Best Central Lutheran Church Podcasts (2024)

1
Now Hear Me Out with Pastor Ryan Braley 36:47

10h ago36:47

36:47

Have you ever considered how the faith of early Christians might challenge today's social norms? Join me, Pastor Ryan, as we close our You Pick series with a deep exploration of the book of Philemon. I share amusing and eye-opening stories from my recent trip to Tanzania, including the quirks of driving on the left side of the road and navigating s…

1
Violence in Old Testament Scripture {Reflections} 8:48

12h ago8:48

8:48

How can the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus illuminate seemingly contradictory biblical teachings? Join us as we tackle Beth's insightful question about harmonizing Old Testament laws with the transformative teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. By taking a closer look at interpretations from noted theological scholars like Greg Boyd, Mar…

1
The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength with Pastor Ryan Braley 38:11

3d ago38:11

38:11

What happens when faith, hope, and joy intertwine on a journey across continents and back to the heart? Join us as we kick off this episode with a heartfelt prayer and a reflection on Nehemiah's timeless words, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." You'll hear about the emotional rollercoaster of dropping a son off at college, and then travel wit…

1
361: Olson - The Duty of Resistance 2:22:31

35m ago2:22:31

2:22:31

Street-Fighting Man. In this episode, we continue our discussion of the question of when it is permissible for Christians to oppose civil authority. It’s more important than ever for Christians to grasp the fundamentals of vocation, the relation of politics to liturgy, the place of the sacraments within the worship of the church, and the life of Ch…

1
Finding Peace in the Darkness {Reflections} 7:58

8h ago7:58

7:58

What if the darkness you fear is the key to discovering a deeper connection with the divine? This week on Reflections, Ryan takes you through his transformative journey during a five-day retreat in the wild mountains of Colorado. Inspired by the teachings of Thomas Merton, Ryan recounts a profound night watch experience that reshaped his relationsh…

1
Do We Have to Go to Church? with Sonja Knutson 28:01

20h ago28:01

28:01

Do you really need to go to church to grow spiritually?" This is one of the thought-provoking questions we tackle in this episode as we explore the role of church attendance in deepening one's faith and relationship with Jesus. We share personal stories, like Sonia's journey of finding healing within the church community after a tumultuous childhoo…

1
360: Olson - Politics, Liturgics, and Integritas Sacramenti 2:14:23

6d ago2:14:23

2:14:23

We Worship & Adore… You? In this episode, we discuss the intersection of liturgy and politics as we read Oliver Olson’s essay, Politics, Liturgics, and Integritas Sacramenti. It’s a historical survey of liturgical practice and politics from ancient Israel to the present, discussing the importance of symbolism, meaning, and the purpose of liturgy fo…

1
Soul Work is Subtle {Reflections} 7:17

6d ago7:17

7:17

Ever felt like your soul's on mute despite your best efforts to tune in? Imagine being in the beautiful San Juan Mountains of Colorado, ready to bask in divine revelation, only to feel... nothing. Join me, Ryan Braley, as I recount my humbling journey from frustration to enlightenment during a five-day retreat. Through the lens of my own thirst for…

1
Do I Have Enough Faith? with Ben Carruthers 24:36

7d ago24:36

24:36

Ever wondered how much faith is enough? Join us as we unravel this profound question with Ben Carruthers, the insightful director of student and family ministry. Through personal anecdotes and biblical insights from Matthew 17, Ben tackles the misconception that the quantity of faith determines its power. Learn why the true strength of faith lies i…

1
Embracing Life's Unpredictable Moments {Reflections} 8:35

12d ago8:35

8:35

What happens when your meticulously planned retreat turns into a series of unexpected challenges? Join me, Ryan, as I recount my recent five-day silence, solitude, and wilderness retreat in the picturesque mountains near Montrose, Colorado. Faced with canceled flights, expensive Uber rides, and an unplanned overnight stay, I discovered that these i…

