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Today on the show I have Pastor Will Weedon to discuss the Liturgy! It's an amazing time. Check out the website for answers to your questions: https://www.lutherananswers.com/ Want to support the show? We have merch! https://www.lutherananswers.com/merch/

Welcome back! In this episode I have Mr. Matthew Eklund (@Ion_Eyes) on the show to discuss his life as a Mormon, the doubts he faced, and why he ultimately left the LDS church and became a Lutheran.

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The final episode of Lutheran Answers features a conversation with Lisa Cooper about her new book of poetry: Hasty Corporeal Ink I'm taking a break from this for now. It's been cool podcasting, I've learned a lot, but I need to step away for a bit.

Matt Whitman of The Ten Minute Bible Hour joins Lutheran Answers for a wide-ranging discussion on faith, theology, and the shifting landscape of Christian thought. From exploring his own theological journey to discussing shrewdness, church structure, and the challenges of religious taxonomy, this episode is an insightful and engaging conversation. In this episode, Matt Whitman, known for his Ten Minute Bible Hour YouTube channel, shares his background, theological journey, and thoughts on the broader Christian landscape. He reflects on his upbringing in a faith-based home, his period of questioning and rediscovery of the Bible, and how that journey shaped his approach to Christian content creation. He also discusses the evolution of his online presence, from early Bible studies to deep dives into different Christian denominations, and how his conversations with people across traditions have broadened his perspective. A key theme of the discussion is the importance of shrewdness in Christian life, as encouraged by Jesus in Matthew 10:16. Matt and Remy explore how different Christian traditions approach theological authority, the institutional structure of churches, and the balance between tradition and reform. They also touch on the influence of social media on religious discourse, the effects of AI on theological discussions, and the ways in which digital technology is forcing transparency on religious institutions. The conversation further delves into Matt’s experience attending an AFLC (Association of Free Lutheran Congregations) church, his appreciation for Lutheran theology, and how his background in the Evangelical Free Church influences his current perspective. Other topics covered include the theology of the holiness movement, the Mormon Church’s evolving doctrine, and the tension between tradition and adaptability in Christian history. Things To Check Out:Follow Matt on Elon Musk's X Matt's TMBH Website The Ten Minute Bible Hour YouTube Channel The Ten Minute Bible Hour Podcast (Also on YouTube!) No Dumb Questions Ironwood RhinoPlease Consider GivingNifty Links: Join the Community Click Here to Check Out the Store Click Here to Donate Greatest Theology Newsletter on the Planet

Pastor Jeremy Latzke, an LCMS pastor, shares his journey from resisting the call to ministry to embracing pastoral life. He discusses the joys and challenges of preaching, teaching, and shepherding a diverse congregation, along with reflections on faith, vocation, and the complexities of church life. In this episode of Lutheran Answers, Pastor Jeremy Latzke joins the conversation to discuss his life and ministry in the LCMS. He shares how he initially resisted going into church work, having come from a long line of Lutheran educators and pastors. Originally aspiring to be a sports broadcaster, he ultimately felt God’s call to ministry during his time at Concordia Chicago, where he shifted from a teaching path to pre-seminary studies. The discussion delves into his experiences at Concordia Seminary St. Louis and his journey into pastoral ministry, including his early struggles, the impact of COVID-19 on his congregation, and the challenge of maintaining unity in a time of deep division. He also discusses his approach to Bible study, how to engage both seasoned believers and those returning to the faith, and the joys of preaching—especially at funerals, where the Gospel can be proclaimed most clearly. Pastor Latzke also shares his experiences working with a group of Pakistani Christians, walking them through Lutheran doctrine and welcoming them into the church. The episode closes with reflections on faith, pastoral care, and trusting God's guidance in difficult situations. Please Consider GivingNifty Links: Join the Community Click Here to Check Out the Store Click Here to Donate Greatest Theology Newsletter on the Planet

