Together 4 Good: Making Sense of Life and Faith

Bethany Lutheran Church ELCA
  • 0.0 (0)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Together 4 Good: Making Sense of Life and Faith, a podcast from Bethany Lutheran Church ELCA in Cherry Hills Village, CO. We talk about real life and real faith—the doubts, the hope, and the messy middle—through the lens of love, grace, and community. No judgment, just honest conversations about what it means to be human and to believe. Perfect for anyone curious about progressive Christianity or looking for a safe place to explore faith in today’s world.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Why Do Camp Experiences Shape Faith for a Lifetime? A Conversation with Dave “Packer” Gunnlaugsson

    What is it about camp that stays with us long after summer ends? In this conversation, Pastor Nate sits down with Dave “Packer” Gunnlaugsson, the new executive director of Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, to talk about calling, leadership, and the kind of faith formation that happens when kids are given space to be fully themselves. Together, they explore how camp becomes a place where anxiety can loosen its grip, where leadership is discovered, and where God meets people exactly as they are. What You’ll Learn: How camp creates space for kids to discover who they are Why leadership development is at the heart of outdoor ministry What faith looks like in the middle of anxiety and uncertainty How the church can better support young people beyond Sunday mornings Why relationships—not programs—shape lasting faith Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dave & Rainbow Trail 02:00 Dave’s journey into ministry and camp 05:00 A calling that never quite let go 08:00 Why camp helps kids discover who they are 11:00 The summer theme: faith and anxiety (Philippians 4) 14:00 Leadership, transition, and listening well 17:00 Bringing camp into everyday church life 20:00 Why stay connected to the church? 22:00 The impact of camp on future leaders 25:00 What makes Rainbow Trail so special 27:00 Closing reflections on faith and calling If this conversation encouraged you, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who could use a reminder that faith is still alive and active in the world. Connect with Bethany: 📍 Bethany Lutheran Church – Denver, CO 🌐 Learn more: www.bethany-denver.org Connect with Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp: https://www.rainbowtrail.org/

    29 min

  2. 20 MAR ·  BONUS

    Sunday School Remix: What Does Creation Say About Our Lives?

    What if Genesis 1 isn’t just about how the world was made—but about how we’re meant to live within it? In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate explores the deeper structure of the creation story and what it reveals about God, humanity, and the rhythm of life itself. From chaos to order, from constant work to intentional rest, this ancient text speaks directly into our modern, overwhelmed lives. What You’ll Learn: Why Genesis 1 is more about meaning than mechanics How God brings order out of chaos—and still does What it means to be created in the image of God Why rest is not optional, but essential How rhythm shapes a faithful and grounded life Chapters:00:00 What if Genesis 1 isn’t about creation mechanics?01:00 God brings order out of chaos03:00 Water, Spirit, and the presence of God05:00 Creation through Word and meaning07:00 Silence and spiritual practice08:00 Light, darkness, and separation10:00 Creation as structure and intention13:00 Filling creation: sky, sea, and land16:00 Created in God’s image (Imago Dei)18:00 Why rest is built into creation20:00 The rhythm at the center of Genesis23:00 Sabbath as resistance to constant work26:00 Living differently in a restless world Call to Action:If this conversation gave you a new way to see an old story, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who could use a little more rhythm and rest in their life. Connect with Bethany:📍 Bethany Lutheran Church – Denver, CO🌐 Learn more: www.bethany-denver.org

    27 min

  3. 17 MAR

    What Does “Life in Christ” Actually Look Like Today? A Conversation with Imran Siddiqui

    Life in Christ is more than a personal belief—it’s a way of living together. In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Imran Siddiqui, Vice President of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), to talk about the upcoming Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly and its theme: Vida en Christo — Life in Christ.  Their conversation explores how congregations, synods, and the wider church work together, why conversation matters in a divided world, and why grace remains at the heart of Lutheran faith. They also discuss a renewed focus on connection across the church, and what it means for congregations navigating an increasingly disconnected culture. About the Guest Imran Siddiqui serves as Vice President of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Raised in the Muslim faith and later identifying as an atheist during college, he eventually became Lutheran after being drawn to the church’s liturgy and its emphasis on God’s grace. How congregations, synods, and churchwide leadership connect in the ELCA Why conversation and disagreement are essential for Christian community What “Life in Christ” looks like through unity and shared mission Why grace is central to Lutheran theology and still deeply relevant today How churches can speak more boldly about hope, compassion, and justice Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Synod Assembly Preview01:00 What the ELCA Vice President Actually Does03:00 How Congregations, Synods, and Churchwide Connect05:00 Why Conversation Matters in the Church08:00 Dialogue in a Divided Culture11:30 The Theme: Vita in Christo — Life in Christ13:00 Community in the Early Church16:00 Competition Between Churches18:00 Why Churchwide Reps Attend Synod Assemblies21:00 New Leadership and Rebuilding Connection26:00 Why Churches Are Declining28:00 Why Lutherans Don’t Talk Enough About Grace31:00 Lutheran Theology in Today’s World33:00 Final Reflections If this conversation helped you think differently about faith, grace, and the church, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might find encouragement here. Connect with Bethany: 📍 Bethany Lutheran Church – Denver, CO 🌐 Learn more: www.bethany-denver.org What You’ll Learn