1
What Should I Do and Not Do on Sunday? with Pastor Ryan Braley 36:47

15d ago36:47

36:47

Is your work-life balance a myth rather than a reality? Discover how observing the Sabbath could transform your life, bringing you joy, rest, and a sense of freedom you never knew you needed. We kick off our episode by unraveling the essence of the Sabbath in Jewish tradition and the fascinating debates among rabbis about what activities constitute…

1
The Magic Phrase That Transforms Relationships {Reflections} 7:35

1M ago7:35

7:35

What if a simple phrase could completely change the way you handle conflicts? Today, I’m flying solo from my office to share a groundbreaking communication technique that has transformed my relationships and could do the same for you. This isn’t just theory; it’s a practical, easy-to-remember tool that you can start using today. The magic words? "W…

1
What Happens To People After They Die? with Pastor Ryan Braley 35:59

23d ago35:59

35:59

Ever felt the transformative power of pure silence and solitude? Join Pastor Ryan as he recounts his recent retreat in the serene mountains of Colorado. He shares how this period of quiet reflection not only rejuvenated his spirit but also deepened his sense of gratitude toward the congregation for their understanding during his time away. Get exci…

1
359: Table Talk 2:19:02

26d ago2:19:02

2:19:02

Ramble Tamble. In this episode, we do a pastor’s table talk that centers on inculcating a deeper appreciation for heavenly mystery and earthly reality: prayer at home, worship on vacation, the connection of the land to God’s judgment and salvation of his people, the early church’s exegesis, Genesis snd Revelation, and Logos theology that binds the …

1
The Healing Power of Silence and Solitude {Reflections} 8:53

27d ago8:53

8:53

Have you ever wondered how silence and solitude can lead to profound psychological healing? This week on Reflections, we explore Carl Jung's illuminating insights on the numinous—the divine encounters that can transform our inner lives. You'll hear personal stories from my journey as a pastor, including my transformative experiences with Youth With…

1
Savor the Seasoning with Bethany Rogness 27:28

1M ago27:28

27:28

Have you ever wondered how life's trials can shape and strengthen us? Join me as I recount my transformative journey from graduating Bethel University to working at Feed My Starving Children, with profound experiences like getting married, having three children, and moving to Austria as a missionary. Discover how our return to the U.S. and becoming…

1
Jesus is NOT My Homeboy {Reflections} 9:03

1M ago9:03

9:03

Ever wondered how a simple t-shirt design could make you feel seen and understood? In this episode of Reflections, we kick things off by celebrating Mike's aunt Kathy and her new husband, Ken, while reminiscing about the iconic "Jesus is my homeboy" t-shirts that were popular in our early 20s. These shirts offered a comforting and relatable image o…

1
Misunderstood with Ben Carruthers 28:25

1M ago28:25

28:25

What if misunderstandings in our relationships could be turned into opportunities for growth and deeper connection? Join us this 4th of July weekend as our youth director, Ben Carruthers, leads us through a thoughtful examination of resolving conflict biblically. Ben begins with a light-hearted nod to those who arrive fashionably late and then dive…

1
Assigning Meaning to Life {Reflections} 6:37

2M ago6:37

6:37

Ever had a phone call take an unexpected turn and leave you questioning everything? I know I have. Join me, Ryan, as I recount a surprising moment that unfolded right after a memorable trip to Washington DC with my daughter’s middle school class. I share the ups and downs of my emotional rollercoaster after my eagerly anticipated call to my wife, K…

1
How Did We Get Here: The End with Pastor Ryan Braley 29:29

2M ago29:29

29:29

Ever questioned how trials and tribulations could possibly lead to a greater purpose? Join us as we unravel the extraordinary journey of Joseph—a tale of betrayal, redemption, and divine purpose. Discover how Joseph's life, from being sold into slavery to becoming Egypt's second most powerful man, encapsulates the unforeseen twists that shape our d…