Megan Maldonado, a medievalist and doctoral student, explores the richness of medieval literature and its contemporary relevance. From discussing Dante's Divine Comedy to addressing the challenges of AI and technological shifts, this episode bridges the past with the present in a thoughtful and engaging dialogue. This episode of Lutheran Answers features Megan Maldonado, a medieval literature scholar and Lutheran, sharing her insights on the enduring significance of the Middle Ages. Megan recounts her journey into medieval studies, sparked by a love for English literature and a pivotal class on Dante’s Divine Comedy. She highlights the interplay of theology and literature, emphasizing how medieval works allow for a nuanced exploration of faith and morality in an academic context. The discussion also touches on misconceptions about medieval life, such as myths about holiday frequency and idealized portrayals of peasants' lives. Megan critiques the oversimplifications of medieval history and literature often perpetuated online, advocating for a more informed and nuanced understanding. Additionally, she delves into modern topics like the rise of AI, its impact on education, and the challenges of navigating misinformation in the digital age. Throughout, Megan underscores the timeless human struggles found in medieval works, offering camaraderie across centuries. Things To Check Outmegan maldonado (@megievalist) / X Megan Maldonado - YouTube Divine Comedy Sir Gawain and the Green Knight I Have No Mouth, and I Must ScreamPlease Consider GivingNifty Links: Join the Community Click Here to Check Out the Store Click Here to Donate Greatest Theology Newsletter on the Planet TranscriptRemy: Then we'll have a podcast episode and if something weird happens, then we will have had a fun conversation. Megan: Sounds good. Remy: Okay, great. Megan, thank you for being on the Lutheran Answers Show. Megan: I'm happy to be here. Thank you for having me. Remy: Tell me, are you a Lutheran? Tell me more. Megan: I am a Lutheran and I have been one since I was about a month old. That was when I was baptized into an LCMS church and I have been lifelong lcms. There was a time where I was close to becoming a Calvinist or Reformed Baptist. I was kind of taking, not membership classes, but I was doing a Bible study with the wife of a pastor at a Reformed Baptist church when I was, I think just out of high school, but narrowly escaped that. And here I dodged a bullet. Dodged a bullet, yeah, indeed. I. I have a lot of love and respect for those people, but the theology just wasn't. There's the issue of the sacraments is actually where we got into a little bit of an argument. Remy: So still Lutheran, your husband, is he lifelong Lutheran or did you missionary date him in. Megan: Oh, no, he was. When was he baptized? He was baptized as a child, not as an infant. Yes. So he was already also lcms Lutheran by the time I met him. So solid. Yeah, yeah. The missionary dating, I think is. I, I understand why, especially for women, it can be hard to find. Well, depending on where you are, it can be hard to find men in the church, even the Lutheran Church and the church in g...

