Unity to our Church Body appeared first on Red Letter Living.

Michael Newman reflects on lessons from his ministry and leadership, the future of the LCMS, why trust and humility matter, and why discipleship is about doing the Word, not just hearing it. Plus, the former Texas District President talks about how to bring change to institutions. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

   

Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International. 

Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.

For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Texas District LCMS

Gospel DNA by Michael Newman

James 1:22

Concordia University Texas

Evangelist Training in Texas District

Voices of the LCMS VideosKey insights from the episode

“If just seven percent of LCMS congregations started one new church every five years, we’d see net growth of over 300 new congregations in the next decade—even with closures.” – Michael Newman

“The decline of the church is always connected to a decline in posture toward Scripture.” – Michael Newman

“Scriptural skepticism says we believe the Bible, but we doubt if it really works. That’s the silent crisis in our church.” – Michael Newman

“Don’t wait for permission. Go create a big enough problem that the institution has to change.” – Michael Newman

“Institutional strength depends on how it empowers local ministries. If an institution becomes restrictive or accusatory, it quickly loses relevance.” – Michael Newman

“You get what you’re structured for. If young people really matter to us, we’ll give them a seat at the table.” – Michael Newman

“Power is the easy substitute for the hard task of love.” – Michael Newman

“Jesus was messy. He broke tradition to reach the broken. If we’re not messy, we’re probably not missional.” – Michael Newman

“James 1:22: Don’t just listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – Michael Newman

Michael Newman’s Challenge of the Week

Live out James 1:22. Don’t just listen to the Word—do it. Take action this week that aligns your faith with your works.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

Watch the entire season for free: 

We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.

The post 107: Michael Newman on the Silent Crisis in the LCMS, How to Force Change to Institutions, and His Hope for the Synod appeared first on Red Letter Living.

Tim Ahlman shares lessons from his sabbatical, why leadership rhythms matter, and how local churches and institutions can build trust together for the future of the LCMS. He also talks deeply and personally about what it was like to be silenced on his own podcast, how it feels to be misunderstood, and what he said to LCMS President Matthew Harrison. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

   

Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International. 

Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.

For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Christ Greenfield Lutheran Church: christgreenfield.church

 

Unite Leadership Collective: uniteleadership.org

 

Confessing Jesus Mission (forthcoming book, 2026)

 

Lead Time Podcast

 

The Tim Ahlman Podcast

 

Gospel DNA by Mike Newman

 

Unstuck Group (Paul Alexander)

 

Serving Challenge by Zach Zehnder

 

Voices mentioned: President Matthew Harrison, President Tom Egger, Brian Wolfmueller, Mike Gibson, Ryan Barlow

 

Red Letter Living resources

 

Voices of the LCMS VideosKey insights from the episode

“Every day is a gift. My primary vocation is husband and father. No one else can be the husband to Alexa or the father to my three kids.” – Tim Ahlman

“Sabbatical wasn’t about me recovering from burnout. It was about preventing it.” – Tim Ahlman

“The church doesn’t need me. It wants me, I’m called here, but this is the Lord’s church.” – Tim Ahlman

“The healthiest leaders I know are the most emotionally attuned leaders I know.” – Tim Ahlman

“We all want more people to hear the gospel. We all want well-educated pastors. We all want to maintain our Lutheran distinctives. Let’s start there.” – Tim Ahlman

“Boundary breakers and distinction keepers—we desperately need one another in the church.” – Tim Ahlman

“We must move from institutional protection to local innovation.” – Tim Ahlman

“If you have an idol of certainty or an idol of control in leadership, watch out. Those idols are going to get crushed.” – Tim Ahlman

“I’m done with using fear to motivate people toward faithfulness.” – Tim Ahlman

Tim Ahlman’s Challenge of the Week

Disciple one and be discipled by one. Find a Timothy you can pour into, and a Paul who can pour into you.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

Watch the entire season for free: 

We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.

The post 106: Tim Ahlman on Being Silenced, Misunderstood, and Spiritually Formed — What He Told President Harrison and What Sabbatical Taught Him appeared first on Red Letter Living.

Ben Haupt unpacks the challenges of pastoral formation, why decentralization matters for the future of the LCMS, and how Lutheran theology is deeply relevant for today’s culture. We dive deep on some of the pastoral challenges in the LCMS today and what can be done in the future. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

   

Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International. 

Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.

For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Pastoral Leadership Institute: plileadership.org

 

Acton Institute

 

Not Being There study (ATS) on online theological education

 

The Lutheran Confessions (Book of Concord)

 

Voices mentioned: C.F.W. Walther, Wilhelm Löhe, Friedrich Brunn, Jordan Peterson

 

Ben’s Podcast: Bitcoin Reformation Podcast

 

Red Letter Living resources

 

Voices of the LCMS VideosKey insights from the episode“I’ve only grown in appreciation for the Lutheran confessions and how they articulate what the Bible means. I’m actually pretty comfortable in my Lutheran clothes.” – Ben Haupt“I don’t think the main dissatisfaction is with the curriculum. The real challenge is that congregations feel like if they send their best and brightest to seminary, they might never get them back.” – Ben Haupt“Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The more you centralize control, the worse it stinks. Decentralization is key for the church.” – Ben Haupt“Our Lutheran theology is so relevant because it meets people in the darkest pits of life. Christ climbs down into the pit to find us.” – Ben Haupt“The debate over online vs. residential misses the point. The Word itself forms people, whether face-to-face or through a letter like Paul to Timothy.” – Ben Haupt“Leadership, not theology, is often what makes or breaks ministries. Seminary should teach theology deeply, but leadership growth must continue in the parish.” – Ben Haupt“Instead of forming pastors for one rigid model, we should free pastors with deep theology so they can meet people in their local context.” – Ben Haupt“Please don’t coerce or cajole us with regulations. Lead with the Gospel. Lead with the Scriptures.” – Ben HauptBen Haupt’s Challenge of the Week

Engage in conversation. Start something—a podcast, a video, or a local group—that invites real dialogue. Don’t retreat. Lean into Scripture and confessions, and talk with those who see things differently.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

Watch the entire season for free: 

We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here. 

The post 105: Ben Haupt on the “Gold Standard” vs. New Paths in LCMS Pastoral Formation—Residential, SMP, Colloquy, and the Future of Training Pastors appeared first on Red Letter Living.

Bryan Stecker shares his journey from business to ministry, why the Lutheran voice matters online, and how the sacraments and entrepreneurial spirit can shape the future of the church. Plus, how do we stay both confessional and missional as a church body. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

   

Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International. 

Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.

For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Red Letter Living resources On The Line Podcast: https://ontheline.net Lutheran Institute of Theology: https://lutheraninstitute.org The Lutheran Confessions (Small Catechism, Large Catechism, Formula of Concord) Jordan Peterson Bishop Robert Barron Pints with Aquinas Byran Wolfmueller Voices of the LCMS VideosKey insights from the episode “I grew up as a pastor’s son, and in high school and college, that was the last thing I wanted to do. But within six to eight weeks, I knew God was calling me into ministry.” – Bryan Stecker

“We should have something like Pints with Aquinas in the Lutheran church. If we do this right, it can be a front door for people to learn theology and connect with local churches.” – Bryan Stecker

“Young people are really latching onto the sacraments, especially under 35. Being able to articulate them with depth is essential, and it’s very attractive to this generation.” – Bryan Stecker

“Healthy churches shouldn’t pit confessional against missional—every pastor should want to be both.” – Bryan Stecker

“I think what we need is to be confessionally rooted, and then entrepreneurial. How do we improve it? How do we do things in the best way?” – Bryan Stecker

“The LCMS is actually very good at evangelism—we just tend to evangelize other Christians who are looking for deeper theology.” – Bryan Stecker

“Young people are looking for stability. They’re tired of everything shifting like a leaf in the wind, and Lutheran theology offers that rootedness.” – Bryan Stecker

“If your time is spent tearing others down instead of building something up for the Gospel, that’s a spiritual issue.” – Bryan Stecker

“We need to stop talking about splits in the Synod. Fragmentation is a recipe for disaster—the world needs a unified witness of Christ.” – Bryan Stecker

“If you want to have a strong outreach, it needs to be beautiful. Truth needs to be wrapped in beauty.” – Bryan SteckerBryan Stecker’s Challenge of the Week

Add one spiritual discipline into your weekly rhythm. It could be prayer, fasting, or something else. Start small, be consistent, and see how God uses it to shape your discipleship.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

Watch the entire season for free: 

We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here. 

