Casting Nets Podcast

Casting Nets
  • 4.5 (15)
  • Religion
  • Updated Weekly

Real Life, Living faith.... This is a show about thoughts on how to live life in a God pleasing way. We will tackle real events, hopefully find real ways to live a Christian life in those events. Our hosts are pastors in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)

  1. 2d ago

    377. Leech or Liberty? The Christian Church's Tax Exempt status.

    Should Christian churches pay property taxes, or does tax-exempt status protect essential religious liberty? In this episode of the Casting Nets Podcast, Pastor Will Harley and Pastor Dave Ruddat dive into a candid, thoughtful discussion on the complex relationship between the Christian church, local communities, and government property taxes. Together, they explore: Infrastructure & Community Usage: What property taxes actually fund (police, fire, roads, local services) vs. what churches consume and contribute. The Intangible Benefit: How churches and non-profits serve local communities in non-quantifiable ways (food pantries, counseling, elderly visits, community support). The Danger of Entanglement: How government tax enforcement can lead to coercion, excessive involvement, and constitutional issues (referencing the landmark 1970 Supreme Court case Walz v. Tax Commission). The True Cost of Ministry: Remembering that sharing the Gospel carries a cost—and how Christians can view civic responsibility and church support through a biblical lens. Whether you lean toward "leech" or "liberty," join us for a constructive conversation that gets beyond knee-jerk reactions and echo chambers to examine faith, citizenship, and gospel ministry. [03:28] – Welcome & Podcast Intro [05:50] – Sponsor Shoutouts & Podcast Traditions [07:38] – Dad Joke Time [09:52] – Topic Intro: Property Taxes & the Church ("Leech or Liberty?") [13:46] – What Do Property Taxes Actually Pay For? [19:20] – Community Infrastructure vs. Community Benefit [24:08] – Non-Profit Status, 501(c)(3), & Societal Contributions [32:25] – "Is It Fair?" Non-Believers, Taxes,& Shared Community Burdens [38:37] – Government Entanglement & Church Autonomy(Walz v. Tax Commission) [48:27] – Complementary Nature of Church & State (Romans13 & Matthew 22) [51:43] – The Cost of Ministry & Final Thoughts [56:47] – After Show: Coffee, Facebook Updates, & Upcoming Ministry Events #CastingNets #WELSPodcast #ChurchAndState #PropertyTax#TaxExempt #ChristianFaith #LutheranPodcast #ReligiousLiberty #ChristianLiving#WELS #ChurchCommunity #FaithAndPolitics Connect With Us Email: castingsnetpod@gmail.com https://www.castingnetspod.org Host: Pastor Will Harley Host: Pastor Dave Ruddat Song: Legendary Music by: CreatorMix.com Lets Rock Today by leadsquid Song: Night Drive Confession Music by: CreatorMix.com

  2. Oct 2

    376. A.I. and the Church, Wonderful Servant or Terrible Master?

    Is artificial intelligence a powerful tool to enhance ministry, or does it pose serious spiritual and ethical risks for the Christian church?In episode 376 of Casting Nets, we dive deep into the rapidly expanding world of Artificial Intelligence and its intersection with faith, ministry, and church leadership. We explore the critical balance of using AI technology responsibly—asking whether AI will prove to be a wonderful servant in streamlining church work or a terrible master that displaces authentic pastoral care, human connection, and biblical discernment.💡 Key Topics Covered in This Episode: The rise of generative AI and its presence in modern ministry Practical applications: Using AI for administration, research, and technical assistance Ethical concerns: AI-generated sermons, authenticity, and spiritual discernment Safeguarding human connection and pastoral integrity in a tech-driven world How churches can evaluate and integrate new technology wisely 00:00 - Introduction & Episode Overview 05:15 - The Current Landscape of AI in Daily Life & Ministry 14:30 - AI as a "Wonderful Servant": Administrative & Practical Tooling 26:00 - AI as a "Terrible Master": Theological & Ethical Risks 37:10 - Sermons, Authenticity, and Pastoral Care in the Age of Tech 45:30 - Practical Guidelines for Church Leaders & Believers 48:45 - Final Thoughts & Conclusion⁠#AIandTheChurch⁠ ⁠#ChristianPodcast⁠ ⁠#FaithAndTechnology⁠ ⁠#ChurchLeadership⁠ ⁠#ArtificialIntelligence⁠ ⁠#Christianity⁠ ⁠#CastingNets⁠https://www.castingnetspod.org/Host: Pastor Will HarleyHost: Pastor Dave RuddatSong: LegendaryMusic by: CreatorMix.comLets Rock Todayby leadsquid

    376. A.I. and the Church, Wonderful Servant or Terrible Master?

  3. Sep 24

    375. Faith and Politics

    Pew review referenced in the show: https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2025/10/PP_2025.10.30_views-of-political-parties_report.pdfhttps://www.wls.edu/symposium-archives/https://www.castingnetspod.org/Host: Pastor Will HarleyHost: Pastor Dave RuddatSong: LegendaryMusic by: CreatorMix.comLets Rock Todayby leadsquid

