Engaging Truth

Nearly a year ago, Pastor Chris Nietubicz came home from his work at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings, Texas, complaining of a severe headache. Two days later the 39-year old had died leaving behind a grieving wife and two young children. Join host Pastor David Schultz as he welcomes Lauren Nietubicz to discuss how she and her family have dealt with their loss by relying on their faith in...

Less than two years ago Clarissa’s husband of 17 years — author and journalist Rob Moll — died suddenly in a hiking accident. Clarissa shares her story of loss and of her journey in grief with host Matt Popovits. Clarissa shares not just of her own heartbreak but of her spiritual growth and how each one of us can live with hope in the face of death.

Each day we are in a battle. Thankfully, God promises to equip his people for all the struggles that come our way. Join host Matt Popovits as he interviews Pastor Chris Kennedy to discuss how God protects us in the midst of spiritual attacks and how we can develop our spiritual muscles to endure life’s difficulties.

Andrew Peterson is an award-winning musician. He’s also the author of a bestselling fantasy series for children called the Wingfeather Saga. Andrew joins host Matt Popovits to discuss the power of stories and the latest addition to the Wingfeather series. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation.

Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz is the Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty in Washington, D.C. He discusses with host Matt Popovits the latest happenings in our nation’s politics and the potential impact on religious liberties.

Grief and loss is something each one of us experiences, over and over, throughout our lives. And yet, God promises not only to sustain in those losses but to grow and transform us through them. Rev. Michael Newman, President, Texas District LCMS, is the author of a new book, “Getting Through Grief.” He sits down with host Matt Popovits to discuss it and to help us understa...

Join Engaging Truth host Pastor John Cain as he welcomes the Rev. Dr. Tom Egger, newly installed president at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Changing times demand rethinking the approach of training pastoral candidates while remaining true to God’s Word. Dr. Egger explains his philosophy on preparing the next generation of pastors for their labors in the field.

What is the season of Lent all about, anyway? And what is repentance? Join host Pastor Matt Popovits as he interviews Chad Bird, author of "Unveiling Mercy", as they dig into the significance of this pre-Easter season.

What’s the significance of Palm Sunday in the story of Jesus and what will someone encounter if they attend church on this kickoff to Holy Week? Ken Hennings, President Emeritus of the Texas District of the LCMS, will answer these questions and more.

Christian pastor and author Randall Mooney joins Pastor David Schultz to discuss the decline of the influence of religion in America. “If we diminish the gospel, we diminish God’s power,” Mooney says. “There is no compromise, we have to get into the Word. The Word is where the light is. The Word is where the power is.”

What is the season of Lent all about, anyway? And what is repentance? Join host Pastor Matt Popovits as he interviews Chad Bird, author of "Unveiling Mercy", as they dig into the significance of this pre-Easter season.

Pastor Matt Popovits joins Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, former President of the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, to discuss what life is really like for church workers. Overworked, underpaid, and driven by a deep sense of calling, those who work in the church carry unique burdens even as they bring tremendous blessing. How can the compassionate congregant best support and encourage the church workers i...

Mary Van Geffen is an international parenting coach for overwhelmed parents of "strong-willed & spicy children." She helps parents to gain the confidence and skills to choose gentle, respectful parenting. She joins host Matt Popovits to discuss how to parent when you don’t feel as though you received the best roadmap for success from your family of origin, parenting in a pandemic, as well as h...

Cassie Moore is a Director of Christian Education and a published author. Her area of expertise is youth and young adults and helping churches and other organizations love and serve them effectively. Pastor Matt Popovits sits down with Cassie to discuss Generation Z and what sets them apart from their predecessors. Specifically, Cassie will give us insights into the unique struggles of 15 – 25-yea...

Mark Wuggazer is the newly installed Sr. Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. Prior to St. John, Pastor Wuggazer spent his entire ministry in the state of Michigan. He sits down with host Matt Popovits to give us an inside peek into what it’s like for a pastor to take a new call, say goodbye to a congregation he loves, and to trust God as he steps into something new.

Donna Snow’s new book takes us to the world of an often-overlooked, but incredibly timely character in God’s story. “Chosen” is a study of the Old Testament book of Esther, a woman who was selected by God to stand up for what’s right, speak truth to worldly power, and to trust in the power and plans of God. Join host Matt Popovits as he interviews Donna and discusses the importance of Esther’s sto...

Rich Villodas pastors one of the most diverse churches in the United States. He’s also written a bestselling book titled, “The Deeply Formed Life.” In this conversation Host Pastor Matt Popovits and Pastor Rich discuss his new book and how we can move from surface level spirituality to a deeper connection with Jesus--a connection that can affect everything from how yo...

Michael and Elizabeth Steele have worked hard to build a Christ-centered, loving environment for their three daughters. What’s their key to success? “When things start shifting under you,” Elizabeth says, “you need to make sure your foundation is solid rock and not sand!” And Mike echoes that, saying, “We constantly pray about our girls being exposed to the secular world and we have to continue to...

Laura Hemminger has been championing the rights of the unborn for years. After reluctant participation at a vigil outside a clinic in college, Laura discovered a passion and a calling, eventually working with Lutherans for Life. In this conversation, Pastor Matt Popovits and Laura discuss how Christians and non-Christians alike can serve women cons...

Pastor Larry White is a regular speaker for national pro-life, pro-family organizations across America. In that connection, he has had the opportunity to address millions of Americans through national radio and television broadcasts and has spoken to nearly 20,000 pastors across the nation. Pastor White also serves on the National Advisory Board of the Family Research Council. In 1997, Pastor Whit...

David Gamboa works with Elijah Rising in Houston, Texas, fighting against human trafficking and supporting the vulnerable people victimized by it. In this powerful conversation David and our host Pastor Matt Popovits, talk about the realities of human trafficking, its link to pornography, and what each of us can do to protect those who might be victimized.

Author, speaker, and activist Denise Mountenay is fighting for the life of the unborn. But it wasn’t always that way. Abused as a young child, troubled as a teenager, and having several abortion procedures of her own, Denise’s life was suddenly and radically changed by the message of Jesus. Join Host Pastor Matt Popovits as we hear Denise’s powerful story and learn about a...

Since 2008 the Teen Life Center has worked tirelessly to share the love of Christ and to help young single moms be the best moms they can be. Now as they continue to support teens in crisis pregnancy, TLC is broadening the mission to Two Lives Matter, expanding its role to provide material and spiritual support to single moms 19 to 25 and to offer a housing option for single moms 18 to 29. Join ho...

Outspoken life advocate Juda Myers founded CHOICES4LIFE as a way to promote and restore honor and dignity to women and children of rape conception through assault and/or incest. A main goal is to educate the world about the value of every human life conceived. Join Pastor David Schultz as he welcomes Juda to the Engaging Truth microphone.

Melanie Penn is an acclaimed singer and songwriter based in New York City. Her Christmas album, “Immanuel”, tells the story of Jesus’ birth from the perspective of nearly every character in the narrative. It’s a joyful, heart-warming record that has become a holiday favorite for many. Melanie joins Host Matt Popovits to discuss the power and the importance of Christmas music, especially in a year...