Pastor Matthew Fenn, a former Jehovah's Witness and repentant Canadian, shares his remarkable journey from cultic beliefs to the Lutheran faith. In this episode, he discusses doctrinal contrasts, cultural shifts, and the profound impact of encountering the gospel of grace. This episode of Lutheran Answers features Pastor Matthew Fenn, an AALC pastor and former Jehovah's Witness, sharing his story of theological transformation. Pastor Fenn discusses his upbringing within the Jehovah's Witness tradition, highlighting its unique doctrines such as denying the Trinity, rejecting the immortality of the soul, and advocating a works-based salvation. He explains how studying Scripture, particularly Philippians 3, led him to question Jehovah’s Witness teachings and ultimately embrace Lutheran theology. Pastor Fenn also shares insights into the cultural differences between Canada and the U.S., reflecting on his move to Iowa and his experiences as a "repentant Canadian." The episode concludes with a discussion about law and gospel, the challenges of pastoral ministry, and the joys of living in grace-centered theology. Things We DiscussedFollow Pastor Fenn on X Proper Distinction of Law & Gospel The AALC ALTSPlease Consider GivingNifty Links: Join the Community Click Here to Check Out the Store Click Here to Donate Greatest Theology Newsletter on the Planet TranscriptRemy: Foreign commences Pastor Matthew Finn. Welcome, sir, to Lutheran Answers. Pr. Fenn: I'm on Lutheran Answers. Remy: Oh, yes, unfortunately, you are. I know Jordan has probably warned you away from it. Pr. Fenn: It's okay. We can, you know. Did I beat Jordan? He hasn't been on yet, has he? Remy: No. Pr. Fenn: Okay, good. Remy: No, he won't return my calls or emails or anything. Pr. Fenn: Thanks for having me. It's a pleasure to have to be on. Remy: Yeah. So I posted a video with Gage Garlinghouse in which we talked about sacred hours. The Lutheran Daily Office. Pr. Fenn: Yes. Remy: And immediately after that went up, your lawyers sent me a cease and desist, saying that unless I had you on to give you full credit for the book, I could not keep that episode up. So you are actually not Gage, you are the mastermind behind that book. Pr. Fenn: I am the mastermind behind that book. That book exists because I was frustrated with all the other books that exist. Remy: That's. I feel like the story behind most books, actually. Pr. Fenn: In all fairness, though, I mean, the treasury of Daily Prayer is an excellent resource. The Brotherhood Prayer Book is also an excellent resource. Oremus. Also very good resource. Those are the big three. But I have gripes with all of them. Remy: Why is yours better? Pr. Fenn: Because I made. Remy: It works for me. Pr. Fenn: No, ours is different. It's not intending to do the same thing. So the treasury of Daily Prayer gives you the lecture, the daily lecture that's in Lutheran service book that is not intended to be a lectionary for both matins and vespers every day. It's intending to give you an Old Testament lesson and a New Testament lesson, each of about 25 verses apiece to give you an overview. So it's not intending to try to cover the Old and New Testaments and the Psalms in. In a year....

Catholic financial advisor Daniel Catone joins Lutheran Answers to explore how Christians can steward their finances in ways that honor their faith. From ethical investing to the virtues needed for financial success, this episode offers practical and theological wisdom for navigating the world of money. In this episode of Lutheran Answers, Daniel Catone, a Catholic financial advisor and founder of Arimathea Investing, discusses the intersection of Christian values and financial stewardship. The conversation explores how Christians can align their investments with their faith, focusing on avoiding support for industries that conflict with Christian ethics, such as abortion, pornography, and anti-family policies. Daniel shares his expertise in helping religious organizations and individuals manage their assets conscientiously, offering insights into Catholic investment guidelines and the moral implications of financial decisions. The discussion also covers broader financial topics, including the pitfalls of speculative investments like cryptocurrency, the behavioral aspect of financial success, and critiques of mainstream financial advice figures like Dave Ramsey. Daniel emphasizes the importance of virtues like prudence and courage in navigating financial decisions and stresses that all wealth ultimately belongs to God and should be stewarded accordingly. Things We DiscussedFollow Daniel on X Arimathea Investing The Psychology of Money Fooled by Randomness RCC 2021 Guidelines to Ethical InvestingParting ThoughtEvery dollar we manage is ultimately God’s treasure, entrusted to us for His purposes. As Christians, our financial decisions should reflect our faith, guided by virtues like courage and prudence, ensuring that we honor God not just with our words but also with our wallets. Please Consider GivingNifty Links: Join the Community Click Here to Check Out the Store Click Here to Donate Greatest Theology Newsletter on the Planet TranscriptRemy: Should be it. Yeah. This is live. So anyway, the way my apartment is set up behind me over here is the kitchen and then that's my front door. Daniel: Oh, funny. Remy: So I can't. This is the only place I can put my computer because it's like an open floor plan. Oh. Daniel: Yeah. Remy: So I just have the old shower curtain. I. It's funny, I. Sometimes I put it like upside down or sideways so, like the books are wrong and so far no one has noticed. Daniel: So, I mean, I would have noticed, brother. Backgrounds are kind of fun, man. It's like I spent a lot of time on my background actually. You can actually see some of my artifacts. I have a lot. Quite a collection of artifacts. We can talk about that too. Remy: Yeah, yeah. Well, I mean, so far the only thing that I'm getting out of this is that you're a Catholic billionaire. Once again, that's. That's, that's what I'm getting. Daniel: I don't think that's a good idea. Remy: I. I don't have artifacts. No, no. Daniel: You talk about that a little bit. I. It's funny. Every year I try to find one or two topics that I both know nothing...

