Bio:

Rev. Jesse Kueker is Director of Enrollment at Concordia Seminary. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO and his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He previously served as pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton, MO from 2015-2022. His hobbies include running, gardening, raising chickens and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio:

Christianna Nemec is a child of God, a wife, and a mother of two children in heaven and one on earth. She graduated from CTSFW in 2023 with a Master of Arts in Deaconess Studies. She served as the Deaconess of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lubbock, TX, where her husband is called as the sole pastor. She is currently blessed with the joyous privilege of raising their daughter full-time. She also spends her time reading, enjoying music, gardening, and attempting to keep their three cats out of trouble.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life
• Read Christianna’s article in the Lutheran Witness witness.lcms.org/2024/a-living-hospice-loving-my-unborn-son-after-his-diagnosis/

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio:

Dan and Karen Kempin have been united in marriage and ministry for 30 years, faithfully serving the Lord and His Church together. Dan serves as Senior Pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Midland, Michigan, and Karen serves alongside him as Director of Worship Music. Together, they have been blessed with four children.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio:

The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison has served as president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) since 2010. As president, he is the chief ecclesiastical supervisor of the Synod and is responsible for the ministries directed by LCMS International Center staff, including the Office of International Mission and its nearly 150 missionaries serving around the globe. Before becoming president, Harrison served for nine years as executive director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care (2001–2010), which expended over $100 million for mercy efforts done in the clear name of Christ. These efforts included caring for people after 9-11, Katrina and many hurricanes, the great Asia tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and many other disasters and humanitarian efforts. Harrison also managed relationships with some 120 LCMS Recognized Service Organizations and other inter-Lutheran social ministry organizations, worked in consultation with LCMS partner/sister churches to build capacity during numerous mercy outreach efforts, and managed LCMS pro-life efforts. From 1995 to 2001, Harrison served as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. Prior to that, he served St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Westgate, Iowa (1991–1995). Ordained in 1991, he has served in a number of elected and appointed positions in the LCMS and on various entity boards of directors. Harrison is co-founder and chairman of the board of The International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg (Old Latin School), which hosts some 40 students and church planters from the European Union and beyond who are studying to become ordained pastors. In addition, Harrison chairs the board of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty and serves on the executive committee of the International Lutheran Council. Harrison is also active in the prolife movement and frequently speaks at such events. A native of Sioux City, Iowa, Harrison holds a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. He attended Concordia University, Nebraska, in 1984. He has M.Div. and S.T.M. degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Harrison has pursued additional graduate study at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Furthermore, he has received honorary doctorates from Concordia University Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Since 2010, Harrison has served as assistant pastor of Village Lutheran Church, Ladue, Mo. He has translated and edited five volumes of essays and letters by Lutheran theologian Hermann Sasse (published through Concordia Publishing House [CPH]). He has also revised C.F.W. Walther’s The Church and the Office of the Ministry (CPH) and written several other books, including Christ Have Mercy, A Little Book on Joy and At Home in the House of My Fathers. Harrison has been married to Kathy (Schimm) Harrison since 1981, and they have two sons (Matthew M.L. married to Courtney, and Mark M.C. married to Tara). The Harrisons have two grandchildren, Rosie and Shiloh. In his spare time, Harrison enjoys reading, writing, vintage Jeeps, old banjos and books, and — most of all — time with family.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio:

Brandon Metcalf currently serves as the Associate Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, IL and previously served as a DCE in the Missouri District. He is a contributing author to numerous books and Bible studies for youth ministries and has spoken at many district and national youth gatherings, including the session "Worth Dying For: A New Model for Dating/Relationships" at the past two LCMS Youth Gatherings. He enjoys playing volleyball, board games, trivia, and writing parody songs, but his greatest joys in life come from being a husband and a father.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: www.lcms.org/life
• LCMS Family Ministry: www.lcms.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio:

Married to Heather Stange of Frankenmuth, MI in 1995, Rev. Dr. Todd A. Biermann has always had a passion for fostering marriages and families in God’s way. This has been true in his role as a parish pastor of the LCMS for 33 years (most recently at Faith Lutheran, Grand Blanc, MI), in his international ministry with Heather, Life in God’s Way, and now as they both are working with Concordia Center for the Family (CCF), a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). Dr. Biermann’s educational path (BA at Concordia University Nebraska, MDiv at Concordia Seminary St. Louis and DMin at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne) along with a wide array of field experience has prepared him for his role as the Executive Director of CCF, which he was called to begin in February 2024. He rejoices in the privilege to promote family discipleship, uniting homes and congregations in making lifelong disciples of Jesus. Learn more about Dr. Biermann and CCF at www.concordiafamily.org. Contact him directly at toddbiermann@concordiafamily.org.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: www.lcms.org/life
• LCMS Family Ministry: www.lcms.org/family
• Concordia Center for the Family https://www.concordiacenterforthefamily.org/

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio:

Deb Jurchen holds a BFA in K-12 Art Education from Concordia University, Nebraska, and an MSE in Family Life Education from Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor. Professionally, Deb serves as the Director of University Institutes at Concordia University, Nebraska, an adjunct professor in the Family Life Education Graduate program at Concordia University, Nebraska, as well as the Family Life Ministry Consultant for the Nebraska District LCMS.

Deb is married to Rev. Dr. Pete Jurchen who is Assistant Professor of Lutheran Education and Faith Formation at Concordia University, Nebraska. Together, they have five children and reside in Seward, Nebraska. She loves hiking, gardening, and staying active with her kids!

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: www.lcms.org/life
• LCMS Family Ministry: www.lcms.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio:

Mark Cook is a graduate of Concordia Nebraska and is in his 15th year serving as DCE at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. He serves in the areas of family ministry, youth ministry, confirmation, and children’s ministry. He enjoys playing with his kids, music, camping, backpacking, and anything that involves being outdoors and going on adventures with his beautiful wife Libby and children, Micah (8), Karis (6), Ezra (3), Isaiah (20mo), and baby girl (coming soon!).

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: www.lcms.org/life
• LCMS Family Ministry: www.lcms.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: www.lcms.org/life
• LCMS Family Ministry: www.lcms.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life Ministry: www.lcms.org/life
• LCMS Family Ministry: www.lcms.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family
• An LCMS Guide to Supporting Foster Families: https://lcmslife.org/resource/lcms-guide-to-supporting-foster-families/

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family
• An LCMS Guide to Supporting Foster Families: https://lcmslife.org/resource/lcms-guide-to-supporting-foster-families/

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Dr. Engel has been a member of the LCMS at various churches since the age of 4. He is an Eagle Scout, an alumnus of the Virginia Military Institute, and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He has also worked professionally as an EMS paramedic and an industrial saturation diver. He has an MBA and is a Doctor of Human Services with a focus on the concerns of children in child dependency. He has served children as a Child Protective Investigator, Guardian ad Litem supervisor, case manager supervisor, member of Florida's Critical Incident Rapid Response Team, ICPC Deputy Administrator, ICAMA Deputy Administrator, foster parent, and adoptive parent.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family
• An LCMS Guide to Supporting Foster Families: https://lcmslife.org/resource/lcms-guide-to-supporting-foster-families/

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family
• To learn more about Recognized Service Organizations of the LCMS: lcms.org/rso
• An LCMS Guide to Supporting Foster Families: https://lcmslife.org/resource/lcms-guide-to-supporting-foster-families/

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio:

Keeya Vawar is an author, keynote speaker, and child safety advocate who empowers communities to recognize the patterns and strategies of traffickers, equipping them to build safer environments. As a wife, mother, and the Executive Director of Mosaic Mission Network (LCMS Texas District), Keeya serves as a powerful voice of hope in an increasingly despairing world. Her passion for advocating for women and children who have been exploited is deeply rooted in her own story of survival from human trafficking in the United States during the 1990s.

Keeya has an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level, helping them forge genuine emotional connections to complex and often hidden realities. She shared her story at the most recent National Youth Gathering during Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor’s session, where she inspired attendees with her resilience and advocacy work. Currently, her efforts focus on collaborating with NGOs that rescue women and children from human trafficking, both locally and internationally. Her book, One Thousand Elsewhere: A True Survivor Story, is available for purchase on Amazon.

Resources:

• For more information on human trafficking, visit https://polarisproject.org/ and https://www.lcms.org/social-issues/human-trafficking
• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911. In a non-emergency situation, contact the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888 or visit:

humantraffickinghotline.org

Note: Your computer may be monitored while visiting lcms.org or any other website, and it is impossible to completely block tracking.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio:

Rev. Scott Heitshusen was born in April of 1969 in Ponca City, OK. In seventh grade, he moved to Houston, TX. He’s been married to Jennifer Heitshusen (née Stein) of Houston since August of 1991. They have two sons: Daniel (b. March 1999) and Benjamin (b. February 2001). Ben has Trisomy 21 (the most common form of Down syndrome). Daniel is studying to be a pastor at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Their wonderful daughter-in-law, Rachel, is also a student at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. She is a Deaconess. Daniel and Rachel are the parents of granddaughter, Hannah (b. August 2024).

Rev. Heitshusen graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 1996, and has served four congregations thus far. He’s been working in anti-trafficking efforts since 2013 and has been serving as the Texas District Life Coordinator in the area of trafficking since January 2020.

Resources:

• For more information on human trafficking, visit https://polarisproject.org/ and https://www.lcms.org/social-issues/human-trafficking
• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911. In a non-emergency situation, contact the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888 or visit: humantraffickinghotline.org

Note: Your computer may be monitored while visiting lcms.org or any other website, and it is impossible to completely block tracking.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• For more information on human trafficking, visit https://polarisproject.org/ and https://www.lcms.org/social-issues/human-trafficking
• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family
• 
  

If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911. In a non-emergency situation, contact the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888 or visit: humantraffickinghotline.org

Note: Your computer may be monitored while visiting lcms.org or any other website, and it is impossible to completely block tracking.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio:

Reverend Dr. Christopher I. Thoma serves as Senior Pastor of Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church & School in Hartland, Michigan.

Having become deeply involved in Church and State issues, Thoma regularly engages with executive, legislative, and judicial leaders at the local, state, and federal levels. He labors in this way not only to bring the concerns of the Church to the forefront of government but also to carry back knowledge and resources to his congregation and the Christian community at large.

Thoma is the Executive Director of The Body of Christ and the Public Square (BOCPS.org). He is often called upon to speak at various assemblies and conferences.

