Best Concordia University Podcasts (2025)

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Why Do Christians Sing Hymns? | Dr. Steve Mueller, Concordia University Irvine 48:32

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4d ago48:32

48:32

Singing is one of the most recognizable parts of Christian worship. But why do Christians sing hymns? Where did hymns come from? And why should the church continue to sing them? Caleb and Scott Keith are joined by Dr. Steve Mueller from Concordia University Irvine to answer these questions. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 151…

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Scholarships from the Concordia University System 25:27

5d ago25:27

25:27

How is the Concordia University System helping young people attend Concordia Universities? The Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy (President of Concordia University System) and the Rev. Dr. Douglas Spittel (Vice President of Concordia University System) join Andy and Sarah for the monthly update from the Concordia University System, including what's been happe…

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Set Apart to Serve: Lutheran Teacher Colloquy Opportunity 24:05

3d ago24:05

24:05

How is colloquizing to become a rostered Lutheran educator a benefit to both the educator and the school? Robi Flach (Administrator of Altamont Lutheran Interparish School in Altamont, IL) and Annie O’Donoghue (Manager with Standing Partnership and the Set Apart to Serve team) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about Robi…

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What is Catechesis? 29:37

4d ago29:37

29:37

What is catechesis, and why does it matter for us in our daily lives? The Rev. Dr. Peter Bender (Senior Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church and Academy President of the Concordia Catechetical Academy (CCA) in Sussex, Wisconsin) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what catechesis is and is not, why catechesis is important for us in our daily rhythms of l…

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LESA's Brew in the Lou 25:21

6d ago25:21

25:21

How does LESA make Lutheran education possible for families in St. Louis? Amee Colvin (Director of Fund Development and Marketing, Lutheran Elementary School Association, St. Louis, Justine Eckhoff (parent of students at St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Des Peres, MO) and Laura Montgomery (Director of Education Resources, Lutheran Elementary School Asso…

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Differences Between Evangelicals and Lutherans 51:21

7d ago51:21

51:21

Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Scott Keith, and Bruce Hillman explore the linguistic challenges faced by individuals transitioning from evangelical backgrounds to Lutheranism. They discuss the distinctions between Christian terms, the role of tradition in defining these terms, and the importance of confessional documents in maintaining doctrinal clar…

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Flame: Because Jesus Taught It 30:11

7d ago30:11

30:11

Why should we study what the Church Fathers taught? Flame (Grammy-Nominated and Stellar Award-Winning rap artist and author of Extra Nos: Discovering Grace Outside Myself and his newest book, Because Jesus Taught It: Christianity through the Eyes of the Church Fathers) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where the idea for his newest book began, who…

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Set Apart to Serve: Conversations with Future Church Workers 27:21

10d ago27:21

27:21

Where did Glenn Rollins get to travel this summer to share about Set Apart to Serve? Mr. Glenn Rollins (Manager, Set Apart to Serve) joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about the opportunities he's had this summer to meet with leaders and youth about futures in church work. He shares about the duties of the Young Adult Re…

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Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, BONUS Episode: Buszin Family History 28:39

11d ago28:39

28:39

Who is the Buszin family, and how did they influence the writing of a book about the history of American Lutheran Sacred Music? Benjamin Kolodziej (Church Organist and Musicologist, author of Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 available from Concordia Publishing House) and the Rev. Scott Schilbe (Assistant Pastor/Minister of Mus…

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Hymns of the Season: LSB 760, 708 & 522 16:30

12d ago16:30

16:30

We're looking at upcoming hymns of the day in our church year! The Rev. Sean Daenzer (LCMS Director of Worship and LCMS IC Chaplain) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about three beautiful hymns people may sing this weekend in church, covering themes of anxiety, trust, hope, comfort, and angels. Chaplain Daenzer talks about LSB 760 "What God Ordains Is …

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Missouri District Lutheran College Fair 12:26

12d ago12:26

12:26

How can high schoolers learn more about all that the Concordia Universities have to offer? Joshua Swartz (LCMS Missouri District Director of Schools) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes a Concordia University experience unique and valuable, what will happen at the Missouri District Lutheran College Fair on November 15, and what students a…

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Nominations with the Synod Secretary, Part 2: A Lutheran Witness Podcast Crossover 37:04

13d ago37:04

37:04

In this crossover episode with The Lutheran Witness podcast, The Rev Roy Askins continues his conversation with LCMS Secretary Rev. Dr. John Sias on nominations for offices, boards, and commissions of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they br…

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Nominations with the Synod Secretary, Part 1: A Lutheran Witness Podcast Crossover 28:02

14d ago28:02

28:02

In this crossover episode with The Lutheran Witness podcast, The Rev Roy Askins talks with LCMS Secretary the Rev. Dr. John Sias on nominations for offices, boards, and commissions of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. They discuss why the Synod needs nominations, who to nominate, the types of roles these nominees fill and much more. To learn more…

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Set Apart to Serve: Faith Formation in the Home 26:10

17d ago26:10

26:10

How does a family culture encourage young people to consider church work? Kevin and Jen Siek, along with their son Keith, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about Keith's experiences growing up in a strong faith family, how his experiences at Christ Academy shaped his future vocational path, and his decision to attend Con…

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Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, Ep. 6: The Lochner Family 25:09

18d ago25:09

25:09

Who is Friedrich Lochner and how did his vocation as a pastor shape congregational singing for the future of LCMS congregations? Benjamin Kolodziej (Church Organist and Musicologist, author of Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 available from Concordia Publishing House) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 6 of our series on Portrai…

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New Peace Center for CFNA (and an Open House!) 25:39

19d ago25:39

25:39

How does Christian Friends of New Americans serve our new neighbors in the St. Louis community? Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley (Executive Director, Christian Friends of New Americans) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how long CFNA has served immigrants and refugees in the St. Louis area, the ways that CFNA serves these new neighbors, how LCMS congregat…

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The Assassination of Charlie Kirk: A Brief Christian Perspective 5:05

20d ago5:05

5:05

Lord protect us, keep us, bring comfort and assurance to the Kirk family, and send us evermore to proclaim Your death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. Article at 1517: Video version

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Celebrating Lutheran Heritage in Perry County 26:07

20d ago26:07

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How can we remember and learn more about our Lutheran heritage in Perry County, MO? Denise Hellwege (Director of Lutheran Heritage Center and Museum, KFUO's Organization of the week) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the group of German Lutherans who left their homes for a new one in Missouri, why they left and why they chose to settle in Missouri…

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A Place of Refuge 26:01

21d ago26:01

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How can organizations show the love of Christ to mothers in need? Deaconess Grace Rao (Executive Director of A Place of Refuge) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how A Place of Refuge (APOR) began, how APOR is helping women and children today, how women and babies supported after their time with APOR, the roles of volunteers within A Place of Refu…

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What Christians Should Know About Islam 1:00:55

24d ago1:00:55

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In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, the hosts engage in a comprehensive discussion about Islam, exploring its theology, the role of Muhammad, the authorship of the Quran, and the differences between Islamic and Christian beliefs. Caleb, Scott, and Bruce take turns asking Adam questions that Christians may or should have about Islam. Sh…

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Set Apart to Serve: Formation to Serve as a High School Teacher 22:43

24d ago22:43

22:43

How are high school teachers formed for their vocations? Elizabeth Henschen (English teacher at Lutheran High in Sheboygan, WI) joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about her formation at Concordia University, Nebraska, why she chose to pursue church work, what she loves about teaching English, and her advice to high schoo…

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Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, Ep. 5: Walther’s Liturgy 29:13

25d ago29:13

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What did typical worship services in the late 19th century look like? Benjamin Kolodziej (Church Organist and Musicologist, author of Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 available from Concordia Publishing House) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 5 of our series on Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music. Benjamin talks about …

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Sing! Dr. Malcolm Guite, Poet-in-Residence 14:43

26d ago14:43

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How do poetry and fantasy literature connect us to God's eternal truth? KFUO Radio went on the road to the Sing! Conference in Nashville, TN, to share Lutheran hymnody and teaching heard on KFUO. In this special crossover episode, Sarah interviews Dr. Malcolm Guite (poet-in-residence at the Sing! Conference and prolific writer) for a Lutheran Ladie…

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Sing! Sandra McCracken, Singer-Songwriter 14:25

26d ago14:25

14:25

Have you ever wondered what inspires the writing of hymns? The Coffee Hour went on the road to the Sing! Conference in Nashville, TN, to share Lutheran hymnody and teaching heard on KFUO Radio and to connect with church musicians. Sandra McCracken (singer-songwriter) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the faith tradition from which she comes, how h…

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Sing! Andrew Osenga, Hymnwriter 19:06

27d ago19:06

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What makes a good modern hymn? The Coffee Hour went on the road to the Sing! Conference in Nashville, TN to share Lutheran hymnody and teaching heard on KFUO Radio and to connect with church musicians. Andrew Osenga (hymnwriter with Anchor Hymns) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the faith tradition from which he comes, how hymns have shaped his f…

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Sing! Jordan Kauflin, Hymnwriter & Singer 14:17

27d ago14:17

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Have you ever wondered what inspires the writing of hymns? The Coffee Hour went on the road to the Sing! Conference in Nashville, TN to share Lutheran hymnody and teaching heard on KFUO Radio, and to connect with church musicians. Jordan Kauflin (Worship Pastor at Christ Covenant Church in Atlanta, GA, and songwriter) joins Andy and Sarah to talk a…

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Faithful and Flourishing, Strategies for Leading Your Christian School with Excellence 32:50

28d ago32:50

32:50

How does a Christian school flourish while remaining faithful to God’s Word? Dr. Bernard Bull (President of Concordia University, Nebraska, and author of Faithful and Flourishing: Strategies for Leading Your Christian School with Excellence) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his new book available from Concordia Publishing House. He explains why C…

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The Descent Into Hell in the Formula of Concord 27:07

1M ago27:07

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What does the Bible say about Jesus descending into hell? The Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and host of KFUO Radio’s Concord Matters, joins Andy to talk about the Formula of Concord reading plan he created for 2025, including the questions concerning The Descent into Hell that are addressed in September's readin…

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The Pivotal Influence of the Book of Romans on the Reformation 48:34

1M ago48:34

48:34

In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, the Fellows discuss the Book of Romans, exploring its pivotal role in the Reformation, its didactic nature, and the genius of Paul's argumentation. The episode focuses on how Romans provides comfort and assurance to believers, emphasizing the personal nature of salvation and the continuity of God's p…

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Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, Ep. 4: Hymnody in 19th Century Lutheranism 28:52

1M ago28:52

28:52

What kind of hymns would Lutherans have been singing in Germany before coming to America? Benjamin Kolodziej (Church Organist and Musicologist, author of Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 available from Concordia Publishing House) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 4 of our series on Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music. B…

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Providing for Refugees in Germany: A Lutheran Witness Podcast Crossover 18:45

1M ago18:45

18:45

In this crossover episode with The Lutheran Witness podcast, The Rev Roy Askins shares his interview with Sandra, an American living in Germany.This edition of The Lutheran Witness podcast was recorded almost a year ago in Berlin-Steglitz, Germany. In this episode, we speak with Sandra, an American living in Germany and working with the members of …

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Freedom of the Christian 54:46

1M ago54:46

54:46

Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Scott Keith, and Bruce Hillman delve into Martin Luther's, 'The Freedom of a Christian.' They explore the historical context of the Reformation, particularly the year 1520, and discuss the significance of Luther's teachings on justification by faith, the authority of scripture (Sola Scriptura), and the relationship betw…

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“Sacramental Shadows” LW Searching Scripture, September 2025: Exodus 13 & 14 29:14

1M ago29:14

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Anyone who has studied the Third Commandment in confirmation class has encountered Colossians 2:16–17, which answers the question, “Why don’t Christians have to worship on Saturday (the Sabbath) as the Israelites did in the Old Testament?” St. Paul writes, “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to …

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Hymns of Comfort in Times of War 25:18

1M ago25:18

25:18

What hymns bring you comfort when seeking peace? In this episode, Chaplain Brian Hamer joins Andy to explore the significance of hymns in the context of war and peace. They discuss the origins and historical contexts of three hymns: 'Silent Night', 'Now Thank We All Our God' and ‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past’. The conversation highlights how these …

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Set Apart to Serve: Summer Travels for Church Worker Recruitment 29:01

1M ago29:01

29:01

How was Set Apart to Serve part of summer activities for youth around the Synod? The Rev. Dr. James Baneck (LCMS Executive Director of Pastoral Education and Set Apart to Serve) joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about the extensive summer travel that took SAS around the country, the work he sees other people doing to recruit futu…

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Augustine of Hippo 53:34

1M ago53:34

53:34

This episode is a conversation about the life and influence of Augustine of Hippo. The Fellows cover Augustine's historical context, his theological contributions, particularly regarding original sin and the nature of love, and his lasting impact on both Protestant and Catholic traditions. The Fellows also delve into the relationship between August…

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Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, Ep. 3: C.F.W. Walther as Musician 24:38

1M ago24:38

24:38

How can we further understand C.F.W. Walther as not just a theologian but also as an immensely talented musician? Benjamin Kolodziej (Church Organist and Musicologist, author of Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 available from Concordia Publishing House) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 3 of our series on Portraits in American …

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Baptized into Christ: Sebastian’s Story: A Lutheran Witness Podcast Crossover 21:50

1M ago21:50

21:50

In this crossover episode with The Lutheran Witness podcast, The Rev Roy Askins shares his interview with Sebastian, an Iranian convert in Germany.This edition of The Lutheran Witness podcast was recorded almost a year ago in Berlin-Steglitz, Germany. In it, we speak to Sebastian, who was baptized during our trip to Germany. In this podcast, he dis…

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Behind the Scenes at the Center for Liturgical Art 23:00

1M ago23:00

23:00

What does it mean to be an artist in the church? Michael Scheer (Director, Center for Liturgical Art) and Deb Jurchen (Director, University Institutes at Concordia Nebraska) join Andy to discuss the significance of the Center for Liturgical Art at Concordia University, Nebraska, sharing about its history, mission, and the role of visual arts in the…

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Movies and Mission 25:44

1M ago25:44

25:44

Movies have the power to both shape and reflect our society. But what can happen when we look at film through the lens of faith? Andy Bates and guest host Jordan Harms sit down with professors from Concordia University and Concordia Seminary to discuss the intersection of film and Christian faith. They explore how cinema can reflect and shape socie…

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Set Apart to Serve: Following in the Family Legacy 23:46

2M ago23:46

23:46

How does a family legacy of church work influence younger generations? The Rev. Dr. Todd Allen Jenks (pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ames, IA) joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about his journey into the pastoral ministry, who had the greatest influence on his decision to consider and enter the pastoral ministry, the story…

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Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, Ep. 2: 19th Century Church Musician Vocation 27:18

2M ago27:18

27:18

How did the vocation of "church musician" develop in the 19th century Missouri Synod? Benjamin Kolodziej (Church Organist and Musicologist, author of Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 available from Concordia Publishing House) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 2 of our series on Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music. Benja…

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Persians Find a New Home in Christ in Germany: A Lutheran Witness Podcast Crossover 34:09

2M ago34:09

34:09

In this crossover episode with The Lutheran Witness podcast, The Rev Roy Askins shares his interview with missionaries serving Germany.The Rev. Dr. Gottfried Martens, the Rev. Dr. David Preus and the Rev. Dr. Christian Tiews join the podcast to discuss the work at Trinity Lutheran Church, Berlin-Steglitz, Germany. This congregation of the Independe…