Pastor Talk
First Presbyterian Church
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The Pastor Talk Podcast is a weekly podcast where two Reformed Pastors, Clint Loveall & Michael Gewecke, explore scripture, Christian history, and theology as an inspiration and challenge for us all to understand our world, grow as people of faith, and disciples of Jesus Christ.
Available episodes
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14 hours ago
Genesis 31:1-21
Jacob and Laban have reached a breaking point and Jacob decides it is time to leave. Instead of talking with his father-in-law Jacob decides to flee unannounced, and to make it all worse, his wife steals items from Laban’s household on the way out. Join the Pastors as they explore this interesting story and see […]
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1 day ago
Genesis 30:25-43
Jacob and Laban find themselves at a crossroads. God has blessed Laban because of Jacob and, yet Jacob wants to make a way for himself. They try to best one another and barter a deal that each think will enrich himself. At the end of the day, we discover that God remains faithful to Jacob, […]
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5 days ago
Finding Time
Many have wanted to spend more time in prayer and spiritual study, but few have been able to “find the time.” Today, the Pastors introduce the first self-assessment in our Unhindered series. Join the conversation as we examine the things that demand our attention, and we address the most common traps for those seeking to […]
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Jan 6, 2022
Genesis 30:1-24
When Rachel’s jealousy of her sister grows, so does the conflict between them. In a story that intentionally echoes the original story of Jacob and Esau, we now see two sisters locked in a battle for favor, except in this case it only expands when they also give their handmaids to Jacob as wives. What […]
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Jan 6, 2022
Becoming Unhindered
The New Year presents a renewed opportunity to take an honest assessment of our spiritual health, to intentionally connect with a Christian community, and to resolve to dig deeper in our own faith and discipleship. In this introductory conversation Pastors Clint and Michael explore how easily our faith can become hindered and how small steps, […]
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Jan 5, 2022
Genesis 29:21-35
In one of the most complicated family stories in the entire book of Genesis, Jacob’s father-in-law tricks him into marrying both of his daughters in exchange for 14 years of labor instead of 7. Then, in a twist of dark irony, Jacob’s least favorite wife Leah bears him sons while his favorite wife Rachel is […]
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Jan 4, 2022
Genesis 29:1-20
Jacob arrives safely at his Uncle Laban’s house so it would be natural to assume that the worst is behind him. Yet, to those who know what to look for, today’s text is a foreboding tale of the story to come. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in […]
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Jan 3, 2022
Genesis 28
When Jacob runs to save his life from his brother Esau, he hits rock bottom, sleeping under the stars with his head literally on a rock. What follows is a remarkable story of God’s faithfulness to his promise, a dream inspired by God himself, and a conversion experience that leaves something to be desired. Join […]
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Dec 30, 2021
Unhindered Series Teaser | Pastor Talk
Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they start a new series called Unhindered. Throughout this seven-week series, they will offer a new survey tool every week to assess the strengths and growth areas of your own personal faith along with practical tools to make 2022 a year of deep faith and Christian discipleship. Please share […]
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Dec 23, 2021
Genesis 27:30-46
When Esau discovers his brother’s successful scheme to steal his blessing, he is deeply wounded and begs his father for a blessing of his own. What follows will be a story of deep grief, anger, and a family that it ripped to pieces. This is the kind of messy human story that we all know […]
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Dec 23, 2021
Christmas Icons | Too Much Christmas?
Have you ever thought about your Christmas traditions theologically? Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore the rich variety of Christmas stories and themes and discuss how these things direct our attention, intentionally and unintentionally, on things other than Christ. At the end of the day, we discover that it isn’t the stuff of […]
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Dec 22, 2021
Genesis 27:1-29
First Jacob steals his older brother Esau’ birthright but now, through an outright plan of deception, he steals his blessing. This conflict between brothers receives will set off an increasing number of messy family relationships far into the future. Interestingly, even as things get messier, God communicates no judgement or expectation either way. Join the […]
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Dec 21, 2021
Genesis 25:29-26
Today we discover how Jacob shrewdly and tricks his brother Esau into giving up his birthright. This sets off a whole chain reaction that will extend throughout the remainder of the book of Genesis. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what this means for Isaac and the promise that God made to Abraham. […]
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Dec 20, 2021
Genesis 25:19-28
For all of the time establishing the importance of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah, the Old Testament spends precious little time telling us about Isaac’s life. In fact, within a few short verses we are already introduced to his two sons Esau and Jacob whose conflict will become a significant theme for several chapters. Join […]
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Dec 16, 2021
Genesis 25:1-18
Today marks a turning point in our study of Genesis. Abraham and his son Ishmael both die after living long lives and leaving behind them a lasting legacy. We see that God is faithful to continue the covenantal promise and we set the stage for Isaac and his two sons who are about to come. […]
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Dec 16, 2021
Deck the Halls? | Too Much Christmas?
