Central Lutheran Church - Elk River

Send us Fan Mail What if a simple phrase could unlock the mysteries of existence itself? Join me, Ryan, on Reflections as we unravel the enigmatic dialogue between God and Moses in Exodus, chapter 3. Discover the profound layers of meaning behind God's response, "I am who I am," and explore the linguistic and philosophical depths of the Hebrew phrase "Eya Asher Eya." Throu...

Send us Fan Mail Can questioning authority be an act of faith? Join us as we explore the intriguing lives of the minor prophets in our series, "The B-Sides," and discover how their bold actions communicated divine messages. Our spotlight this week is on Habakkuk, who, like his contemporaries, boldly questioned the justice of his time. We delve into the historical context of his era, cont...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a search for meaning takes you through atheism, Buddhism, and even witchcraft, only to find resonance in an unexpected place? Paul Kingsnorth shares his remarkable spiritual journey with us, highlighting the stark contrasts between his youthful experiences of Christianity in the Church of England and the less traditional approaches by trend-seeking vicars. His st...

Send us Fan Mail What if the hidden gems of the Old Testament have more to teach us than we ever realized? Journey with us into the world of the minor prophets in our new series, "The B-Sides: The Minor Prophets," where we unearth the timeless wisdom hidden in these often-overlooked biblical figures. You'll discover how the likes of Zechariah can provide crucial insights into our mo...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine standing in a crowd, captivated by a man whose words are as challenging as they are life-altering. That's the scene I explore today as we reflect on a poignant moment in the book of John, where Jesus, instead of pandering to the masses, delivers a message that causes many to walk away. Why would someone choose to remain, even when the teachings are hard to swallow? Th...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the profound wisdom hidden within the simplicity of the Lord’s Prayer. By dissecting its 57 Greek words, we promise you'll gain fresh insights into this ancient text and a deeper understanding of your spiritual connection. Our journey begins with a reflection on how this prayer, despite its simplicity, can often lose its depth in familiarity. You'll uncover how th...

Send us Fan Mail Ever noticed how the smallest actions can ripple into significant impacts? Picture this: you're at Planet Fitness, and someone mindlessly spits gum into a urinal. Or maybe you're at Barnes & Noble, and a fellow shopper almost leaves a fallen book on the floor. These seemingly minor choices remind us that doing the right thing, no matter how trivial it seems, can help...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine receiving an unexpected gift from a basement scavenger hunt—sounds humorous, right? We kick things off with a lighthearted tale of re-gifting that reframes this common practice as a meaningful act of sharing and connection. This playful beginning sets the stage for a warm exploration of the Advent season, where the true spirit of Christmas is captured through the joys of g...

Send us Fan Mail What if the secret to experiencing an extraordinary life lies in the simple act of obedience? Join me, Ben Carruthers, as we uncover the profound impact of Christmas traditions and the timeless lessons embedded within the story of Joseph. Through a personal tradition of writing letters to my future self each Christmas, I capture the essence of the season and the way it inspires us...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, despite clues that point to Jesus being born in the spring? Join us as we unravel this mystery and explore the origins of Christmas celebrations, tracing back to early Christians and their encounters with the Celtic people. By intertwining their messages with the Celts' winter solstice celebrations—a time of hope and...

Send us Fan Mail As a lifelong Denver Broncos fan, I’ve experienced the exhilarating highs and crushing lows that come with sports fandom. But one Monday night game against the Dolphins became a wake-up call, highlighting the intense emotional energy I invested in something beyond my control. In this episode of the Reflections podcast, I invite you on a journey of self-awareness and reflection, sh...

Send us Fan Mail Ever found yourself stuck at the DMV, feeling the seconds tick by with no sign of joy? Let's explore the often overlooked connection between waiting and joy, especially during the Advent season. Sharing personal stories, from the mundane frustration of traffic jams to the deeply emotional anticipation of a child's birth, we navigate the human struggle to find joy in life...