1
358: Melanchthon - Commentary on Romans 3:21ff 2:43:01

2M ago2:43:01

2:43:01

Tick, Tick, Boom. In this episode of Banned Books, we discuss Romans 3 while reading Philip Melanchthon’s commentary on Paul’s epistle. The main topics of conversation are the limitations of the law, faith that saves, gratuitous forgiveness and the living, and the present tense power of the gospel. SHOW NOTES: Commentary on Romans by Melanchthon, P…

1
You're Going to Die {Reflections} 8:33

2M ago8:33

8:33

Can biohacking conquer the inevitability of death, or are we merely trying to outsmart our own mortality? This episode challenges our perceptions by juxtaposing ancient wisdom with modern science. We kick things off with a profound Hindu aphorism that lays the groundwork for our discussion on death and the human condition. Cue in Brian Johnson, a t…

1
What’s In a Name? with Ben Carruthers 28:21

2M ago28:21

28:21

What if your name carried a hidden narrative that could reshape your understanding of your life's journey? Join us as Ben Carruthers, Director of Student and Family Ministry at Central, unpacks the profound significance of names in the story of Joseph. Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare's famous query, "What's in a name?", we delve into the bibli…

1
357: Kierkegaard - Fear and Trembling 2:11:08

2M ago2:11:08

2:11:08

Life Isn’t Fair, and The World Is Mean. In this episode, we discuss Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac while reading Kierkegaard’s commentary and comparing it to Martin Luther and Rene Girard’s comments. It’s a meta-meta episode, and one of us confuses Kierkegaard’s biography with that of Nietzsche for much of the episode. SHOW NOTES: Fear and Trembling …

1
You Are Not In Control {Reflections} 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

Imagine being caught in a relentless storm in the Boundary Waters, where you have no choice but to surrender to the elements. In this episode, we unpack the profound lessons learned when we let go of control and face nature's unpredictability head-on. Through personal anecdotes and vivid storytelling, we discuss how such harrowing experiences teach…

1
Who Is the Favorite? with Sonja Knutson 22:04

2M ago22:04

22:04

Can you imagine navigating the intricate web of family dynamics through stories that are millennia old yet strikingly relatable? Join us as Pastoral Associate Sonja Knutson takes us on a fascinating journey through the story of Joseph from Genesis, peppered with her own personal anecdotes. We'll unravel the complexities of favoritism and sibling ri…

1
356: Francis Schaeffer - The Centrality of Death 2:58:45

2M ago2:58:45

2:58:45

We Can Be Heroes… In this episode, we discuss death and resurrection, hierarchy and authority, corporatism, Christian nationalism, self-sacrificial love, building a body without Christ as its head, the symbolism of salvation without the Lamb, pop culture tropes, the hero's journey, and teaching Christians not to doubt their salvation. SHOW NOTES: F…

1
Life is Not About You {Reflections} 7:43

2M ago7:43

7:43

Do today's youth think life revolves around them? That's a question we tackle head-on in the latest episode of our engaging five-part series on rites of passage in tribal cultures. I'm Ryan Braley, joined by Mike Lauer on editing. This time, we uncover the profound lesson that life isn't about you, a critical message often conveyed during tradition…

1
Why Do You Limp? with Pastor Ryan Braley 33:21

3M ago33:21

33:21

Have you ever wondered how ancient rituals and personal transformation intersect with divine encounters? In this episode, we journey through the riveting narrative of Jacob and his profound relationship with God, exploring the transformative power of rituals like baptisms and the long-lasting impact of our habits. We dive into the rich tapestry of …

1
355: Jacques Ellul - Making the Church Worldly 2:19:15

3M ago2:19:15

2:19:15

Watching The World Go Down in History. In this episode of Banned Books, we read "False Presence of the Kingdom" by Jacques Ellul and discuss worldly Christianity, the lessons of history, the Machine, focusing on heavenly things to answer earthly questions, seeking the origin of things, and the dangers of being trapped in the present. SHOW NOTES: Ja…

1
You Are Not That Important {Reflections} 8:49

3M ago8:49

8:49

What if modern society's emphasis on individual specialness is actually holding us back? Get ready to challenge conventional wisdom as we uncover the profound lessons hidden within ancient tribal rites of passage. These traditions impart the humbling message, "You are not that important," helping young people transition seamlessly into adulthood. W…