Presbyterian YouTuber Redeemed Zoomer joins Lutheran Answers to discuss his journey from viral Minecraft videos to advocating for reform within mainline Protestant denominations. He dives into Calvinist theology, the challenges of internet fame, and the bold Reconquista movement aiming to restore historic church institutions. In this episode of Lutheran Answers, the guest is "Redeemed Zoomer," a Presbyterian YouTuber and advocate for reforming mainline Protestant denominations. The discussion begins with his background, theology, and unique position as a Calvinist who values ecumenical dialogue. He describes his journey from being a viral Minecraft YouTuber to becoming a prominent voice in theology and his advocacy for the Reconquista movement—a strategy for reforming liberal mainline churches from within. The conversation covers Reformed theology, including views on predestination, perseverance of the saints, and baptism. Redeemed Zoomer explains the nuanced goals of the Reconquista movement, emphasizing loyalty to historic church institutions and the need to influence them positively rather than abandoning them. He also critiques various Christian traditions, shares his experience with internet fame, and highlights the challenges of balancing public theology with personal conviction. The discussion closes with thoughts on his theological influences, providence, and his enduring faith in the face of challenges. Things We DiscussedRedeemed Zoomer on X Redeemed Zoomer's YouTube Operation ReconquistaChurch Map Crossbearer Jordan Cooper Bryan WolfmuellerConsider Contributing to Lutheran Answers!Feel free to submit articles, answers, or volunteer to be on the podcast. We're always looking for as much help as possible in making this thing happen! Either Join the Discord or Email Me! Parting ThoughtGod's providence is evident in the small and great moments of life, guiding His people through challenges to fulfill His purposes. Whether reforming churches or simply holding onto faith, we must be sure to trust Him and remain steadfast in the work He has set before us. Please Consider GivingNifty Links: Join the Community Click Here to Check Out the Store Click Here to Donate Greatest Theology Newsletter on the Planet Transcript[00:00:08] Remy: And people take that doctrinal agreement to then mean like a ton more than it does. But the AALC has a slightly different polity, and we have a completely different history from the lcms, you know, and we like those distinctions and we want to keep them. I don't know. What about you? I was told I. I put it out there to. I'm recording now, by the way. We're going. This is it. Welcome to the show. I put it out there that I was gonna. What should I ask you? And I was told. I was told to ask you. Why a...

Dr. Chris Caughey joins Lutheran Answers to uncover the rich tapestry of Christ in the Old Testament, exploring types, shadows, and promises fulfilled in Jesus. From Moses’ intercession to Jonah’s struggles, this episode reveals the deep Christological threads woven through Scripture. In this episode of Lutheran Answers, Dr. Chris Caughey, Lutheran pastor and scholar, discusses the presence of Christ in the Old Testament. The conversation explores how key figures like Moses, Abraham, David, and Joseph serve as types and shadows pointing to Christ’s ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. Dr. Caughey explains the purpose of the Mosaic Law, Israel's need for a perfect representative, and the significance of Old Testament events and symbols, such as the Passover and manna, as precursors to the Eucharist. The discussion also delves into more nuanced topics, like biblical theology, the organic growth of God’s revelation in Scripture, and how figures like Jonah and Esther embody themes that ultimately point to Christ. Through lively dialogue, the episode illuminates the profound interconnectedness of Scripture and its focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ. More From Dr. CaugheyFollow Dr. Caughey on X The Tale of Two AdamsParting ThoughtAs the Old Testament clearly reveals, God’s plan for salvation has always centered on Christ. Each figure and event in Scripture points us toward the one who fulfills the law, bears our sin, and leads us to the ultimate promised land. In Christ, we find the better Adam, Moses, and David—the perfect Savior who brings life and redemption to all. Please Consider GivingNifty Links: Join the Community Click Here to Check Out the Store Click Here to Donate Greatest Theology Newsletter on the Planet Transcript[00:00:00] Remy: I have written my thesis, obviously, my outline. I've got at least a draft done, and I'm working on, you know, building that out. None of that. I've got an outline. I've definitely done the research, and I've got mental notes. [00:00:31] Dr. Caughey: So that's as much of the paper as is done, huh? [00:00:35] Remy: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Don't tell my professor. [00:00:39] Dr. Caughey: Okay. It'll be our little secret. [00:00:42] Remy: Excellent. Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, I. I do have time slated to work on it, though, so. Oh, hiding your background. [00:00:55] Dr. Caughey: Well, I'm just wondering if I should. [00:01:00] Remy: I'm leaving all this in. They've already seen the background. [00:01:05] Dr. Caughey: Very nice. Okay. [00:01:15] Remy: Oh, oh, from beyond the void or. Oh, interesting, interesting, fascinating. Dr. Cahi, thank you for volunteering to be on my show. [00:01:38] Dr. Caughey: Well, thank you, Remy. It's good to be here. [00:01:40] Remy: Yes, sir. How long have we known each other now? [00:01:46] Dr. Caughey: Oh, my goodness. At least two years, doesn't it? [00:01:51] Remy: Two years? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Because it was the 2023 Pastors Conference. I think we have, like, really met for the first time. [00:02:01] Dr. Caughey: Right. But we may have bumped him into each other in a. In a, you know, class or something before that. [00:02:09] Remy: Yeah. And I think Twitter as well. [00:02:12] Dr. Caughey: Yes. [00:02:...