    35 min

  4. 13 MAR ·  BONUS

    Sunday School Remix: Why Jesus Restores People to Community

    What if Jesus’ healing miracles were never just about physical healing? In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate explores one of the most dramatic healing stories in the Gospels. At first glance it looks like a story about demon possession and a miraculous healing. But when you look more closely, the story reveals something much deeper about how Jesus restores people, challenges social exclusion, and rebuilds community. The man in this story wasn’t just suffering physically. He had been pushed outside society, labeled, and treated as if he were already dead. Jesus does something radical: he refuses to define the man by his illness and instead restores him fully—spiritually, socially, and personally. This episode explores what this story teaches about healing, dignity, and how Jesus consistently moves toward the people others push away. If you've ever wondered what the story of Legion means or what Jesus' healing miracles are really about, this episode helps unpack the deeper message. • Why Jesus travels to the “other side” and why that matters• How Jesus separates a person from the illness that defines them• What the drowning pigs reveal about freedom and liberation• Why the community reacts with fear after the man is healed• How Jesus restores people not just physically—but socially 0:00 Intro0:30 Why Jesus Goes to the “Other Side”2:00 A Man Cast Out by His Community4:00 Jesus Sees the Person Behind the Illness6:00 The Meaning of “Legion”7:30 The Mini Exodus Moment9:00 Healing as Social Restoration10:30 Why the Crowd Becomes Afraid12:00 Comfort vs Compassion13:00 The Man Becomes a Messenger 15:00 What This Story Reveals About Jesus If this conversation helped you see scripture in a new way, consider liking the video, subscribing to the channel, and sharing this episode with someone who enjoys thoughtful conversations about faith and scripture. What You’ll LearnChaptersConnect with Bethany: 📍 Bethany Lutheran Church – Denver, CO 🌐 Learn more: www.bethany-denver.org

    17 min

  5. 10 MAR

    What Do Pastor’s Kids Actually Think About Faith? A Conversation with Solomon and Miriam

    What does faith look like through the eyes of a child? In this special episode of the Together 4 Good podcast, Pastor Nate sits down with his kids, Miriam and Solomon (who is now twelve for the record), for a spontaneous conversation about church, Bible stories, confirmation, and what it’s like growing up in a pastor’s family. Along the way, they reflect on the feeding of the 5,000, favorite Bible stories, and the small everyday moments where faith shows up in family life. It’s a joyful and honest conversation about Christian parenting, curiosity, and how children often see God’s love in ways adults sometimes miss. What You’ll Learn How kids interpret Bible stories like the Feeding of the 5,000 What it’s like growing up as a pastor’s kid Why small acts of sharing and kindness matter in faith How everyday family traditions shape spiritual life Why curiosity and asking questions are part of faith Chapters 0:00 Kids Take Over the Podcast1:00 Growing Up as a Pastor’s Kid3:30 Church, Friends, and School4:00 The Feeding of the 5,000 Through a Child’s Eyes6:00 Faith, Trust, and Believing in Something Bigger7:30 What Happens in Confirmation Class9:00 Why the Tower of Babel Still Matters11:00 Everyday Faith in Family Life14:00 The Christmas Eve Hike Tradition16:00 What Does It Mean When Your Heart Feels Full?18:00 Favorite Bible Stories23:00 Final Words of Wisdom From Kids If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder of God’s grace. Connect with Bethany: 📍 Bethany Lutheran Church – Denver, CO🌐 Learn more: www.bethany-denver.org