  4. Sep 10

    374. It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine. - Clean Energy and the Christian.

    Casting Nets is back, with new subjects to talk about. The first one is about Clean energy and the Christian https://wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/... https://www.castingnetspod.org/ Host: Pastor Will Harley Host: Pastor Dave Ruddat Song: Legendary Music by: CreatorMix.com Lets Rock Today by leadsquid

  5. May 28

    373. Martin Luther’s “Freedom of the Christian” (Part II “Subject to all”)

    For the English translation of "On the freedom of a Christian" go to https://www.castingnetspod.org/topics/freedom-of-a-christianWhat we will talk about:A Christian is a dutiful servant of all, subject to all. https://www.castingnetspod.org/Host: Pastor Will HarleyHost: Pastor Dave RuddatSong: LegendaryMusic by: CreatorMix.comLets Rock Todayby leadsquid

  6. Apr 30

    372. Martin Luther's "The Freedom of a Christian" (part 1)

    For the English translation of "On the freedom of a Christian" go tohttps://www.castingnetspod.org/topics/freedom-of-a-christian What we will talk about: Setting of the letter CENTRAL THEME: " A Christian is perfectly free lord of all, subject to none (this show). A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all. (next show)” Soul's freedom is not external liberty (like political freedom, or freedom from sickness, freedom from being poor, etc.), but what happens when the Word of God comes into contact with the individual. Word of God is command and promise (another way of saying Law and Gospel) Faith has a threefold power 1.  Free from Law 2. Trusts/Honors God 3. Unites the Soul with Christ Faith is fulfillment of 1st commandment.   Faith receives double honor: priesthood and kingship.   Thus:   A Christian is lord of all, completely free in everything https://www.castingnetspod.org/ Host: Pastor Will Harley Host: Pastor Dave Ruddat Song: LegendaryMusic by: CreatorMix.com Lets Rock Today by leadsquid

    372. Martin Luther's "The Freedom of a Christian" (part 1)

  7. Apr 23

    371. Other Factions and Sects (Formula of Concord Article XII)

    Episode 371 – "Other Factions and Sects" (Formula of Concord, Article XII)Casting Nets WELS Podcast This is a live-streamed episode from the Casting Nets Podcast, hosted by pastors of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). The episode covers Article XII of the Formula of Concord, which deals with various religious factions and sects that arose during the Reformation era — groups that the Lutheran confessors felt deviated from correct doctrine. About the series: The podcast works through the Book of Concord, the collection of Lutheran confessional documents. Article XII of the Formula of Concord (1577) addresses groups such as Anabaptists, Schwenkfeldians, and others who held views at odds with Lutheran orthodoxy on topics like baptism, the Lord's Supper, the nature of Christ, and civil government. For a full summary of the episode's specific discussion, you'd need to watch or listen to it directly. You can also find the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart at castingnetspod.org. Song: LegendaryMusic by: CreatorMix.comLets Rock Todayby leadsquid

    371. Other Factions and Sects (Formula of Concord Article XII)

  8. Apr 9

    370. God's Eternal Foreknowledge and Election (Formula of Concord Article XI)

    The episode covers Article XI of the Formula of Concord, a key Lutheran confessional document from the 16th century. The main focus is on two closely related theological topics: God's eternal foreknowledge: How God knows all things, including future events, from eternity.Election (or predestination): God's gracious choiceIt explores the Lutheran understanding of these doctrines, emphasizing: What exactly did God choose, and what does it mean he chose it "in Christ."The comfort this brings to believersCareful distinctions to avoid common errors (such as double predestination or making election dependent on human works/foreseen faith)The hosts walk through the confessional teaching, explaining what the Formula of Concord affirms and rejects on these points to provide clarity and pastoral encouragement. The description indicates this is part of a series going through the Formula of Concord article by article. Next time: Article XII – “Other Factions and Sects” (addressing various errors and groups that deviate from the Lutheran position). Music: Features “Legendary” by CreatorMix.com and “Lets Rock Today” by leadsquid.Website: https://www.castingnetspod.org/ (for more episodes or show notes).This is a theological/doctrinal podcast aimed at Lutheran listeners (or anyone interested in historic Protestant confessions), diving deep into biblical teaching as summarized in the Formula of Concord. It’s educational and likely includes explanations, Bible references, and practical application for faith and assurance of salvation.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Real Life, Living faith.... This is a show about thoughts on how to live life in a God pleasing way. We will tackle real events, hopefully find real ways to live a Christian life in those events. Our hosts are pastors in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)

Information

  • Creator
    Casting Nets
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    293
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Casting Nets
  • Show Website
    Casting Nets Podcast

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