Best Luther Seminarys Podcasts (2025)

1
The Reformation: Exploring the Five Solas and the split from the Catholic Church 46:33

2d ago46:33

46:33

Explore the transformative moment in Christian history that reshaped theological understanding forever: the Reformation in 1517. In this episode of the TNC Podcast, Pastor Joe, Tom Helmich, Tevo Christmann, and Roseann Bowlin dive into the Reformation, examining Martin Luther's groundbreaking challenges to the Catholic Church and the emergence of t…

1
Sunday Message: The Church Split - How Martin Luther Sparked a Spiritual Reformation in 1517 34:29

4d ago34:29

34:29

Pastor Joe takes a deep dive into the Reformation, a little church history lesson, talking about the BIG split from the Catholic church in the year 1500 that created Protestant Churches (not Catholic) like Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopal, etc. It is the incredible story of Martin Luther and how one man's faith challenged an entire religious system. …

1
Tolkien’s Way – Dr. Charles Arand and Dr. Kent Burreson 30:09

7d ago30:09

30:09

J.R.R. Tolkien is best known for his fantasy novels “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. While not allegories, the narratives are thick with theology. Join Dr. Charles Arand and Dr. Kent Burreson as they discuss the ways Tolkien weaves eternal truths into his fairy stories.By Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

1
"The Making of a Pastor: Tom's Seminary Experience" 44:24

9d ago44:24

44:24

Join us as we dive deep into the faithful world of seminary education with Tom Helmich. Tom shares his seven-year journey towards pastoral ordination through the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Wartburg Theological Seminary. This is an inside look at the rigorous process of becoming a Lutheran pastor. From psychological evaluations and theological …

1
Sunday Message: "I am church shopping..." 31:31

11d ago31:31

31:31

Join Pastor Joe Liles as he starts a new Series called, "Church Shopping." This series is.. “An honest look at how church has changed—and why what we’re really searching for is something only God can give.” Pastor Joe will explore the origins of the Christian church in this message about faith, community, and the transformative power of the Holy Sp…

1
"He Is Not Here: Are You Looking for Jesus in the Right Places?" - Easter Podcast 58:38

15d ago58:38

58:38

Join Pastor Joe Liles, Roseanne, and Tavo as they dive deep into the resurrection story and the messy, beautiful realities of faith, family, and following Jesus. In this raw and candid episode, we explore the Easter message, unpack the challenges of new parenthood, and ask the crucial question: Are you experiencing God where He is moving, or stuck …

1
Easter Message: "Jesus is on the move..." 20:47

18d ago20:47

20:47

In this Easter Message, Pastor Joe unpacks the unexpected meaning of Christ's resurrection, asking each of us to look beyond our past and embrace a future filled with God's promise. Even the disciples didn't believe what Christ said, that he must be crucified, die, and rise, but we live in the knowledge of the Resurrection as the church today! We a…

1
Day 7 for Work, Rest or Play – Dr. Joel Biermann and Dr. Joel Okamoto 35:09

24d ago35:09

35:09

Join us in a discussion about the Sabbath with systematic professors Dr. Joel Biermann and Dr. Joel Okamoto. Biermann’s newly published book, Day 7: for Work, Rest, or Play, has a unique take on the seventh day and what it means to keep the Sabbath. Don’t miss it!By Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

1
"Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: Unpacking Anger and Jesus' Righteous Emotion" 41:30

30d ago41:30

41:30

In this episode of the podcast, Pastor Joe, Pastor Tom Helmich, Roseann and Tyra, explore and unpack the often misunderstood emotion of anger within the context of spiritual growth. Drawing from the narrative of Jesus cleansing the temple, they make a critical distinction between destructive anger and righteous emotion. Breaking down the biblical t…

1
Jesus Wept...When was the last time you truly let yourself feel sadness? 33:29

1M ago33:29

33:29

In this deeply personal episode of the TNC Podcast, Pastor Joe Liles, Tom Helmich, and Roseanne Bowlin explore the complex emotions of sadness and grief through the lens of the biblical story of Lazarus. Drawing from personal experiences and theological insights, they unpack the nuanced journey of mourning, discussing the stages of grief, the impor…

