Episode Notes A 70 minute episode answering YOUR Questions! Links A Beautiful Year: 52 Meditations on Faith, Wisdom, and Perseverence by Diana Butler Bass The Monday Connection On Being an Authentic Christian in a Weekday World by William E. Diehl Suggest your Congregation to be BETTER KNOWN Suggest your Synod to be BETTER KNOWN www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by One Man Quartet Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Read transcriptEpisode Notes The host of the podcast A Mighty Fortress Is Our Pod, Matthew Longfellow, joins the show to talk about his podcast, his seminary and Capital University experience, and how sharing conversations of "real" Lutherans helps with our own Lutheran identity. Links A Mighty Fortress Is Our Pod (Spotify) A Mighty Fortress Is Our Pod (Apple) A Mighty Fortress Is Our Pod (Pocket Casts) A Mighty Fortress Is Our Pod (YouTube) Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran Church SotH Facebook SotH YouTube Pardes Levavot Pastor Kettering added: "The wooden structure is the handbuilt ark that holds the Sacred Scroll of Pardes Levavot. We began our relationship with them in 2003/2004. We work together hosting service events to address community needs, including the Boulder Community Infant Program and the Little Free Pantry which was placed in our parking lot at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. We pray together, eat together, and worship together. A few weeks ago, Rabbi Victor worshiped with us and shared wisdom on the writings of the Prophet Amos. (It's amazing to have two true, trained, experienced Hebrew scholars within our faith relationships.) I followed his teaching with one on the Gospel of John. At the beginning of my call to pastoral leadership with Shepherd in 2016, the Ark sat out of sight in a back corner of the Sanctuary and was brought forward for Pardes' worship. Likewise, our Cross sat front and center behind the altar and was moved out of sight during their worship. As Rabbis Victor and Nadya and I deepened our relationship, we made a collective decision to keep both the Ark and the Cross front and center, day in and day out, within both their times of worship and ours. It truly reflects the love and respect we hold for each other, our unique traditions, and the connectedness that calls us to faith and service together. We feel tremendously blessed to be among the few ELCA congregations who engage in the everyday work of deep ecumenism with our faith partners at Pardes Levavot Jewish Renewal Congregation. Together, we strive to nourish bodies and spirits, bringing God's love to those we encounter, with absolute inclusivity. Blessings & Advent Peace, Pastor Janet Kettering" Suggest your Congregation to be BETTER KNOWN Suggest your Synod to be BETTER KNOWN www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutherans
Episode Notes Ben and Keith talk about the different ways that churches adapt when there isn't a pastor to preach and preside over communion and why that might happen. Links Suggest your Congregation to be BETTER KNOWN Suggest your Synod to be BETTER KNOWN www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Justin Marquis shares a bike trip he and his partner took over the summer. The adventure included visiting ELCA congregations near the bike path. He shares what he learned about the church and himself on that journey. Ben and Keith share their life transitions and we get to know St Matthew Lutheran in York, PA. Links Dionysis on a Bike Justin announces the tour on Reddit After-Trip Report on Reddit Warm Showers A resource where Adventure Cyclists offer help St Matthew Lutheran Church Facebook YouTube Suggest your Congregation to be BETTER KNOWN Suggest your Synod to be BETTER KNOWN www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Lamont Anthony Wells introduces us to the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU) which is made up of 28 Lutheran institutions in the US and Canada. We get to know Unity Lutheran Church in Southgate, MI (and Ben mispronounces his pastor's last name). Links Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (Old Site) Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (New Site) Instagram Scholarship for ELCA members at Augustana University Unity Lutheran Church Suggest your Congregation to be BETTER KNOWN Suggest your Synod to be BETTER KNOWN www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Dr Mark Granquist, professor of Lutheran history at Luther Seminary, returns to finish our deep dive into the history of the ELCA. This episode starts in the 1920s and comes up through the early 21st century, including Seminex and the merger of the ELCA. We didn't pick a congregation to know for this episode, but we're inviting you to ask Keith and Ben anything. Details in the episode. Links