Thoma has partnered with tier-one thinkers, sharing the stage with prominent newsmakers such as Matt Walsh, Ben Shapiro, Dennis Prager, Dinesh D’Souza, Candace Owens, Charlie Kirk, and others.

Thoma continues to be a guest on podcasts and radio broadcasts to speak to current political and cultural issues. In addition to his social media presence and blogging, he is an avid writer, having authored various volumes on pastoral care, liturgy, and Christian suffering. His four-volume devotional collection entitled The Cruciform Way: A Steady Cadence of Christ for Life enjoys notable endorsements from Dr. Alveda King, Riley Gaines, Charlie Kirk, Lt. General Gerry Boykin, and others. On the lighter side, he has authored two children’s books, Tea with the Moon and There’s a Bug on the Floor, also the five-volume collection entitled The Angels’ Portion: A Clergyman’s Whisky Narrative, which exemplifies his abilities as a humorist. Having garnered attention in the field of distilled spirits, he enjoys forewords and endorsements from the likes of Dinesh D’Souza, Stephen Beam (Founder & Master Distiller of Limestone Branch Distillery), Mark Gillespie (Executive Producer and Host of Whisky Cast), and others.

In the spring of 2017, Reverend Thoma was awarded a Distinguished Fellowship from Salt & Light Global Wilberforce Academy, an extension of the Great Lakes Justice Center. In January 2021, he was appointed the religious liberty liaison for the English District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. He earned his doctorate in June of 2024 from Liberty University.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio:

Rev. Noah Rogness is the pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Tomah, WI. Prior to his call to Good Shepherd, Rogness served parishes in Fergus Fall, MN, and Alexandria, VA. He also served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant Major and retiring with 24 years of service. His undergraduate degree is from the University of Minnesota–Duluth, and he earned his M.Div from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. He is married to Becky and they are raising their six children.

Becky Rogness is owner of Rogness Communications, a small business specializing in public relations for pro-life policy makers and non-profit organizations. Becky’s clients have included national and regional pro-life organizations and policy makers including Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch. Becky received her undergrad from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN, and she holds a Master of Arts in Communication from Johns Hopkins University. A former Capitol Hill staffer, Rogness lives in Warrens, WI, with her husband, Noah, an LCMS pastor, and six children.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio:

Rev. Graham B. Glover is the Senior Pastor of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and School in Gainesville, FL and a Chaplain (Major) in the US Army Reserve, where he is assigned to the Strategic Initiatives Group at the Office of the Chief of Chaplains in the Pentagon. Additionally, Rev. Glover serves as the Chaplain Fellow at the Religious Freedom Institute in Washington, DC.

A native of Gainesville, Glover received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from the University of Florida. Afterwards, he went to work for his alma mater as a lobbyist, representing UF to the Florida Legislature. He began his studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO in 1998. While there, he spent a year studying at Westfield House and Cambridge University in Cambridge, England. He completed his vicarage at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carbondale, IL. After receiving the Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, Rev. Glover moved back to Gainesville to continue his graduate studies in Political Science at the University of Florida, where he received a Master of Arts degree. He was later called to be the pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chiefland, FL. In January 2008, Glover joined the US Army as an Active Duty Chaplain, with assignments at Fort Stewart, Georgia; Schweinfurt, Germany; Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii and at the Pentagon, where he served as the inaugural Government Affairs Officer for the Army Chief of Chaplains. Chaplain Glover deployed to Iraq from 2009-2010 in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.

Pastor Glover's wife, Alison, is also a native of Gainesville, and they have two children: HannahGrace and Graham, Jr. “Gray".

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Kelly joined Concordia Plans in May 2022 as a Health and Wellness Educator. She holds a Master of Science in public health from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor of Arts in health education with a minor in healthcare administration from Ashford University. Kelly has nearly 15 years of experience in a variety of health and wellness-oriented roles. As a military spouse (retired) and mother of three, she has seen first-hand the health challenges and successes people from all over the country in different stages of life can experience. Her focus is on encouraging overall healthy lifestyle choices for prevention and improved management of health concerns.

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family
• To learn more about Mental Health First Aid training: https://forms.office.com/pages
• Download the booklet Restoring Hope: Care for Mental Health at https://resources.lcms.org/general/restoring-hope-care-for-mental-health-spiritual-care-companion/

If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911. If you are depressed or thinking about harming yourself or someone else, or if this is the case for someone you know, please call or text 988 from a smartphone to reach the National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Dr. Mark Rockenbach received his B.A. from Concordia College, Seward, NE; M.Div. from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO; M.A. in counseling from Doane College, Lincoln, NE and his Ph.D. in psychology from Capella University, Minneapolis, MN. Dr. Rockenbach served as a parish pastor before accepting a call to The Nebraska District Office where he served as the Executive for Church Worker Health and Reconciliation. He served as a mental health counselor and adjunct professor at Concordia University in Seward, NE and Concordia University in Mequon, WI. He currently serves in the following roles at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO: Professor of Practical Theology, Director of Personal Growth and Leadership Development, IRB Director, and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. Dr. Rockenbach is the co-author of the book “Unforgivable? How God’s Forgiveness Transforms our Lives.”

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911. If you are depressed or thinking about harming yourself or someone else, or if this is the case for someone you know, please call or text 988 from a smartphone to reach the National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Julianna Shults is a DCE serving as Program Manager of Resources and Leadership for LCMS Youth Ministry. With a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Community Development, Julianna served congregations in Florida and Chicago. She co-authored Relationships Count and contributed to other books from CPH and co-hosts the podcast End Goals. Julianna is a self-proclaimed nerd, coffee snob and obsessive aunt.

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911. If you are depressed or thinking about harming yourself or someone else, or if this is the case for someone you know, please call or text 988 from a smartphone to reach the National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio:

Dr. Belinda Karge devotes her career to ensuring that all students have successful opportunities and leaders are equipped with tools to transform education environments. She is a Professor in the School of Education Doctoral Program at Concordia University Irvine. She has taught and served in administrative roles in elementary and secondary schools globally. An expert in research based instructional strategies, she helps educators teach students how to use brain executive functions to navigate mental wellness. She has authored over 140 articles and ten books. She is Lutheran and served in the mission field. Her goal is to share God’s light with those around her in whatever way HE directs her.

Dr. Kara Bratton serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Education in the doctoral programs at Concordia University Irvine, teaching special education and research classes and working as a dissertation chair. Previously, she was the special education director for Lutheran Special Education Ministries (LSEM) for 11 years and spent 11 years teaching K-8 special education in Lutheran Schools in Fort Wayne, IN at the beginning of her career. Kara also serves on the board of directors for the Indiana Non-public Education Association and as an Educator in Residence for the Progress Center. Along with two other professors, Kara is co-author of Resilient Minds: Christ-centered Mental Health Curriculum, which is available from Concordia Publishing House for middle school levels.

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family
• Find Resilient Minds at https://teachthefaith.cph.org/resilient-minds
• Download the booklet Restoring Hope: Care for Mental Health at https://resources.lcms.org/general/restoring-hope-care-for-mental-health-spiritual-care-companion/

If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911. If you are depressed or thinking about harming yourself or someone else, or if this is the case for someone you know, please call or text 988 from a smartphone to reach the National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Sarah Gulseth currently works for KFUO Radio as Digital Media Manager, which includes co-hosting The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge podcast and The Coffee Hour with Andy Bates. She is a baptized child of God, INFJ Lutheran Lady, lover of First Article Gifts, certified #hymnnerd, history nerd, proud Michigan native, coffee enthusiast, chronic illness warrior, and year-round bike commuter who lives in St. Louis with her husband Luther, and kitties Mandy and Vader. Sarah pursuing a master’s degree in organizational leadership at Concordia University Irvine, learning how to use her God-given talents and personality to serve her neighbors in love. “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911. If you are depressed or thinking about harming yourself or someone else, or if this is the case for someone you know, please call or text 988 from a smartphone to reach the National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family
• Download the booklet Restoring Hope: Care for Mental Health at https://resources.lcms.org/general/restoring-hope-care-for-mental-health-spiritual-care-companion/
• Find a LCMS RSO at lcms.org/rso

If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911. If you are depressed or thinking about harming yourself or someone else, or if this is the case for someone you know, please call or text 988 from a smartphone to reach the National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Rev. Dr. A. Trevor Sutton is Senior Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan. Sutton has written several books, including Redeeming Technology (coauthored with Brian Smith, M.D.) and Authentic Christianity (coauthored with Gene Edward Veith Jr.). He teaches, writes, and speaks frequently about technology and the church in a digital age.

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

We believe that God is the author and sustainer of all life. We also know it can be hard to speak about the intrinsic value of life, health and the family when it feels like the world is trying to drown us out.

We’re right here beside you. In this podcast of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Life, Health and Family Ministries, we’re coming alongside one another as a community of Christ’s redeemed people. Together we’ll explore life, health and family issues in a way that honors our heavenly Father’s value of human life, serves our neighbor, shares the faith and connects us to others who are doing the same. Join us, so that together we can be friends for life.

Bio: Rev. Dr. Richard J. Serina, Jr., is Associate Executive Director of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations. Serina came to the CTCR in 2020 after serving parishes in urban Dallas, rural West Texas, and suburban New Jersey. He earned his doctorate in Reformation Studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, has taught at Concordia Seminary and Concordia College-Bronxville, edits book reviews for the journal LOGIA, and has written one book (Nicholas of Cusa’s Brixen Sermons and the Late Medieval Church Reform; Brill, 2016), has edited two others, and has published numerous essays and book chapters dealing mostly with ecclesiology, the late medieval church, and Reformation theology. He is married to Christina and has six children.

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

We believe that God is the author and sustainer of all life. We also know it can be hard to speak about the intrinsic value of life, health and the family when it feels like the world is trying to drown us out.

We’re right here beside you. In this podcast of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Life, Health and Family Ministries, we’re coming alongside one another as a community of Christ’s redeemed people. Together we’ll explore life, health and family issues in a way that honors our heavenly Father’s value of human life, serves our neighbor, shares the faith and connects us to others who are doing the same. Join us, so that together we can be friends for life.

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

We believe that God is the author and sustainer of all life. We also know it can be hard to speak about the intrinsic value of life, health and the family when it feels like the world is trying to drown us out.

We’re right here beside you. In this podcast of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Life, Health and Family Ministries, we’re coming alongside one another as a community of Christ’s redeemed people. Together we’ll explore life, health and family issues in a way that honors our heavenly Father’s value of human life, serves our neighbor, shares the faith and connects us to others who are doing the same. Join us, so that together we can be friends for life.

Bio:

Rev. Dr. Geoffrey L. Robinson has served as the Executive for Outreach, Human Care, and Stewardship for the Indiana District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod since August 1, 2007. His areas of service are: Mission Development, Evangelism, Parish Revitalization, Senior Adult Ministry, Parish Nurses, Stewardship, and Lutheran Early Response Teams. He is also the Indiana District Outreach Counselor for the LWML.

Rev. Geoffrey L. Robinson served 25 years in the parish ministry prior to receiving and accepting the call to become the Executive for Outreach for the Indiana District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Rev. Robinson also has served in various synodical and district positions. He has served as circuit counselor of the Hutchinson Circuit in Kansas, Secretary of the Central Illinois District, Assistant Secretary of the Central Illinois District, Rural Ministry committee chairman of the Central Illinois District, Stewardship Commission chairman of the Central Illinois District, Mission Commission Chairman of the Central Illinois District, Finance and Management Commission Chairman of the Central Illinois District, Congregational Life commission member for the Central Illinois District, and he served as a member of the floor committee on Missions for the 2004 syndical convention.

Rev. Dr. Robinson has been actively involved in radio, television, and newspaper outreach. He has taught college-level Environmental Science and Biology to both traditional students and incarcerated students.

Rev. Dr. Robinson is married to Teresa (nee St. Onge) Robinson. They have been blessed with four children, three sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, and fourteen grandchildren.

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Rachel Morton is a transplanted Texan living in Wisconsin. She is the oldest of nine children, the proud auntie of 5 nieces and nephews, and "bonus auntie" and godmother to her best friend's little girls. She is an extroverted introvert who loves connecting with others through conversations over a cup of coffee. Rachel has worked for the LCMS as a DPM since July 2012 serving St. John's West Bend as their Assistant Director of Worship. She also helps to oversee Women's Ministry and their yearly Women's Retreat. Her whole life would mean nothing, though, if she were not a baptized and dearly loved child of God. Her life's mission is to help others see their lives through that lens, empowering them to both know and share the life-changing love of Jesus.

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio:

Dr. Randy Schroeder wrote the 2020 three-time national award-winning Christian marriage book, Simple Habits for Marital Happiness. The only marriage book that provides practical, specific words, actions, and essential knowledge in the seven major areas of a relationship to help every couple achieve a gratifying marriage. He has helped thousands of spouses achieve a consistently satisfying happy marriage with these simple, yet very effective habits.

His 2021 two-time national award-winning book, Simple Habits for Effective Parenting is the only parenting book that provides detailed guidance in the seven key aspects of parenting. Happy, confident children driven to reach their full potential with self-motivation, good decision-making skills, a positive attitude, and determination are raised by parents who use these simple successful habits.

Dr. Schroeder joined Jim Daly, President, and John Fuller, Vice President, on FOCUS ON THE FAMILY national broadcasts for six interviews: Simple Habits to Embrace in Your Marriage – January (BEST of 2022); Forming New Habits for Your Marriage I – September 2022; Forming New Habits for Your Marriage II – September 2022; Effective Habits to Embrace in Parenting – July (BEST of 2021); More Effective Habits to Embrace in Parenting I – November 2022; and More Effective Habits to Embrace in Parenting II – November 2022. These six FOCUS ON THE FAMILY interviews can be found on YouTube.

Dr. Schroeder was born and raised in Austin, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University Chicago and received a Master of Education in Administration from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He also earned a Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana and holds a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago Theological Seminary.

The first eight years of his professional career were spent as a Lutheran high school teacher, assistant principal, athletic director, and head varsity basketball and football coach. In 1982, after eight years as an educator, he felt called to serve the Lord as an LCMS pastor and left the teaching ministry to prepare for the pastoral ministry.

After graduating from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1986, Dr. Schroeder became a Professor of Pastoral Counseling, Vice President of Student Personnel Services, and Dean of Students. For nearly 25 years he taught pastoral counseling classes including Premarital Counseling, Marriage Counseling, Family Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Ministry to the Sick & Dying, and Pastor as Counselor. He also wrote a Family Counselor column for the Lutheran Witness magazine for 15 years.

In 2010, after being an educator for 36 years, he strongly desired to serve God and others as a full-time Christian counselor to help individuals, marriages, and families with the practical wisdom that makes a profound positive difference. Dr. Schroeder is a Marriage and Family Counselor and has a successful practice at Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel, Indiana.

For over four decades, Dr. Schroeder has spoken to and counseled thousands of individuals, spouses, and parents about the simple, yet effective habits that are essential for an enjoyable life, a happy marriage, and for effectively parenting a child. Dr. Schroeder believes a lack of valuable knowledge about specific practical words, actions, and skills, not a lack of desire, is what holds people back from accomplishing their individual, marriage, parenting, and relationship goals.

Randy and his wife, Ginny, have been married since 1975 and have two married sons and seven grandchildren. Learn more about Dr. Schroeder at his website, DrRandySchroeder.com and enjoy his educational videos at Dr. Randy Schroeder - YouTube Channel

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Kelly has a passion for kids and teaching and teaching kids about Jesus! She has worked as a Lutheran elementary school teacher, a Sunday School director, a stay-at-home mom and now currently serves on the NextGen team at Hales Corners Lutheran Church, Hales Corners, WI. In her role, she works with families and kids of all ages and stages of life including leading Sunday School, VBS, large kid & family events, and assisting in the middle school Confirmation program.

Kelly is married to an energetic pastor and is often on some sort of adventure with her three super-awesome kids!

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Pastor Aaron Neugebauer is pastor of the best church ever, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lafe, Arkansas. He is the proud husband to his entrepreneur wife, Megan, and the father to 5 awesome kids. If you’re open to talking about Larry Bird, comic books, word etymologies, or the onomatopoetic nature of languages, you’ve got a friend in him!

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller is pastor of St. Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX. He is the author of Lord, Teach Us to Pray (2023), Take They Our Life: Martin Luther’s Theology of Martyrdom (2019), A Martyr’s Faith for a Faithless World (CPH, 2019), Has American Christianity Failed? (CPH, 2016) and Final Victory: Contemplating the Death and Funeral of a Christian (CPH, 2010). He is host of What-Not, The Podcast, posts videos on YouTube at wolfmueller1, and has a number of other theological projects that all end up on his blog, www.wolfmueller.co. Bryan is a member of the Doxology Collegium. He and his wife Keri live with their children in Round Rock, TX.

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Dr. Dave Rueter is a rostered DCE and the author of Teaching the Faith at Home and Called to Serve (both CPH) as well as a contributor to Relationships Count and Connected for Life (also both CPH). Dave is married to Andrea and has two sons, James and Wesley. Since 1998 he has served as DCE for congregations in Huntington Beach, Rancho Cucamonga, and now Livermore, CA as well as on faculty at Concordia University Irvine and the staff of the Pacific Southwest District. Dr. Rueter is certified by the Fuller Youth Institute as the official LCMS Growing Young speaker. Learn more at teachingthefaithathome.org.

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources in this episode:

• Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org
• LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministries: lcmslife.org
• For resources on the family: lcmslife.org/family

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Daniel Weiss is the executive director of the Sexual Integrity Leadership Summit, which equips, supports, and collaborates with Christian leaders to promote Gospel-centered sexuality in the Church. Daniel has a passion for the sexually broken and the need for pastors, parents, and Christian leaders to respond with courage, compassion, and truth to the sexual challenges of our age. In addition to his professional work, Daniel and his wife work daily to create a home of faith, forgiveness, laughter, and love in the Wisconsin countryside where they live with their five children.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Reverend Brian Barlow has invested over 20 years in ministry to those who struggle with relational and sexual brokenness. Having been reconciled out of gender broken past, Reverend Barlow offers a life-giving testimony of God’s healing grace. He has held leadership positions for local and international para ministries specifically focused in providing pastoral care to individuals and families impacted by gender dysphoria. Rev. Barlow offers a voice of hope individuals, pastors, church leaders, and parents of gay and transgender children. He and his family reside in Southern California and serve at Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church, Quartz Hill, California.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Reverend Brian Barlow has invested over 20 years in ministry to those who struggle with relational and sexual brokenness. Having been reconciled out of gender broken past, Reverend Barlow offers a life-giving testimony of God’s healing grace. He has held leadership positions for local and international para ministries specifically focused in providing pastoral care to individuals and families impacted by gender dysphoria. Rev. Barlow offers a voice of hope individuals, pastors, church leaders, and parents of gay and transgender children. He and his family reside in Southern California and serve at Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church, Quartz Hill, California.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Dr. Beverly Yahnke is a clinical psychologist serving DOXOLOGY, a RSO of the LCMS, dedicated to providing care, counsel and advanced instruction for LCMS pastors and their parishes. From 2010-2015 she served as Chair and Professor of Psychology at Concordia University Wisconsin. Previously, Dr. Yahnke spent over 20 years in private practice serving church workers and their families in the clinical group she founded in Milwaukee. Dr. Yahnke has written numerous articles about psychology, education and faith, and is a frequently invited speaker for clergy and educator conferences. Concordia Theological Seminary has awarded her with the Doctor of Humane Letters Degree, Honoris Causa and Concordia Seminary honored her with the Christos Vivit Award. She currently serves as a member of the Ft. Wayne Seminary’s Board of Regents.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: A full-time member of the faculty at Concordia Seminary since 2002, Joel Biermann revels in teaching doctrinal theology to Concordia’s students – and to anyone else he can persuade to listen. He was ordained in 1987 and spent eleven years as a parish pastor serving congregations in Minnesota and Michigan before returning to the seminary for graduate work. He and his wife, Jeannalee, enjoy spending time pursuing a variety of activities afforded by the city, but most especially they cherish time with their three children and their spouses and their ten grandchildren all who live in the St. Louis area.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Dr. Robert Kolb’s article can be found at witness.lcms.org/2023/lutheran-witness-october-2023.

Find Every One His Witness Resources at everyonehiswitness.org/course/witnessing-to-lgbtq-people.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Learn more about the LCMS Ukraine Refugee Grant Program at lcms.org/serve/grants/ukraine-refugee-grant-program and Lutheran Bible Translators at lbt.org.

Bio: Pastor Chris Asbury has served Grace, Norfolk since 2008 when he graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He loves Jesus, his family, and church. He enjoys playing trumpet, guitar, golf, and gets pretty competitive at board games. Pastor and his wife, Kelly, are blessed with five children: Becca, Noah, Megan, Ashley, and Hannah. A 2002 graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a diehard buff, pastor now respects all things red in our cornhusker state. He grew up in central California and gets to visit his family in Denver. If you don’t find him at church, he may be visiting members, playing with his kids, drinking coffee with friends, golfing, or hiking up a mountain.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Tim and Rebekah Janke live in North Dakota with their young son, Elijah. Tim is a veterinarian at a local veterinary clinic and loves caring for “all creatures great and small.” Rebekah is a trained Lutheran school teacher and currently works as an instructional coach for other teachers at her local middle school. Together, their family loves outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. They’re active in their local church and have a special heart for children and passing along their faith.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Dr. Stephen Saunders is Professor and Chairperson of Psychology at Marquette University.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Kevin Voss is a Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Center for Bioethics at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW). He has been at CUW since 2003 and teaches philosophy, bioethics, and ethics courses. Dr. Voss has a PhD in Health Care Ethics from Saint Louis University, is an ordained Lutheran minister (Concordia Seminary St. Louis 1999), is a Fellow of Christian Apologetics, and is a licensed veterinarian, having practiced for 14 years in Bonduel, Wisconsin.

He has authored peer-reviewed articles and written several articles for the Lutheran Witness. Rev. Voss has given numerous presentations about bioethics issues at national conferences. Dr. Voss is a member of the Sanctity of Human Life Committee of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities, the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, and the Evangelical Philosophical Society. He is Chair of Concordia University's Institutional Review Board.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Lauren Muzyka serves as President & CEO of Sidewalk Advocates for Life (SAFL) where she oversees the organization’s vision, mission, and program.

Lauren is a licensed attorney whose passion for defending the sanctity of human life led her into the pro-life movement. For over two years, Lauren served as Campaign Strategist for the National 40 Days for Life Team, advising their 300+ campaigns in North America.

Lauren holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Texas A&M University, as well as an Advanced Certificate in International Affairs. She is a 2009 cum laude graduate of Ave Maria School of Law (AMSOL) where she served as President of the Lex Vitae Society, a Student Bar Association Class Senator, and remained active in Moot Court Board and The Advocate Radio Show. In 2008, Lauren was selected as Best Oralist in the State of Michigan Moot Court Competition, where the AMSOL team also won the championship. She was also selected by her classmates to be a 2009 Student Commencement Speaker.

Lauren has interned with organizations such as Alliance Defending Freedom, Americans United for Life, Liberty Institute, Texas Alliance for Life, and the Collin County District Attorney’s Office.

Lauren is a trained Sidewalk Advocate of more than 20 years and has been interviewed on various media outlets throughout the country and world. Her greatest joy is her relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church, being married to her husband, chasing after her rescue dogs, and bringing God’s people together across denominational lines in the pro-life movement.

Nate Robertson serves as Vice President of SAFL. In that role, he oversees the Programs Department, assists with program inquiries, trainings, and location mentorship, and helps builds community relationships.

Nate is passionate about the pro-life cause and has ministered on dozens of sidewalks outside of abortion facilities throughout America. His involvement in the pro-life movement can be traced back to his childhood, when he was greatly moved by the fight for life for the unborn. He has networked with many pro-life groups and organizations over the years and is excited to see SAFL aim to cover all uncovered abortion facilities in the U.S. — and beyond — with peaceful, loving advocates. He desires to facilitate the advancement of the pro-life cause through awareness and accountability.

Nate built a strong reputation as a business leader in account management for over 10 years. He is actively involved in ministry at his local church, as well as traveling and ministering to other congregations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Union University in Jackson, TN, where he also served as student body Vice President (2003).

Prior to joining the SAFL National Team, Nate served as a Co-Program Leader for SAFL-Louisville, KY.

Nate and his family live in Orlando, Florida. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children and is active in his local church to help continue advancing the pro-life cause through awareness and accountability.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Find Simple Habits for Marital Happiness at cph.org.

Bio:

Dr. Randy Schroeder wrote the 2020 three-time national award-winning Christian marriage book, Simple Habits for Marital Happiness. The only marriage book that provides practical, specific words, actions, and essential knowledge in the seven major areas of a relationship to help every couple achieve a gratifying marriage. He has helped thousands of spouses achieve a consistently satisfying happy marriage with these simple, yet very effective habits.

His 2021 two-time national award-winning book, Simple Habits for Effective Parenting is the only parenting book that provides detailed guidance in the seven key aspects of parenting. Happy, confident children driven to reach their full potential with self-motivation, good decision-making skills, a positive attitude, and determination are raised by parents who use these simple successful habits.

Dr. Schroeder joined Jim Daly, President, and John Fuller, Vice President, on FOCUS ON THE FAMILY national broadcasts for six interviews: Simple Habits to Embrace in Your Marriage – January (BEST of 2022); Forming New Habits for Your Marriage I – September 2022; Forming New Habits for Your Marriage II – September 2022; Effective Habits to Embrace in Parenting – July (BEST of 2021); More Effective Habits to Embrace in Parenting I – November 2022; and More Effective Habits to Embrace in Parenting II – November 2022. These six FOCUS ON THE FAMILY interviews can be found on YouTube.

Dr. Schroeder was born and raised in Austin, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University Chicago and received a Master of Education in Administration from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He also earned a Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana and holds a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago Theological Seminary.

The first eight years of his professional career were spent as a Lutheran high school teacher, assistant principal, athletic director, and head varsity basketball and football coach. In 1982, after eight years as an educator, he felt called to serve the Lord as an LCMS pastor and left the teaching ministry to prepare for the pastoral ministry.

After graduating from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1986, Dr. Schroeder became a Professor of Pastoral Counseling, Vice President of Student Personnel Services, and Dean of Students. For nearly 25 years he taught pastoral counseling classes including Premarital Counseling, Marriage Counseling, Family Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Ministry to the Sick & Dying, and Pastor as Counselor. He also wrote a Family Counselor column for the Lutheran Witness magazine for 15 years.

In 2010, after being an educator for 36 years, he strongly desired to serve God and others as a full-time Christian counselor to help individuals, marriages, and families with the practical wisdom that makes a profound positive difference. Dr. Schroeder is a Marriage and Family Counselor and has a successful practice at Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel, Indiana.

For over four decades, Dr. Schroeder has spoken to and counseled thousands of individuals, spouses, and parents about the simple, yet effective habits that are essential for an enjoyable life, a happy marriage, and for effectively parenting a child. Dr. Schroeder believes a lack of valuable knowledge about specific practical words, actions, and skills, not a lack of desire, is what holds people back from accomplishing their individual, marriage, parenting, and relationship goals.

Randy and his wife, Ginny, have been married since 1975 and have two married sons and seven grandchildren. Learn more about Dr. Schroeder at his website, DrRandySchroeder.com and enjoy his educational videos at Dr. Randy Schroeder - YouTube Channel

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Dr. Richard “Rick” Marrs is professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

Marrs was called to the faculty in the fall of 2006. He previously served as the dean of faculty (2010–13), director of Continuing Education and Parish Services (2007–09) and director of the Master of Divinity (M.div.) and Residential Alternate Route (RAR) Programs (2013-21).

His areas of interest and expertise include pastoral care and counseling, Christian counseling and Christian reconciliation.

Before coming to the Seminary, he served at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Junction City, Kan. (2000–06), first as a vicar and then as a pastor. He was a professor of psychology and a counselor at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kan. (1983–86; admissions counselor 1982–83), and at Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill. (1986–98). He also has done counseling, clinical and consulting work with Lutheran Child and Family Services; the Baldwin Center for Psychological Services; the Center for Applied Psychology and Forensic Studies; the Kansas State University counseling center; Rapha (a Christian inpatient psychiatric group); Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich.; Lutheran Special Education Ministries; and various districts of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Marrs received certification for pastoral ministry through the Seminary’s RAR Program and earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) both from Concordia Seminary (2001, 2008). He also holds an Associate of Arts (A.A.) from St. John’s College (1978); a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Concordia College, River Forest, Ill. (now Concordia University Chicago) (1980); a Master of Science (M.S.) in counseling from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan. (1985); and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in counseling psychology from Loyola University Chicago in Chicago, Ill. (1994). He has been licensed as a psychologist since 1996.

In 2019, Marrs published the book Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered, which focuses on the relevance of Luther’s soul-care theology in Christian counseling (WestBow Press). He continues and expands that discussion in a blog series on Concordia Theology. He and Seminary Emeritus Professor Dr. Robert Kolb also are co-authoring an article about Lutheran contributions to the theology of Christian psychology.

Marrs contributed the new introduction to the reprint of Walter J. Koehler’s book Counseling and Confession: The Role of Confession and Absolution in Pastoral Counseling (Concordia Publishing House, 1982, 2011). He has authored numerous Bible studies, articles and training programs for the LCMS. He also co-authored The Lesson Organizer Routine, a special education learning strategy trainer for the University of Kansas’ Edge Enterprises, which has sold more than 20,000 copies.

Marrs is married to Laura, who operates her own professional organizing business. They have two adult daughters, two sons-in-law and four grandchildren. Marrs coached the Seminary’s varsity tennis team from 2007–16 and still enjoys playing tennis. He also competes nationally in stair-climb races.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Guest Kristi Hofferber was conceived in rape and incest; yet despite the circumstances of her life’s beginnings, Kristi advocates for life without exception.

Bio: Kristi Hofferber, MSW, is CEO Beacon of Light Pregnancy Help Center.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge is a weekly podcast from KFUO Radio celebrating Lutheran life, faith, history, and culture from a woman's perspective. It is hosted by Sarah Gulseth, Erin Alter, Brianne Gerzevske, and Rachel Bomberger.

In addition to hosting The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge, Sarah Gulseth serves as Digital Media Specialist for KFUO and cohost of its mid-morning broadcast talk show The Coffee Hour. Erin Alter is Director of Short-Term Missions Teams at the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, where she also hosts and produces the 5 Minutes with a Missionary podcast. Brianne Gerzevske works as account director at Meyer Partners, LLC and is married to a fourth-year seminarian. Rachel Bomberger is a homeschool mom, Navy chaplain's wife, and occasional contributor to The Lutheran Witness, where she was formerly managing editor.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Rev. Dr. Matthew Durance currently serves as Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Harbor Beach, MI.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Tyler C. Arnold was born August 23, 1973 in Alton, Illinois. He graduated from Roxana High School in 1991 and Concordia University, River Forest in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. He attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and graduated in 1999 with a Master of Divinity degree. In 2019, Pastor Arnold received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN in the area of Pastoral Care.

Pastor Arnold has served as a parish pastor since 1999. He was the Assistant Pastor at Christ Lutheran, Platte Woods, MO. from 1999-2004. In 2004 he accepted a Divine Call to serve as Pastor of Trinity Lutheran in Millstadt, IL. He later returned to Christ Lutheran in Platte Woods in 2006 to serve as Sr. Pastor where he served until 2022. He is currently Pastor at Village Lutheran Church, Ladue, MO.

Pastor Arnold has served on the Board of Congregational Support for the Southern Illinois District, as the Chairman for the Committee on Structure and Administration for the Missouri District as well as the District’s Structure and Administration Task Force (Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden was the Chairman of the Task Force). He has also served on the Board of Directors at Unity Lutheran School in East St. Louis, IL as well as Pastoral Advisor to the Executive Council of the Northland Lutheran School Association in the Kansas City Northland. He served for nine years as a Circuit Visitor and on various District program and conference committees. Currently, he serves as a member of the Board of Regents for Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and is a “Fellow” on the Collegium of Pastors for DOXOLOGY – The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel.

Pastor Arnold is the author of the book, Pastoral Visitation: For the Care of Souls published by Lexham Press. He has written articles published in by the LCMS blog, The Lutheran Witness, SEELSORGER – A Journal for the Contemporary Cure of Souls, LOGIA and Christianity Today. He also wrote a Bible study called, Finding Balance and Perspective in Ministry published by the LCMS. He has been a speaker at District Pastors Conferences and various retreats on the topic of the care of souls.

He was joined in Holy Matrimony to Andrea (nee Thur) in 1995 at Holy Cross Lutheran in Ste. Genevieve, MO where her father served as pastor at the time. They are blessed with two sons: Jacob, 25, a graduate of Missouri State University lives in Herculaneum, MO and works for Roeslein and Associates and Benjamin, 22, is a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. His Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) is signals intelligence.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Rev. Caleb Weight serves as Associate Pastor at Peace in Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, Minnesota, where he is the steward of God’s gifts and stubbornly points people to Jesus. Rev. Weight is married to his wife Kara and has three children and three others who rest in the arms of Christ. He is a contributor at The Jagged Word where he often likes to write about suffering and the Christian life. In his free time he loves to cook, eat good food, drink good coffee, play board games, and hang out with his family.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Prayer is a gift that we have been given as people united to Christ. Special guest Renee Gibbs joins the show to talk about the where, when, and how of praying for life issues as part of a Christian’s daily practice of prayer. Click here to download the PDF Pro-Life Prayer Calendar Resource.

Bio: Renee Gibbs is speaker, teacher, and encourager who is waiting for Jesus’ return! She is the wife of Dr. Jeff Gibbs who taught for 28 years at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Prior to this they lived in western Oregon for 10 years while Jeff served as a parish pastor. With advanced degrees in education and theology, Renee teaches numerous Bible studies and mentoring groups for Seminary wives and around the country at women’s retreats. She serves on various boards for Life-affirming (pro-life) ministries* and she took teens to the March for Life in DC 21 times. Renee has a heart for missions and has led sixteen Seminary mission trips to Guatemala. She loves God’s creation through camping and hiking...as well as from her 1999 Miata! Renee and Jeff have four grown children and fourteen grandchildren. Through it all, the Scripture--centered in Jesus--has been Renee’s source of joy, wisdom, and strength.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Andrew R. Jones lives in the Bay Area, where he enjoys writing, hiking, and adventures with his wife, Stephanie. He has served the church on three continents in varying roles including campus ministry, international mission work, professor of preaching, and parish pastor. His writings speak to the importance of spiritual disciplines in the midst of a hectic world. His debut book, Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible, is available at cph.org/10Questions.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Find a Recognized Service Organization at lcms.org/rso, and learn about Y4Life at y4life.org.

Bio: Nicole Chappell is a senior in the deaconess program at Concordia University Chicago, completing her internship with LCMS Life Ministry. She is from outside of Fort Wayne, IN, and has three siblings, three nephews, and two dogs that she misses dearly. Nicole is an avid coffee drinker, and lover of food and travel. In her free time enjoys reading books and watching all things British. 2023 marks her seventh year in active pro-life work and advocacy.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: The Rev. Sean Daenzer is Director of LCMS Worship and the chaplain at the Synod’s International Center. A trained church musician and pastor, he previously served seven years at a dual parish in rural North Dakota. He and his wife, Audrey, have four living children (Lucia, Monica, Renata and Christina) and two awaiting the resurrection (Perpetua and Matthias).

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Rev. Dr. Leonard Payton has served as pastor of St. John/Forest Park, IL, for the past 12 years. He is married to Lori, his wife of 43 years, and together they have four adult children and ten grandchildren. In addition to his M.Div., Leonard also has a PhD in music theory and composition.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Bios:

Rebekah Curtis is a housewife, church lady, and school mom. She has written for a variety of websites, magazines, and books. She and her husband have eight children and live in southern Illinois.

Rosie Adle is a baptized child of God and a lifelong Lutheran. She thanks the Lord for the joys of being home with her dear family, helping at church, being outside, and caring for others in Christian love. She teaches online deaconess classes for Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Rosie lives in Imperial, Nebraska, just down the street from Zion Lutheran Church, where the Adle family is glad to spend much of their time.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Kim Marxhausen enjoys a ministry of supporting Lutheran educators and families. She uses her doctorate in Educational Psychology to helping people to see their work and God's support in a new way. She presents at conferences all over the country, writes a parenting newsletter for LCMS School Ministry called Parent Pages and is the author of three books, including Weary Joy: The Caregiver's Journey. You are welcome to check out her parenting blog, devotional blog, and ministry resources at faithparent.marxhausen.net.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Rev. Robert Zagore received his Master of Divinity in 1990 from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., and completed additional coursework toward a Master of Sacred Theology, also from the seminary. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind. Before becoming a pastor, Zagore worked as an accounting consultant for Cleveland Business Consulting Services. Zagore grew up in a blue-collar, immigrant Cleveland neighborhood and has served as a pastor for over 30 years in small, medium and large congregations, both urban and rural, and in the LCMS Office of National Mission. He and his wife, Gwen, have been married for 32 years and have four adult children.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: A full-time member of the faculty at Concordia Seminary since 2002, Joel Biermann revels in teaching doctrinal theology to Concordia’s students – and to anyone else he can persuade to listen. He was ordained in 1987 and spent eleven years as a parish pastor serving congregations in Minnesota and Michigan before returning to the seminary for graduate work. He and his wife, Jeannalee, enjoy spending time pursuing a variety of activities afforded by the city, but most especially they cherish time with their three children and their spouses and their ten grandchildren all who live in the St. Louis area.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources mentioned in this episode include: lcms.org/social-issues/disability, voiceofcare.org/index.html, and ablelight.org/events-and-resources/faith-resources.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bios:

Penelope (Penny) Loughran was born and baptized into Christ at Memorial Hospital in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on August 11, 2001. She weighed in at 3 lbs., large actually for a 29 and a half week premie. She spent the next two months in a NICU in Milwaukee where she had the first of six brain surgeries due to a brain bleed immediately after her birth. The bleed caused moderate to severe cerebral palsy.

Penny has never walked and was not supposed to talk. However, she was able to communicate and it soon became clear that she was extremely bright. Around the age of 4 she began to speak, in complete sentences. She graduated magna cum laude from an honors program at Hollins High School in 2020. The COVID pandemic has caused a disruption to her academic plans due to a compromised immune system. Her current plan is to become a child psychologist.

She is an active member of Grace Lutheran Church and School, helping with VBS, serving as a greeter and in choir as she is able. Penelope loves sports particularly everything baseball, regularly attending Rays games with her Mom, Dad and friends as well as the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team and of course, the Green Bay Packers.

Rev. Kevin Loughran was born on October 7, 1956 in New Haven, Ct. and baptized into Christ on October 21, 1956 at St. Barnabas Catholic Church in North Haven. As a child Pastor Loughran loved music and sports and ultimately majored in trumpet for his undergrad. He worked in sales for ten years prior to going to seminary. During that time, he converted to Lutheranism being catechized in the faith at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Norwalk, CT.

Rev. Loughran attended Concordia Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, graduating in 1993. He was the Grad Assistant for the Pastoral Theology department in 93-94. While at Seminary Pastor Loughran sang in Kantorei, vicared at St. Luke’s in Oviedo, FL and served as the Sacristan at Kramer Chapel for an academic year. He has served parishes in Wolcottville, IN and Sheboygan, WI. He has served his current parish, Grace Lutheran Church and School since 2006. During his time as a Parish Pastor, he has served as an LWML zone counselor, on a working group for the LSB hymnal project and as the Spiritual Advisor to the Concordia Deaconess Conference.

Pastor and Kersti Loughran (nee Hasler) were married in 1984 and have four children, Justine, Matthew, John and Penelope plus a number of former foster children who call them Mom and Dad. They have far too many grandchildren to number.

Bio: Dr. Deb Grime was born in Evansville, IN and baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Evansville. She grew up in the church as the 2nd daughter of 3 girls. Her father was a Lutheran school teacher/principal and she attended LCMS schools: Immanuel Palatine, IL, St. Paul’s West Allis, WI and Martin Luther HS in Greendale, WI. Childhood events that influenced her going into medicine were 1) her older sister had a heart defect (VSD) requiring her to have open heart surgery at the age of 7 (and I was 4). 2) Her family was a foster family to newborns prior to Roe vs Wade. One baby had to be hospitalized for tests. She was amazed at the equipment and all the problems these babies had in the neonatal unit. She wanted to be a doctor who could make a difference in a baby’s life.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Jamielynn Tinkey Flores, BSN, RN, is a wife, missionary, deaconess student, nurse and now a podcast guest! Jamielynn has been serving alongside the LCMS Office of International Mission for over five years, serving the Latin America and Caribbean Region, and lives in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Jamielynn currently serves the region’s missions and partner churches as the Regional Life Coordinator, advocating for the Lutheran Church’s voice for life throughout Latin America. Jamielynn and her husband, Rafael, will be moving this year to serve in the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile, and are looking forward to how God will use them for His kingdom in this new place.

Find out more about LCMS missionaries and how to support Jamielynn at lcms.org/tinkey.

Listen to “5 Minutes with a Missionary” at kfuo.org/missionarypodcast.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Learn more about LCMS Youth Ministry at lcms.org/youth and find the End Goals Podcast at .kfuo.org/endgoals.

Bios:

Rev. Mark R. Kiessling serves as the director of LCMS Youth Ministry. In that role, he supports the leadership, service, resourcing, and networking functions of LCMS Youth Ministry. Kiessling graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Concordia University, Portland. Kiessling is married to Beth, who teaches Preschool at Christ Community Lutheran School in Kirkwood, Mo.

Julianna Shults is a DCE serving as Program Manager of Resources and Leadership for LCMS Youth Ministry. With a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Community Development, she has served congregations in Florida and Chicago. Julianna has a passion for helping young people share the Gospel through leadership and service. She co-hosts the podcast End Goals, co-authored Relationships Count and contributed to Words of Strength and Promise both by CPH.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

We believe that God is the author and sustainer of all life. We also know it can be hard to speak about the intrinsic value of that life when it feels like the world is trying to drown us out.

Find ManUp!: The Quest for Masculinity at cph.org/p-29665-Man-Up-The-Quest-for-Masculinity.aspx

Bio: The Rev. Jeffrey B. Hemmer is assistant to Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

Prior to joining the president’s staff in August 2021, Hemmer served as pastor of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois. He continues to serve as pastor there in a part-time capacity.

Born in Belleville, Illinois, Hemmer received a B.A. in English from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska and an M.Div. from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Concordia Seminary, working on a dissertation on the theology of body and the theology of place. His other theological and academic interests include biblical masculinity and the function of Christian fathers, the role of the resurrection in Christian ethics, and martyrdom and the cross-shaped Christian life.

Hemmer is the author of Man Up: The Quest for Masculinity (CPH, 2017), Behold the Man Lenten and Easter sermon series (CPH, 2019), A Noble Army sermon series on the martyrs (CPH 2020), and assorted other articles, essays, and posts.

Hemmer and his wife, Laura, live in Fairview Heights, Illinois while they restore an 1860s farmhouse in Caseyville, Illinois. They have seven children ex utero with an eighth on the way.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Resources from this episode:

• Find LadyLike: Living Biblically at cph.org/p-28440-LadyLike-Living-Biblically.aspx
• Find Luther’s Large Catechism at cph.org/p-572-Luthers-Large-Catechism.aspx
• Access Luther’s “All Become One Cake” sermon at files.lcms.org/dl/f/AEBCF887-0C81-47AB-B791-F22B758D837F

Bio: Cheryl Magness is managing editor of Reporter, the official newspaper of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). In addition to Reporter, she has written for a variety of print and online publications, including The Federalist, Salvo, Touchstone, Sister Daughter Mother Wife, and The Lutheran Witness. She is a contributor to the book He Restores My Soul from Emmanuel Press and has degrees in piano performance (B.M., University of North Texas) and English (B.S., University of North Texas; M.A., University of Houston). She has taught English at both the secondary and college level and spent many years working as a piano accompanist for local schools and community musical organizations.

Cheryl grew up in Texas, which is also where she met her husband, Phillip. Phillip is a director of parish music who is currently serving a dual call as cantor at Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, Mo., and LCMS missionary to French-speaking West Africa. Phillip and Cheryl have three adult children: Trevor, married to Amalia; Caitlin; and Evan. When not writing, editing, or spending time with her family, Cheryl enjoys playing piano for her church and for chapel at the LCMS International Center.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Find LCMS Organizations for Adoption and Foster Care at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/recognized-service-organizations/directory.

Bio: Hans and Katie live in St. Louis, MO with their 4 boys. Hans is the pastor at Prince of Peace Church in Crestwood and creator of Lutheran Satire. Katie stays at home with the youngest Fiene and in her spare time runs her non-profit, Swaddling Clothes.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Download A Small Catechism on Human Life at lcmslife.org/resource/a-small-catechism-on-human-life.

Find other resources and books from this author at cph.org.

Bio: Rev. John T. Pless is assistant professor of pastoral ministry and missions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne where he also serves as director of field education. Prior to joining the faculty, he served for seventeen years as campus pastor at University Lutheran Chapel at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. From 1979 to 1983, he served on the staff at the Chapel of the Resurrection at Valparaiso University. Since 2009 he has served as a visiting lecture at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Pretoria, South Africa.

Prof. Pless is the author of Pastor Craft: Essays and Sermons, Martin Luther: Preacher of the Cross-A Study in Luther’s Pastoral Theology, Mercy at Life’s End, Handling the Word of Truth: Law and Gospel in the Church Today, A Small Catechism on Human Life, Word: God Speaks to Us, Confession: God Gives Us Truth, Praying Luther’s Small Catechism, Luther’s Small Catechism: A Manual for Discipleship and numerous chapters in other books published in both the United States and Germany. With Matthew Harrison he is editor of Women Pastors? The Ordination of Women in Biblical Lutheran Perspective, One Lord, Two Hands: Essays on the Two Kingdoms, and Closed Communion: Admission to the Lord’s Supper in Biblical Lutheran Perspective He served on the Agenda Committee for the Lutheran Service Book and is a member of the Catechism Revision Committee. With Albert Collver and James Nestingen, he is co-editor and an author of two chapters in The Necessary Distinction: A Continuing Conversation on Law and Gospel. He is on the editorial council of Lutheran Quarterly. A regular lecturer at various conferences both in the United States and overseas, Prof. Pless is a fellow of the Luther Academy for Madagascar. Dr. Pless is a member of the Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations. In 2013, his former students recognized his 60th birthday with a festschrift, Theology is Eminently Practical: Essays in Honor of John T. Pless edited by Jacob Corzine and Bryan Wolfmueller. He was awarded the D.Litt by Concordia University-Chicago in 2018.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Find Darcy’s book at cph.org/p-32408-Someone-to-Walk-With-A-Womans-Guide-to-Christian-Mentoring.aspx or her CPH FaithCourse® at cphfaithcourses.com/someone-to-walk-with.

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Bio: Darcy Paape has 20 years of experience working with emerging young adult leaders in high school, church, and university settings. She is passionate about creating programming that is practical, interactive, and cross-generational and using it to support emerging leaders in the church and workplace. Currently, she serves at Concordia University Wisconsin as Director of the Women’s Leadership Institute, Adjunct Interpersonal Communication Instructor, and member of the Campus Ministry Team. As Director she oversees a variety of volunteer work teams to fulfill the institute’s mission to educate, encourage, and embolden women in exemplary Christian leadership. The Women’s Leadership Institute provides in-person events, leadership articles, an online academy, and a speaker’s bureau.

In her campus ministry role, Darcy serves as a mentor and advisor for a variety of student ministry groups and works very closely with the young women’s ministry on Concordia Wisconsin’s campus. Darcy lives in Grafton, Wisconsin with her husband Adam, two daughters, and one delightful full-size doodle.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Lena is from Greenwich, Connecticut where her husband pastors a dual parish - First Lutheran Church and St Paul Lutheran Church. She is the very proud mom of Katie who is in her senior year at Greenwich High School. She works part-time as a bookkeeper and the other hours of the day making a home for her family. She likes to read, do handwork, and play games with Evan, Katie and any guests they can convince to play.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

For Bibles and Hymnals and other Baptism Gifts, shop at www.cph.org.

Bios:

Erin Bauer is a wife, mom of three, sister, daughter, friend, and baptized Child of God. She resides in Brookings, SD where her husband serves as pastor and she serves as head teacher at Bauer Lutheran Homeschool. She has a Masters of Arts in Deaconess Studies from Concordia Seminary. While she is not currently serving as a deaconess, she uses her degree in all vocations, especially exemplary Bible Study student and as she teaches the faith to her littles.

Gwen Zagore has been married to Rev. Robert Zagore for 36 years and now lives in St Louis, MO. They are blessed with 4 adult children, 3 wonderful “kids in law” and 2 grandchildren. Gwen graduated from Valparaiso University and received a Masters degree in Natural Resource Management from Michigan State University. She worked in various jobs in soil conservation as her husband served 3 different congregations in Michigan. However, her favorite use of the degree came recently when she became a part of the East African Agricultural Consultancy short term mission team. Throughout the years in the parish, Gwen has served as children’s choir director, Bible study leader, school music teacher, and interpreter for the deaf.

Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor has been called by the LCMS Office of National Mission as the director of Life Ministry. She previously served the LCMS New England District as an executive focused on church worker wellness, human care and school ministries. She has also served at LCMS Recognized Service Organizations; at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; and at various congregations. After a first career in business, a B.A. in Marketing and studies in an MBA program, Deaconess Tiffany received an M.A. from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne and earned a Doctor of Ministry from Bethel University. Her research is focused on congregation and family care. She is married to the Rev. Jonathan Manor, pastor of Lutheran Church of the Savior in Bedford, Mass. The Lord has blessed Tiffany and Jonathan with five children, and a granddaughter.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Pamela Boehle-Silva has the joy of being able to blend the profession of nursing with the vocation of deaconess. She graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 2011 and now serves as deaconess at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California. She has traveled to Kenya, Sudan, South Africa, Tanzania, and India working alongside deaconesses and pastors to promote Christ’s mercy of body and soul. She has been to Kenya over a dozen times and continues to provide mercy work there. She has also walked the Camino de Santiago, a five hundred-mile trek through Spain with her husband, twice!

A California girl, she is married to Dennis, fellow hiker and first grade teacher. They have two grown children, Kali and Christian. She loves reading, writing, traveling, gardening, cooking, yoga and walking.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Rev. Sam Pitsch has served as the Pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minnesota since 2020. After graduating from Concordia Seminary in Saint Louis in 2015 he served as the Associate Pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gretna, NE. Sam has been married to his wife, Olivia, for four years and they have three children: the twins Leland and Frederick, age 3 and a 6 month old son, Peter (not pictured).

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bios:

Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor has been called by the LCMS Office of National Mission as the director of Life Ministry. She previously served the LCMS New England District as an executive focused on church worker wellness, human care and school ministries. She has also served at LCMS Recognized Service Organizations; at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; and at various congregations. After a first career in business, a B.A. in Marketing and studies in an MBA program, Deaconess Tiffany received an M.A. from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne and earned a Doctor of Ministry from Bethel University. Her research is focused on congregation and family care. She is married to the Rev. Jonathan Manor, pastor of Lutheran Church of the Savior in Bedford, Mass. The Lord has blessed Tiffany and Jonathan with five children, and a granddaughter.

Kristin Freeman has served in the LCMS for more than 20 years. She is married to Alan and has two college-aged children, Holly and Samuel. Kris served as a high school Spanish and French teacher and registrar at Concordia Preparatory School (Baltimore, Md.), Spanish instructor at Towson University (Towson, Md.), teacher for Genesis Virtual Academy through Mayer LHS (Mayer, Minn.), and coordinator in the LCMS School Ministry in St. Louis, Mo. Kris now serves as manager of the LCMS Life Ministry office in St. Louis, Mo. In her free time, Kris enjoys spending time with her family, reading and traveling.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Kyla lives in Northern Wisconsin with her husband and their three children. She graduated from Concordia University Chicago with a BA in Director of Christian Education. She currently serves as the communications director at Trinity Lutheran Merrill, writes monthly devotions for Concordia Publishing House, and does social media coaching. Becoming a mama added a whole new dimension to her ministry, and few things bring her greater joy than watching her children learn to love Jesus too. You can hang out with her on Instagram for daily encouragement @rodriguezkyla.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Pastor Todd Liefer has a life-long passion for sharing the Word of God in fresh, creative ways. Over the last decade he has served ministries in Austin, TX and St. Louis, MO. He currently serves as the Associate Pastor of Adult Discipleship at Hales Corners Lutheran, Hales Corners, WI. You'll often see him and his family on all kinds of outdoor adventures throughout the Milwaukee area!

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

But what does it look, feel, and sound like to be physically present for the national March for Life in Washington, D.C.? In this “Adventures in Lutheranism” crossover special with The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Podcast, Sarah Gulseth and the Ladies welcome Steph Neugebauer, host of the “Friends for Life” podcast from KFUO, as they share their personal experiences marching for life. Connect with other Lutherans marching for life at lcms.org/marchforlife and learn more about the March for Life at marchforlife.org.

Find The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Podcast at kfuo.org/lutheranladieslounge, and connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

For our first installment, we have a beloved friend, Dr. Donna Harrison, a highly-respected physician and long-standing CEO of AAPLOG (American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists). Dr. Harrison uses this episode to bring Steph up to speed on the legal history of abortion in America, starting at Roe v. Wade and leading up to Dobbs v. Jackson. She shares the foreseeable impact of overturning Roe v. Wade through the Dobbs case and the likely effects of federal abortion restrictions. Most notably, Dr. Harrison speaks from her years of medical experience and research in regards to the lasting harm of abortion on men, women, and children and calls the Church to model mercy and care for the men, women, and children vulnerable to abortion.

Bio: Dr. Donna Harrison is a physician, board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. She completed an Honors Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry at Michigan State University and an M.D. from University of Michigan. She completed her residency training in obstetrics and gynecology from St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, an affiliate of University of Michigan. She was in private practice for 10 years.

She serves as CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, AAPLOG, and has been active with the organization since 1996. AAPLOG is the largest non- sectarian pro-life physician organization in the world, with over 7,000 members across the U.S., and international members on every continent.

Under her leadership, AAPLOG has tripled membership, launched the annual Matthew Bulfin Educational Conference, developed a robust website and social media presence, and launched systematic outreaches to the medical, legal and policy communities to discuss the effects of abortion on women.

Dr. Harrison’s research interests include Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulators, Endometrial Contraception, Maternal Mortality, and Abortion Mortality and Morbidity. She has authored numerous peer reviewed papers on many topics including the approval of RU-486 and on Ulipristal (Ella) as well as on the embryocidal potential of hormonal contraception.

Dr. Harrison is a sought after Continuing Medical Education (CME) speaker in the U.S. and internationally on topics of Medical Abortion with Mifepristone and Misoprostol, Adverse Events associated with Mifepristone and Misoprostol, Emergency Contraception with Ulipristal, Maternal Mortality, and Abortion Morbidity.

She is an Adjunct Professor at Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL, teaching post graduate seminars at the annual Center for Bio Ethics and Human Dignity summer workshops. She is Associate Editor of the peer reviewed medical journal Issues in Law and Medicine.

Dr. Harrison is married to Dr. Mark Harrison M.D. and is the mother of five children and 10 grandchildren. She resides in Michigan.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Dr John Kleinig is a pastor of the Lutheran Church of Australia. After serving as a high school chaplain and parish pastor, he has been involved in the preparation of students for ordination as pastors for 25 years at Luther Seminary in Adelaide and is now retired from active service. He is the author of numerous books and articles. The most recently published of these is Wonderfully Made. He has been a frequent visitor to the USA where he has been closely associated with Doxology. The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel as a regular speaker at its conferences.

He is, by training, an Old Testament theologian but has also taught courses on other parts of the Bible and on pastoral theology. As a teacher of theology he is interested in integrating all the classical theological disciplines pastorally and practically. He has a PhD from the University of Cambridge and honorary doctorates from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne and Concordia University in Irvine.

Aged 79, he is married to Claire, a church musician and retired music teacher. He is the father of four children, and proud grandfather of ten grandchildren. His hobbies are fishing, gardening, reading novels, viewing films, and doing nothing.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Where is God in the midst of our greatest grief?

Whether you have lost a child to miscarriage, lost a child in infancy, or know someone who has...this episode will bring comfort to the grieving, give insight to those who care for them, and point all to Jesus, our Resurrection and Life. Special guest Kristen Gregory also shares very intimate and tender parts of her own story, all the while faithfully confessing: The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

Find Never Forsaken: God’s Mercy in the Midst of Miscarriage at cph.org/neverforsaken.

Bio: Kristen lives with her loud but fun family in Westminster, Massachusetts, where her husband, Peter, is a pastor of a small but lovely LCMS church. She dabbles in knitting, candlemaking, hiking, and reading when she isn't homeschooling her six children.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Scripture readings:

• Psalms, 10, 82, 139
• Genesis 9:1-7
• Luke 6:39-45

Hymns:

• O God, My Faithful God (Lutheran Service Book 696)
• In the Very Midst of Life (Lutheran Service Book 755)
• O Christ, Our Hope, Our Hearts Desire (Lutheran Service Book 553)

The Rev. Robert Zagore is preaching.

Watch the livestream of the service at facebook.com/LCMSLife/videos.

Liturgy and music © Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

We believe that God is the author and sustainer of all life. We also know it can be hard to speak about the intrinsic value of that life when it feels like the world is trying to drown us out.

We’re right here beside you. In this podcast of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Life Ministry, we’re coming alongside one another as a community of Christ’s redeemed people, ones who are speaking up for and living out the sanctity of human life. Together we’ll explore life issues in a way that honors our heavenly Father’s value of human life, serves our neighbor, and connects us to others who are doing the same. Join us, so that together we can be friends for life.

Bio: Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. is the Werner R.H. and Elizabeth R. Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, where he serves as professor of systematic theology and director of the Center for Hispanic Studies. Dr. Sánchez’s research interests are in the theology of the Holy Spirit, sanctification, Trinitarian theology, theologies of migration, and the intersection of theology and Hispanic cultures.

His published books include Sculptor Spirit (IVP Academic, 2019); Receiver, Bearer, and Giver of God’s Spirit (Pickwick, 2015); Immigrant Neighbors among Us, co-edited with Danny Carroll (Pickwick, 2015). His most recent book, the T&T Clark Introduction to Spirit Christology (T&T Clark, 2021) is coming out in November.

Dr. Leo Sánchez served as a drafter for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Commission on Theology and Church Relations report Immigrants Among Us: A Lutheran Framework for Addressing Immigration Issues (2012) (download at files.lcms.org). He served as president and vice-president of the LCMS Fifth and Fourth National Hispanic Conventions. He teaches regularly in the United States and abroad. He has delivered courses and workshops in Uganda, Ethiopia, Brazil, Cuba, India, Ghana, Chile, Panama, Argentina and Venezuela.

In the community, Leo is Principal Double-Bass player with the St. Louis Civic Orchestra. He also enjoys swimming, cooking, and travel. Sánchez and his wife, Tracy Lynn, have two children, Lucas and Ana.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Cathie became active in the pro-life fight over 30 years ago, when a friend shared an abortion experience with her. She was blessed to walk with her friend through the healing process. Cathie was also privileged to serve on the founding board of A Hope Center, the first pregnancy resource center in Fort Wayne, Ind. Her passion over the past 30 years is to save as many babies and mothers as possible, remembering that the Lord reached her through the broken heart of a young woman who chose abortion in her crisis pregnancy.

In her role as Vice President of Policy Enforcement for Indiana Right to Life, she organized a team of Indiana Right to Life affiliates near free-standing abortion facilities to enforce administrative code and laws to bring about the closure of three abortion facilities in Indiana. This statewide coalition has also gathered evidence, filed complaints, and provided information to authorities that resulted in disciplinary action against three abortionists and the indefinite suspension of the medical license of an abortionist responsible for over 50,000 abortions.

Cathie also served for 17 years as the Executive Director of Right to Life of Northeast Indiana, currently serving as Director of Public Policy to prevent abortion businesses from opening and advocating for unborn boys and girls and their mothers in the Indiana Statehouse.

She also has the privilege of serving as Director of Public Policy for Safe Haven Baby Boxes.

She founded and continues to co-host “I Choose Life News & Views,” a weekly 30-minute radio program focusing on life issues. The program has aired on several stations for over 15 years.

In January of 2020, Cathie was named CEO of Reprotection, Inc. charged with the mission of making our nation abortion-free by closing abortion businesses one at a time. Following the strategy she used to close three abortion facilities operated by the notorious abortionist, Ulrich Klopfer.

Cathie is a native of Columbus, Ind., and currently resides in Fort Wayne, Ind., with her husband Rick. She is the mother of three children, has fourteen grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Is being single more than just a relationship status? If so, how does being single put one in a unique position to serve others in different ways? What are the struggles that singlehood may bring, and what are the blessings? How can married people serve single people? And then, how can single people honor marriage? DK (as host Steph Neugebauer refers to her throughout the show) will answer all of these questions in a single episode!

Bio: Deaconess Kim Bueltmann is an LCMS missionary in Germany. She assists congregations in Leipzig and Chemnitz in providing outreach to refugees, primarily from Iran and Afghanistan. Kim is actively involved in worship planning and leading music for worship in the Persian (Farsi) language and works closely with Persian musicians in the congregations to develop more hymns and liturgy in their language. In addition, she offers diaconal support and teaches the Bible and Catechism to refugees, as well as socioeconomically disadvantaged Germans.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray, Jr., is currently serving as director of LCMS Black Ministry. Prior to joining the staff of the LCMS International Center, Gray served as assistant to the president for Missions/Evangelism in the LCMS Michigan District, a call he accepted in 2001. He served as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church and Lutheran City Ministries in Detroit from 1997 to 2001; director of admissions, recruitment and vicarage at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., from 1994 to 1997; and as pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Houston, from 1988 to 1994.

Gray graduated in 1988 with a Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary and in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in Printing Production and Management from Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, Ala.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

If you are concerned about someone – maybe even yourself – having suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or the crisis text line at 741-741. Help is also available from suicidepreventionlifeline.org and crisistextline.org.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org

Bio: Pastor Peter Preus graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana in May of 1982. After serving congregations in Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan, he most recently served The Lutheran Church of the Triune God in Brooklyn Center from August of 1999 until August of 2017, when he retired. Pastor Preus’s first wife, Jean, died by suicide in September of 1994. As a result, he was widowed with six children, ranging from one to twelve years in age. He then remarried in May of 1997 to Julie Lams. Julie, in addition to serving as a loving wife and mother, retired from teaching at St. John’s, Corcoran MN in 2018. In 2011 Pastor Preus’s book: “And She Was a Christian – Why Do Believers Commit Suicide?” was published by Northwestern Publishing House. His new book “I Will Grieve for the Suicide” was published in 2021 by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Office of National Missions. Pastor Preus has also written various articles on grieving for the suicide and ministering to the despairing Christian. And he is grateful for opportunities to speak on these subjects.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life. Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Bio: Anna Young, a Nashville native, has an undeniable passion for protecting the preborn. As a freshman at Concordia University Wisconsin, Anna strives to advocate for a culture of life wherever she goes. She is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree and MBA, but plans to work in the political realm. Anna is a lifelong LCMS Lutheran and pastor's daughter and hopes that every single person gets to know and love the sweet comfort the gospel brings. When she is not working on a campaign or public speaking, she enjoys having dance parties, watching TV, or eating beans and rice.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Bio: FLAME is a GRAMMY® nominated and Stellar Award-winning hip-hop artist. He is a well-versed leader in the Christian hip-hop scene with a growing list of accolades, including a GRAMMY® nomination, several Dove and Stellar Award nominations, and multiple Billboard chart toppers. He was born and raised in the inner city of St. Louis, MO. He has released 9 albums to date including Captured (2010), The 6th (2012), Royal Flush (2013), Forward (2015), and Stellar Award winning God Knows (2018) under his own imprint. Flame’s latest releases include three EPs: Extra Nos (2020), DayBreak (2020), and Christ For You (2021).

For over a decade, FLAME has traveled throughout North America & the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Asia performing music that has impacted the masses. In addition to touring, writing, recording and co-producing his own projects, FLAME founded and helms Clear Sight Music, a boutique record label raising the bar in Christian hip-hop and beyond. He has a Master’s degree in theology with a minor in counseling.

Find Lutheran Life at books.cph.org/lutheran-life. Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org, and learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life.

Bio: After getting her start as a communication specialist in the LCMS Youth Ministry office, Amy moved with her husband, Aaron, to Federal Way, Washington where Aaron serves as associate pastor of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Amy is a senior editor at World Vision and freelance writer for Concordia Publishing House's free digital magazine, Lutheran Life. Amy holds a master's degree in Systematic Theology from Concordia Seminary and loves growing in the realities of God's promises for her as His child. Amy is a fur mama to Karlee, Bella, and Teddy and novice plant caretaker for many named—and unnamed—houseplants.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Find Male & Female: Embracing Your Role in God’s Design by Rev. Jonathan and Christa Petzold at books.cph.org/male-female-embracing-your-role-in-gods-design. Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org and learn more about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life.

Bio: Rev. Jonathan and Christa Petzold are the authors of Male and Female: Embracing Your Role in God's Design, published by Concordia Publishing House, July 2021. Jonathan holds an MDiv from Concordia Seminary Saint Louis and serves as Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Roselle, Illinois. Christa has an MA in Theology from Concordia University Irvine. She works as a stay-at-home mother, homeschooling their four children. Jonathan and Christa have been married since 2010 and enjoy learning and teaching God’s Word together. They also love coffee, Star Wars, traveling, and quiet evenings at home.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life.

Find Matthew – Concordia Commentary by Dr. Jeffrey A. Gibbs at cph.org/p-685-Matthew-11-111-Concordia-Commentary.aspx.

Find the resource "Gracious and Multi-Faceted - When Theology Drives Involvement in the Life Arena" in Winter 2020 issue of Concordia Journal by clicking this link. (Article Copyright Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 2020. Linked with permission.) Subscribe to the Concordia Journal at csl.edu/resources/publications/concordia-journal.

Bio: Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs is a professor emeritus at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He retired in 2020 after 28 years of distinguished service. His areas of interest and expertise include the Synoptic Gospels, New Testament eschatology and Matthew. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Va. (1995). He earned a Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) and Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. (1988, 1979). After graduating from Concordia Theological Seminary, Dr. Gibbs was ordained in 1979 and was called to two congregations in northwestern Oregon. He served there for 10 years. His writing works include Jerusalem and Parousia: Jesus’ Eschatological Discourse in Matthew’s Gospel (Concordia Publishing House [CPH], 2000); Matthew 1:1—11:1, Concordia Commentary (CPH, 2006); Matthew 11:2—20:32, Concordia Commentary (CPH, 2010); and Matthew 21:1-28:20, Concordia Commentary (CPH, 2018). Dr. Gibbs and his wife, Renee, live in St. Louis and are active in life-affirming ministry, especially on behalf of unborn children. They have four grown children and more than a dozen grandchildren, the total number of which is happily beyond their control.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life. Email us at FriendsforLife@lcms.org. Find the RSO Directory of the LCMS at lcms.org/RSO.

Bio: Tim and Rebekah Janke live in North Dakota with their young son, Elijah. Tim is a veterinarian at a local veterinary clinic and loves caring for “all creatures great and small.” Rebekah is a trained Lutheran school teacher and currently works as an instructional coach for other teachers at her local middle school. Together, their family loves outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. They’re active in their local church and have a special heart for children and passing along their faith.

Find the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Podcast at kfuo.org/lutheranladieslounge and The Coffee Hour at kfuo.org/thecoffeehour. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life.

Bio: A proud Michigan native and fan of anything with the Mitten State on it, Digital Media Specialist Sarah Gulseth is also a lover of historical war movies and anything with the label PBS Masterpiece. An avid bicyclist and women’s biking advocate, she rides her bike to work year-round and has the massive bike clothing and accessory collection to prove it. If it’s the weekend, she and her husband Luther are probably out riding bikes, or finding the next awesome coffee shop to frequent, or rehearsing for the next choir concert. You may also find her down a new rabbit hole on Google, researching the latest random fact she found on social media, while eating an unhealthy amount of apples (Macintosh from Michigan, of course) and raw almond butter.

Bio: Rev. Brian Heller serves as chaplain at Laclede Groves – Lutheran Senior Services in the St. Louis, MO, area. Prior to this, he served as pastor in the parish setting at a church in northern Illinois. He is married to his wife of 8 years, Deaconess Jennette Heller, and they have been blessed with three children. These vocations keep him very busy, but Chaplain Heller also serves as the Command Post Superintendent at the 110 Wing in the Michigan Air National Guard.

Find worship resources for life ministry and Life Sunday, as well as LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life. Find the book Whisper, Whisper: Learning About Church by Dcs. Mary Moerbe at cph.org/p-28053-whisper-whisper-learning-about-church.aspx.

Have questions or comments? Email us at FriendsforLife@lcms.org.

Bio: Rev. Kirk Neugebauer is husband to our host, Steph Neugebauer. He graduated with his M.Div. from Concordia Seminary and is now serving at his second call at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Paragould, Arkansas. Kirk and Steph have two children who are the greatest gifts and source of giggles in their home. Kirk is also a talented musician, New England sports fanatic, and winning coach of their son’s 4 year old soccer league.

Brave New Family: G.K. Chesterton on Men and Women, Children, Sex, Divorce, Marriage and the Family by G.K. Chesterton amazon.com/Brave-New-Family-Chesterton-Children/dp/089870314X

Alive Before You Were Born by Kim E. Bestian books.cph.org/alive-before-you-were-born

Bio: Adriane Heins majored in English at Concordia University Wisconsin and graduated with an MA from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. She used her combined training to serve as the editor for The Lutheran Witness from 2010-2017. She still remains active in communications on behalf of the LCMS, particularly for LCMS Life Ministry. She lives on a dairy farm in Missouri with her husband Chris and together they have been blessed with five children.

Visit Katie's website at katieschuermann.com. Find her book He Remembers the Barren at emmanuelpress.us/books/he-remembers-the-barren and To Live with Christ by Bo Giertz at cph.org/p-499-to-live-with-christ.aspx. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life.

Bio: Katie Schuermann’s “earthy and joyful” voice is as refreshing and invigorating as the Midwestern sunshine in which she was raised. Writing in vignettes which so perfectly suit the charm of small-town life, Schuermann’s stories call to mind the warmth and realism of Montgomery’s Avonlea. Always leaning toward the arts, Schuermann earned graduate degrees in music. Her professional experiences are as varied and eclectic as any writer’s, ranging from walking beans to singing with a Baroque orchestra to directing children’s musical theater camps. No doubt, her cornfield roots and curriculum vitae factor heavily in her writing, but it is Schuermann’s confession of faith in the Triune God that readers have come to expect and trust in her published works. When not writing, she can be found singing, gardening, cooking, holding babies, or trying to climb the nearest tree.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life.

Bio: Deaconess Tiffany Manor serves as the director of LCMS Life Ministry. After a first career in marketing she received an M.A. from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Tiffany is a doctoral student at Bethel Seminary. She is married to the Rev. Jonathan Manor, they have five children and a granddaughter.

We’re right here beside you. In this podcast of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Life Ministry, we’re coming alongside one another as a community of Christ’s redeemed people, ones who are speaking up for and living out the sanctity of human life. Together we’ll explore life issues in a way that honors our heavenly Father’s value of human life, serves our neighbor, and connects us to others who are doing the same. Join us, so that together we can be friends for life.

Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life. Subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcasting platform!