Beste Central Lutheran Church podcasts (2024)

1
Life is Hard {Reflections} 10:17

4d ago10:17

10:17

Have you ever wondered why Western culture lacks meaningful rites of passage for our youth? Join me, Ryan Braley, as I recount a transformative experience at a youth ministry conference that highlighted this critical gap. Drawing from the wisdom of Joseph Campbell, we explore the consequences of this absence and the importance of structured, commun…

1
What Kind of a God Would Ask That? with Pastor Ryan Braley 32:23

4d ago32:23

32:23

What kind of God would ask a father to sacrifice his son? This thought-provoking question lies at the heart of our exploration into the timeless story of Abraham and Isaac from the Book of Genesis. Together, we navigate the complex terrain of this ancient narrative, emphasizing the importance of understanding its cultural and historical context rat…

1
The Road vs The Pathway {Reflections} 8:31

11d ago8:31

8:31

Have you ever found yourself yearning for a pause button in the midst of life's race? I'm Ryan, and this time around, we'll wander away from the world's highways and take a leisurely stroll down the meandering paths that Wendell Berry so eloquently demarcates in "A Native Hill." Together, we'll unpack the profound differences between the expediency…

1
A Confusing Story with Ben Carruthers 24:37

12d ago24:37

24:37

Embark on a journey through the ancient corridors of Genesis as we unravel the enigma of the Tower of Babel, revealing how these age-old tales resonate with our lives today. Picture a magician who, with a simple twist, turns what seems like trash into treasure—this is the kind of transformation we'll explore with the Tower of Babel story, examining…

1
Slaying Dragons in Our Lives Part 2 {Reflections} 7:26

17d ago7:26

7:26

Embark on a mythical journey with us, Ryan Braley and beat maestro Mike Lauer, as we delve into the world of dragons and their profound impact on our psyche. Dragons, with their fire-breathing might and treasure-hoarding habits, are not just the stuff of legend—they're a mirror reflecting our deepest fears and the challenges we must overcome. Our c…

1
Why Would God Do That? with Pastor Ryan Braley 28:05

19d ago28:05

28:05

As I delved deeper into my seminary studies, a new understanding of the biblical flood narrative emerged—one not of wrath, but of rebirth and hope. This episode takes us through the transformative tales of the Hebrew Bible, beginning with the Exodus, where the Israelites' journey from bondage to freedom mirrors our own quests for deliverance. We re…

1
Navigating Life's Storms {Reflections} 8:47

24d ago8:47

8:47

When my friend Jeremy highlighted Jonathan Haidt's latest book, it wasn't just another read—it was an eye-opener. Haidt, a social psychologist, delves into the mental health crisis plaguing our youth, magnified by the digital chaos surrounding us. This episode peels back the layers of his findings, revealing the stark contrast between children engu…

1
Where Is Your Brother? With Pastor Ryan Braley 38:02

26d ago38:02

38:02

Embark on a profound exploration of the Exodus story as we trace the philosophical and historical threads from Genesis that lead to the Israelites' path to freedom. Our latest episode offers an in-depth look into the ancient narratives that challenge our understanding of identity, sin, and liberation. Through the stories of Cain and Abel, and Adam …

1
Slaying Dragons in Our Lives {Reflections} 8:51

1M ago8:51

8:51

Ever found yourself tiptoeing around an issue, only to watch it balloon into a full-scale crisis? That's the kind of fiery chat we're having in the Beats Laboratory, as Mike grabs the mic to dissect the dragon lore that pervades our lives and relationships. We unravel a children's tale that's not just for kids—it's a powerful allegory used in pre-m…

1
The Law and Gospel {Reflections} 7:25

1M ago7:25

7:25

Navigating the solemn corridors of loss and grief, I, Ryan, unfold a journey of transformation that has reshaped my view on funerals. They're not the gloomy obligations I once thought them to be, but rather, profound moments to cherish as we guide loved ones toward their final rest. On this heartfelt episode, I delve into the sacred transition of d…

1
Where Are You? with Pastor Ryan Braley 35:18

1M ago35:18

35:18

Have you ever contemplated your place in the grand tapestry of creation or the origins of ancient narratives that define our faith? Join me, Ryan, as we traverse the poignant story of the Exodus, delving into themes of liberation and divine responsiveness. Through our series "How Did We Get Here?", we'll reflect on Israel's descent into enslavement…

1
Why did Jesus die? (Part 4) {Reflections} 7:47

2M ago7:47

7:47

Could the crucifixion of Jesus be the ultimate plot twist in the cosmic battle against evil and death? Strap in as we, Ryan and Mike, take you through a riveting discussion on the victor theory of atonement, guiding you through a narrative where every nail and thorn is part of a grand strategy to overthrow darkness. This week in the Beats Laborator…

1
How Did We Get HERE? with Pastor Ryan Braley 33:36

2M ago33:36

33:36

Discover the essence of our beginnings and the intricate dance of creation as we journey through the sacred narrative of Genesis. Embrace the wisdom shared by our elders and the fresh perspectives brought by our youth, drawing strength from our community's vibrant tapestry. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of existence, as we expl…

1
Why did Jesus die? (Part 3) {Reflections} 11:53

2M ago11:53

11:53

Prepare to confront the darker aspects of human nature as we, Ryan Braley alongside the sound maestro Mike Lauer, navigate the harrowing reflection of ourselves in the crucifixion's mirror. Through the profound insights of Rene Girard's last scapegoat theory, we unravel the threads of mimetic desire—our natural inclination to imitate others—which o…

1
What is Discipleship? with Kent Dobson 28:34

2M ago28:34

28:34

Have you ever felt a tug on your heartstrings, signaling a deeper call? Kent Dobson, our esteemed guest and a seasoned guide in Israel, unveils the spiritual landscape carved by historical narratives and modern-day quests for fulfillment. As we traverse the junction of biblical scholarship and the essence of faith, you'll uncover how our societal v…

1
Why did Jesus die? Part 2 - Ransom Theory {Reflections} 8:09

2M ago8:09

8:09

Dive into the heart of the Lenten Easter season with me, Ryan Brailey, as we explore one of Christianity’s most profound mysteries: the reason behind Jesus’s crucifixion. In a narrative that often leaves us pondering, we peel back the layers of the ransom theory of atonement, revealing a story of divine strategy and love that goes far beyond tradit…

1
The Gospel According to Guacamole with Pastor Ryan 18:28

2M ago18:28

18:28

Gather 'round the kitchen table as I, your host Pastor Ryan, serve up a hearty helping of spiritual insight with a side of my son Gavin's delectable guacamole. In our latest heartening session, "The Gospel According to Guacamole," we relish in the rich flavors of life and faith, discovering the profound connections between a simple avocado dip and …

1
Easier Said Than Done with Ben Carruthers 20:54

2M ago20:54

20:54

On Maundy Thursday years ago, I, Ben Carruthers, stood nervously behind the pulpit for the first time, only to have my family chuckle as I confused 'Maundy' with 'Monday.' That day's sermon, steeped in the message of love Jesus left us, became a cornerstone in my journey of faith, a story that I'm excited to share with you. We'll laugh together at …

1
Why Did Jesus Die? Part 1 {Reflections} 9:41

2M ago9:41

9:41

As we approach our 30th episode here at Mike's Beats Laboratory, I'm struck by the profoundness of the season. Holy Week prompts me to ponder deeply on the crucifixion and its true implications—far beyond the pat response of "for our sins." It's a time that calls for reflection, not just for a pastor like myself, but for anyone seeking to grasp the…

1
Giving Up: Popularity with Pastor Ryan Braley 28:11

2M ago28:11

28:11

As our "Giving Up" series concludes on this Palm Sunday, we invite you on a journey of release to discover the fullness of life. Picture the smile on my face as I recount the simple act of cooking for my family, a narrative that weaves through Sam Cooke's soul-stirring music, exemplifying how shedding the pursuit of popularity can lead to the richn…

1
Lament to Others {Reflections} 7:25

2M ago7:25

7:25

When life wounds us deeply, where do we turn? That's the question we face as I, Ryan, deep-dive into the transformative power of lament through the evocative prayers of David in the Psalms. Broadcasting from Mike's Beats Laboratory, our latest Reflections episode is a heartfelt exploration of the raw, expressive grief that can lead to healing and p…

1
Giving Up: Your Life for God 21:03

3M ago21:03

21:03

As we march through the Lenten season, our "Giving Up" sermon series takes a turn towards the profound with a call to surrender our very existence to divine will. In the stirring quiet of a Sunday morning, we recognize life's milestones and contemplate the true meaning of sacrifice, looking beyond the binds of control, expectations, superiority, an…

1
The Ministry of Presence {Reflections} 7:01

3M ago7:01

7:01

When a friend walks through a valley of shadows, what's the best way to be there for them? Our latest Reflections podcast episode emerges from a heartfelt encounter in a sanctuary, where words fell short and presence spoke volumes. Join me, Ryan, and my co-host Mike, as we traverse the tender terrain of grief, exploring the strength found in silent…

1
Giving Up: Enemies with Pastor Ryan Braley 25:12

3M ago25:12

25:12

Have you ever found yourself holding a grudge or feeling animosity towards someone, perhaps a 'Gary' in your life, who seems to test the limits of your patience and capacity for love? This episode guides you through the radical act of releasing those bitter ties, as we embrace the challenging yet transformative teachings of Jesus on loving our enem…

1
Respond, Don’t React {Reflections} 8:45

3M ago8:45

8:45

Have you ever found yourself fuming over a spilled cup of coffee as if it were a personal affront? Join me and my special guest, Mike Lauer, as we unravel the mysteries behind our emotional volcanoes, sharing tales and insights into the often illogical intensity of our reactions to life's hiccups. We tackle the curious case of "level 10 reactions t…

1
Giving Up: Superiority with Pastor Ryan Braley 33:27

3M ago33:27

33:27

Imagine setting aside the pursuit of personal triumph for a moment and embracing a life enriched by humility and service. That's the heart of our latest episode, where we invite you into a space of reflection and community at Central, extending a warm welcome to join us for a coffee or a burrito. Our conversation begins with the Lenten series "Givi…

1
Embracing the Silence: A Mid-Lenten Check-In {Reflections} 7:11

3M ago7:11

7:11

Ever find yourself caught in the cacophony of life, wondering when you last heard the sound of your own heartbeat or the quiet whisper of your thoughts? Our latest Reflections podcast offers a sanctuary of silence as we engage in a mid-Lenten check-in, a time traditionally marked by introspection and spiritual discovery. Join me, Ryan Braley, as we…

1
Giving Up: unREAListic Expectations with Ben Carruthers 32:15

3M ago32:15

32:15

Ever found yourself chuckling at the mismatch between what you expected and reality? Join me this week on Giving Up, where I share a hilarious text exchange with my wife that'll have you nodding in recognition of the wild assumptions we make daily. My father-in-law, the wise Buck Peterson, drops by with his pearls of wisdom on marriage and the expe…

1
Giving Up: Control with Pastor Ryan Braley 35:55

3M ago35:55

35:55

Have you ever felt the richness of tranquility when plans fall through, leaving you with an unexpected evening of rest? Join me as we journey through Lent, a season steeped in the art of introspection and surrender. As we anticipate Easter's promise, I invite you to a conversation exploring the delicate dance between control and trust, sharing a pe…

1
Come to the Feast with Sonja Knutson 19:42

4M ago19:42

19:42

As a child, the ash cross on my forehead sparked curiosity and conversations about faith, much like the discussions we delve into this episode. We're unraveling the unique tapestry where Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday entwine, examining how Lotharan traditions celebrate love and mortality side by side. Reflect with us on the genuine changes that…

1
What Do I Do With This? with Pastor Ryan 34:32

4M ago34:32

34:32

As we navigate the ebb and flow of life's joys and sorrows, the experience of grief is as inescapable as the laughter that follows a good joke. In a heartfelt journey through our latest episode, I lay bare the intertwining paths of grief and healing, sharing tales from a Feed my Starving Children conference to the vibrant celebrations in Little Hav…

1
Do Whatever You Want {Reflections} 5:59

4M ago5:59

5:59

When the weight of life's decisions feels like a mountain on your shoulders, imagine if Saint Augustine's advice could be your shovel. "Love God, love others, and do whatever you want" – a concept that had me, Ryan, and my wife questioning the weighty expectation of waiting for divine signals before stepping forward. Our 22nd session unwraps this p…

1
Where are You? {Reflections} 5:45

4M ago5:45

5:45

Have you ever grappled with the weight of a simple question that carries the power to propel you into profound self-reflection? Join us as we return to Mike's Beats Laboratory, where together with my good friend and insightful commentator Kent Dobson, we dissect a momentous query found in Genesis – "Where are you?" This is no ordinary inquiry about…

1
Love, Sex, and Commitment in the Bible {Reflections} 8:20

4M ago8:20

8:20

Explore the enigmatic world of love and sex within the sacred pages of the Bible, as revealed through the evocative poetry of the Song of Songs. Stepping into Mike's Beats Laboratory, I dissect the nuances of biblical romance, spotlighting the stark contrasts to today's pornography. By illuminating the Hebrew concepts of Raya, Ahava, and Doad, we g…

1
All Things New with Kaycee Stanley from The Reel Hope Project 33:30

4M ago33:30

33:30

When hearts converge, joy and hope take flight—this is the essence of our latest episode, featuring the passionate Kaycee Stanley from the Reel Hope Project. Alongside her husband, Kaycee breathes life into the stories of children in foster care, beckoning forever families to open their arms through the power of video storytelling. With over 400 ch…

1
Lost, Search, and Recovery with Ben Carruthers 26:01

4M ago26:01

26:01

Embark on a poetic journey with me, Ben Carruthers, as I navigate the intimate and intricate landscape of the Song of Songs. I'll share how this biblical book, once a source of hesitation for its sensual verses, has become a wellspring of revelation about love, longing, and the soul's quest for the divine. Through the interpretations of mystics lik…

1
What Kind of World Do You Want to Live in? {Reflections} 8:23

4M ago8:23

8:23

Faced with a choice between tithing and paying rent during my Youth With A Mission days, my wife and I stumbled upon an invaluable lesson in faith and generosity thanks to an unexpected act of kindness. Our journey into the heart of giving is unfolded in this episode, where we invite you to explore not just the joy, but also the profound implicatio…

1
Temples, Erotic Poetry, and Why All Things Are Yours with Pastor Ryan Braley 34:14

4M ago34:14

34:14

Embark on a soul-stirring quest with us, as we unravel the sensual and spiritual tapestry of the Song of Songs. Our journey through this ancient erotic poetry will reveal not only the celebration of human love but also its deep allegorical roots in Jewish and Christian traditions. Michelle adds her own voice to the narrative, lending a poignant tou…

1
Why There's No Flag in the Sanctuary {Reflections} 9:03

4M ago9:03

9:03

Discover the compelling reasons that led our church in Elk River to remove the American flag from our sanctuary, sparking a profound discussion about the intersection of faith and national identity. In this episode, I, Ryan, invite you to contemplate the delicate balance between patriotism and the Christian call to be citizens of God's kingdom firs…

1
Strong as Death by Pastor Ryan Braley 26:09

5M ago26:09

26:09

Embark on a poetic journey through the Song of Songs, where we traverse the lush landscape of romantic verses from within the Hebrew Bible. Experience the sheer delight as I uncover the myriad layers of meaning in this ancient love poetry, exploring its candid conversations and metaphor-rich dialogue between ardent lovers. Whether you're seeking to…

1
A Goal for Marriage {Reflections} 6:59

5M ago6:59

6:59

What if we've got our understanding of love all twisted? Let's discuss the untold truths about love and relationships no one usually tells you about. Join me, Pastor Ryan Braley, as we venture into the world of romantic pragmatism inspired by a wedding bible verse from Ecclesiastes. Listen as we delve into this ancient Hebrew wisdom which appeals t…

1
Love’s Not Time’s Fool with Pastor Ryan Braley 32:05

5M ago32:05

32:05

Embark on a profound exploration with me as we navigate the sensual and sacred landscape of the Song of Songs. This time, we're peeling back layers of a biblical book that's often relegated to the sidelines, despite its rich tapestry of erotic love poetry. From the onset, we confront the bold expressions of desire and the depth of human emotion, as…

1
New Years Resolutions {Reflections} 8:05

5M ago8:05

8:05

As we usher in another year full of promise, I, Ryan, invite you to join me in a tradition that has transformed the way I approach the New Year. Picture this: an annual ritual, drawing from St. Ignatius' daily examen, where together we sift through the past year's experiences with a heart swelling with gratitude. In this soul-nourishing session, we…

1
What COULD God be doing? with Ben Carruthers 26:29

5M ago26:29

26:29

As the New Year's Eve fireworks fade and the last of the Christmas cookies are savored, I, Ben Krullers, invite you to join me in a personal journey through the moments that shape our understanding of divine purpose. Over coffee at Caraboo Coffee, a simple question about resolutions led me down a path of introspection, examining the pursuit of self…

1
Christmas Eve Sermon with Pastor Ryan Braley 25:59

5M ago25:59

25:59

When the Minnesota North Stars packed their bags for Dallas, it felt as if our collective hockey heart froze over. I open up about the deep void their departure left behind and how it mirrors the irreversible impact of news on our emotions. But not all is set in stone – we contrast this with the empowering nature of advice, exploring its potential …

1
Be Like the Dead {Reflections} 5:59

5M ago5:59

5:59

What if you could receive feedback, good or bad, without it affecting your sense of self-worth or emotional state? In our latest conversation, we dive into a compelling narrative about a young man's quest to attain holiness and the surprisingly significant advice he receives. We unpack the concept of handling feedback in a grounded way, inspired by…

1
Love Advent 3 {Reflections} 8:34

5M ago8:34

8:34

Have you ever wondered about the deeper meaning behind the creation of the world, or why we celebrate the profound tradition of Advent? Join Mike Lauer and me, Ryan, as we unravel the tapestry of divine love that weaves through the very fabric of existence. In a heartfelt conversation, we challenge the common assumptions that God's creation stemmed…

1
Joy Advent 2 {Reflections} 8:40

6M ago8:40

8:40

Reflecting on a recent, joy-filled wedding highlighted by an unexpected but beautiful scripture reading, we discovered a profound truth - the fleeting nature of life is what makes every moment precious. This episode paints a vivid picture of how, just like a vapor or mist, life is ephemeral and hence, every second is a gift to be treasured. We shar…

1
Peace In the Middle with Sonja Knutson 20:25

6M ago20:25

20:25

What if you could tap into a peace that surpasses all understanding, even in the most chaotic of times? In our enlightening talk, we're taking a deep-dive into the Advent season, exploring the theme 'Advent by the Books.' Drawing on Lutheran roots, we'll explore poignant readings from Isaiah 40, 2nd Peter 3:8-15, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, and Mark 1:1-8 …

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Hope Advent 1 {Reflections} 8:47

6M ago8:47

8:47

Remember how you waited for Christmas as a child, the anticipation building with each passing day, hoping to unwrap your heart’s desire? Drawing on those memories, Mike and I, your hosts Ryan Braley, bring you a profound understanding of the biblical Hebrew concept of hope, 'kava', that embodies a tense waiting for a release. In the tranquil season…

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