Desert Well

In this episode, we dive into the concept of planning in faith, discussing the balance between God's sovereignty and our personal agency. We explore the hidden and revealed will of God, single vs. double predestination, and how these theological concepts impact our everyday decisions and long-term planning. Reflecting on personal stories, from financial stewardship to family planning, we take...

Welcome back to the Desert Well! As we start the new year of 2026, join us as we dive deep into the concept of true transformation in Christ with a discussion on the article 'New Year, Same You' by Ryan Couch, published by Lutheran publishing house 1517. This episode explores the idea that while New Year's resolutions can bring surface-level changes, only Christ can bring true transfor...

Welcome back to Desert Well! Today we explore the deeper meaning behind setting New Year's resolutions from a faith-focused perspective. Reflecting on an article titled 'A Toast to the End of Ourselves,' by Luke Kjolhaug, we discuss how to reframe our goals to reflect selflessness, humility, and spiritual growth. Join us as we dive into the concept of dying to ourselves and living thro...

Join the conversation as we explore the true essence of Christmas, reflecting on its deeper meanings and addressing common misconceptions about the nativity story. Our discussion today spans from the busy holiday preparations and the struggle to stay present, to historical insights about the shepherds, the Magi, and the setting of Jesus's birth. Today we invite you to slow down, consider diffe...

In this episode, we gather around the well of Jesus to dive deep into the significance of Advent. Not to be confused withSeventh Day Adventists, this episode delves into the traditional Christian celebration leading up to Christmas. We share personal experiences and childhood memories of Advent practices like advent dinners, church services,and devotional readings. We emphasize the importance of p...

Join Derek and Pastor Jared in their first-ever live podcastrecording with in-person guest, Linda Kurtz, the Executive Director of Hope and Care Outreach. In this episode, we delve into Linda's journey from her work as Missions Director at Faith Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas to hertransformative experiences in Liberia. Linda shares the story of how the organization evolved to provide...

Join us at 'Desert Well' for an engaging and heartfeltconversation the day after Thanksgiving. This episode covers various topics including personal Thanksgiving traditions, the true source of our blessings, and the humble recognition that all good things come from God. We explore the importance of gratitude, personal anecdotes, and the significance of surrendering to God’s will. Engage wi...

Join us this week as we delve into the importanceof community and mentorship within the church. We discuss the surprising statistics from a Barna Research Group report that highlights the relational benefits of church attendance, the essential role of small groups, and the generational dynamics of mentoring. Discover how intentional relationships can help us move beyond 'church tricks' to...

In this milestone 20th episode, we dive into the complexities of intergenerational dynamics within the church. We revisit last week's conversation about Gen Z returning to faith andsteer the discussion towards understanding how different generations perceive each other. We explore the concept of the church as a multi-generational family and discuss the challenges of dealing with anxiety in thi...

Welcome to Desert Well! In this episode, we dive into aconversation about Gen Z's surprising return to the Church with special guests Ella Piepkorn and Ray Perez. They share their personal journeys of faith, the importance of genuine community, and the unique challenges faced by theirgeneration. From the allure of individualism to the pressures of a hyper-connected world, discover how faith an...

Join us for a deep dive into Reformation Day as we explore the history, theology, and lasting impact of Martin Luther's 95 Theses and the Reformation. In this engaging conversation, we discuss why October 31st marks this pivotal moment in church history, what Luther was actually trying to accomplish (hint: he didn't set out to start a new church), and why his message of salvation by grace...

What does it mean to be a "church worker" in today's church? In this episode, we explore Pastor Appreciation Month, the role of pastors and church workers, and how the early church in Acts challenges us to reimagine ministry today. Join us as we discuss what makes great preaching, the importance of mentorship in pastoral formation, and how the early church's radical vision can in...

In this episode we explain what our format will beas we review important church reports once a month. Today we will look into The Unstuck Group's Q3 2025 Church Health Report. This data-driven conversation challenges common assumptions about church decline and reveals encouraging trends that every church leader needs to understand. We explore surprising findings from 250 churchesranging from 1...