Dr Granquist's Books AskHistorians subReddit answer about Seminex Suggest your Congregation to be BETTER KNOWN Suggest your Synod to be BETTER KNOWN www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Bishop Scott Johnson joins us from the Nebraska Synod to talk about Lay Ministry generally and specifically about the Parish Ministry Associates program that the Nebraska and Central States Synod have shared for more than 30 years. Our congregation we get to know this time is Prince of Peace in Addison, IL. Links Nebraska Synod Parish Ministry Associates Emmaus Lifelong Learning Prince of Peace Addison, IL Facebook Instagram YouTube Suggest your Congregation to be BETTER KNOWN Suggest your Synod to be BETTER KNOWN www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Dr Andy Root, Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, helps us talk about Evangelism through the Lutheran lens of the Theology of the Cross and the Theology of Consolation. We get to know the Nebraska Synod better with help from Bishop Scott Johnson. NOTE: Sorry about some of the audio weirdness. We had a computer crash and our backup equipment didn't have the settings adjust the way we like. A new computer is being brought up to speed. Thanks for your understanding. Links Dr Andy Root Evangelism in an Age of Despair (The Book) Ministry in a Secular Age (The Podcast) The Nebraska Synod Facebook Vimeo Photos Instagram YouTube Parish Ministry Associates Suggest your Congregation to be BETTER KNOWN Suggest your Synod to be BETTER KNOWN www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes The VP returns to go over the events of the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Our Better Know a Congregation is Peace First Lutheran in Astoria, Oregon. Links Churchwide Assembly Page CWA Videos Living Lutheran's Daily Summaries Outgoing Presiding Bishop Eaton's Report Meet the Bishop-elect of the ELCA, Rev. Yehiel Curry Peace First Lutheran Church PFLC YouTube Page Video History of Peace First Suggest your Congregation to be BETTER KNOWN Suggest your Synod to be BETTER KNOWN www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Cory Newman joins the show to discuss the work of the Lutheran Schools and the congregations that support them which make up the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA). The episode ends with our first Better Know segment where we get to know New Spirit Lutheran in Tuscon, AZ. Links Evangelical Lutheran Educational Association 2025 ELEA Conference ELEA Endowment Nurturing Faith Communities Better Know... New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tuscon, AZ Facebook Page YouTube Channel Instagram JUSTMove Service by Agape the Rapper Suggest your Congregation to be BETTER KNOWN Suggest your Synod to be BETTER KNOWN www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Ben previews the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. We announce a change in our "C Segment" to talk about congregations and synods. Look for links to help tell us about your congregation or synod. Links 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Information Episodes 22 & 23 with VP Imran Siddiqui about the Churchwide Organization (These were in September and October 2024) CWA Officer Election Process Living Lutheran’s CWA Preview Vice President's Report Episode 38 in which we talk about the CRLC Report CWA Videos We assume that the Livestream will be linked on this page. Better Know A Congregation Form Better Know A Synod Form www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Rev Carla Christopher joins the show to discuss how the ELCA views the ways scripture is used to challenge inclusion of queer folks. We don't have a new Catechism Question for this episode. Enjoy your summer break! Links CarlaChristopher.org Reconciling Works Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries Embrace Lancaster PA (Facebook Group) 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture (Movie) www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Ben and Keith summarize two important reports that were published for and about the ELCA in the first few months of 2025. The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church's report and recommendations come from inside our house. A report from Barna and Fuller Seminary was made to give a perspective from outside. Links abound below. Catechism Question: What are the three “expressions” of the ELCA? Holy Baptism, Holy Communion, & Almsgiving The Local Congregations, The Synods, & The Churchwide Organization The Apostle’s Creed, the Nicene Creed, & The Lord’s Prayer Frowning, Sneering, & Glaring (Bonus points for texting us your answer.) Links Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church Report of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church Strategic Recommendations for the ELCA from Fuller Seminary and Barna Episode with information about the CRLC (with Pastor Elizabeth Friedman) Episode about Campus Ministry (with Pastor Elizabeth Friedman) Episode about Camp Ministries (With Pastor Drew Tucker) Episode about Deacons (with Deacon Chelle Huth and Sister Marianne Brock) www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Ben & Keith discuss Episode 36 in which Keith talked with Pastor Imad Haddad from Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amman, Jordan. They also discuss the ELCA's 1989 Social Message on Israel and Palestine. Catechism Question: What is the meaning of the word Sumud? Steadfastness Faithfulness Smelling Good Special Undertaking for Mid-East Unifying Diplomacy Links 1989 Social Message “Israeli Palestinian Conflict” Peace Not Walls video The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Amman, Jordan ELCA Sumud www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Keith has a conversation with Pastor Imad Haddad, pastor of Church of the Good Shepherd in Amman, Jordan. They discuss living in the region as a Palestinian Lutheran and how The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and the ELCA relate. Catechism Question: What are ways to get involved in advocating for justice through the ELCA? Join the ELCA e-Advocacy Network. Invite your officials to visit your congregation’s ministry or project. If you have a Lutheran State Public Policy office in your state, get involved in this ministry. Contact the ELCA Advocacy Staff when you or a group from your congregation visit Washington, DC. All of the above. (and more) Links The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Amman, Jordan ELCA Social Message on the Israeli Palestinian Conflict (1989) ELCA Sumud www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Ben & Keith discuss the new shirt. We hope it sparks conversations about our faith. The episode covers how one might explain Lutheranism to someone who wants to know because they read your t-shirt. Catechism Question: Martin Luther disliked the idea of this new church body being named after himself. What name did he prefer instead? Evangelisch Kirche (Church of the Gospel) The Melanchthonist Church The Church for Saints and Sinners Those Heretics Who Got Themselves Excommunicated (THWGTE) Links The Main Street Lutherans Store The Shirt www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Ollie Bergh joins Ben and Keith from Fairbanks, Alaska to talk about Matins (Morning Prayer) and all of the Daily Prayer (or Daily Offices) services in the ELW, our hymnal. Pastor Ollie hosts the Psalmcast Podcast. Give it a listen. Sorry for some of the cuts. The audio files were corrupted and Ben stitched it together as best he could on the schedule we have. We'll try not to let it happen again. The Catechism Question: What are the names of some of the divine office liturgies: Matins, Ford, Sext, Vespers Lauds, Prime, Nome, Vespers Chevelle, Compline, Sext, Lauds Matins, Lauds, Vespers, Compline Links Fairbanks Lutheran Church Psalmcast The Grail Psalms Evangelical Heritage Bible www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes David Lose, Senior Pastor at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN, joins us for this episode. We start out with a broad topic, how do our churches move forward in our time and place. We talk about He Gets Us and what it means to be Lutheran. In the A Segment, Ben and Keith discuss what it means to be "Unapologetically Lutheran". Catechism Question: What happened to the prodigal son when he returned home? His father sent him back to the pig farmer His father welcomed him, and his brother threw a party for him His father took him back as a hired servant His father welcomed him and killed the fatted calf Links David Lose Mount Olivet Lutheran Church Books www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Dr Granquist joins us to continue our exploration of the history that leads up to the ELCA being what it is. The Catechism Question: Where did the majority of Lutherans immigrate to North America come from? A. Germany, Norway, and Sweden B. Germany, Norway, and France C. Austria, Australia, and Antarctica D. Wittenberg, Wartburg, and St. Olaf Links Our First Episode wth Dr Granquist Lutherans in America: A New History by Dr Mark Granquist www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript
Episode Notes Pastor Dave Daubert joins the show to talk about the critical parts to understand about Lutheran faith and how theology we use in the ELCA is our best hand for living the Christian Life. Links Day 8 Strategies Dave Daubert's books on Amazon www.mainstreetlutherans.com Instagram Facebook Threads YouTube (734) 250-9554 Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutheransRead transcript