Lutheran, Fantasy Writer, Imperfect Human Being. This episode of Lutheran Answers features Jeremy Abrahamson, a Lutheran author and member of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS). Jeremy discusses his upbringing as the son of a long-serving pastor, his own educational journey, and his experiences as a writer. He introduces his new book, a dark fantasy novel titled Eight Witch Hunters, blending themes of tragedy, Christian theology, and gothic storytelling. Jeremy elaborates on the book's inspiration, mentioning influences like Cormac McCarthy, Glenn Cook, and Tolkien, as well as his approach to integrating subtle Christian themes into a violent, brooding narrative. The discussion also touches on broader themes such as the nature of writing, the balance of faith in storytelling, and the challenges of staying authentic as an author. Jeremy shares anecdotes about his influences and his writing process, including his motivations, inspirations, and the theological and philosophical underpinnings of his work. Check Out Jeremy's StuffJeremy's X Jeremy's Linktree Eight Witch Hunters The Chain - and other short storiesOther Things We DiscussedBooksBlood Meridian The Black CompanyBook One Book Two Book Three Book Four The Lord of The Rings The Hobbit The Silmarillion A Canticle for Leibowitz The Complete Harry Potter Series The Book of the Long SunBook One Book Two Book Three Book Four Messiah: The Greatest Sermon Ever SungMoviesNo Country for Old Men The Last JediVideo GamesSpec Ops: The Line Elden RingThe Reverend Doctor Jordan Bartholemew CooperRev. Dr. Jordan B. CooperJust & SinnerPrevious Episodes We MentionedTony Pittenger's Episode Lisa Cooper's EpisodeParting ThoughtsDon’t shy away from challenging material—whether in literature, faith, or life itself. Growth often comes through grappling with what’s difficult, sitting with it, and letting it refine your understanding. Resist the urge to...