1
Ecclesiastes and Job: Together at Last – Dr. Tim Saleska 32:13

1M ago32:13

32:13

Dr. Tim Saleska, Old Testament scholar and professor of exegetical theology, explores the book of Ecclesiastes. He presents the idea that Job and Ecclesiastes are better understood in light of each other. “Job asks for an answer to suffering. Ecclesiastes puts us on the edge of meaninglessness,” said Saleska. “They inform each other, both deal with…

1
When You’re Not Okay...Overwhelmed and Facing What’s Underneath 59:53

1M ago59:53

59:53

In this week's episode of the TNC Podcast, we're diving deep into the dangerous territory of "I'm Fine" - you know, that classic response we all give when things are definitely NOT fine. Pastor Joe Liles and the team crack open a raw conversation about emotional honesty, exploring how we hide behind those two simple words. Discover the surprising e…

1
"I'm Fine, Everything's Fine" - Exploring Emotionally Healthy Spirituality 56:04

2M ago56:04

56:04

Ever find yourself saying "I'm fine" when you're anything but? Join Pastor Joe Liles, Tom Helmich, and Roseann from The Neighborhood Church as they dive deep into what it really means to have an emotionally healthy spiritual life. Based on Peter Scazzero's groundbreaking book, this podcast peels back the layers of our typical spiritual performances…

1
Genesis, Giants, and Jesus – Dr. Thomas Egger 35:27

2M ago35:27

35:27

The first few chapters of Genesis are ancient history, yet they reveal essential truths about our present and future. Join us as Dr. Thomas Egger, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis answers questions about Genesis 1 – 11. He shares the significance of primeval history in the understanding of Christ. “Does God have the power to raise my love…

1
What happens when you "let go" and "let God?"...special guests Tyra Dennis and Pastor Drew Trucker 57:55

2M ago57:55

57:55

Join Pastor Joe Liles, featuring special guests Tyra Dennis, an interim worship leader from Los Angeles, and Drew Tucker, executive director of Camp Hopewood in Ohio. Dive into a conversation about leadership, mentorship, creativity in ministry, and the transformative power of inviting others to use their gifts. Discover inspiring stories of person…

1
Breaking the Piggy Bank - A Journey of Faith, Generosity, and Transformation 50:07

2M ago50:07

50:07

Join Pastor Joe Liles, Tom Helmich, and Roseanne as they dive deep into the meaning of true treasure, exploring how faith, generosity, and personal growth intersect. Through a powerful message, watermelon-smashing illustration, and candid conversations about life, leadership, and calling, this podcast reveals how we can break open our spiritual pig…

1
Faith Alone: We Really Mean It – Dr. Robert Kolb and Dr. Joel Okamoto 36:15

2M ago36:15

36:15

“I think our students would all agree that we are justified by faith, but it doesn't look like they actually believe that,” said Dr. Joel Okamoto, professor of systematic theology. “The critical question is, why does God like me today? Our students are having a particularly hard time, struggling to get there,” said Dr. Robert Kolb, professor emerit…

1
Beyond Sunday...the church goes outside in the cold. 47:20

2M ago47:20

47:20

In this week's TNC Podcast, Pastor Joe Liles, Tom Helmich, and Roseanne dive into a heartfelt discussion on generosity, community, and living out faith. Celebrating the birth of Tevo's daughter Hope, the team explores the meaning of Christian kindness through personal stories and a deep dive into Second Corinthians. Highlights include Tom's spontan…

1
Job’s Platitudes – Dr. Tim Saleska 35:57

3M ago35:57

35:57

The wisdom in the book of Job often gets tangled with platitudes of our own making. Which is which? “Job is dealing with the idea of a kind of a suffering that's incomprehensible and he gives us permission to speak very differently to and about God,” said Dr. Tim Saleska, professor of exegetical theology. Join us as Dr. Saleska faces Job head-on.…

