Central Lutheran Church - Elk River

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever pondered over the cryptic saying by Jesus, "It's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God"? What could this possibly mean? Imagine strolling through ancient Israeli cities with me, your host, Ryan Braille, pastor at Central, and our guest, Mike Lauer. Picture the towering walls and ti...

Send us Fan Mail Are you ready for a deep dive into the concept of discipleship and community in a disenchanted world? We're stepping into uncharted territories, peeling back layers of societal norms and individualism to reveal the essence of true community that Jesus modelled. Engage with us as we tackle tough topics such as technology's impact on our relationships and how living authen...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why some people are so effortlessly charming, always seem to make rational decisions, and take delight in the little things? Join me, Ryan Braley, and my sidekick, Mike Lauer, as we dissect my personal rules for life that can help you navigate the world with the same ease and enjoyment. This episode is a contemplative journey into the art of being first; not allowing...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered about the transformative power of seemingly insignificant acts in our everyday lives? This episode unravels the intricate narratives of the scribes and the humble widow from Mark 12. The vivid contrasts between their lifestyles and acts offer insightful lessons about discipleship and our potential to contribute towards the healing of the world. The scribes,...

Send us Fan Mail What if the Bible was more than just a rulebook or a collection of stories? What if it were a powerful narrative about a divine relationship aimed at healing, restoration, and purpose? We're about to take you on a fascinating journey of exploring discipleship and the Bible. Together, we'll uncover the depth of prayer, the essence of loving our neighbors, and the power of...

Send us Fan Mail Born into a non-Lutheran faith, I grew up practicing 'believer's baptism' where one gets baptized only upon reaching an age of understanding. But, moving to Minnesota and joining the Central Church stirred my curiosity about infant baptism, thrusting me into a journey of understanding that I'm thrilled to share with you.  On a deeper dive into the intriguing wo...

Send us Fan Mail What if the divine was not something distant, but a tangible presence in our everyday lives? In this illuminating conversation, we, Ryan Braille and Mike Lauer, unravel the profound significance of Lutheran sacraments, placing special emphasis on Communion and Baptism. We delve into the essence of what makes a sacrament, highlighting the indispensable role of Jesus' direct co...

Send us Fan Mail Uncover the audacious world of Love 146, an organization waging a global fight against child trafficking and exploitation, through the insights of its founder and director, Rob Morris. As our guest today, Morris offers a deep-dive into the extensive work of Love 146, spanning prevention, care, and aftercare, reaching children in 32 states, including Minnesota. We explore how Love...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered about the profound impact of dreams on our life transitions and personal growth? Well, buckle up because this episode with Pastor Ryan Braley from Central Lutheran Church in Elk River, Minnesota, is a wild and insightful ride. Inspired by a dream he had while reading Carl Jung's book "Man and His Symbols," Ryan will share how this dream became a symbol...

Send us Fan Mail Ever found yourself on the brink of giving up? I have - from ice-skating to mime, the temptation to quit can be strong, especially when life gets tough. In this episode of Follow Me Discipleship in a Disenchanted World, I share my personal experiences with quitting and link it to the challenges of discipleship. We talk about accountability, not as a source of guilt or shame, but a...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered about the core values that guide your actions? Is there a set of rules you adhere to, consciously or unconsciously, as you navigate the journey of life? This episode of Reflections offers you an insight into my personal life rules, an idea inspired by the renowned psychologist Jordan Peterson's bestseller, '12 Rules for Life.' I, Ryan Brailey,...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wanted to unlock the enigmatic realm of prayer? Get ready for a riveting exploration into the primal, transcendent act of prayer and its role in discipleship. We'll transport you into the shoes of the first-century Talmedeim as we delve into their fervor to emulate their rabbi and truly understand what it means to follow Jesus. We also delve deep into the essence of comm...

Send us Fan Mail Are you feeling the burnout from your never-ending grind? Ever wonder if there might be a deeper meaning to the age-old concept of the Sabbath, beyond just a day off? Put your feet up and join hosts Ryan Brailey and Mike Lauer as we take an invigorating journey through the biblical notion of Sabbath. From the creation story in Genesis to the Hebrew term Shabbat, we'll unpack...

Send us Fan Mail Ever felt a longing for belonging and wondered about the essence of discipleship in the modern world? We at Central can help navigate that path as we unravel the concept of discipleship and following Jesus. We foster a sense of community for all, irrespective of age or background, especially in a world where isolation and depression are on the rise. Let's journey together, ex...

Send us Fan Mail What if peace isn’t quiet at all, but the sound of things made whole? We take a clear-eyed look at shalom—an ancient Hebrew word often translated as peace—and discover a richer vision: wholeness in people, relationships, neighborhoods, and nations. With Ryan Brayley and Mike Lauer at the mic, we trace shalom from Leviticus’ promise of safety and rest to Jesus’ vision of a kingdom...

Send us Fan Mail Ever pondered the future of the church in our rapidly evolving culture? Ever wondered why the church often resembles any other social organization, when it should truly serve as a signpost to an entirely novel way of being human? Well, we're about to delve into those musings and more. Inspired by a humorous incident involving two Dublin lads who tricked the world with a fake...

Send us Fan Mail As we embark on a new journey with our podcast, we're excited to introduce a fresh format that promises to pique your curiosity and stimulate meaningful conversations. Join me, Pastor Ryan Braley, as I share bite-sized, five-minute reflections on various topics, from intriguing readings, exciting ideas to sermon tangents, and much more. My goal is to create a platform that en...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered about the origins and deep-seated meanings behind the act of baptism? Or perhaps, pondered about why Lutherans conduct infant baptism? Join us, as we explore the profound significance of baptism in the Lutheran faith and much more! This episode sets out to uplift your understanding of faith by tying in the fundamental concepts of baptism and communion as spiritual to...

Send us Fan Mail Ever grappled with the fear of being lukewarm in your faith? Ever wondered if your faith journey is a 'leveling-up system'? Join us as we promise to unknot these often misunderstood concepts. We're shedding light on the true meaning of lukewarm faith, drawing inspiration from a passage where Jesus speaks to the church in Laodicea. Expect an enlightening conversation...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt disconnected in a world that's constantly buzzing with noise and distractions? Imagine the peace of finding a moment of silence in the chaos, tuning into the divine voice within. This episode is your beacon, guiding you through a spiritual exploration to recognize and hear God's presence in your bustling daily life. Drawing upon biblical stories, we di...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever grappled with the difficult process of forgiving someone who has hurt you deeply? How many times have you wished to break free from the shackles of past hurt and blame that seem to dictate your present? This episode of our podcast takes you on a profound journey into the complex realm of forgiveness. We peel back the layers of this powerful tool, exploring its signif...

Send us Fan Mail What if we lived our lives as if the things we hope for are real? Imagine a world where faith overpowers fear, where dreams aren't just wishes but realities we can touch. This episode takes you on a journey to probe the profound depths of faith, drawing insights from Hebrews 11, and inviting you to explore what it means to live as if Christianity were real. Russell Brand once...

Send us Fan Mail Ever felt adrift in a sea of uncertainty, longing for a saving grace? Let's journey together through the life-changing experiences of Peter, as we explore the concept of salvation from a whole new perspective. We're delving into the profound teachings from Peter's letter, an invitation to seek not just moral perfection, but a life of healing, wholeness, and love for...

Send us Fan Mail Curious about how the biblical themes in Peter's letter to the exiles, gentiles, and people of Asia Minor can enlighten us on living a life of the cross in today's world? Join us on this enlightening journey as we unravel Peter's letter, encouraging us not to lose hope but find solidarity with Christ through suffering. Marvel at God's holiness, demonstrated in...

Send us Fan Mail Struggling through life's hardships can feel like an unending battle. But what if these trials could act as a refining fire, purging us of needless burdens and guiding us towards a clearer vision? Welcome to an enlightening conversation where we explore the transformative power of suffering, drawing inspiration from the profound wisdom of Peter, Eugene Peterson, and Victor Fr...