Send us Fan Mail Anticipation and reflection mark our journey through the Advent season, a time filled with both hope and longing. Have you ever wondered how the humble beginnings of Jesus contrast with the might of rulers like King Herod and Caesar? Join me as I unravel these themes, exploring the profound contrast between divine humility and worldly power. I share personal anecdotes, like the wa...

Send us Fan Mail Casey Stanley, formerly Casey Robertson, shares her inspiring journey from youth ministry to launching the Real Hope Project, a nonprofit focused on finding adoptive homes for foster children. Discover how Casey’s passion for creating a brighter future for these children is fueled by a profound understanding of hope, which she distinguishes from mere positivity. Her insights into...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine a world where your local café is more than just a stop for caffeine—it's a place where everybody knows your name, a sanctuary from the hustle, inspired by a stroll through Italian streets. In our latest episode, sparked by Howard Schultz's transformative vision for Starbucks, we unravel this captivating journey from high-end coffee bean retailer to a cherished &q...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine finding peace in the busiest season of the year, rediscovering the wonder of the Advent season in a world obsessed with data and facts. Our latest podcast episode invites you on a journey through the transformative themes of peace, hope, joy, and love, with a special focus on the concept of shalom. We kick off with a personal story about the simple act of picking up a drop...

Send us Fan Mail Ever been moved to tears by a simple question? Join me, Ryan, as I recount an eye-opening retreat experience where I encountered Kent Dobson, a master of transformative questioning. Spending five days in the woods with Kent and a group of fellow seekers, I witnessed firsthand how his seemingly straightforward questions could unearth profound emotional truths. Kent's gift for...

Send us Fan Mail What if embracing your weaknesses could reveal your true strength? Join us as we journey through the final chapter of our series on Ephesians, where we unravel Paul's compelling message on the transformative power of prayer. We'll challenge the cultural norm of self-sufficiency and explore how admitting our vulnerabilities can strengthen our connection with God. As we pr...

Send us Fan Mail Can you really miss a divine calling, or is it more like a GPS guiding us back on track when we stray? Join me, Ryan, as we explore this idea through the story of Moses and the burning bush. We'll dig into the concept of divine guidance and how it resembles a modern GPS—offering direction rather than condemnation when we face life's detours. Drawing from Jeremiah 18&apos...

Send us Fan Mail Can ancient texts provide the keys to solving modern relationship dilemmas? Imagine navigating the complexities of relationships by looking at age-old teachings through a fresh lens. Explore with us as we challenge the conventional interpretations of Paul's letters in Ephesians, bringing to light their revolutionary nature when viewed in the historical context of the Greco-Ro...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to truly make an impact? Sometimes, it's as simple as showing up. Join me, Ryan, in this episode of the Reflections podcast as I recount my journey stepping into a youth ministry role, a path I was hesitant to walk. Drawing inspiration from an unexpected source—a scene from Kung Fu Panda—I found courage in the idea that we are often called to roles for a rea...

Send us Fan Mail What if the light that guides us is more than just a metaphor? Join us for a transformative exploration of the sacred essence of light throughout spiritual history and its profound role in human consciousness. We promise you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how ancient rituals, like those of the Israelites, used light as a bridge to the divine. We unravel the intri...

Send us Fan Mail What if the question "Why?" is the wrong question to ask when faced with life's toughest trials? Episode 60 of the Reflections podcast invites you to join Ryan and Mike as they explore this profound inquiry. Drawing from Ryan's personal experiences in his pastoral work, including a heart-rending funeral for a young girl and a church building project that hit an...

Send us Fan Mail Can dressing up for Halloween teach us about our faith? Imagine your kids in their costumes, embodying different characters, and you're left wondering how this parallels with our own spiritual journey. This episode unravels the layers of imitation and authenticity in living a life inspired by Jesus, using personal anecdotes and the teachings from the book of Ephesians as our...

Send us Fan Mail What if there was a way of living that transcended political power and societal norms? Join us on this special edition of the Reflections Podcast as we explore the profound message of Ephesians 2:19-22, brought to life amidst the ancient streets of Ephesus. Despite unexpected technical hiccups, this unique sermon invites us to imagine a kingdom where we are no longer strangers but...