Grace for the Grind

Mike, Dan, and Ryan talk about the need for many Christians in North American to see themselves not just as evangelists but as missionaries—crossing invisible barriers to bring the gospel into a different context. They talk about 5 ways your church can make the shift from evangelist to missionary.

Sara and Lindsay talk with Brent Barkey and Lauren Listor about practical ways that your church can improve its online presence.  

Dan and Ryan talk with Dave and Sonja Narvesen, missionaries to Chad. Listen to their story and hear about how their missionary practices and lessons learned apply to all of us in the North American Mission field.

Lindsay and Ryan talk about the differences between the “gathered” and the “scattered” church and discuss ways that the church encourage members to be the church even when we are not gathered together. Book Recommendations:   Imagine Church: Releasing Whole Life Disciples by Neil Hudson Faith for Exiles: 5 Ways for a New Generation to Follow Jesus by David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock

Mike and Dan interview Rachel Roy, Director of Music Ministry at Mount Bethel Church in Mount Bethel, PA, and have a conversation about Rachel’s worship leadership experiences and insights.

Mike and Ryan interview Stacia Systma, Junior High Youth Coordinator at Triumph LBC in Moorhead, MN, about her experiences in youth ministry.   Find out more about Triumph and Stacia’s youth ministry at triumphlbc.org  

Mike and Sara talk with Ryan about the concept of shifting the mindset of church members from a “social club” to a “mission outpost” mentality. They discuss this concept as defined by missiologist Reggie McNeal as well as four ways your church can make the shift from social club to mission outpost. Books Referenced: The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak & Dave Runyon The Gospel Comes with a House K...

Mike and Ryan interview Pastor Andy Olsen about his recent sabbatical. Hear why sabbaticals matter for pastors, how they benefit churches, and how you can begin to explore this renewal experience for your pastor and church.

Mike and Ryan re-broadcast a webinar featuring Pastor Erick Sorensen on different ways to have meaningful conversations about faith. Follow Erick at https://www.pastorerick.org    

Mike and Ryan interview writer Gretchen Ronnevik about her new book Ragged: Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritually Exhausted .   You can find Ragged: Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritually Exhausted on Amazon and 1517.org     Download Chapter 1 free at https://www.raggedbook.org

Mike and Ryan celebrate the 50th episode of the podcast, play listener calls, answer questions, and share exciting news about the future of the podcast.  

In a special collaborative episode with Word of Life Podcast, Mike and Ryan talk to Pastor Jason Lang and Student Ministries Director Nick Olson about their ministry in southern Minnesota, including the expansion to an online campus and a second physical campus. Jason and Nick also share about the development of their church’s podcast and its role in the life of the church. Check out the Word of L...

Mike and Ryan continue the “church on track” series and cover common “breakdown” areas—parts of our ministry that require frequent attention, evaluation, and changes in order to keep them functioning well. Today’s topic is on leading change effectively. Ryan and Mike discuss why change is necessary in a church, why it is often difficult, how healthy change is often sabotaged, and how you can effec...

Mike and Ryan talk to LBS professor Dr. Eugene Boe about  The Explanation of Luther’s Small Catechism . Listen to hear how this instructional discipleship tool came to be, how it has developed over time, and how you can make the most out of it for yourself and your family today. Learn more about Lutheran Brethren Seminary by visiting  www.lbs.edu   You can order copies of Explanation of Luther’s S...

Mike and Ryan continue the “church on track” series and cover common “breakdown” areas—parts of our ministry that require frequent attention, evaluation, and changes in order to keep them functioning well. Today’s topic is on developing and maintaining functional organization structures for your church. Ryan and Mike discuss the problems that can arise around the way churches are organized, why th...

Mike and Ryan talk to missiologist and LBS professor Dr. Gaylan Mathiesen about what mission is for the church, why it matters, and how you can influence your church to engage in God’s mission. Learn more about Lutheran Brethren Seminary by visiting  www.lbs.edu

Mike and Ryan continue the “church on track” series and cover common “breakdown” areas—parts of our ministry that require frequent attention, evaluation, and changes in order to keep them functioning well. Today’s topic is all about vision. Ryan and Mike unpack what vision is, why it matters, and how to cast vision for your church. Books mentioned in this episode: Advanced Strategic Planning by  ...

Mike and Ryan have a conversation with Rev. Dean Rostad, President of Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute, about his leadership of a growing discipleship movement they call “The 72.” Hear how Dean got the school involved, how churches have joined the movement, and how you can be a part of it. CLBI.edu The72.ca   Books mentioned in this episode: Joining Jesus on His Mission Seeking Gods Kingdom Being...

Mike and Ryan talk to veteran youth workers Michael Titterness and Beau Sibuma about their experiences in youth ministry. Listen to their story and advice here. From this Episode: MichaelTitternessCounseling.com @M.c.foodspedition on Instagram for Beau

Mike and Ryan continue the “church on track” series and cover common “breakdown” areas—parts of our ministry that require frequent attention, evaluation, and changes in order to keep them functioning well. Today’s topic is all about emphasizing, guiding, and leading your church’s engagement in evangelism and mission. Books mentioned in this episode: Comeback Churches by Ed Stetzer Ignite by Nelson...

Mike and Ryan talk with pastors Jason Lang, Marty Valder, and Mark Johannesen about the short term mission trip to Mexico they lead annually. Hear how they got involved, how they’ve seen God transform lives, and how your church can be a part of it.  www.borderlessmidwest.com www.borderlessmission.org www.clb.org/category/clb-youth/  - Mark Johannesen's blog

Mike and Ryan have a conversation with missionary Ben Hosch about his ministry in Taiwan and what he’s learned in his experiences overseas. Learn more about CLB International Mission at https://www.clba.org/lbim/

Mike and Ryan covers common “breakdown” areas—parts of our ministry that require frequent attention, evaluation, and changes in order to keep them functioning well. Today’s topic is all about making the most of your time of worship. You can find the LB Seminary lecture mentioned in the episode, "The Sermon in the Secular Age" by Matt Popovits at https://www.lbs.edu/pedersen-lectureship/

Mike and Ryan have a conversation with Dan Venberg, Director of CLB International Mission, about what it is like to be a global missionary, why we need to send missionaries around the world, and what we can learn from global missionaries to better serve our own mission field in North America.  Learn more about CLB International Mission at https://www.clba.org/lbim/

Mike and Ryan talk to Dr. Daniel Berge, Professor of New Testament Theology at Lutheran Brethren Seminary, about his “New Testament Survey” course—that YOU can take—at the LB Discipleship Institute. Check out the LB Discipleship Institute at https://www.lbdiscipleshipinstitute.org You can find out more about LBS at https://www.lbs.edu Check out Daniel’s podcast—Embracing the Word, Reaching the Wor...