Have you ever considered how your Christmas decorations and family traditions affect your family’s celebration of the birth of Christ? Today, Pastors Clint and Michael dig into the history, theology, and practical implications of our holiday traditions. Regardless of how you deck your halls, you will likely learn something new about the celebration of Christmas […]
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Dec 15, 2021
Genesis 24
The story of God’s covenant continues when Isaac begins to search for his future wife. Pastor Clint explores how God may not be mentioned in the text but yet God is clearly at work in fulfilling his original promise to Abraham. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in […]
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Dec 14, 2021
Genesis 23
Sarah dies in the land of the Hittites and we watch as Abraham honors his wife’s life by purchasing a choice burial location. In what might otherwise seem like very simple details of this couple’s life, we discover how Abraham is both a man of character and how God provides even when he is an […]
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Dec 13, 2021
Genesis 22:15-19
In the end, Abraham passes the test and God promises to bless him and his offspring. Today, the Pastors discuss how to read difficult passages and be willing to both learn their deep lessons and also to live with their ongoing mystery. Once again, God has been faithful to Abraham and once again, we discover […]
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Dec 9, 2021
When Culture Stole Christmas | Too Much Christmas?
Christmas is a strange season where sacred and secular blend together. Today the pastors discuss what Christians should think and do about all of the Christmas entertainment? Is there any sacred left in the songs and movies of a culture obsessed with Santa Clause and White Christmases? Join Pastors Clint and Michael for a lively […]
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Dec 8, 2021
Genesis 22:6-14
When God asks Abraham to sacrifice his own son, it started a chain reaction that leads to the climactic, and dark moment when Abraham nearly follows through. Yet, God stays Abraham’s hand, and we discover that God had already made provision for a different sacrifice. Did Abraham already know that God would provide another sacrifice? […]
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Dec 7, 2021
Genesis 21:22-22:5
Today we begin what be the core turning point of the entire book of Genesis, if not the entire Old Testament. God, who has promised to make Abraham the father of many nations, now commands Abraham to sacrifice his son, the very physical representation of that promise being kept. Today, the pastors present the myriad […]
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Dec 6, 2021
Genesis 21:8-21
Today, Hagar and Ishmael come back into the story and we are quickly reminded of how messy and challenging the Biblical story truly is. Abraham and Sarah, threatened by Ishmael, and desperately wanting to realize God’s plan for their lives, send a mother and her son to live by themselves in the wilderness. In the […]
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Dec 2, 2021
Genesis 21:1-7
God keeps his promise to Abraham and Sarah and gives them Isaac whose name means “laughter.” Today we celebrate those seasons when God’s faithfulness is so clear and the moments when thanksgiving flows so freely through our lives. God has kept his promise, the covenant continues, thanks be to God! Be sure to share this […]
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Dec 2, 2021
Getting to Christmas | Too Much Christmas?
How long has Christmas been celebrated like what we think of as Christmas? In today’s episode, we learn that, surprisingly, it hasn’t been very long. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore the nuanced history, culture, and impact that our changing Christmas celebrations have had on Christians’ celebrations of the birth of Christ for […]
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Dec 1, 2021
Genesis 20:1-18
Today we return to Abraham and Sarah who find themselves in a familiar situation when King Abimelech mistakenly takes Sarah to be his own wife. Though this story shares many similarities with the story of Pharaoh just 8 chapters before (watch or listen to that episode here), today Pastors Clint and Michael explore what makes […]
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Nov 30, 2021
Genesis 19:30-38
Lot and his daughters are saved from the destruction of Sodom only to find themselves hiding with many different fears. Today Pastors Clint and Michael finish this part of Lot’s saga and explore the strange, difficult genesis story of the Moabites and Ammonites. While these stories can be challenging, if we are willing to read […]
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Nov 29, 2021
Genesis 19:12-29
Today, Pastors Clint and Michael finish the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot and his family are rescued from the cities’ immanent destruction but are beset by a strange hesitation to leave. Join the Pastors as they explore this strange ending to a very strange story and explore what it has to teach us about […]
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Nov 18, 2021
Genesis 19:1-11
A dark story only gets darker when Lot tries to protect his two guests from a violent mob by offering his own daughters in return. What can modern readers learn from the many layers of this story’s portrayal of broken human relationships, sin, and vulgarity? Join the Pastors for a difficult conversation of faith seeking […]
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Nov 18, 2021
Too Much Christmas? | SERIES TEASER
The Pastor Talk weekly podcast will be taking a couple weeks off for the Thanksgiving break but we will be back on December 2nd for a 4 week Advent series we are calling “Too Much Christmas?” This series will be a light-hearted look at Christmas through the lenses of Scripture, culture, tradition, and nostalgia. We […]
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Nov 17, 2021
Genesis 18:16-33
Following the announcement of God’s promise to both Abraham and Sarah, the story turns to Sodom. Surprisingly, Abraham finds himself in a kind of negotiation with God over the fate of the city. The critical question is, what number of righteous people would it take to live in the city for God to spare it […]
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Nov 16, 2021
Genesis 18:1-15
Abraham fell on his face and laughed at God’s promise but in today’s story Sarah gets her turn to hear God’s promise and she laughs too. Isaac means “laughter” and his life becomes a living testimony to God’s faithfulness even when that promise seemed “too wonderful.” Be sure to share this with anyone who you […]
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Nov 15, 2021
Genesis 17:15-27
God promises 100 year old Abraham and 90 year old Sarah that they will have a child and Abraham falls on his face laughing. Join the Pastors as they explore what we can learn about human doubt in the face of God’s best promises and how this story both provides an unassuming glimpse into the […]
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Nov 11, 2021
Genesis 17:1-14
After Abram and Sarai take matters in their own hands, God restates his promise that he will make Abram the father of many nations. In fact, to symbolize that promise to the couple, he changes their names, and then gives them the covenantal symbol of circumcision. Join the Pastors as the explore the significance of […]
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Nov 11, 2021
Concluding Questions | Mission Musings
In this series conclusion, Pastors Clint and Michael explore the many questions left behind by the missional conversation, especially how these conversations become practical in the life and practice within a church. Be sure to stay tuned to the end for when the Pastors make predictions as to what challenges and strategies that future generations […]
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Nov 10, 2021
Genesis 16:7-16
While Abram and Sarai take God’s plan into their own hands, God has not forgotten Hagar. In fact, he promises that her son, despite all of the troubles that lie ahead, will also be blessed. What follows is a story of how God’s amazing power is able to transform messy human choices into new possibilities […]
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Nov 9, 2021
Genesis 16:1-6
Abram and Sarai wait ten years for God’s promise for an heir to come to fruition until they decide it is time to take matters into their own hands. What follows is one of the most difficult texts in scripture and a sobering look at the lasting ramifications of what happens when we try to […]
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Nov 8, 2021
Genesis 15
God makes an eternal promise to Abram that will reshape all of human history. Even so, that promise doesn’t save Abram or his descendants from the great struggles of life. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore God’s covenant with Abram, what it meant, how the Apostle Paul understood that covenant, and what it […]
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Nov 4, 2021
Genesis 13-14
In three distinct stories Abram proves to be faithful to his family when he rescues his nephew Lot from captivity and he also proves to be generous when he gives an offering to the priest Melchizedek. Join the pastors as they parse these very interesting stories that raise almost as many questions as they answer. […]
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Nov 4, 2021
Missional Past and Present W/ Darrell Guder | Mission Musings
Today Pastors Clint and Michael welcome Dr. Darrell Guder to the Pastor Talk podcast. Dr. Guder has written several influential works in missional theology and served for much of his career as a professor of missional theology. In fact, it was that capacity that both Clint and Michael had the opportunity to study with him […]
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Nov 3, 2021
Genesis 12:10-20
Abram, in fear of the Pharaoh, hatches a plan to lie that his wife is actually his sister. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what this story means, what we can learn from its strange ending, and what it teaches us about studying scripture. Be sure to share this with anyone who you […]
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Nov 2, 2021
Genesis 12:7-9
Abram trusts God and his faith drives to him to build an altar. But why? And why doesn’t the text concern itself with telling us more? Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore why we must read WITH the ancient writers to understand the many layers of meaning that we find in the scriptures. […]
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Nov 1, 2021
Genesis 12:1-6
Today marks a significant turn in the book of Genesis as God calls Abram to go to a new land and promises to bless all nations through him. We sometimes forget that God’s calling of this one man was for the express purpose of blessing ALL people. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore […]
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Oct 28, 2021
Genesis 11:1-9
The Tower of Babel isn’t about a jealous God stomping around on human fun, it is about human pride and defiance in the face of a loving God. Don’t miss today’s study about one of the most mythic and lasting stories of the Old Testament, ultimately retold in the book of Acts during the Pentecost. […]
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Oct 28, 2021
Missional & Connectional W/ Amgad Beblawi | Mission Musings
Today Pastors Clint and Michael are overjoyed to welcome Amgad Beblawi to the Pastor Talk podcast. Amgad is the Mission Executive for three PC(USA) Presbyteries in northwest Iowa and he is actively involved in helping over 100 churches foster and grow in their missional identities. Today’s conversation explores how Amgad’s understanding of the the missional […]
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Oct 27, 2021
Genesis 9:18-29
Following God’s covenant comes the surprise end to Noah’s story which leaves us with more questions than answers. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they dive into the story of Noah and his sons. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together through […]
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Oct 26, 2021
Genesis 9:8-17
Noah and his family walk out onto dry ground. With a beautiful rainbow hanging above them God makes the promise that a flood would never again destroy all living things. This is the story that we remember from our children’s Bibles. But did you know that the rainbow actually symbolized a warrior’s weapon? And did […]
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Oct 25, 2021
Genesis 9:1-7
“Be Fruitful and Multiply” are more than just nice words, they are both God’s intension and directive for humanity. Now that Noah and his family have been saved from a catastrophic flood, will they be able to live into this command more effectively that their predecessors? Today we discover that God is already beginning to […]
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Oct 21, 2021
Genesis 8:13-22
What would you do after God miraculously saves you from a cataclysmic world flood? And what can we learn from what Noah does? We discover that God’s will is beyond human understanding or even questioning and, yet, God is faithful. God makes a promise to be faithful even in full knowledge that humanity will never […]
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Oct 21, 2021
How to Be Missional | Mission Musings
Have the Pastors convinced you that every Christian needs to have a missional identity? So what next? What does it actually mean to be missional? Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore these foundational questions and provide some suggestions for how every Christian (and congregation) can begin to make this missional identity part of […]
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Oct 20, 2021
Genesis 8:1-12
The floor waters recede and Noah patiently waits for God to make a new start for the whole creation. In this incredibly deep story of God’s faithfulness and creative power, we rediscover how intricately and beautifully the scriptures draw us into the stories of ancient people only to show us a contemporary glimpse of a […]
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Oct 19, 2021
Genesis 7:17-23
Today’s reading of Noah and the flood is among the best known stories in the Bible though, upon closer inspection, it is also one of the most challenging. Join the Pastors as they explore what we should make of the vast destruction that God brings upon creation. We learn something about our own questions that […]
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Oct 18, 2021
Genesis 7:1-16
You know the story, Noah obeys God and builds an ark. Yet. the danger of Biblical stories that we know so well is that we are tempted to think that we know exactly what they mean. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore a different perspective of Noah’s story and what we can learn […]
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Oct 14, 2021
Genesis 6:14-22
This is the part of the Noah story that you know. Don’t let it keep you from seeing the point of the story as it was intended. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what we have to learn about God in this classic story of Noah building the ark. Be sure to share […]
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Oct 13, 2021
Genesis 6:7-13
God surveys the world and sees that sin has infected all of humanity. In fact, everywhere God looks he sees violence, except for one man. Today we meet Noah, the one among many, who was righteous. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what we can learn from this man and how he is […]
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Oct 12, 2021
Genesis 6:1-6
We move from the sin of individuals to a mile-high view of how that sin has completely spoiled an entire people. In fact, the sin sickness has gone so deep and wide that God even wishes that he hadn’t made it at all. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore how this challenging story […]
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Oct 11, 2021
Genesis 4:18-5:32
The two genealogies in the beginning of Genesis show us both our ancient family tree and build a bridge to the next major chapter of our shared human story. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together through Genesis together. Pastor Talk Quick […]
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Oct 8, 2021
Genesis 4:7-17
Today Pastor Clint explores how Cain and Abel’s story illuminates the dark depths of human sinfulness and how this short, but important story, becomes an important bridge in the Biblical narrative to the rampant human sinfulness that is to come. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going […]
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Oct 7, 2021
Us AND Them | Mission Musings
If Christians are going to take on a missional identity, we will inevitably wrestle with who we are called to serve. In a world with finite resources but infinite need, Christians must grapple with the tension between helping those near to us and those far away. In this conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael explore how […]
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Oct 6, 2021
Genesis 4:1-6
In a brief moment of positivity following a very dark story, God blesses Eve with two sons. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long before we see how deeply embedded sin in the even the next generation of humanity. It has become painfully clear how quickly shame has devolved into anger, and it is not hard to […]
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Oct 5, 2021
Genesis 3:20-24
The final verses of Genesis chapter three paint a bleak picture as the man and woman are permanently expelled from the garden and permanently separated from the perfect harmony that they were created to enjoy. Within these first three chapters, we begin to see how quickly the perfect creation has been brought to ruin and […]
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Oct 4, 2021
Genesis 3:14-19
The first humans grasped to be like God and the effect of their sinfulness is immediate and all encompassing. The serpent, the woman, and the man are changed in both their bodies and relationships and suddenly inherit lives filled with pain, toil, and struggle. This story, though painful, continues to illuminate the deep darkness of […]
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Sep 30, 2021
Genesis 3:8-13
Sin destroys relationships and shrouds the human soul in fear and shame. The implications of sin become immediately evident when Adam and Eve’s pursuit of “wisdom” suddenly drives them into hiding from God’s presence. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what this story has to teach all of us about our own fear […]
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Sep 30, 2021
Mission Barriers | Mission Musings
Living into Christ’s mission has never been easy. In fact, it has always required careful attention and deliberate effort. Today, Pastors Clint and Michael explore some of the barriers that stand in the way of both our individual and communal efforts to become Christians defined by our mission. In particular, the Pastors discuss how Fear, […]
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Sep 29, 2021
Genesis 3:4-7
In just four verses, the first humans are tempted to grasp for what belongs to God and as a result become slaves to their own desires. Join Pastors Clint and Michael for a conversation about our unceasing temptation to justify our actions and dangerously misunderstand our own intentions. These four short verses are more than […]
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Sep 28, 2021
Genesis 3:1-3
God’s creates an entire world and two humans within it and then we learn about the “crafty serpent.” What starts as a simple question quickly leads to world changing results. Today, Pastors Clint and Michael discuss what this has to teach us about our own hearts and how we too can be tempted towards questioning […]
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Sep 27, 2021
Genesis 2:21-25
The final part of creation in the second chapter of Genesis is not just the creation of another person but the blessing of a human relationship. Adam and Eve are created to live together in such harmony that they are completely shameless, free to be vulnerable with one another and, ultimately, their creator. We pause […]
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Sep 23, 2021
Genesis 2:15-20
In Genesis 2, God not only creates the human for a purpose, God allows that human be a partner in the task of naming, preserving, and continuing the created order. Today we explore how this understanding of creation both reveals a God who is committed to the role of human involvement in the created order […]
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Sep 23, 2021
Are You a Missionary? | Mission Musings
In this conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael turn the mission focus to you. Do you consider yourself a missionary or do you think that missionaries are only professionals trained and sent overseas? As the contemporary church surveys our quickly changing culture, we have been forced to return to some of the most fundamental questions of […]
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Sep 22, 2021
Genesis 2:4-9
Today, Pastors Clint and Michael begin with the second creation story of Genesis which is clearly connected to the first but yet distinctive in both its focus and tone. While the first story tells a cosmic creation story marked by order and precision, this second story immediately introduces us to a God who is willing […]
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Sep 21, 2021
Genesis 2:1-3
In six days God makes everything, on the seventh he rests. This one cosmic action not only makes it abundantly clear that God has no equal but it also creates an eternal rhythm for creation from work to rest, creation to hallowing. Join the Pastors as they explore Genesis 2:1-3 and what this ancient creation […]
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Sep 20, 2021
Genesis 1:28-31
When God gives dominion to humanity, he creates an order of stewardship. Today, the Pastors explore why humans are uniquely tasked with the care of the creation and what clues we might find as to how God intended the creation to fit together in Genesis 1:28-31. Be sure to share this with anyone who you […]
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Sep 16, 2021
Genesis 1:26-27
In the first 25 verses, God has made all living things except humans and then in two short verses, everything shifts. Today, Pastors Clint and Michael explore how God’s perfect creation includes humanity. We discover that God made each person in his own image and that he gave them responsibility for the care and oversight […]
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Sep 16, 2021
What is Your Mission? | Mission Musings
On one hand, the mission of the church is simple, to be faithful to Jesus Christ. On the other hand, it requires commitment from both the individual and the community to be humble enough to be open for direction and courageous enough to follow where Jesus leads. Today’s conversation explores how Christians have historically understood […]
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Sep 15, 2021
Genesis 1:14-25
God creates all living things, first those things that fly, then those things that crawl upon the earth. But it isn’t just God’s action that matters, it is the implication. God made all things with the intention that they would flourish and grow. In other words, God made the world with a spirit of abundance […]
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Sep 14, 2021
Genesis 1:3-13
In five short verses God creates a universe of order by separating light from darkness and the sea from the air. Today we learn that creation reveals a God whose very word establishes the boundary between chaos and order, and that it is the same God who reveals himself in Jesus Christ that invites us […]
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Sep 13, 2021
Genesis 1:1-2
Beginning with the very first few words of the Bible, Pastors Clint and Michael explore why each word and phrase of Genesis 1:1-2 becomes such an important glimpse into the central message of the scriptures, that God is the source and foundation of all things. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think […]
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Sep 9, 2021
The Overarching Themes of Genesis
Genesis is a complicated book. In this conversation the pastors talk about the different sections of the book, the pre-history and the patriarchal stories. They also discuss some of the dominant themes such as sorting the good from the bad, God’s covenant, human barrenness, and, ultimately, God’s faithfulness. As we prepare to begin with Genesis […]
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Sep 9, 2021
It All Starts With Mission | Mission Musings
Join us for a conversation about mission, about how it should shape your own identity, and how it binds us to a community in Jesus Christ. In this episode, Pastors Clint and Michael introduce a new series called “Mission Musings.” In this introductory conversation, they explore how Christians are mysteriously (and AMAZINGLY!) invited to participate […]
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Sep 8, 2021
Genesis: How to Study Genesis
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Sep 7, 2021
Genesis Study Introduction
Today Pastors Clint and Michael begin with a brief introduction to our upcoming study of Genesis and the significance of this amazing Biblical book. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together.
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Jul 14, 2021
Life Together: In Conclusion
In this concluding episode, Pastors Clint and Michael survey the major themes of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together and explore how his understanding of the Christian community can shape our own Christian faith. Be sure to stay tuned for our next series about the mission of the church that will come out in the next […]
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Jul 7, 2021
Life Together: Confession & Communion
The fifth and final chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together “Confession & Communion” illustrates the central important that confession plays in the Christian life. Bonhoeffer explains that the deepest human temptation to sinfulness lies in our inner pride. He argues that in order to live fully in the life of Christ, Christians must be willing to […]
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Jun 30, 2021
Life Together: Ministry
The fourth chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together “Ministry” explores how every Christian is called to active ministry within their Christian community. Bonhoeffer explores how the practices of silence, humility, and scriptural correction provide ample opportunities for life-long discipleship and Christian formation. As Bonhoeffer conceives of it, ministry is ultimately the Christian task of humbling oneself […]
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Jun 23, 2021
Life Together: The Day Alone
The third chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together gives Christians a glimpse into how the spiritual practices of meditation, intercession, and even silence can be invaluable tools for Christian discipleship and, ultimately, community. A surprising chapter for a book expressly about community, Bonhoeffer shows us how even our “individual” lives shape and form us for our […]
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Jun 16, 2021
Life Together: The Day with Others
The second chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together offers a powerful glimpse into how the rhythms of each day can be an opportunity for Christians to grow deeper in their relationship with God and others. In this chapter, Bonhoeffer explores how every moment from daybreak to sunset is ripe with opportunities for prayer, psalm, […]
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Jun 9, 2021
Life Together: Community
Pastors Clint and Michael discuss the first chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together. In this conversation, the pastors discuss how Christians define “community” and what makes Christian community different from other communities. Although this may appear, at first glance, to be simple, Dietrich Bonhoeffer shows us that real Christian community is rich and deeply […]
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Jun 2, 2021
Life Together: Introduction
Pastors Clint and Michael introduce a new Podcast series covering the classic 20th century book Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In this introduction, the pastors survey Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life and explain what makes him such an enduring theological figure. Due to his exceptional intellect and thoroughgoing faith captured so brilliantly in this small book, millions […]
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May 26, 2021
Jesus Jargon: Worship
Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they conclude the Jesus Jargon series with a conversation about what Christians mean by the word “worship.” Unlike some of the jargon in this series, “worship” is a word Christians use at least once every week. And yet, for all of its use, we sometimes fail to slow down […]
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May 19, 2021
Jesus Jargon: Orthodoxy
Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word “orthodoxy.” Though not always a word used in Christian Education, orthodoxy refers to “right belief.” At its best, orthodoxy is intended to provide Christians a shared language for our common purpose and shared mission. In this episode, the pastors explore how […]
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May 12, 2021
Jesus Jargon: Spiritual
Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word “Spiritual.” Living in a culture that elevates “spirituality” above religious practices, Christians would do well to return to the fundamentals of Christian spirituality and rediscover the beautiful promise that the Holy Spirit lives within us. Don’t miss this conversation if you […]
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May 5, 2021
Jesus Jargon: Ecumenical
Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word “ecumenical.” While maybe not a word commonly spoken within the normal life of a congregation, modern church denominations have invested a great deal of time and effort in fostering partnerships between Christians all throughout the world. The ecumenical movement has resulted […]
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Apr 28, 2021
Jesus Jargon: Salvation
Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word “salvation.” While central to our understanding of what it means to be people of faith, the Christian understanding of salvation is much more rich and nuanced than if someone just says the “sinners prayer.” The Pastors discuss what it means to […]
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Apr 21, 2021
Jesus Jargon: Mission
Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word “mission.” The mission of the church has existed from the very moment that Jesus gave the great commission but the expression of that mission has taken many forms. The pastors explain how the mission of the church is distinct from the […]
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Apr 14, 2021
Jesus Jargon: Conservative & Liberal
Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore the terms “Conservative” and “Liberal” from the Christian perspective. You may be surprised to discover that these two labels have existed in some measure throughout the history of the church and a robust understanding of each enables us to see how God has providentially led the church […]
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Apr 7, 2021
Jesus Jargon: Biblical
Pastors Clint and Michael begin a new series called Jesus Jargon in which they discuss some of the often misunderstood words of the Christian faith. In this episode, they discuss the term “Biblical.” Biblical has been used to describe everything from churches, to preaching, to books, even though it isn’t always clear what it means. […]
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Mar 31, 2021
Reflections on 2020: Roger & Donna Harms
Today, the Pastors talk with Roger and Donna Harms about their experience navigating through 2020. We discuss what it feels like to be labeled “vulnerable,” how Covid immediately impacted family relationships of all kinds, and what it was like to address unrelated medical concerns in the midst of lock-downs and social distancing. We are deeply […]
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Mar 28, 2021
Reflections on 2020: Perspectives
This episode of the Pastor Talk Podcast features the sixth in our our series of Pastors’ reflections on lessons learned during the last year. In this episode, the Pastors discuss how one’s perspective has made a substantial difference in how we have all dealt with the stress and troubles of the past year. By examining […]
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Mar 24, 2021
Reflections on 2020: Jason Harrington
Today, we the Pastors talk with the President of Lakes Regional Health Jason Harrington about his experience leading during the pandemic. Our wide ranging conversation explores some of the strength and values of Midwest communities, communicating during a crisis, and separating fact from opinion. We thank Jason for taking time to talk with us and […]
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Mar 21, 2021
Reflections on 2020: All or Nothing
This episode of the Pastor Talk Podcast features the fifth in our our series of Pastors’ reflections on lessons learned during the last year. In this episode, the Pastors explore how over the course of the last year, there has seemed to be an increase in “all or nothing” thinking. Incredibly complex situations ranging from […]
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