Understanding Church

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

5.0 (5)
CHRISTIANITY
UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Understanding Church is an evolution of the Bethlehem Backchat podcast. We talk about life in the quirky community known as the Christian church. Special guests are featured to add topic specific depth to the conversation. We are a caring and compassionate platform for all, and an avenue through which we can truly "understand church" and all that term implies. Welcome!

DEC 13

Chatting with Bishop Melissa Stoller

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone welcome our guest, the newly installed Bishop Melissa Stoller, from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, to discuss her new role as bishop, expectations for the future of the synod and the ELCA and much more!

52 min
NOV 12

The Wrath of God

This episode sounds scary! The wrath of God! Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone share what this 'wrath' truly means and why it is so prevalent within the biblical narrative. Further, what is this 'wrath' intended to create in us and our behavior? In this episode, myths are dispelled, and the true understanding of the wrath of God is discussed.

42 min
OCT 1

Children in Church

In this episode, special guest Pastor Erin Evans shares her experience and insight on the topic of Children in Church with Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone. Discussion surrounds integrating and engaging children within the church, whether they are very young or nearly adults, through teaching, explaining, and becoming a part of the church body. There are insights and some tips on how to find the joy of having "Children in Church"!

53 min
AUG 27

What Makes a Lutheran a Lutheran

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone share what makes Lutheranism distinctive! Discussions of these distinctions include a brief history, Luther's perspective that we are saved by grace through faith alone, and why we are called to "Sin Boldly" because we trust in God's grace, as well as other related topics. Bonus: A behind-the-scenes clip of our prerecording banter! Resources: Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland H. Bainton The Reformation: A History by Diarmaid MacCulloch

52 min
JUN 30

The Important Care of the Hospital Chaplain

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone welcome Chaplain Gaea Thompson, who serves as Manager of Pastoral Care at UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh. Chaplain Gaea guides us through the work and important care of the hospital chaplain as a "Physician of the Soul." The discussion is rich in guiding us toward understanding the role of serving in a hospital setting and serving those who may be at their most vulnerable moment.

42 min
JUN 10

Spiritual Direction: A Conversational and Prayerful Relationship

Guest Lynn Holden, Spiritual Director, joins Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone to discuss spiritual direction as the building of a relationship through which one person, the spiritual director, guides another toward the presence and call of God in all of life. Lynn shares the difference between counseling and spiritual direction, how one becomes a spiritual director, and the importance of gaining a deeper connection through the understanding of one's place in the world. Find a spiritual director at Spiritual Direction International. https://www.sdicompanions.org/find-a-spiritual-director-companion/

54 min
MAY 11

Justification by Faith Through Grace

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone discuss a central doctrine of the Lutheran Church. There are a lot of 'churchy' words in just the episode title! Not to worry, we make it easy to understand! Justification by faith is a divine act by which God declares us righteous or in right relationship by offering us grace. Being in right relationship doesn't mean that we are just 'good people' or that we do 'good things' (and we should do both), but that through grace we are forgiven through our belief in Christ and made righteous! Listen and it will make more sense!

47 min
APR 4

Understanding Church - Looking Back and Looking Forward

Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone are thrilled to transition our podcast to a new brand format under the Title Understanding Church. In this episode, discussion surrounds memories and experiences from the beginning of Bethlehem Backchat to present day intentions for a reimagined approach. Come laugh with us as we review where we have been and the future curiosities we plan to explore and understand.

44 min

5

out of 5

5 Ratings

Understanding Church is an evolution of the Bethlehem Backchat podcast. We talk about life in the quirky community known as the Christian church. Special guests are featured to add topic specific depth to the conversation. We are a caring and compassionate platform for all, and an avenue through which we can truly "understand church" and all that term implies. Welcome!

Creator

Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Years Active

2021 - 2025
Episodes

73
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025 Understanding Church
Show Website

Understanding Church