Summary

In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews Dr. Johnston, a professor and parish pastor, discussing his journey in ministry, the balance between academic life and parish duties, and the importance of curiosity in pastoral care. They explore the challenges faced by modern Christianity, the identity of the Lutheran Church, and the need for accessible resources on Reformation history. The conversation emphasizes the significance of knowledge and tradition in the church, as well as the joys and responsibilities of parish ministry. In this conversation, Charlie Ungemach and Bill Kahle explore the complexities of faith, worship, and ministry in the modern world. They discuss the sacrifices made for relevance, the historical significance of symbols like the surplus, and the importance of aesthetics in worship. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a deep understanding of history to navigate contemporary challenges in ministry, the balance of law and gospel, and the vital role of community in faith. The conversation concludes with encouragement for pastors facing the unique struggles of modern ministry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gird Up Podcast and Support

06:09 The Joy of Parish Ministry

11:43 The Importance of Receiving the Gospel

17:12 The Role of Curiosity in Ministry

21:00 The Role of Law and Catechisms in Lutheranism

21:46 Exploring the Life and Work of Matthias Flacius

23:11 Expectations of Lay Knowledge in Reformation History

25:04 The Importance of Church History in Christian Formation

26:39 Reading Scripture in Community

28:39 The Need for Accessible Theology

30:00 The Substance of Lutheranism vs. Generic Protestantism

32:12 The Identity of the Lutheran Church

33:47 Continuity with Church History and the Fathers

35:54 Lutheranism's Rich Intellectual Heritage

37:44 The Challenge of Modern Church Identity

39:25 Understanding the Mass and Its Significance

43:03 The Cost of Relevance

45:49 The Surplus and Its Significance

48:41 Aesthetics and the Search for Authenticity

52:22 The Role of History in Faith

56:02 Rootedness in Tradition

58:44 The Structure of Worship and Its Evolution

01:07:08 Revisiting Sola Scriptura and Apostolic Worship

01:08:35 Expectations for Laity and Clergy Dynamics

01:09:49 Isolation and Connection in Clergy Life

01:11:47 The Role of Community in Ministry

01:13:42 The Challenge of Boredom in Ministry

01:16:28 Encouragement for Frustrated Pastors

01:18:17 Understanding the Nature of the Parish

01:20:00 Navigating Church Discipline and Catechesis

01:22:27 Finding Freedom in Ministry

01:24:19 The Messiness of Ministry and God's Grace

Wade's Links:

Let the Bird Fly Podcast: http://letthebirdfly.com/

Resurrection Lutheran Church MKE: http://rlcmilwaukee.org/

Wisconsin Lutheran College: http://wlc.edu/

Flacius Book: https://www.cph.org/life-under-the-cross-a-biography-of-the-reformer-matthias-flacius-illyricus?srsltid=AfmBOoqX5EC1kRkvb1anhL1sgC7SFh_Rn4ox410osHAVobKYk0JAAy3L

The Devil Behind the Surplice Book: https://www.amazon.com/Devil-behind-Surplice-Matthias-Adiaphora/dp/1532617720/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22GTG6TVBDE3B&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-ka4pg9CwjOsjNrYU9ujaMS_MVSwJGPu-1FWzzRcvKo.4-pEn1CAju2dxtROKWq-HIHmoeBRwMn_eViG4YoT1aU&dib_tag=se&keywords=devil+behind+the+surplice&qid=1752543927&sprefix=devil+behind+the+surplic%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1

Gird Up Links:

https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFx

https://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/

https://www.girdupministries.com

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