Desert Well

Lamb of God Las Vegas
  • 4.8 (5)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Join Pastor Jared Townley and Principal Derek Blessing from Lamb of God Lutheran Church and School, Las Vegas. Delve into discussions on faith, scripture, and the unique challenges of ministry in a desert city, all while connecting with a community centered on the love of Jesus.

  1. 5d ago

    050: Keeping the Pointy End of the Stick Sharp: David Rufner on 1517, Gospel Mission, and Generosity

    This week on 'Deseret Well ', special guest David Rufner, a former Lutheran pastor now head fundraiser for 1517, joins us. David shares his background serving 16+ years in Michigan, his move to Big Bear, California in 2020 to join 1517, and his ongoing service as head elder and pulpit supply at a vacant local church. He explains 1517’s mission to “declare and defend the good news that you are forgiven and free on account of Christ alone,” describing the need to resist “mission drift” and keep Christ crucified and risen central. David outlines 1517’s resources (books, podcasts, free academy courses, articles, and preaching tools), reflects on why the organization refreshed him with “pure gospel,” and discusses giving trends, donor stress, budgeting stewardship, and practical approaches to gratitude and mission-focused generosity. For more information on 1517 visit 1517.org. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:22 Meet David Rufner 04:23 From Pastor to 1517 08:14 Grief and a New Call 11:09 Why 1517 Is Different 13:57 Mission First Importance 19:11 How 1517 Serves Churches 20:49 Staying on Mission 23:06 What Fuels the Passion 24:28 Gospel Refreshing Again 25:31 1517 Conference Impact 26:47 Pastors Gatherings vs Gospel Rest 29:42 Absolution Stories From Listeners 31:34 Fundraising vs Stewardship 33:03 Church Life Complications 37:39 Giving Trends and Donor Stress 40:40 Talking Money in Church 45:16 Stewardship Without Guilt 48:27 Where to Find 1517 48:50 Podcast Challenge and Farewell Thank you for joining us around the well that is Jesus! Be sure to tune in every Friday to hear the latest from us here at 'Desert Well'! You can also catch this week's episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/RtVaCsABN6Y and Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/desert-well/id1823028492. We will see you next week!

    50 min

  2. Jun 12

    049: Back to Basics: Why the Creed and Lord’s Prayer Still Matter

    This week we delve into the “Back to Basics” sermon series we are doing this summer here at Lamb of God Lutheran Church Las Vegas. We discuss how many people near the church lack foundational Christian knowledge (heaven and hell, Jesus as Son of God, the Trinity, basic Bible literacy) and why that matters in a post-Christian context, including for children and adults. Using 1 Peter 2, we emphasize spiritual growth as something God builds in believers, not self-achieved, with Jesus as the cornerstone. We connect this to Luther’s Small Catechism as a simple, household-focused tool rooted in the Reformation’s education push, outline upcoming topics (Creator, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Lord’s Prayer), and explain choosing the Lord’s Prayer over the Ten Commandments given Jesus’ fulfillment of the law. 01:43 Back to Basics Setup 03:01 DNA Cloning and Adam 07:27 Why Basics Matter Today 11:47 Summer Series Planning 15:50 First Peter Spiritual Milk 18:27 Sanctification Not Self Help 24:08 Cornerstone Foundations 25:53 Temple Mount Archways 26:34 Jesus as Cornerstone 27:23 Rejected Stone Meaning 28:52 Small Catechism Basics 31:37 Why Luther Wrote It 32:33 Education and Literacy 35:14 New Member Questions 37:04 Who Is Jesus 39:49 Why Lord’s Prayer 43:50 Petitions and Forgiveness 45:43 Back to Simple Faith 48:59 Grandpa’s 1943 Catechism 49:50 Closing Reflections Thank you for joining us around the well that is Jesus! Be sure to tune in every Friday for the latest from us here at 'Desert Well'! You can also catch this week's episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/E2NkYShIuxk and Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/desert-well/id1823028492 ! We will see you next week!

    51 min

  3. Jun 5

    048: Should Christians Listen to Pope Leo on AI?: A Warning Christians Can’t Ignore

    This week we discuss Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical on artificial intelligence through a Christianity Today article summarizing it. We explain what an encyclical is, distinguish ordinary vs. solemn magisterium, and compare it to Lutheran CTCR documents, asking why Lutherans should care about what the pope says. Reading the article, we note the warning that AI is a spiritual and civilizational test that could make humans more machine-like within a technocratic paradigm, using Babel vs. Nehemiah as imagery and treating limits as gifts. We compare AI’s power to nuclear proliferation, critique “move fast and break things,” and discuss isolation replacing communal vices, the Word (logos) not being algorithmic, and Christian hope grounded in Jesus. Lastly we debate practical use of AI in church, cautions about sermons/prayers, and concepts like transhumanism, posthumanism, vocation, and loving neighbor. We have included today’s article https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/05/christians-listen-pope-leo-encyclical-artificial-intelligence/, the video we referenced https://youtu.be/xM4AOIZ-Uy8 , and the encyclical http://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html .   02:10 What Is an Encyclical 04:43 Magisterium and Lutheran Parallels 08:51 Why Listen to the Pope 12:41 AI as Spiritual Test 16:28 Stay in Your Lane Debate 20:27 Silicon Valley Arms Race 24:14 Tech Bro Utopias and Bunkers 26:46 Tower of Babel Framework 27:44 Babel as Mercy 29:13 Broken People Using Tech 31:26 AI Without an Off Switch 32:10 Control Panic and Original Sin 35:02 Vices of Isolation 36:27 Christian View of Humanity 37:21 Logos Not Algorithmic 38:20 Hope After Babel 43:31 Language Barriers Falling 45:53 Love God Love Neighbor 50:57 Transhumanism vs Posthumanism 52:38 Limits as Gifts 54:24 Join the Tech Conversation   Thank you for joining us around the well that is Jesus! Be sure to check back every Friday to hear the latest from us here at ‘Desert Well’! You can also find this week’s episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/APGQY28Lk5E andApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/desert-well/id1823028492

    55 min

  4. May 29

    047: Navigating a Season of Change: Faith, Leadership, and Turning the Page

    This week we discuss a felt “season of change and transition,” comparing it to a page turning where you can’t yet see what’s next. We reflect on an earlier dramatic text about a difficult year ahead and on end-of-school-year emotions, including staff devotions and worship. Derek shares Psalm 90:17 and Ephesians 3 about God establishing the work of their hands and doing more than they can imagine, emphasizing that God works through people rather than their own effort. We talk about managing change by involving and empowering staff, communicating what is known and unknown, and recognizing different reactions to change. We balance trusting God’s control with using reason and discernment, finding comfort in knowing the Author even when the next page is unclear. 02:29 Season Of Transition 04:46 Wave And Page Metaphors 07:26 School Day Backstory 07:58 Devotions Psalm 90 17 12:17 Change Culture In School 19:53 Guiding Staff Through Change 23:12 Faith And Decision Making 24:02 Staff Worship Recap 25:33 Why Gather Together 26:25 Ephesians 3 Reminder 28:10 Faith in Decisions 30:20 Two Extremes of Control 31:53 Mary and Martha Balance 34:51 Ascension and Trust 37:06 We Not Me Culture 42:42 Turning the Page Forward 44:00 Interim Leaders Mindset 45:48 Closing Thoughts and Wrap Thank you for joining us around the well that is Jesus! Be sure to check back every Friday for the latest from us here at 'Desert Well'! You can also watch this week's episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/0YxcCpyltsw. You can listen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/desert-well/id1823028492 ! We will catch you next week!

    45 min

  5. May 22

    046: Year In Review: Building Faith, Culture, and Community

    In this end-of-school-year conversation, Pastor Jared and Mr.Blessing reflect on the past year. They share key highlights, starting with special baptism chapel as a meaningful community celebration that builds relationships with students and families, and they recall moments like Good Friday chapel where students powerfully sang “Reckless Love.” They also note strong academic outcomes through MAP Growth testing, describing it as a national standardized measure used to track student progress and affirm teaching practices, with results above national levels. Finally, they discuss a healthier, more unified staff culture marked by shared decision-making, openness in prayer requests,and ongoing systems work that supports the school’s ministry, closing with appreciation for students, staff, and families and how quickly the busy, fun year passed. 01:33 Secret Staff Spirit Days 06:18 School’s Out Recap 07:29 Baptism Chapel Highlights 11:54 Chapel Leading and Worship 13:58 Good Friday Reckless Love 18:17 MAP Testing Wins 20:06 Teacher Joy Moments 21:17 Goals And MAP Growth 22:43 Proving Academic Standards 23:38 Staff Culture Shift 25:35 Unity And Shared Ownership 31:29 Systems And Change Management 35:40 Student Relationships And Lunch 38:18 Why The Year Flew By 41:06 Community Partnership Wrap Up Thank you for joining us around the well that is Jesus! Be sure to tune in every Friday to hear the latest from us here at 'Desert Well'! You can also watch this week's episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/hvRGhCSMHi8! You can listen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/desert-well/id1823028492!

    44 min

  6. May 15

    045: Faith, Parenting & Leadership with Special Guest Tonya Tomlin

    In this episode, we interview Tonya Tomlin, newly appointed preschool director at Lamb of God. Today we will hear about Miss Tonya’s background and passion for early childhood education and what lead her here to Lamb of God, where she has been with us the last three years. Tonya shares her journey from growing up in North Dakota to living in Texas for 24 years, working two decades in church preschool ministry, and moving to Las Vegas during the height of COVID. She explains how she began teaching Sunday school at 16, transitioned from volunteering in her son’s school to full-time preschool work, and why she loves the rapid growth and “aha moments” of three-year-olds. Tonya discusses joys and challenges in the classroom, how faith is woven throughout the school day, changes she’s seen in kids due to electronics, and her hopes to expand programs like the new 18-month-old class. 02:29 Meet Tonya Tomlin 03:26 From Texas to Vegas 06:07 New Preschool Director Role 06:33 How Tonya Became Teacher 10:18 Why Preschool Years Matter 15:26 Bucket Filling Moments 18:02 Hardest Parts of Preschool 22:21 Building Trust and Compassion 27:01 Teaching Faith in Class 28:11 Faith Woven In 29:11 Taught Versus Caught 30:47 Screens And Attention 32:09 Grandparents And Generations 34:25 Teachers Guide Parents 37:46 Trust Your Gut 39:24 Kids Say The Darndest 43:56 New Director Role 46:00 Future Of The Preschool 47:38 Starting Faith At Home 49:09 Family Worship Basics 51:41 Relationships And Leadership Thank you for joining us around the well that is Jesus! Be sure to tune in every Friday to hear the latest from us here at 'Desert Well'! You can also watch today's episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/fbIDLr-UBPE. You can listen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/desert-well/id1823028492!

    53 min

  7. May 8

    044: Ordinary Men, Uncommon Calling: Discussing John MacArthur’s Book on the 12 Disciples

    This week on 'Desert Well' we discuss the book "Twelve Ordinary Men" by John MacArthur. We highlight the book’s main value: portraying the 12 disciples as ordinary, varied men empowered by Jesus, making them relatable and helping readers see themselves in Scripture. We also note distinctions between “apostle” and “disciple,” Jesus’ circles of influence, and the claim that the disciples’ main training with Jesus may have been about a year and a half. We touch on chapters about Peter, John, Andrew, and Judas, concluding the book encourages everyday believers to share the gospel and grow in sanctification. We have included the link to the book here https://a.co/d/0eeLtO3j. 02:25 Why This Book Now 04:13 How Derek Got the Book 05:45 Fiction Reading Detour 10:00 Why Recommend This Book 11:10 Disciples as Ordinary Men 14:32 Intro Insights and Circles 16:03 Apostles vs Disciples 16:44 How Long They Trained 20:25 Apostles as Sent Ones 22:11 Using Original Languages 23:43 Book Chapter Roadmap 25:39 Peter and Leadership 31:38 John Learns Love 36:09 Andrew and Small Things 38:50 Limits of the Sources 39:53 Judas and Divine Mystery 42:45 Living It Out 44:52 Wrap Up and Exit Thank you for joining us around the well that is Jesus! We will see you next week! You can also catch this week's episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/vPgNRdrCJMM. You can listen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/desert-well/id1823028492.

    45 min

  8. May 1

    043: What Should Christians Do With Anger and Desire? Direct, Lull, or Kill the Passions

    Today we discuss a five-part article series by seminary professor David Maxwell on how Christians should understand anger and desire, contrasting Plato’s chariot image (directing the passions) with the Stoic goal of eliminating them. We trace how early church fathers split between Gregory of Nyssa, who argues passions entered through the fall but should be redirected for good, and Cyril of Alexandria, who views the Christian life as lulling passions to sleep toward an invincible, passionless state. We evaluate how Lutheran law/gospel language can imply a stoic “kill the passions” spirituality, while Luther’s writings, hymns, and the Formula of Concord’s distinction between human nature and sin suggest passions are corrupted but not identical with sin and can be constructively directed with confidence in Christ. We have included today's article here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dSclESwyHAwdlsXGPVx3n_JnMty-oCLsIN6kP4FqqfA/edit?usp=share_link. 00:52 Anger Desire Question 02:12 Derek On Anger 03:57 Reading Plan Greek 05:41 Righteous Anger Myth 06:51 Jet Engines Plato 09:19 Stoics Four Passions 11:28 Early Church Split 15:06 Gregory Direct Passions 19:57 Anger Desire In Scripture 21:20 Garden Passions Debate 27:31 Cyril Lull Passions 30:30 Apatheia Modern Apathy 32:04 Jesus Wept Interpretation 34:15 Jesus Wept and Grief 35:02 Impervious Word Debate 35:54 Early Church on Passions 37:00 Lutheran Kill Passions 39:36 Law Gospel and Stoicism 46:23 Full Stop Grammar Tangent 49:22 Directing Passions with Luther 54:49 Original Sin Accident 57:58 Redirecting Anger and Desire 01:04:48 Final Reflections and Wrap Up Thank you for joining us around the well that is Jesus! Be sure to join in every Friday to hear the latest from 'Desert Well'! You can also watch today's episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/ewWYaox4UaM. You can listen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/.../desert-well/id1823028492. We'll see you next week!

    1h 7m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Join Pastor Jared Townley and Principal Derek Blessing from Lamb of God Lutheran Church and School, Las Vegas. Delve into discussions on faith, scripture, and the unique challenges of ministry in a desert city, all while connecting with a community centered on the love of Jesus.

Information

  • Creator
    Lamb of God Las Vegas
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lamb of God Las Vegas
  • Show Website
    Desert Well