Are Mormons Christians? Click Here for our full article. Make sure to check out Truth In Love Ministries and support their efforts. Truth In Love Ministries Jesus Is Enough Be Ye Perfect Get The book! Speaking The Truth In Love by Mark J. CaresPlease Consider GivingNifty Links: Join the Community Click Here to Check Out the Store Click Here to Donate Greatest Theology Newsletter on the Planet Transcript[00:00:03] Mark: We didn't. [00:00:04] Remy: Great. [00:00:04] Mark: This was perfect. This was just. Let's. Let's visit and catch up. [00:00:10] Remy: Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. Pastor Mark, thank you so much for willing to. Being willing to come back on to the show, huh? [00:00:21] Mark: Absolutely. Thanks for the opportunity. [00:00:24] Remy: Yeah, you're. Your episodes were some of my favorite last season. Some of my favorite that, that I, that I've ever. [00:00:40] Mark: Thank you. [00:00:40] Remy: Yeah, I actually, I started watching a. An ex Mormon and so many Mormons deconstruct into atheism, which is sad because they're just as lost. Right. And that's, that's so depressing. And I got to watching this girl on YouTube named Alyssa Grinfell. [00:01:11] Mark: I think, yes, she is the up and coming ex Mormon influencer, if you want to call her that. [00:01:17] Remy: Yeah, yeah, yeah. She. I mean, I have watched probably most of her videos start to finish and there's long man. They're like, she puts out really long form content, but it's so captivating. And I'm trying to get her on the show honestly, just to chat, but she doesn't respond to my emails. [00:01:37] Mark: Mine either, so we're the same boat. [00:01:41] Remy: But I was watching one of her videos and it was something she said and I don't know if she worded it exactly like this or kind of like this, but it made me realize her videos that if you're a woman in the LDS faith, the best you can hope for. The best you can hope for is. And it's, it's. I'm sorry, this is harsh and it's like a hard way to put it, but the best thing that there is for you in eternity is to be. [00:02:15] Mark: A sex slave and perpetually pregnant. Propagating your worlds. Yeah, yeah. [00:02:22] Remy: And that's it. And like that's for LDS women. That's like, that is LDS men are the ones that get all of the, all of the blessing. You get to be a God of your own planet and do all this. LDS women, you get exalted, but your only purpose is to provide spirit children to populate the world. And you talk to LDS people about this and they. I've tried it a few times and they get really defensive because it's a very offensive thing to say. But then you ask them questions. You say, well, what does Heavenly Mother do in our daily lives? Are we allowed to pray to Heavenly Mother? No. And then here's the real big one. Is there only one Heavenly Mother? LDS doctrine doesn't actually clarify that. [00:03:17] Mark: It doesn't. It is one of the most under expounded upon doctrines but overly embraced doctrines of Mormonism. And when it comes to specifically women that are leaving the church today, I would say Alyssa is really resonati...

Today I'm joined by Ryan Howard, an LC—MS DCE (Director of Christian Education), to talk about youth ministry. Follow Ryan: @BigHowie8 on X @BigHowie8 on MediumPlease Consider GivingNifty Links: Join the Community Click Here to Check Out the Store Click Here to Donate Greatest Theology Newsletter on the Planet Transcript[00:00:04] Remy: Thank you so much for joining me on Lutheran Answers. How you doing? [00:00:11] Ryan: Doing okay. It's been kind of a crazy couple of weeks. We had a really big wedding at our church, and we were involved in that. It was our. Our senior pastor's daughter got married, so. [00:00:24] Remy: Oh, wow. [00:00:25] Ryan: Really big deal. And my kids were in it, and we were in it, and we were doing all kinds of stuff. And so that was last week, and then this week we've been trying to recover, and of course, you know, my kids got sick, of course, and all that. So crazy. And we also have family in Florida, so we've been worried about them, but they're all okay. Everyone's good. [00:00:47] Remy: Good, good. [00:00:49] Ryan: So how are you? [00:00:50] Remy: I'm all right, man. Tired. Just, you know, working and school and everything else. Just getting through it. Thank you for asking. [00:00:58] Ryan: Yeah, of course. [00:01:00] Remy: So we were talking a little bit before we got started here, and you're a DCE, and you come from a long line of DCEs, or educators in general, I guess. [00:01:10] Ryan: Yeah. Yeah. [00:01:12] Remy: Recap that for me. [00:01:13] Ryan: Yeah, so I. I've been a DCE for almost 10 years now. I'm currently serving in the Houston, Texas area. Before that, I was in. I was on Long Island, New York. That's a. That's a distinction. You can't say in Long Island. You have to say on Long Island. [00:01:30] Remy: Okay. [00:01:32] Ryan: What I learned that I'm not from there, but. Yeah. So I got my DCE certification at Concordia University in Chicago, and that was great. My father is a DCE now. He does primarily music ministry. He's an organist and choir director, but he also did youth ministry before that. And his parents were both Lutheran educators. My grandmother taught kindergarten for, like, 40 some years. My grandfather was a teacher and then a principal in Lutheran schools for a long time. And. Yeah, so it's kind of run in the family. This Lutheran education has always been a part of who I am and. And hopefully will continue for a long time. [00:02:23] Remy: Yeah. Good. That's awesome. What's your favorite part about being a dce? [00:02:29] Ryan: I love. I love lots of. About being a dce. Probably one of my favorite parts is the awesome people that I get to work with, like other DCEs and other pastors, you know, being able to connect with other Lutheran teachers and. And learn from them and grow with them and talk to them. And, you know, you're the. The ministry team that I have, you know, and even my. You know, it's just me and. And my pastor at my church, which is great, but, you know, just in our District, we have other DCEs and other workers and professionals that I get to connect with regularly. And, you know, the Lutheran world being kind of small, I really enjoy that because I really love meeting people and seeing what they're doing and, and yeah, just we're all, we're all going about the same mission in lots of different ways and it's really coo...

Make sure to follow @PastorDeberny! Nifty Links: Join the Community Click Here to Check Out the Store Click Here to Donate Greatest Theology Newsletter on the Planet Transcript[00:00:00] Remy: Reverend Deberny. Thank you so much for being willing to come on my show and talk to me. [00:00:09] Rev. Deberny: Oh, it's a pleasure. Thank you for having me on. I love to, love to talk to fellow Lutherans about our faith, about the church and anything I can do to help. [00:00:20] Remy: So to get this started, just sort of generally around what we're going to be talking about. If you could introduce yourself. How long have you been doing ministry? Where are you at currently? Where'd you graduate from? Tell us a little bit about yourself. [00:00:35] Rev. Deberny: Oh, I love talking about myself. [00:00:38] Remy: Don't we all. [00:00:39] Rev. Deberny: So my story, I like to say in the LCMS I would be what you call a system guy in that I just kind of went through the system. I, I grew up in an LCMS congregation out in Buffalo and Niagara Falls and I knew when I was seven years old I was going to be a pastor. It's the divine call. God just calls you and I think that kind of is an example of that. I saw my pastor, he came to visit us. We, it was a school associated with the church and the pastor would visit every day and I saw him like that. That's, that's what I want to do. And I've had a lot of support, I had a lot of support from family, from friends. This is a vocation that you should pursue. So I went through the system. After high school I went to a Concordia, Concordia Nebraska where I studied conc. Computer science but also the pre seminary program, getting my Greek and Hebrew, all that done, graduated in three years with the Bachelor's of arts. And then you had to make the choice which seminary you're going to go to. And fortunately the computer science degree actually turned into a career at Concordia Publishing House. I developed software for a church management called Shepherd Staff. And so the choice of where I would go to seminary became easy because I had a side gig at in St. Louis. So I went to Concordia St. Louis for a Master of Divinity education and for after two years I got my vicarage assignment. And that vicarage assignment was kind of crazy because that was the 2020 year, which if you remember that was during the COVID pandemic. So I actually found out where I was going on vicarage at home, no call Service, over the TV. It was crazy. I was called to Garden City, New York which about, I would say a 30 minute drive east of New York City, Manhattan. And I spent a year there learning about, you know, what it means to be a pastor with the field experience. It definitely was a fit for me. I didn't know if I was going to be coming back to New York. But I remember our district president. He was not district president yet, but he came to visit me during vicarage and he gave me the old like, so where do you think you would fit in as a pastor if you were to come back to our district? That kind of talk. Right. And so after my fourth year we received our call assignments and sure enough I returned to the same district. And now I am a pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Mastic Beach, New York which is about 60 miles east of the city, so further east on the island. And I am now in my third year. So two years ministry have not scared me off. God be praised for that. He has been with me in my ministry and I thank him every day. I thank him for the support I've received. I got called to a wonderful cong...