Bishop Scott Johnson joins us from the Nebraska Synod to talk about Lay Ministry generally and specifically about the Parish Ministry Associates program that the Nebraska and Central States Synod have shared for more than 30 years.

Our congregation we get to know this time is Prince of Peace in Addison, IL.

Links

• Nebraska Synod
• Parish Ministry Associates

• Emmaus Lifelong Learning

• Prince of Peace Addison, IL

• Facebook
• Instagram

• YouTube

• Suggest your Congregation to be BETTER KNOWN

• Suggest your Synod to be BETTER KNOWN

• www.mainstreetlutherans.com

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• YouTube
• ‪(734) 250-9554‬

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Dr Andy Root, Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, helps us talk about Evangelism through the Lutheran lens of the Theology of the Cross and the Theology of Consolation.

We get to know the Nebraska Synod better with help from Bishop Scott Johnson.

NOTE: Sorry about some of the audio weirdness. We had a computer crash and our backup equipment didn't have the settings adjust the way we like. A new computer is being brought up to speed. Thanks for your understanding.

Links

• Dr Andy Root
• Evangelism in an Age of Despair (The Book)

• Ministry in a Secular Age (The Podcast)

• The Nebraska Synod

• Facebook
• Vimeo
• Photos
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Parish Ministry Associates
• Suggest your Congregation to be BETTER KNOWN

• Suggest your Synod to be BETTER KNOWN

• www.mainstreetlutherans.com

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• YouTube
• ‪(734) 250-9554‬

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The VP returns to go over the events of the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Our Better Know a Congregation is Peace First Lutheran in Astoria, Oregon.

Links

• Churchwide Assembly Page
• CWA Videos
• Living Lutheran's Daily Summaries
• Outgoing Presiding Bishop Eaton's Report

• Meet the Bishop-elect of the ELCA, Rev. Yehiel Curry

• Peace First Lutheran Church

• PFLC YouTube Page

• Video History of Peace First

• Suggest your Congregation to be BETTER KNOWN

• Suggest your Synod to be BETTER KNOWN

• www.mainstreetlutherans.com

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• YouTube
• ‪(734) 250-9554‬

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Cory Newman joins the show to discuss the work of the Lutheran Schools and the congregations that support them which make up the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA). The episode ends with our first Better Know segment where we get to know New Spirit Lutheran in Tuscon, AZ.

Links

• Evangelical Lutheran Educational Association
• 2025 ELEA Conference
• ELEA Endowment
• Nurturing Faith Communities

Better Know...

• New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tuscon, AZ
• Facebook Page
• YouTube Channel
• Instagram

• JUSTMove Service by Agape the Rapper

• Suggest your Congregation to be BETTER KNOWN

• Suggest your Synod to be BETTER KNOWN

• www.mainstreetlutherans.com

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• YouTube
• ‪(734) 250-9554‬

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Ben previews the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

We announce a change in our "C Segment" to talk about congregations and synods. Look for links to help tell us about your congregation or synod.

Links

• 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Information
• Episodes 22 & 23 with VP Imran Siddiqui about the Churchwide Organization (These were in September and October 2024)
• CWA Officer Election Process
• Living Lutheran’s CWA Preview
• Vice President's Report
• Episode 38 in which we talk about the CRLC Report

• CWA Videos We assume that the Livestream will be linked on this page.

• Better Know A Congregation Form

• Better Know A Synod Form

• www.mainstreetlutherans.com

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• YouTube
• ‪(734) 250-9554‬

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Rev Carla Christopher joins the show to discuss how the ELCA views the ways scripture is used to challenge inclusion of queer folks.

We don't have a new Catechism Question for this episode. Enjoy your summer break!

Links

• CarlaChristopher.org
• Reconciling Works
• Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries
• Embrace Lancaster PA (Facebook Group)

• 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture (Movie)

• www.mainstreetlutherans.com

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• YouTube
• ‪(734) 250-9554‬

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Ben and Keith summarize two important reports that were published for and about the ELCA in the first few months of 2025. The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church's report and recommendations come from inside our house. A report from Barna and Fuller Seminary was made to give a perspective from outside. Links abound below.

Catechism Question:

What are the three “expressions” of the ELCA?

• Holy Baptism, Holy Communion, & Almsgiving
• The Local Congregations, The Synods, & The Churchwide Organization
• The Apostle’s Creed, the Nicene Creed, & The Lord’s Prayer
• Frowning, Sneering, & Glaring

(Bonus points for texting us your answer.)

Links

• Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church
• Report of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church
• Strategic Recommendations for the ELCA from Fuller Seminary and Barna
• Episode with information about the CRLC (with Pastor Elizabeth Friedman)
• Episode about Campus Ministry (with Pastor Elizabeth Friedman)
• Episode about Camp Ministries (With Pastor Drew Tucker)

• Episode about Deacons (with Deacon Chelle Huth and Sister Marianne Brock)

• www.mainstreetlutherans.com

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• YouTube
• ‪(734) 250-9554‬

Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound

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Ben & Keith discuss Episode 36 in which Keith talked with Pastor Imad Haddad from Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amman, Jordan. They also discuss the ELCA's 1989 Social Message on Israel and Palestine.

Catechism Question:

What is the meaning of the word Sumud?

• Steadfastness
• Faithfulness
• Smelling Good
• Special Undertaking for Mid-East Unifying Diplomacy

Links

• 1989 Social Message “Israeli Palestinian Conflict”
• Peace Not Walls video
• The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
• Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Amman, Jordan

• ELCA Sumud

• www.mainstreetlutherans.com

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• YouTube
• ‪(734) 250-9554‬

Music by Viktor Hallman Find it at https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jcOQ6kY2Cy/ Through Epidemic Sound

Support Main Street Lutherans by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/main-street-lutherans

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