The post 104: Bryan Stecker on Media, Sacraments, and Strategy to Help the LCMS Grow Again—While Staying Both Confessional and Missional appeared first on Red Letter Living.

Three LCMS pastors (Tim Niekerk, Scott Giger, and Brad Hubbard), share how their congregations are growing amid Synod decline, why confessional and missional belong together, and how to raise more leaders without losing our Lutheran soul. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

   

Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International. 

Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.

For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Salem Lutheran Church (Tomball, TX) — Tim Niekerk

 

Cornerstone Lutheran Church (Central Indiana) — Scott Giger

 

St. Lorenz Lutheran Church (Frankenmuth, MI) — Brad Hubbard

 

LCMS Youth Gathering (New Orleans)

 

Best Practices Heartland Conference

 

Best Practices for Ministry in Phoenix

 

King of Kings (Omaha, NE)

 

“Voices of the LCMS” Videos

Key insights from the episode: 

Tim Niekerk: “I see it more like guerrilla warfare, that if you spend three years with us, you’re gonna become a Lutheran and you don’t even know it.”

 

Scott Giger: “It’s perfectly aligned to achieve the results it’s achieving.” (on current pastoral formation)

 

Brad Hubbard: “The word of the Lord stands forever… We’ve tried to deliver that as best as we can, as truthfully and faithfully as we can.”

 

Scott Giger: “I absolutely want laypeople involved in ministry of the word, ministry of the church—yeah, absolutely.”

 

Tim Niekerk: “We have this ridiculously disproportionate focus on 60 minutes a week… Being a Lutheran Christian in our world is so much bigger than that.”

 

Brad Hubbard: “We don’t have to be all things to all people… We can be a Synod together.”

 

Scott Giger: “If our church fights are about who ‘wins,’ we’ve already lost—that’s not how the kingdom advances.”

 

Tim Niekerk: “SMP lets us raise up pastors from within—men already serving our people and shaped by our context.”

 

Brad Hubbard: “In a large church, your staff becomes a congregation within the congregation—you’ve got to pastor and equip that team.”

 

Scott Giger: “Plan 95% of an event to be solid, then add a 5% extravagant touch people can’t stop talking about.” The LCN Pastors’ Challenge (this week)Encourage a church worker who needs it (text/call someone today).

 

Keep the main thing the main thing: lead with love, preach Christ, meet people where they are.

Know your community: identify one tangible need outside your walls and serve it in Jesus’ name.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

Watch the entire season for free: 

We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here. 

The post 103: Three Large-Church LCMS Pastors on Growing in a Declining Synod, Being Confessional and Missional, and How to Raise Up Leaders for the Future appeared first on Red Letter Living.

Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, the 12th president of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, reflects on his years of leadership, how he led through the 9/11 terrorist attack, what he has learned about unity in the church, and why the next generation needs courageous, faithful leaders more than ever. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

   

Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International. 

Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.

For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Waking the Sleeping Giant by Gerald Kieschnick

Lutheran Hour Ministries

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

LCMS Foundation

GBKIES@gmail.com

Voices of the LCMS Videos

Key insights from the episode: 

You could have contracted out with a research firm and spent more than $250,000 and waited two years to get responses that will be within 10% of what you got.” – Matt Engel

“I would much rather be accurate than precise with surveys because accuracy gets me in the ballpark while precision takes forever: time, money, energy.” – Matt Engel

“If data is only interesting but not actionable, it’s a waste of time. We want to turn interesting into actionable.” – Matt Engel

“Data should help you see people, not just numbers.” – Matt Engel

“If you measure only attendance, you’ll get only attendance.” – Matt Engel

“Technology can’t make disciples, but it can support those who do.” – Matt Engel

“Healthy churches don’t just count heads; they count stories.” – Matt Engel

“The right metrics clarify your mission, not compete with it.” – Matt Engel

“We are called to be Spirit-led, Christ-centered, and data-informed.” — Matt Engel

Jerry Kieschnick’s Challenge: Look around you and find somebody who needs to be loved. And love them with the love of Jesus.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

Watch the entire season for free: 

We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.

The post 102: Jerry Kieschnick on Leading the LCMS Through the 9/11 Terrorist Attack, Making Tough Decisions, Dealing with Criticism, and Clinging to Hope appeared first on Red Letter Living.