1
Who Do You Think You Are? with Pastor Ryan Braley 33:08

3M ago33:08

33:08

What if the story of creation held more than just ancient myths, offering us profound insights into our existence and our relationship with the divine? Join Pastor Ryan from Central as we journey through Genesis in our series "How Did We Get Here?" We'll uncover the theological richness of these narratives, from the creation of the world to Abraham…

1
354: Jacques Ellul - Conforming the Church to the Modern World 1:59:20

3M ago1:59:20

1:59:20

It’s Hip to Be Square. In this episode, we discuss the errors of high anthropology, the kingdom of God, theology of glory, theology of the world, realized eschatology, adding “isms” to Christianity, the necessity of the embodied Word of God, John’s gospel, Colossians, and real antinomianism while reading False Presence of the Kingdom by Jacques Ell…

1
Life is Hard {Reflections} 10:17

3M ago10:17

10:17

Have you ever wondered why Western culture lacks meaningful rites of passage for our youth? Join me, Ryan Braley, as I recount a transformative experience at a youth ministry conference that highlighted this critical gap. Drawing from the wisdom of Joseph Campbell, we explore the consequences of this absence and the importance of structured, commun…

1
What Kind of a God Would Ask That? with Pastor Ryan Braley 32:23

3M ago32:23

32:23

What kind of God would ask a father to sacrifice his son? This thought-provoking question lies at the heart of our exploration into the timeless story of Abraham and Isaac from the Book of Genesis. Together, we navigate the complex terrain of this ancient narrative, emphasizing the importance of understanding its cultural and historical context rat…

1
353: Bede the Venerable - Transfiguration Homily for Lent 2:12:14

3M ago2:12:14

2:12:14

This Too Shall Pass. In this episode, we discuss temporary and eternal things, transfiguration, cosmic events, dancing on the liminal edge, mammon, profiteering, earthly vocations, the Trinity, and the music of the spheres. SHOW NOTES: Bede bio https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bede Homilies on the Gospels: Book One - Advent to Lent (Volume 110) - Homi…

1
The Road vs The Pathway {Reflections} 8:31

3M ago8:31

8:31

Have you ever found yourself yearning for a pause button in the midst of life's race? I'm Ryan, and this time around, we'll wander away from the world's highways and take a leisurely stroll down the meandering paths that Wendell Berry so eloquently demarcates in "A Native Hill." Together, we'll unpack the profound differences between the expediency…

1
A Confusing Story with Ben Carruthers 24:37

3M ago24:37

24:37

Embark on a journey through the ancient corridors of Genesis as we unravel the enigma of the Tower of Babel, revealing how these age-old tales resonate with our lives today. Picture a magician who, with a simple twist, turns what seems like trash into treasure—this is the kind of transformation we'll explore with the Tower of Babel story, examining…

1
352: Gregory of Nazianzus - Letter 58 To Basil 2:38:09

3M ago2:38:09

2:38:09

Dear Prudence. In this episode, we focus our discussion on prudence, temperance, and modesty regarding church, marriage, public discourse, and social media while reading Gregory of Nazianzus’ letters to Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa about their doctrine of the Holy Spirit and Basil's later death. SHOW NOTES: Gregory of Nazianzus Bio https://…

1
Slaying Dragons in Our Lives Part 2 {Reflections} 7:26

3M ago7:26

7:26

Embark on a mythical journey with us, Ryan Braley and beat maestro Mike Lauer, as we delve into the world of dragons and their profound impact on our psyche. Dragons, with their fire-breathing might and treasure-hoarding habits, are not just the stuff of legend—they're a mirror reflecting our deepest fears and the challenges we must overcome. Our c…

