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The subtitle of Carl Trueman's latest book speaks volumes: "How the rejection of God degrades our humanity." As society has moved further and further away from a broadly accepted concept of God in the post-Enlightenment era, there have been more knock-on effects than perhaps anyone anticipated. The idea is simple: when you remove God from the picture, everything else starts to unravel. Pastor Erik Janke joins Jared and Scott to discuss Trueman's latest foray into diagnosing the current cultural milieu. The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

When pastors fill out their tax forms, they list their profession as "Minister of the Gospel." Author Heath Curtis has a different idea for our job description: "I tell people what to think." Is this a useful framework for understanding the pastor's role and the office of preaching? Pastor Ryan Gurgel joins Jared and Scott to talk about Curtis's homiletics text, "Telling People What to Think." The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

A pastor takes care of the flock, and it is a joy to do so. But what about the times when the flock needs to take care of the pastor? Are pastors willing to bring that up? Author Christopher Ash believes so, and wrote this book to alleviate some of that perceived pressure that may be on pastors to talk about themselves. Scott and Jared welcome both Pastor Lucas Proeber and Prof. Brad Wordell onto the podcast to discuss Ash's work, "The Book Your Pastor Wishes You Would Read (But Is To Embarrassed to Ask)." The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

More than just a biography of the Apostles, the book of Acts gives Christians an important look at what the Church looks like without Jesus' visible presence. One could read the book as a challenge to Christians throughout time: this is the mission of the Church, and now it's your turn. Pastor Joseph Neuberger joins Jared and Scott to discuss NT Wright's work on The Challenge of Acts. The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

Jacob, son of Isaac: Hero of Faith, or Perpetual Screw-Up? As one of the Patriarchs, Jacob is used in the Bible and in Luther's writing as a "Hall of Faith" member and forefather to look up to. As you read and re-read his account in Scripture, though, you see a picture of a man who struggled, failed, and had to be picked up time and again. There's no need to create a false dichotomy, though. The heroes of the Bible are called such not because of their greatness, but because of the greatness of God. Chad Bird uses Jacob's life as an example of what it means to be a disciple, and Pastor Joel Hopper joins Jared and Scott to examine what he has to say. The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

"Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, give rest to the weary, sustain the dying, calm the suffering, and pity the distressed; all for your love’s sake, O Christ our Redeemer." Have you ever led this prayer in a Compline service and wondered where it came from? Pastor Josh Koelpin joins Jared and Scott to examine this prayer and its contents through the work of Tisch Harrison Warren.  The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

Have you noticed a changing of the winds? Justin Brierly says he has. The subtitle for his book The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God serves as a summary: "Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again." How accurate is his claim? Pastor Evan Chartrand joins us on the pod to evaluate. The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

Spiritual discipline is a hotly discussed topic in popular Christendom, though not always in ways that we would identify as gospel-predominant. The Common Rule by Justin Earley is an award-winning book in which the author explores spiritual discipline with a cautious eye toward the legalism that often pervades the conversation. Did he manage to avoid the trap himself and provide a worthwhile read for us to establish healthy, practical frameworks for our lives as Christians? Let's discuss the book with Pastor Kurt Wetzel to find out! This will also serve as Phil's last episode as co-host of the podcast. Thanks so much for your work, Phil! We welcome Scott as our new co-host and editor of the Shepherd's Study going forward! The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

Having a healthy church sounds like a good goal. However, determining the "health" of a church is only as useful as the criteria that are used to define "health" in the first place. In this book, Mark Dever lays out a set of criteria for us to consider for congregational health. Pastor Scott Henrich joins Phil and Jared to critique Devers' 9 Marks and evaluate the evaluation.  The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

"We do not presume to come to this your table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own merits, but in your manifold and great mercies." With these words, John Kleinig begins his book on the Lord's Supper with a posture that pastors will immediately appreciate: receiving from God what he offers in the sacrament. Pastor Shaun Arndt joins Jared and Phil this month to discuss and appreciate this devotional text on Holy Communion from a confessional Lutheran author. The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

When many Americans hear the word "Advent," in the month of December, they may just think of a 24-compartment calendar with little bits of chocolate in each box. By observing the season of Advent, we are countercultural even within the context of American Christianity. How can we further utilize this great historic season to truly prepare the hearts of our people for the coming of Jesus Christ? Pastor Patrick Freese joins us to discuss Fleming Rutledge's postil of Advent sermons for some ideas. The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

No guest this week - Jared and Phil take some time to talk shop about the Shepherd's Study podcast, and then spend some time discussing "The 25th: New and Selected Christmas Essays" by Joshua Gibbs. Join us for a relaxed episode as we approach the Advent season! The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

Jonathan Haidt says we've got a problem on our hands. Literally, a problem is on our hands, in the palm of our hands, all the time. Haidt argues in The Anxious Generation that the arrival of smartphones as a main fixture in modern society has had a deeply significant and often toxic impact upon us all, especially on those born after 1995 who have been raised in a smartphone-centric world. While it is not a religious book, Phil, Jared, and guest Pastor Brett Krause discuss The Anxious Generation as its topic pertains to our churches, schools, and families. The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

For as much as we claim to love variety and feel the need to shake things up every now and again, it remains true that human beings thrive on routine. That's true when we're students in school, or when we're adults in the work force...and yes, it's true when we're Christians in worship! Tish Harrison Warren expounds on this in her book, Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life. Phil and Jared are joined by Pastor Jacob Behnken to talk about the joy and beauty of structure in life and in worship. The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

Have you noticed that funerals are becoming less and less common? You're not just imagining things--this is a national trend. But trends don't happen in a vacuum. What are the philosophical and theological underpinnings that are leading to this trend, and how can we recapture the beauty and even necessity of the Christian Funeral? Phil, Jared, and guest Pastor Lucas Proeber discuss all of this and more in light of Thomas Long's book "Accompany Them with Singing." The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work, much in the manner of an informal conversation that pops up at a circuit meeting. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.