Join us at ‘Desert Well’ this week as we unpack theimpactful conversation we had on last week’s episode with Barry about prayer. We will dive deep into what it means to move from discipline to devotion and duty to delight in our relationship with God. In this raw and honest conversation, we wrestle withquestions like: What's the difference between being disciplined and being devoted? Can praye...

Join hosts Jared and Derek as they sit down with Pastor Barry Keurulainen for an intimate and transformativeconversation about prayer. Barry brings over 39 years of ministry experience and shares his journey from duty-driven devotions to a deeply intimate prayer life centered on spending time with the Father. In this episode, discover how prayer is more than conversation—it's about abiding wit...

Join us this week as we tackle a challenging question that goes deeper than you might expect: Are you really worshiping God? In this episode, they explore Martin Luther's definition of worship from the Large Catechism, examining what it truly means to "have a God" - defined as that which we trust, rely on, and look to for all good things. Through honest conversation, they unpack how...

In this episode, we dive deep into a foundationalLutheran concept that changes how we understand our relationship with God and our neighbors: Two Kinds of Righteousness. Ever wondered if non-Christians can do "good" in the world? Or struggled with whether your good works matterfor salvation? This conversation explores the radical difference between our passive righteousness before God (C...

Join us in this episode of the "Desert Well" as we dive deep into a discussion about the end times from a Lutheran perspective. Hosts Derek and Jared revisit themes fromthe previous episode with Pastor Scott Snow and explore what scripture reveals about the final days. Discover what the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod believes about the end times, the interpretation of Revelation, and the...

Join us this week on "Desert Well" Podcast as we welcome Pastor Scott Snow, our second-ever guest, who brings42 years of ministry experience. Derek introduces his father-in-law and shares a bit about Scott's extensive background in various ministry roles, from parish ministry in Rockford, Illinois, to international work in St. Louis, and currently at Holy Cross in Wichita. Pastor Scott shares his...

Join us for an enlightening discussion as we delve deep into where and how we can find God through His word and sacraments. In this episode, we continue our ongoing conversation by sharing personal stories and insights, exploring the significance of Lutheran sacramental theology. Discover why the word of God, baptism, and Holy Communion are foundational for Christian life and how they offer tangib...

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of Law and Gospel and its significance in Lutheran theology. Join us as we explore what these terms mean, how they are applied in various aspects of life, and why they matter for both personal growth and spiritual understanding. We also discuss how to discern the right moments to apply theLaw and the Gospel and offer practical examples to help you nav...

Welcome to “Desert Well"! Join us at the well as we explore the profound concept of answering the divine call of God. In this episode, we delve into what it means to be called by God, how this language is perceived, and the nuances between being a called church worker and other forms of divine calling. Pastor Jared and Derek share personal experiences from their own callings, discuss the fait...

Welcome to another episode of ' Desert Well.' In this exciting episode, we have our first ever guest, Nichole Perez, Assistant Principal at Lamb of God Lutheran School. Join us as Nichole shares her journey in Lutheran education, from her roots in Las Vegas to her extensive experience in Lutheran schools. We dive deep into what makes Lutheran schools unique, their mission, the importance o...

In this episode, we explore the theme of 'Redeemed to Tell' for the year at Lamb of God Church and School. Joinus as we discuss the importance of sharing our stories of faith, regardless of how grand or humble they may seem. We talk about the rarity of rain in Las Vegas and how it mirrors the refreshment that Jesus provides in our lives. We also unveil our new theme logo and discuss our theme vers...

In this episode of “Desert Well,” we delve into the true essence of discipleship beyond just prayer, Bible study, and church attendance. Join us as we discuss the concept of discipleship in regular life and how being a disciple of Jesus encompasses all aspects of daily interactions and roles. We also explore the importance of family discipleship, sharing practical ways to weave faith into everyday...