Make It Simple

In this episode Matt is joined by Rich Rudowske from Lutheran Bible Translators to explore the vital work of translating the Bible into languages around the world, the impact of technology and AI on this mission, and why access to God's word is crucial for every community. Links: Lutheran Bible Translators: https://lbt.org/ Back to the Bible: https://lbt.org/back-to-the-bible-empower-your-chu...

In this episode, Matt welcome Luke Kjolhaug to the show and together they explore how the message of Jesus transforms our relationship with fear and anxiety, drawing insights from Luke's new book 'Fear Not.'  Links: Fear Not book: https://shop.1517.org/products/9781967920129-fear-not VoxCon: https://www.gotovox.com Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries,...

In this episode, we discuss the importance of Christian higher education, focusing on its unique role in shaping students' faith, career, and life purpose. Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson, VP of Advancement at Concordia University St. Paul, shares insights on how Christian universities foster transformation, community, and faithfulness like noneother in a challenging world. Links: Concordia St. Paul:...

In this episode Matt chats with Rev. Dr. Tim Ahlman about raising up leaders in the local church, the battle over "who can lead" in the LCMS, and much more. Links: Unite Leadership Collective:  https://www.uniteleadership.org/ VoxCon 2027:  https://www.gotovox.com/ Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Sim...

If you work in ministry or volunteer at your church then chances are you've used Planning Center. In the latest episode of Make It Simple, Matt chats with Aaron Stewart, the co-founder of Planning Center Services to discuss technology and the church. Keywords: technology, tech, church, AI, ministry Planning Center: https://planningcenter.com VoxCon 2027: https://www.gotovox.com/ Support the s...

In the latest episode of Make It Simple, Matt sits down with Gregg Matte, Sr. Pastor of Houston's First Baptist Church and founder of Breakaway Ministry. Matt and Gregg discuss ministry and leadership in the second half of life, leaving a legacy as a leader, and much more. Info: Houston's First - https://www.houstonsfirst.org Breakaway Ministries - https://breakaway.org Support the show...

In this episode of Make It Simple, we explore how to effectively reach and engage men in the church, focusing on creating safe spaces for vulnerability, understanding generational differences, and trusting in the movement of the Holy Spirit. Keywords: men's ministry, church engagement, vulnerability, leadership, spiritual growth, generational differences, Holy Spirit, community, discipleship...

Matt and Rachel talk to comedian Andrew Stanley. Andrew is a rising star in stand-up, playing arenas with Nate Bargatze. He's also the son of pastor Andy Stanley and grandson of Dr. Charles Stanley, two of the most prominent and influential pastors and communicators in the country. Andrew shares his journey from a preacher's kid to a stand-up comedian, discussing the challenges of vulner...

In the latest episode of Make It Simple, Matt talks to Zach Zehnder of Red Letter Living about Hodos, a national gathering for young adults, and about the challenge as well as the opportunity to reach 18 to 29 year olds with the message of Jesus. Resources & Links: Hodos Discount Code: simple150 Hodos Young Adult Gathering: https://www.hodosway.com/gatherings VoxCon 2027: https://www.gotovox.c...

In this episode, we explore the journey of our friend Tanner Olson, a full-time poet, author, and speaker. Tanner gives us a peek behind-the-scenes of building a platform that not only shares a message of hope with the world, but provides a sustainable living for him and his family. Resources & Links: VoxCon 2027 Tanner's Website Getting Through What You're Going Through (Book) Suppo...

This week, Matt and Rachel discuss Advent, the season of preparation and waiting leading up to Christmas Day, noting its increasing cultural popularity through various Advent calendars (like Lego or even whiskey) which are often separated from its original. They explain that Advent, derived from the Latin Adventus meaning "appearing" (not waiting as often thought), is a liturgical season...

This week, Rachel and Matt welcome Dr. Caroline Fleck and talk about validation, drawing from her book on the subject. They discuss how validation, which is about communicating mindfulness, understanding, and empathy to make someone feel seen and accepted, is often misunderstood as agreement or praise, but is actually a crucial therapeutic tool used to facilitate change in behavior. Dr. Fleck outl...

This week, Matt and Rachel discuss the Holy Spirit, discussing that this crucial member of the Trinity is often either dangerously ignored out of caution or wrongly obsessed over through a focus on specific physical manifestations. They emphasize the Spirit's biblical role as the Helper / Encourager, whose indwelling is assured to all believers through baptism, empowering their faith, providi...

This week, Matt and Rachel discuss how to argue in a world where conflict is everywhere and often seems to ruin relationships. They talk about how the political and cultural issues being discussed are often "overvalued," leading people to choose victory over connection, and they offer practical ways to engage in heated conversations by leading with love, seeking to understand, and choosi...

This week, Matt and Rachel talk about disappointment and unmet expectations in life. Using a framework for grieving loss, they wonder if learning to deal with disappointments, both trivial and profound, is key to emotional health. They talk about the power of naming the disappointment and the need if left unmet, and how to reach an adjusted, hopeful expectation for the future—to avoid getting stuc...

This week, Matt and Rachel discuss the tension between money and faith, examining why this topic is often avoided or causes guilt. They note that money is a powerful indicator of the heart and deepest values—a tool people often use to pursue peace and purpose. They dive into Jesus's parable of the rich fool, and dissect the the worldly wisdom of protecting assets by building bigger "barn...

In this week's episode, Rachel and Matt discuss the quiet epidemic of online sports gambling and gaming, and its addictive nature. They explore how the rise of online and in-app betting, which is now everywhere and easily accessible, is particularly affecting young men, and how online spending through betting, gambling, and even games is pervasive in our culture. They also touch on how this s...

This week Matt and Rachel try to work out how to have difficult conversations without letting them "go off the rails." They use the frame work of Susan Scott's "Fierce Conversations" to help them navigate, and agree that while conflict is a natural and necessary part of life, many people try to avoid these crucial discussions, which is ultimately detrimental to relationshi...

Matt and Rachel kick off season 10 after a much needed break, talking about something we all need but something we often neglect- rest. What do we really mean when we talk about rest, and why is this such a problem in our culture anyway? They take a hard look at the pressure that glamorizes burnout and makes us feel guilty for stepping away, and the mindset that says we can't stop. Support th...

For the last episode of Season 9, Matt and Rachel welcome back their friend Tanner Olson to talk about his new book All the Things I Say to God . They discuss prayer and our tendencies to overthink and over-complicate what comes down to a conversation. They share their experiences with prayer, their favorite ways to pray, and why prayer is complicated sometimes. Support the show For more informati...

In this episode of "Make It Simple," Rachel and Matt explore the concept of changing one's mind as adults, noting how challenging it can be. They discuss personal examples of shifting perspectives on things like food, politics, and pop culture, highlighting that deconstruction and maturing often involve this process. They discuss how difficult it can be as adults to admit when we&ap...

This week Rachel and Matt explore the concept of trauma, distinguishing between significant and everyday hurts that create emotional wounds. They discuss the importance of acknowledging these wounds without letting them define us, advocating for a middle ground between denial and over-identification. Through a Christian lens, they emphasize honesty with God and the need to tend to our pain. Matt p...

This week, join Matt and Rachel as they share their personal experiences and practical insights on marriage, moving beyond simple advice. Discover the power of being "alone together," the necessity of forgiveness, and Matt's 4 essentials for marriage. They also explore John Gottman's ideas on contempt and the crucial act of "turning toward" your partner's bids fo...

In this episode of Make It Simple, Rachel and Matt dive into what truly makes for a "good life," drawing insights from a decades-long Harvard study. Forget the idea of an easy, problem-free existence – they explore how meaningful relationships and the ability to bounce back from tough times are key. They also touch on the unexpected role of faith in building resilience and finding deeper...

This week, Rachel and Matt discuss the challenges and importance of parenting teenagers. They reflect on their own teenage years and then delve into the significant developmental stage of adolescence, particularly regarding identity formation and faith. The conversation highlights the need for parents to adapt their role from governor to guardian to guide, eventually hoping to become a guru figure...