1
Why Would God Do That? with Pastor Ryan Braley 28:05

3M ago28:05

28:05

As I delved deeper into my seminary studies, a new understanding of the biblical flood narrative emerged—one not of wrath, but of rebirth and hope. This episode takes us through the transformative tales of the Hebrew Bible, beginning with the Exodus, where the Israelites' journey from bondage to freedom mirrors our own quests for deliverance. We re…

1
Navigating Life's Storms {Reflections} 8:47

4M ago8:47

8:47

When my friend Jeremy highlighted Jonathan Haidt's latest book, it wasn't just another read—it was an eye-opener. Haidt, a social psychologist, delves into the mental health crisis plaguing our youth, magnified by the digital chaos surrounding us. This episode peels back the layers of his findings, revealing the stark contrast between children engu…

1
Where Is Your Brother? With Pastor Ryan Braley 38:02

4M ago38:02

38:02

Embark on a profound exploration of the Exodus story as we trace the philosophical and historical threads from Genesis that lead to the Israelites' path to freedom. Our latest episode offers an in-depth look into the ancient narratives that challenge our understanding of identity, sin, and liberation. Through the stories of Cain and Abel, and Adam …

1
351: Gregory of Nyssa - The Life of Moses 3:01:17

4M ago3:01:17

3:01:17

Get Down, Manna. In this episode, we discuss manna, the incarnation, liturgy, Christian life, materialism, techno-authoritarianism, modern feminism, divine election, hierarchy and authority, unity in multiplicity, and the power of God’s Word, all while reading The Life of Moses by St. Gregory of Nyssa. SHOW NOTES: Gregory of Nyssa - THE LIFE OF MOS…

1
Slaying Dragons in Our Lives {Reflections} 8:51

4M ago8:51

8:51

Ever found yourself tiptoeing around an issue, only to watch it balloon into a full-scale crisis? That's the kind of fiery chat we're having in the Beats Laboratory, as Mike grabs the mic to dissect the dragon lore that pervades our lives and relationships. We unravel a children's tale that's not just for kids—it's a powerful allegory used in pre-m…

1
350: Aelfric and Basil - The Anglo-Saxon Hexameron 1:42:21

4M ago1:42:21

1:42:21

Break on Through (To The Other Side). In this episode, we discuss creation, the eating of forbidden fruit, cosmology, the meaning of things, Jesus clearing the way for us to enter back into paradise, and how the Bible ends up changing culture by translating God’s Word into the vernacular while reading The Hexameron of Basil the Great as preached by…

1
The Law and Gospel {Reflections} 7:25

4M ago7:25

7:25

Navigating the solemn corridors of loss and grief, I, Ryan, unfold a journey of transformation that has reshaped my view on funerals. They're not the gloomy obligations I once thought them to be, but rather, profound moments to cherish as we guide loved ones toward their final rest. On this heartfelt episode, I delve into the sacred transition of d…

1
Where Are You? with Pastor Ryan Braley 35:18

4M ago35:18

35:18

Have you ever contemplated your place in the grand tapestry of creation or the origins of ancient narratives that define our faith? Join me, Ryan, as we traverse the poignant story of the Exodus, delving into themes of liberation and divine responsiveness. Through our series "How Did We Get Here?", we'll reflect on Israel's descent into enslavement…

1
349: Martin Luther - The Song of Habakkuk 2:55:13

4M ago2:55:13

2:55:13

Who Stole The Soul? In this episode, we finish our discussion of Luther’s commentary on Habakkuk, talking about history, what happens when the Word walks amongst us, what a blessing is, earthly matters of vocation and calling, and churches as islands of salvation. SHOW NOTES: Luther's Works, Vol. 19: Lectures on the Minor Prophets II https://amzn.t…

1
Why did Jesus die? (Part 4) {Reflections} 7:47

4M ago7:47

7:47

Could the crucifixion of Jesus be the ultimate plot twist in the cosmic battle against evil and death? Strap in as we, Ryan and Mike, take you through a riveting discussion on the victor theory of atonement, guiding you through a narrative where every nail and thorn is part of a grand strategy to overthrow darkness. This week in the Beats Laborator…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Central Lutheran Church Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide