"Oh, that you would tear open the heavens and come down!"

This cry from Isaiah 64 expresses humanity's deep longing for hope. In this special Advent reflection, Professor Rolf Jacobson of Luther Seminary takes us on an unexpected journey from an 18th-century Hasidic tale to the prophet Isaiah's fierce prayer, revealing how true hope comes not from our own efforts, but from God's faithful promises.

Through engaging storytelling and biblical insight, Rolf shows us that hope isn't about what we deserve or create within ourselves—it's about recognizing God's Spirit already at work in our neighborhoods, bringing about God's preferred future. His message offers a fresh perspective on Advent hope that speaks directly to our current moment.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Vo5BNwFUqJc.

"Oh, that you would tear open the heavens and come down!"
This cry from Isaiah 64 expresses humanity's deep longing for hope. In this special Advent reflection, Professor Rolf Jacobson of Luther Seminary takes us on an unexpected journey from an 18th-century Hasidic tale to the prophet Isaiah's fierce prayer, revealing how true hope comes not from our own efforts, but from God's faithful promises.
Through engaging storytelling and biblical insight, Rolf shows us that hope isn't about what we deserve or create within ourselves&mdash;it's about recognizing God's Spirit already at work in our neighborhoods, bringing about God's preferred future. His message offers a fresh perspective on Advent hope that speaks directly to our current moment.
Watch this episode on YouTube at <a href="https://youtu.be/Vo5BNwFUqJc">https://youtu.be/Vo5BNwFUqJc.</a>

COVID-19 forced church leaders to respond to a global crisis in the blink of an eye. In a moment with little information and much uncertainty, churches reinvented nearly every aspect of church. This moment has ignited imagination, created collaborations, launched experiments, and dreamed of new possibilities as the heroic efforts of leaders continue to lead ministry. The response to these challenges has been great, but there comes a time when responding is no sufficient. If the church is going to live into a new reality, it will need to pivot.
Pivot invites church leaders to use the disruptive moment of COVID-19 to reimagine how they think about church, ministry, and leadership. Each week three veteran church leaders wrestle with making spiritual sense of this time, name how the Christian faith is a resource for navigating this moment in history, offer ideas on how church leaders can pivot toward the emerging future, and suggest practices for engaging others in this work.
Pivot is co-sponsored by LEAD and Faith+Lead.

COVID-19 forced church leaders to respond to a global crisis in the blink of an eye. In a moment with little information and much uncertainty, churches reinvented nearly every aspect of church. This moment has ignited imagination, created collaborations, launched experiments, and dreamed of new possibilities as the heroic efforts of leaders continue to lead ministry. The response to these challenges has been great, but there comes a time when responding is no sufficient. If the church is going to live into a new reality, it will need to pivot.
Pivot invites church leaders to use the disruptive moment of COVID-19 to reimagine how they think about church, ministry, and leadership. Each week three veteran church leaders wrestle with making spiritual sense of this time, name how the Christian faith is a resource for navigating this moment in history, offer ideas on how church leaders can pivot toward the emerging future, and suggest practices for engaging others in this work.
Pivot is co-sponsored by <a href="https://waytolead.org/">LEAD</a> and Faith+Lead.

Pivot

Welcome to the Pivot podcast, a production of Luther Seminary's Faith+Lead. Faith+Lead is an ecosystem of theological resources and training, designed to equip Christian disciples and leaders to follow God into a faithful future. Find out more at faithlead.org

Welcome to the Pivot podcast, a production of Luther Seminary's Faith+Lead. Faith+Lead is an ecosystem of theological resources and training, designed to equip Christian disciples and leaders to follow God into a faithful future. Find out more at faithlead.org

Where does Advent hope truly come from? In this special reflection, Professor Rolf Jacobson of Luther Seminary shares how hope isn't something we manufacture, but a gift we receive from God.

Advent Hope: A Gift We Receive with Rolf Jacobson

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/28f01144-8775-4fb7-b93c-ad7c010bef79/clips/eb0b1497-0158-4a5d-8479-b249017e4e44/transcript

The landscape of ministry education is undergoing dramatic change. Traditional seminary enrollment is declining, fewer churches can afford full-time pastors, and leaders are questioning how to adapt. But in this insightful conversation with Luther Seminary President the Rev. Dr. Robin Steinke, we discover how these challenges are opening up exciting new possibilities for forming Christian leaders. From reaching 8 million people through digital platforms to reimagining formation through communities of practice, Dr. Steinke shares how theological education is evolving to meet the needs of today's church.

Using vivid metaphors like "water skiing and scuba diving," Dr. Steinke explores how ministry education can serve both those who need an introduction to faith and those diving deep into theological study. She challenges us to move beyond quick fixes to listen deeply for where God is leading, while sharing concrete examples of how Luther Seminary is embracing both traditional and innovative approaches to forming leaders for Christian communities. This conversation offers hope and practical insights for anyone interested in the future of ministry education and leadership formation.

Resources Mentioned:
A History of Luther Seminary: 1869 to 2019 by Mark Granquist (Fortress Press, 2019)
https://faithlead.org/
https://www.workingpreacher.org/
https://enterthebible.org/
https://www.luthersem.edu/godpause/

Join us on social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithleadfromluther/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lutherfaithlead

YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/ZB4_gHVciX4.

 

The landscape of ministry education is undergoing dramatic change. Traditional seminary enrollment is declining, fewer churches can afford full-time pastors, and leaders are questioning how to adapt. But in this insightful conversation with Luther Seminary President the Rev. Dr. Robin Steinke, we discover how these challenges are opening up exciting new possibilities for forming Christian leaders. From reaching 8 million people through digital platforms to reimagining formation through communities of practice, Dr. Steinke shares how theological education is evolving to meet the needs of today's church.
Using vivid metaphors like "water skiing and scuba diving," Dr. Steinke explores how ministry education can serve both those who need an introduction to faith and those diving deep into theological study. She challenges us to move beyond quick fixes to listen deeply for where God is leading, while sharing concrete examples of how Luther Seminary is embracing both traditional and innovative approaches to forming leaders for Christian communities. This conversation offers hope and practical insights for anyone interested in the future of ministry education and leadership formation.
Resources Mentioned:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/product/9781506456621/A-History-of-Luther-Seminary">A History of Luther Seminary: 1869 to 2019</a> by Mark Granquist (Fortress Press, 2019)</li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://faithlead.org/">https://faithlead.org/</a></li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.workingpreacher.org/">https://www.workingpreacher.org/</a></li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://enterthebible.org/">https://enterthebible.org/</a></li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.luthersem.edu/godpause/">https://www.luthersem.edu/godpause/</a></li>
</ul>
Join us on social:
<ul>
<li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/faithleadfromluther/">https://www.instagram.com/faithleadfromluther/</a></li>
<li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lutherfaithlead">https://www.facebook.com/lutherfaithlead</a></li>
</ul>
YouTube Video URL: <a href="https://youtu.be/ZB4_gHVciX4">https://youtu.be/ZB4_gHVciX4.</a>
&nbsp;

Ministry Education in Crisis? Why Seminary Leaders Are Actually Hopeful

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/28f01144-8775-4fb7-b93c-ad7c010bef79/clips/8c39f0f0-241a-43c9-8463-b24c00f1da3e/transcript

"I lost five council members when I tried to make changes."

This candid admission from a church leader captures the real challenges of leading congregations today. In this special Q&A episode, hosts Alicia Granholm, Dwight Zscheile, and Terri Elton tackle your most pressing questions about church leadership and change.

Drawing from questions submitted by listeners in the field, our hosts explore how to build motivation for change, ways to discern God's will as a community, practical approaches to neighborhood ministry for commuter churches, and strategies for building trust while leading through lament. Whether you're facing council resistance or seeking to guide your congregation into God's future, this episode offers both practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement for the journey. Featuring insights on the "five whys" exercise, storytelling practices for building trust, and scripture-based approaches to discernment from Acts 16.

Resources Mentioned:
“Grounded in God: Listening Hearts Discernment for Group Deliberations” Morehouse Publishing, 1996) by Suzanne G. Farnham et al.
“Pursuing God’s Will Together” by Ruth Haley Barton, D.D.
Acts 16 passage on discernment

"I lost five council members when I tried to make changes."
This candid admission from a church leader captures the real challenges of leading congregations today. In this special Q&amp;A episode, hosts Alicia Granholm, Dwight Zscheile, and Terri Elton tackle your most pressing questions about church leadership and change.
Drawing from questions submitted by listeners in the field, our hosts explore how to build motivation for change, ways to discern God's will as a community, practical approaches to neighborhood ministry for commuter churches, and strategies for building trust while leading through lament. Whether you're facing council resistance or seeking to guide your congregation into God's future, this episode offers both practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement for the journey. Featuring insights on the "five whys" exercise, storytelling practices for building trust, and scripture-based approaches to discernment from Acts 16.
Resources Mentioned:
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;<a href="https://www.churchpublishing.org/products/groundedingodrevisededition" data-uw-rm-brl="PR" data-uw-original-href="https://www.churchpublishing.org/products/groundedingodrevisededition">Grounded in God: Listening Hearts Discernment for Group Deliberations</a>&rdquo; Morehouse Publishing, 1996) by Suzanne G. Farnham et al.</li>
<li>&ldquo;<a href="https://pursuinggodswilltogether.com/" data-uw-rm-brl="PR" data-uw-original-href="https://pursuinggodswilltogether.com/">Pursuing God&rsquo;s Will Together</a>&rdquo; by Ruth Haley Barton, D.D.</li>
<li>Acts 16 passage on discernment</li>
</ul>

A church leader’s candid reflection—“I lost five council members when I tried to make changes”—sets the stage for a special Q&A episode where hosts Alicia Granholm, Dwight Zscheile, and Terri Elton address listener-submitted questions about navigating resistance, fostering trust, and discerning God's will in church leadership today

When Church Change Feels Hard: Your Questions Answered

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/28f01144-8775-4fb7-b93c-ad7c010bef79/clips/f660eb62-ec93-4a86-8c02-b24301761a7f/transcript

What does church look like when it moves from traditional sanctuaries to breweries, hiking trails, and pizza shops? In this episode, Bryan Wilkom, founder of Jesus Fit, shares how Beer Church and other innovative gatherings are creating authentic spiritual community in everyday spaces. From monthly Beer Church gatherings where diverse groups share stories around brewery tables, to Trail Church walks that combine movement with meditation, Bryan is pioneering fresh expressions of church that meet people exactly where they are.

Beer Church isn't just about the location—it's about reimagining how we build spiritual community. Bryan shares why public spaces create natural opportunities for spiritual conversation, how to create judgment-free zones for faith exploration, and practical ways to practice Jesus' habits of hospitality and table fellowship in modern contexts. Whether you're looking to start alternative forms of church or simply want to better understand how to reach those who feel disconnected from traditional religious spaces, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of spiritual community. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
"The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" (Jossey-Bass, 2022) by Patrick Lencioni
"Liturgy of the Ordinary" (InterVarsity Press, 2022) by Tish Harrison Warren
Gallup poll on religion and wellbeing (2022)
The official Jesus Fit website.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZWPKmXU7Pr.

What does church look like when it moves from traditional sanctuaries to breweries, hiking trails, and pizza shops? In this episode, Bryan Wilkom, founder of Jesus Fit, shares how Beer Church and other innovative gatherings are creating authentic spiritual community in everyday spaces. From monthly Beer Church gatherings where diverse groups share stories around brewery tables, to Trail Church walks that combine movement with meditation, Bryan is pioneering fresh expressions of church that meet people exactly where they are.
Beer Church isn't just about the location&mdash;it's about reimagining how we build spiritual community. Bryan shares why public spaces create natural opportunities for spiritual conversation, how to create judgment-free zones for faith exploration, and practical ways to practice Jesus' habits of hospitality and table fellowship in modern contexts. Whether you're looking to start alternative forms of church or simply want to better understand how to reach those who feel disconnected from traditional religious spaces, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of spiritual community.&nbsp;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li>"The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" (Jossey-Bass, 2022) by Patrick Lencioni</li>
<li>"Liturgy of the Ordinary" (InterVarsity Press, 2022) by Tish Harrison Warren</li>
<li><a href="https://news.gallup.com/opinion/polling-matters/389510/religion-wellbeing-update.aspx">Gallup poll on religion and wellbeing (2022)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.getjesusfit.com/">The official Jesus Fit website</a>.</li>
</ul>
Watch this episode on YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/ZWPKmXU7Pr">https://youtu.be/ZWPKmXU7Pr</a>.

Episode 106: Beer Church and Beyond Creating Spiritual Community in Breweries, Parks, and Public Spaces with promo

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/28f01144-8775-4fb7-b93c-ad7c010bef79/clips/3d869076-4ad4-46ec-86ea-b23a01041eab/transcript

Advent Hope: A Gift We Receive with Rolf Jacobson

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