The ChurchNext Podcast

The Gospel of John is the most unique among the four Gospels. Some 90% of the things John writes about are not found in the other three gospels. John is poetic, metaphorical, and profound. Dr. Karoline Lewis knows this well. She has been teaching from the gospels for years at Luther Seminary. She notes that great care was taken in constructing this book that nourishes us today. In this episode Dr....

For many of us the rush up to Christmas is the busiest few weeks of year. Yet it is also often the holiest - and can be the most spiritually memorable and formative for families. Filled with Santa Clauses and holiday parties, what are some ways we might live faithfully through this sacred, yet highly secularized season? In this class, Heath Howe leads us in a helpful discussion about: Why we shoul...

Angels. They're guardians, defenders, messengers, and probably more present than we think. This is what scholar and priest Kate Moorehead tells us about in this informative class. She presents four video presentations entltled: Who Are They? Angels as Messengers Good and Bad Angels Angels and End Times This course is ideal for those who are looking to discover more about angels - and for those who...

There are few things more inspiring than a good example. In the Christian faith, the lives of exemplary Christians have inspired countless people to live more selfless and charitable lives. While a the word 'saint' can apply to any believer, as Scott Gunn and Tim Schenck explain, the term can also be applied to those who have lived particularly faithful lives.  In this episode, they help us unders...

The only drink more popular than coffee is water. And just as we find spirituality in other everyday things like water, we can find spirituality in making and drinking coffee . Fr. Tim Schenck ought to know,. He's been a coffee connoisseur almost as long as he's been a Christian, and he's written an insightful book on the subject. In this episode, Tim Schenck offers discussion of the following top...

The explosive growth of the Internet has been a boon to Christians looking to help others grow in their spiritual lives. Today there is a plethora of convenient, cost-effective, and accessible formation materials available on the Internet. Substantial communities of like-minded believers have emerged around their preferred teachers and web offerings. In this fascinating course, Gregorian community...

There are few resources that equip us better for crossing life's thresholds than the Book of Common Prayer. From birth to death the Prayer Book serves as an invaluable resource for marking important milestones like baptism, marriage, reconciliation, marriage, sickness, and death - referred to as the 'Pastoral Offices.' In this course Roger Ferlo lectures on baptism and matrimony, explaining the th...

People rarely leave church humming the sermon. Rather, it's the music - singing, chanting, and being inspired by the songs and music of others - that often shapes our souls in enduring ways. In this class, sacred music instructor and musician Milner Seifert walks us through the various ways the Book of Common Prayer endeavors to nurture, sustain, and form us as Christians. This course begins with...

When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, they got the 'Our Father.' When people asked the assemblers of the Book of Common Prayer how to pray, they got something nearly as memorable: the Collects. Collects are short prayers and a distinctive part of Anglican worship, liturgy, and theology. Episcopalians have long subscribed to the conviction of 'lex orandi, lex credendi' or 'praying shapes beli...

One of the most effective ways to grow in our Christian faith is by studying the origins of our tradition as it's been handed down to us. In this episode, priest, scholar, and teacher Jason Fout talks about the importance of belief and doubt as they relate to the creeds and historical documents of the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). Jason begins by talking about the importance of belief and prayer. H...

Someone once described The Book of Common Prayer as 'the Bible rearranged for worship.' Author, one-time seminary president, and Episcopal priest Roger Ferlo would not disagree. In this episode he takes us through the history, theology, and meanings behind the Prayer Book and its use of Holy Scripture. Dr. Ferlo approaches the subject by explaining four ways in which Scripture interacts and is dis...

Significant work always comes with significant sacrifice. This has never been more true for the authors and proponents of the most popular spiritual book in the world: the English Book of Common Prayer. In this episode, popular writer, educator, and priest John Dally walks us through the incredible development of this book, including these talks on: Anglicanism: Fake or Fluke? The Real Housewives...

When the crafters of the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) set out to assemble an accessible guide to prayer and liturgy they were also intentional about putting together a resource that could shape disciples for a lifetime. In this episode, spiritual director, teacher, and writer Karl Ruttan shows us how the Book of Common Prayer can be used to deepen our spiritual lives. Karl begins by telling us how...

Looking for a way to improve your prayer life? Then join the countless numbers of people who have found inspiration, guidance, and a deep connection with God through the Book of Common Prayer. Next to the King James Bible, there is no other English book that has been as influential on Western culture as the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). Countless lives have been transformed by this beautiful compil...

We are living in divisive, fearful, and complex times where honing abilities to live peaceful, wholehearted, and forgiving lives is increasingly difficult. Perhaps more than any other resource, the Bible has proven to be the inspiration behind living such lives. In this episode, students will learn how to get more out of the Bible through Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s inspiring words aim...

The book of Psalms may be the most widely read book in the world. And for good reason. Musician and composer Isaac Everett argues that there is no more human book in the Bible than the Psalms, which means they have a way of touching us like no other. Everett has been immersed in the psalms for years, and has even written a psalter of his own.

"Part of the rhythm of God is the rhythm of our daily lives," says pastor and author Keith Anderson. He is convinced that the quest for God begins within, and involves more intentionally examining who and where we are. Keith's fascination led him to author a book on the subject, and to sit down and talk about it in this episode.

What makes Episcopalians unique among other Christians? The basics may be similar, scripture, tradition, practice, etc., but there are certain nuances that make Anglican Christians different. Episcopal priests Scott Gunn and Melody Shobe unpack them - here are some of their topics: Grateful Enjoyment (God the Father and Creation Care) Wonderfully Restored (God the Son and Incarnation) Strengthened...

What makes Episcopalians unique among other Christians? The basics may be similar, scripture, tradition, practice, etc., but there are certain nuances that make Anglican Christians different. Episcopal priests Scott Gunn and Melody Shobe unpack them in these four insightful video presentations that make up Part 4 - The Church: That Wonderful and Sacred Mystery (The Church) Defend Your Church (Stru...

What makes Episcopalians unique among other Christians? The basics may be similar, scripture, tradition, practice, etc., but there are certain nuances that make Anglican Christians different. Episcopal priests Scott Gunn and Melody Shobe unpack them in these four insightful video presentations: Gathered in Unity (The Creeds) Written for Our Learning (The Bible) Continually Given to Good Works (Sal...

Here's a concise, accessible explanation of Episcopal faith and beliefs. The Revs. Scott Gunn and Melody Shobe have given us an incredible resource. In this podcast these veteran Episcopal clerics unpack the basic beliefs and practices of their tradition. This is the second of five episodes and explains how Episcopalians mark time. Here are the titles of their four audio presentations: 1) The Dail...

Looking for a concise, accessible explanation of Episcopal faith and beliefs? The Revs. Scott Gunn and Melody Shobe have given us an incredible resource. In this series of podcast episodes these veteran Episcopal clerics unpack the basic beliefs and practices of their tradition. This is the first of five episodes and takes us for a survey of the Sacramental life. Here are the titles of their four...

Blaming God for our own violence and failings is as old as humanity. But how authentic is this? And so how helpful is this? Suzanne Ross has dedicated her career to helping people understand that human violence is not divine. She runs The Raven Foundation, which is dedicated to helping people understand the root causes of our violence, shaming, and blaming. It is based in Mimetic Theory, which can...

Why should we read the Bible and to what should we be paying attention? Popular Bible teacher Vicki Garvey unpacks this golden book in a way that's insightful, thought-provoking, and inspiring. She contends that these ancient writings have the power to change our lives because they are vehicles of God's grace and insight into living more authentic lives. Her audio lectures include: Why Read Script...

The same God who created us to work also created us to play. However this side of God's creation, and God's nature, is often overlooked. Author and teacher Christine Sine thinks we do well to look to God's playful side to discover deeper joy and liberation in our lives. Her four audio presentations are entitled: Jesus and Children, Modeling Childishness, Discovering Inner Playfulness, and Becoming...