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Description

Dynamic, contextual sermons from Pastor Josh Ehrler, who serves a small town ELCA Lutheran congregation in Northern Illinois. Sermons are rooted in scripture and reflect the local community, as well as the movements of the wider world. He and his congregation are affirming of LGBTQ+ personhood and live out their baptismal promise to seek (racial, economic, identity, environmental) justice and peace.

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Sermons Out of Rural Ministry podcast

In God's House

2026/10/02

"In God's House," a sermon on the purpose of a house of worship. There are all sorts of reasons that any Christian church exists where it does. Jesus asks his adversaries who the house of God belongs to, and they struggle to give an answer. Who, or what, is at the center of your house? Matthew 21.23-32

God's Kingdom from Every Approach

2026/07/06

Today's reading from Matthew 11 is straight out of a police procedural. Do you wanna be the good cop or the bad cop? Jesus compares his way of proclaiming God's Word to John's, and gives us a disappointing conclusion. But also, a promise that he is with us and caring for us no matter our approach. Whoever we are, we are loved and called on to speak God's mercy into the world. Matthew 11.15-19,25-30

With the Sparrows

2026/06/22

"With the Sparrows" In the midst of training his followers, Jesus makes a reference to sparrows. His people knew they were economically worthless, easily overlooked and easy to catch. They become a model of who we are to be as disciples, and who we are called to stand and walk with in this world. Who are the overlooked? Who is countless as worthless in our community?

More Than Enough

2026/02/24

"More Than Enough," our sermon reflecting on Holy Communion, is the final in our series on the Lutheran Small Catechism. The Table is where we are called by Christ to experience forgiveness and being whole. Jesus commands the disciples to come because on our own, we won't do it. The Table is also where we gather with people across time and geography, binding all God's faithful into one body. A perpetual reminder for God who loves us that you are never alone. #Communion #Lutheran #sermon #smallcatechism

Having a Chat with God

2026/02/24

"Having a Chat with God" seems both an obvious thing to do, and something most of us don't do very much. For all the reasons. Jesus is inviting us to speak to God, and if we can't find the words, breathing is enough. Images, ideas, vague colors and feelings are enough. Our infinite Creator is also always as close as our flesh and blood. God is listening, and gives us space to be ourselves with God. #sermon #Lutheran #LordsPrayer