1
Snack Packs and the Joy of Service 54:08

3M ago54:08

54:08

This week Pr Joe is joined by Roseann Bowlin and Tevo Christmann discussing the purpose of hosting a Snack Pack even during worship and meditating on the role of service in the Christian life. Philippians 3: 7 Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I regard everything as loss because of th…

1
Not For Sordid Gain: The Heart vs The Business of Church 51:56

3M ago51:56

51:56

This week Pr Joe is joined by Roseann Bowlin and Tevo Christmann in going over 1 Peter 5. In this passage Peter exhorts the church on how to reconcile the hierarchical structures needed to organize large groups of people on the one hand, with the agape love that is to be the mark of a healthy Christian community on the other. His answer: humility. …

1
Literature and Theology: “'My Ántonia’ and ‘Babette’s Feast’”- Dr. Kent Burreson and Dr. Ryan Tinetti 33:31

3M ago33:31

33:31

In this new series of episodes, professors explore the theological impact of their favorite pieces of literature. “Literature can help us to see the transcendent truths of the gospel anew,” said Dr. Ryan Tinetti, professor of Practical Theology. “It can help us deepen our experience, our understanding and our sympathy for folks from all walks of li…

1
You're a Stone in the Temple, a Priest in the Kingdom 54:10

3M ago54:10

54:10

This week Pr Joe is joined by Roseann Bowlin, Tom Helmich, and last and for sure least, Tevo Christmann. We talk about Brandon Cox's message on Sunday when he reminded the Church that (read in Oprah's voice) "you're a priest, you're a priest, you're a priest, everyone's a priest." 1 Peter 2 4 Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals …

1
Pain, and Disappointment, and Heaven, and... Hospitality 54:43

4M ago54:43

54:43

This week Pr Joe is joined by Roseann Bowlin and Tevo Christmann in going over the book of 1 Peter, more specifically the first 10 verses of the 4th chapter. Peter urges the church in Rome to be hospitable to one another. In the context of persecution Peter appeals to the hope of heaven as an impetus for love when all else seems to be failing. 1 Pe…

1
Starting Off The Year Faithfully (Part 2) 1:03:45

4M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

This week we are joined by none other than our most specialest Director of Operations Roseann Bowlin, who graced us with her easy going joy and faithfulness. You can expect to hear more from here going forward! We continue going over Pr Joe's suggestions for starting the year: 1) Find one person to walk your faith WITH... start by praying with them…

1
The Holy Spirit in the Gospel of Luke – Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez and Dr. Jeffrey Oschwald 34:33

4M ago34:33

34:33

Dr. Leopoldo Sánchez, professor of systematic theology and Dr. Jeff Oschwald, professor of exegetical theology, discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of Luke. “You’ve got to ‘land the dove,’ listening to what the Spirit was doing in the life of Jesus and in our lives,” said Sánchez. “The presence of God is in Jesus in a completely uniqu…

1
Starting Off the Year Faithfully (Part 1) - Community and Prayer 42:59

4M ago42:59

42:59

To start off the year Pr Joe and Tevo begin to breakdown the 5 challenges Pr Joe presented to the church on Sunday. The book of John tells us that the in the beginning the Word was WITH God and the Word WAS God. In what is one of the most revealing Christological passages in Scripture we are shown that God inherently relational. As image bearers, w…

1
Sabbath Sunday - Christmas Is Hope Into The New Year 40:42

4M ago40:42

40:42

This week Pr Joe is joined by Tom Helmich and Tevo Christmann for a podcast that was supposed to be about Christmas but turned out to be mostly Tevo sharing stories of praying, hoping, and seeing it happen. In a way that surprised us too, the podcast did turn out to be about Christmas because Christmas is precisely a story of praying, hoping and se…

1
Advent: The Winnowing Fork Is Good News For Us 51:32

5M ago51:32

51:32

This Week Par Joe, Tom and Tevo recap the joy of the KidCity Christmas play "The Bethlehem News Network" and we reminisce on the not-so-behind-the-scenes mishaps during the play. Today's passage comes out of Luke 3, when John the Baptist announces the coming of the one who yields the winnowing fork and separates the wheat form the chaff. Hint: It's…

1
Resilient Witness in Dark Times – Dr. Chad Lakies and President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer 35:57

5M ago35:57

35:57

How should the church respond to its declining influence in today’s culture? Join Dr. Chad Lakies and President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer as they continue the discussion about Lakies’s new book How the Light Shines Through: Resilient Witness in Dark Times.By Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

1
Not What I Expected: God Spoke And Everything Changed 40:59

5M ago40:59

40:59

This week Kim returns and brings an extra special guest. You cannot hear him because he is at this stage mostly non-verbal, but trust us Luke Kirby is on this podacst. Pr Joe, Kim and Tevo read out of Matthew 2 the announcement heard by the magi and reflect situations in our lives when God speaks unexpectedly and changes everything. Support the sho…

1
It's Advent Season - The Most Wonderful News Given To The Least Wonderful Shepherds 56:30

5M ago56:30

56:30

PR Joe and Tevo get together to muse on the church goings-on leading up to what some believe to be the most wonderful time of the year. Today's reading is out of Luke 2:8-20, the story of the angel's announcement of Christ's to the Shepherds in the field. In an unexpected moment, these lowly shepherds receive the most wonderful news: our savior is …

1
The Luther That Lutherans Never Knew - Dr. Stephen Pietsch and Dr. Jason Lane 32:22

5M ago32:22

32:22

“I’ve been reading Luther’s mail for a long time now,” said Dr. Stephen Pietsch, associate professor of Practical Theology. “Martin Luther was not only a bull-headed reformer — but also a gentle, wise correspondent.” Join Pietsch and Dr. Jason Lane, associate professor of Historical Theology, as they discuss Pietsch’s research into the letters that…

1
A Seat At The Table - Cornelius and the Breaking of Barriers 52:27

6M ago52:27

52:27

This week Pr Joe Liles is joined by Tom Helmich and Tevo Christmann in reflecting on the story of Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10. Cornelius was a Roman centurion who believed, gave alms and prayed constantly. However, as a gentile and a Roman, he did not enjoy participation in the Jewish community. After Pentecost, gentiles were coming to Christ an…

1
Never Let Issues Prevent Relationships – Dr. Chad Lakies and President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer 35:03

6M ago35:03

35:03

Join Dr. Chad Lakies and President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer as they discuss “insider versus outsider” mentality and explore some ways to build positive relationships with those on the other side of the fence.By Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

1
A Seat At The Table with Emily Harkins 1:20:05

6M ago1:20:05

1:20:05

This week Pr Joe is joined by Tom Helmich, Tevo Christmann and very special guest Emily Harkins who, having preached at church on Sunday, stayed a couple of extra days to share a bit more of how she creates room for unlikely people to have a seat at the table. Emily Harkins was ordained as a Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELC…

1
Only the Spirit can Give you a Seat at the Table 59:18

6M ago59:18

59:18

This week Pr Joe is joined by Tom Helmich, Tevo Christmann and first-time special guest Bryan O'Patry to discuss the first chapter of the book of Acts. This discussion follows up Tom's message this past Sunday where he talked about the primacy of the work of the Holy Spirit over any thing done by human beings. As an example he discussed baptism as …

1
Can We Talk? Opinions May Differ 47:55

6M ago47:55

47:55

In the Church today, like in the time Paul wrote the letter to the Romans, it is possible to hold different opinions from our brothers and sisters in Christ. In Romans paul sets out to explain how that is possible. First, he explains that we are all fallen, and therefore are are all equal. Then he explains that our justification comes from Christ a…

1
Jerusalem at the Time of Jesus – Dr. Jodi Magness and Dr. David Adams 34:53

6M ago34:53

34:53

World-renowned archeologist Dr. Jodi Magness shares her findings from decades of excavations in Israel. “The world of Jesus 2000 years ago was as alien to us as life on Mars. It was a completely different world,” said Magness in this discussion with Professor of Exegetical Theology Dr. David Adams.By Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

1
The Meaning of Mission and the Power of Justification 54:34

7M ago54:34

54:34

**We are aware of the problem with this audio and decided to post this podacst anyway** Pr Joe returns with Tom Helmich, Tevo Christmann and second time special guest Taylor Smith in reading from Romans 5, exploring the meaning of Mission, and understanding that the mark of justification, which we are given by faith, is what leads us to mission in …

1
Can We Talk? Hard Conversations For True Relationships 51:48

7M ago51:48

51:48

While Pr Joe Liles travels and Tom Helmich enjoy vacation, Kim and Ryan Kirby, Cheryl Schilb and Tevo Christmann get together to discuss the necessity and purpose of hard conversations. Support the show Check out more here...By theneighborhood.church

1
Raising Kids in a World of Digital Sexuality - DCE Caitlin Dinger, Dr. Rick Marrs, and Dr. Joel Oesch 35:06

7M ago35:06

35:06

Is social media changing the factors that contribute to the formation of sexual identity? Join this discussion between three church workers as they share their experiences working with tech-savvy youth.By Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

1
Can We Talk? Hard Conversations For Hard Truths 1:03:21

7M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

This week Pr Joe Liles is joined by Tom Helmich, Tevo Christmann and our very special and distinguished guest Taylor Smith! Taylor is a worship leader at TNC, former CORE Team member, a dad to 4 awesome girls, avid board gamer, and an all-around great guy to be around. Following the kick of to the series "Can We Talk?" where Pr Joe invited the cong…

1
Eliminate Hurry: Practice Spiritual Disciplines 54:51

7M ago54:51

54:51

In this episode Pastor Joe, Tom Helmich, Kim Kirby and Tevo Christmann share each other's strategies and hopes for growing in spiritual disciplines as they reflect back on the impact The Elimination Of Hurry study and series has had on their lives. Support the show Check out more here...By theneighborhood.church

1
Technology’s Influence on the Church: Past, Present and Future – Dr. Bernard Bull and Dr. David Maxwell 35:44

7M ago35:44

35:44

Technology is an apparent force in the world, but it’s nothing new. From scrolls to screens, innovations have shaped how we interact with God’s Word and each other. How will technology influence the church in the future? Listen to Dr. Bernard Bull and Dr. David Maxwell as they discuss their research and experience.…

1
Eliminate Hurry: Simplify 27:50

7M ago27:50

27:50

A late and short episode this week because of a total technical halt during our regularly scheduled recording. This week Pr Joe is joined by Tevo Christmann and his wife Kara in exploring strategies for simplifying life and making room for devotion. The question that opens up the podcast is "What do you hope for your devotional life to be?" which l…

1
Eliminate Hurry: Incorporate a Sabbath Rhythm 51:58

8M ago51:58

51:58

This week Pr Joe is joined by Tevo Chrsitmann and special guest..... wait for it.... KIM KIRBY! That's right, she's back! Almost as if she never left. They share about each other's habits and strategies around building a rhythm of Sabbath in their lives. What if Sabbath was the one day a week God asked you to live as if you were already in heaven, …

1
Living Hosea – Dr. Kevin Golden and Dr. David Lewis 34:58

8M ago34:58

34:58

Hosea lived out God’s message of redemption in a very tangible way. What does this minor prophet from the eighth century BC have to say to us today? Dr. Kevin Golden shares his research discoveries in a discussion with Dr. David Lewis about the incredibly relevant book of Hosea.By Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

1
Eliminate Hurry: Invite Silence and Solitude 57:29

8M ago57:29

57:29

This is Kim Kirby's last appearance on the podcast as staff. Do not be dismayed however! She is likely to continue to make appearance but, this time, uncoerced. This week we covered the what we would do if we had an extra hour? Why do we go through life distracted only to realize at some point that life has passed us by? Christ invites us to live l…

1
Is Faith Necessary For Baptism? (Baptism Part 2) 53:00

8M ago53:00

53:00

This week Pr Joe is joined by Tom Helmich and Tevo Chrsitmann in debating the question of whether faith is a necessary component of a valid baptism. On the one hand, the Bible does not specify the timing or mode of Baptist, nor is it clear about the exact state of mind of one being baptized. On the other hand, baptism in Scripture is often linked w…

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Luther Seminarys Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen