The Red Letter Disciple

Bryan Stecker shares his journey from business to ministry, why the Lutheran voice matters online, and how the sacraments and entrepreneurial spirit can shape the future of the church. Plus, how do we stay both confessional and missional as a church body. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International.Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.Bryan Stecker’s ChallengeAdd one spiritual discipline into your weekly rhythm. It could be prayer, fasting, or something else. Start small, be consistent, and see how God uses it to shape your discipleship.Are You Following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.Resources Mentioned in the Episode · Red Letter Living resources · On The Line Podcast: https://ontheline.net · Lutheran Institute of Theology: https://lutheraninstitute.org · The Lutheran Confessions (Small Catechism, Large Catechism, Formula of Concord) · Jordan Peterson · Bishop Robert Barron · Pints with Aquinas · Byran Wolfmueller · Voices of the LCMS VideosSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Three LCMS pastors,Tim Niekerk, Scott Giger, and Brad Hubbard, share how their congregations are growing amid Synod decline, why confessional and missional belong together, and how to raise more leaders without losing our Lutheran soul. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International.Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.The LCN Pastors’ Challenge (this week)· Encourage a church worker who needs it (text/call someone today).· Keep the main thing the main thing: lead with love, preach Christ, meet people where they are.· Know your community: identify one tangible need outside your walls and serve it in Jesus’ name.Are You Following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.Watch the Entire Season on YouTube We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here.Resources Mentioned in the Episode · Salem Lutheran Church (Tomball, TX) — Tim Niekerk · Cornerstone Lutheran Church (Central Indiana) — Scott Giger · St. Lorenz Lutheran Church (Frankenmuth, MI) — Brad Hubbard · LCMS Youth Gathering (New Orleans) · Best Practices Heartland Conference · Best Practices for Ministry in Phoenix · King of Kings (Omaha, NE) · “Voices of the LCMS” VideosSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, the 12th president of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, reflects on his years of leadership, how he led through the 9/11 terrorist attack, what he has learned about unity in the church, and why the next generation needs courageous, faithful leaders more than ever. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International. Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)Waking the Sleeping Giant by Gerald KieschnickLutheran Hour MinistriesConcordia Seminary, St. LouisLCMS FoundationGBKIES@gmail.comAre you following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. Watch the Entire Season for FreeWe upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple Podcast on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here! https://www.youtube.com/@RedLetterLivingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Matt Engel, a data expert from Gloo, unpacks the survey data of 1054 Lutheran leaders that recently completed “The State of the LCMS” survey through Red Letter Living. He talks about if the survey is reliable, and what the results mean for the future of our LCMS denomination. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources to help the church produce greater disciples. This season we are launching a series of videos on our YouTube channel called “The Voices of the LCMS,” where we are unpacking data from our survey of 1054 Lutheran leaders. These videos are opening up questions, conversations, and opportunities to help us walk together in the future.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeGloo / Church analytics platformsBarna ResearchLifeWay Research on discipleship metricsData-Driven Ministry (Matt Engel’s research/work)Red Letter Living resourcesMany want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. Technology isn’t the enemy, it’s a tool to help disciple-makers thrive.#MattEngel #TechnologyAndFaith #ChurchInnovation #RedLetterChallenge #ZachZehnder #VoicesOfTheLCMSSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Ortberg unpacks what the Gospel according to Jesus is, how Dallas Willard’s theology informs us still today, why all of us should strive to be apprentices of Jesus, and why churches need to take the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous back. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.Resources Mentioned in the Episodebecomenew.com Steps by John OrtbergThe Divine Conspiracy by Dallas WillardThe Life You’ve Always Wanted by John OrtbergSoul Keeping by John OrtbergThe Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas WillardRenovaré & Spiritual Formation resourcesRed Letter Living resourcesVoices of the LCMS YouTube VideosAre you following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. Spiritual growth isn’t about willpower. It’s about training with Jesus in everyday life. #JohnOrtberg #Discipleship #SpiritualGrowth #RedLetterChallenge #ZachZehnderSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 9 of The Red Letter Disciple Podcast launches September 9th with 11 powerful episodes featuring world-class disciples. We’ll kick off with a special Episode 100 guest, John Ortberg, followed by 10 conversations focused on helping the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod walk together as disciples. A big thanks to our Season 9 partner, Child Beyond International—we’re using this platform to inspire generosity and rescue children through their ministry. For details, show notes, or to listen on your favorite platform, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach Zehnder is a husband, father, author, 4th-gen pastor, and speaker. He founded Red Letter Living and wrote the bestselling Red Letter Challenge. Since 2018, he's authored 10 books, including his newest book coming this Fall Giving Challenge. He serves as Teaching Pastor and Multisite Director at King of Kings, Omaha, NE. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living, particularly our newest 40-day book and sermon series called Giving Challenge. This Fall, on October 5, 2025, we are launching this new 40-day series worldwide, and we’d love for your church to get in. To find out more information, to join the first wave, to order some books, and stay up-to-date, visit www.redlettergiving.com.This 40-day challenge will inspire generosity in your church, and it is well worth your investment. Disciples of Jesus are generous and this book will feature how each one of us can become generous like Jesus. Along with the books come a sermon series, a small group series, kids books, weekly kids Sunday School or kids church curriculum, graphics, and so much more. All of it is available, get in now, at www.redlettergiving.com and let this Fall be the season where the generosity of Jesus is unleashed in your church! Have questions? Email us at hello@redletterchallenge.com.Resources mentioned in the episode: Giving Challenge InformationGiving Challenge Interest FormRed Letter DiscipleThe Cloisters on the PlatteHappy Money by Elizabeth DunnTrue Riches by John Cortines and Gregory BaumerDrew Formsma Ep 98 Podcast  (need link)Key insights from the episode: A relationship is more complicated than a percentage. - Pastor Zach ZehnderThe way you use your money can bring happiness. - Pastor Zach ZehnderDonating money creates a similar amount of happiness as doubling your income. - Pastor Zach ZehnderSome of the happiest kids live in the poorest neighborhoods. - Pastor Chris JohnsonZach Zehnder’s Challenge: Pray about generosity and then be generous!Are you following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Drew Formsma is a Gen Z speaker who connects with peers like no adult can. He began speaking globally on generosity at 14 and is now CMO of "I Like Giving." He co-leads the Generous Kids Book Club with Candace Cameron-Bure and wrote Everyday Generosity at 16. Based in Nashville, TN, Drew is one to watch when it comes to learning more about generosity. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living, particularly our newest 40-day book and sermon series called Giving Challenge. This Fall, on October 5, 2025, we are launching this new 40-day series worldwide, and we’d love for your church to get in. To find out more information, to join the first wave, to order some books, and stay up-to-date, visit www.redlettergiving.com.This 40-day challenge will inspire generosity in your church, and it is well worth your investment. Disciples of Jesus are generous and this book will feature how each one of us can become generous like Jesus. Along with the books come a sermon series, a small group series, kids books, weekly kids Sunday School or kids church curriculum, graphics, and so much more. All of it is available, get in now, at www.redlettergiving.com and let this Fall be the season where the generosity of Jesus is unleashed in your church! Have questions? Email us at hello@redletterchallenge.com.Resources mentioned in the episode: Drew’s Instagram His dad’s giving resourcesEveryday Generosity: Becoming a Generous Family in a Selfie WorldGenerous Family Jesus.netKey insights from the episode: Jesus did not give 10% of his blood. - Drew FormsmaGenerosity is love in action. - Drew FormsmaGenerosity is messy. - Drew FormsmaMEE: Model Generosity, Encourage, Engage in conversations. - Drew FormsmaChurches that are thriving start with the why. - Drew FormsmaTypically, generous churches are also thriving. - Drew FormsmaJesus was extremely busy, but he was also interruptable. - Drew FormsmaDrew Formsma’s Challenge: Become aware of what your definition of generosity is, then give without expectation.Are you following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grant Skeldon, Next Gen Director for Thinq Media and part of the Way Church preaching team, discusses the urgent need to cultivate a vibrant discipleship culture among younger generations. He shares insights on overcoming the challenges of mentorship, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational relationships in spiritual growth. The conversation also critiques the trend of pastors chasing celebrity status and questions whether the platform gospel is the new prosperity gospel. They engage in humor with a fast-food burger showdown, blending tasty debates with deeper faith discussions.

Chad Bird is a Scholar in Residence at 1517 Publishing. He has served as a pastor, professor, and guest lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew. He holds master's degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. He is also the author of several books, including The Christ Key & Limping with God. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by Children’s HopeChest, an organization that’s rethinking global missions in all the right ways.Here’s what I love about their model: They don’t just step into a community and create long-term dependency. They invest in local leaders, build sustainable plans, and have a clear exit strategy—empowering people rather than creating a system where they always need outside help. As a pastor, I spent a long time looking for a global mission partner that actually helps without hurting, and HopeChest checks all the right boxes.Global mission work isn’t optional for the Church—it’s part of our calling. So if your church doesn’t have a solid global partner yet (or if you’re looking for one that actually works), it’s time to get in the game. How? Start with a vision trip. This summer, HopeChest is leading trips to Guatemala, Uganda, and Ethiopia—and you should go.Check them out and sign up at www.hopechest.org/lutheran. Huge thanks to HopeChest for sponsoring Season 8 and for doing missions the right way.Resources mentioned in the episode: 1517.orgLimping With God by Chad BirdThe Christ Key: Unlocking the Centrality of Christ in the Old Testament by Chad BirdKey insights from the episode: The Psalms saved my life. - Chad BirdIn our limping, we learn how to steward our pain. - Chad BirdDiscipleship is all about following in the footsteps of our Lord. - Chad BirdWhen you’re with Jesus, you’re always safe. - Chad BirdImagine all the heroes of the Bible as your next-door neighbors. - Chad BirdChad Bird’s Challenge: Pick a short book of the Bible and read or listen to it every day this week. (Bonus challenge: strike up a conversation about Jesus!)Are you following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.