    25 min

  6. 6 MAR ·  BONUS

    Sunday School Remix: Are We Our Brother’s Keeper? Rethinking Cain and Abel

    The story of Cain and Abel is one many people remember from childhood—but often in a simplified way. We’re told it’s a story about jealousy. But when we slow down and actually read the text, something deeper begins to emerge. In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate explores how this ancient story raises important questions about worship, responsibility, and what happens when our hearts turn inward. At its core, the story asks a powerful question that still echoes today: Are we responsible for one another? Why the Cain and Abel story may not be primarily about jealousy What Genesis teaches about worship and “first fruits” How inward-focused anger can lead to destruction What it really means to ask: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Why God’s mercy still shows up—even after failure 00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Cain and Abel00:58 Why the story is usually framed as jealousy02:05 Did God actually reject Cain?03:10 What the text really says about their offerings04:25 First fruits vs. leftover worship05:20 God’s warning to Cain06:35 “Am I my brother’s keeper?”08:00 What happens when we turn inward09:05 The human heart and the danger of anger10:15 Mercy, judgment, and the mark of Cain11:10 The meaning behind Abel’s name12:10 Why vulnerability matters13:00 Final reflections on responsibility and grace If this conversation helped you see an old story in a new way, make sure to like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who might be wrestling with questions of faith. What You’ll LearnChaptersConnect with Bethany: 📍 Bethany Lutheran Church – Denver, CO 🌐 Learn more: www.bethany-denver.org

    15 min

  7. 3 MAR

    Is Digital Ministry the Church’s New Narthex? A Conversation with Rev. Joseph Wolyniak

    What does it mean for the church to show up faithfully in a digital world? In this conversation, Pastor Nate Preisinger sits down with Pastor Joseph Wolyniak to talk about the Narthex Project — a Lilly-funded initiative helping churches rethink digital ministry in a post-Christian age. Together they explore storytelling, online faithfulness, loving enemies in comment sections, and how the gospel speaks to deep human woundedness. This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about sharing hope in a noisy world. What You’ll Learn: Why digital ministry is a bridge, not the destination How storytelling reflects the heart of Jesus’ ministry What it means to choose faithfulness over visible results Why “love your enemies” matters online How everyday Christians can practice digital evangelism Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to the Narthex Project 2:00 Why churches had to pivot online 4:30 Who are the “nones” and the spiritual-but-not-religious? 10:00 Faithfulness vs. measurable success 12:00 Is the church just playing the algorithm game? 16:00 Digital evangelism and digital tithing 21:00 Building church for people who aren’t here yet 26:00 Jesus as storyteller 31:00 Reintroducing people to Jesus 34:30 Trauma, original sin, and healing 37:30 Loving enemies in a digital world 44:00 Marching toward, not against If this conversation encourages you, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who’s wrestling with faith in a digital world. Your engagement helps more people encounter hope. Connect with Bethany: 📍 Bethany Lutheran Church – Denver, CO 🌐 Learn more: https://www.bethany-denver.org

    46 min

  8. 27 FEB ·  BONUS

    Sunday School Remix: Did We Misread the Sheep and Goats?

    Are sheep and goats really that different? In Matthew 25, Jesus paints a powerful vision of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the imprisoned. But is this story about sorting good people from bad people—or something much deeper? In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate reframes the “sheep and goats” passage not as a moral scoreboard about heaven and hell, but as an unveiling of God’s heart for compassion. What if this isn’t about fear of judgment—but about living with a bigger heart right now? What You’ll Learn: Why this passage may not be a classic parable at all How Jesus challenges rule-focused religion What “apocalyptic” really means in the Bible Why compassion is central to the Kingdom of God What sheep and goats biologically reveal about the message Chapters: 00:00 Are sheep and goats really that different? 00:40 Rethinking the “parable” of Matthew 25 02:00 Is this about heaven and hell? 02:45 Pharisees, rules, and missing compassion 05:00 What “apocalyptic” actually means 06:30 Jesus’ vision of the Kingdom of God 08:30 A judgment for now—not just eternity 10:15 Why sheep and goats are so similar 12:00 The surprising difference: bigger hearts 13:30 What this means for us today If this episode gave you a new way to see a familiar passage, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who grew up hearing this story a different way. Connect with Bethany: 📍 Bethany Lutheran Church – Denver, CO 🌐 Learn more: https://www.bethany-denver.org

    15 min
See All (454)

Trailer

About

Welcome to Together 4 Good: Making Sense of Life and Faith, a podcast from Bethany Lutheran Church ELCA in Cherry Hills Village, CO. We talk about real life and real faith—the doubts, the hope, and the messy middle—through the lens of love, grace, and community. No judgment, just honest conversations about what it means to be human and to believe. Perfect for anyone curious about progressive Christianity or looking for a safe place to explore faith in today’s world.

Information

You Might Also Like