Standing on Shoulders

ACELC
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Bimonthly

Reading good books. Having good conversations. That is what Standing on Shoulders is all about. Join the conversation as three Confessional Lutheran pastors read great works of the Christian Church, discuss their meaning, and ponder their significance and impact for us today.

  1. May 21

    Inward Consolation and the Crown of Patience – Thomas à Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" (Book 3) | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 36

    In this episode of Standing on Shoulders, hosts Reverend Micah Gaunt, Reverend Mark Kranz, and Reverend Tysen Bibb continue their exploration of Thomas à Kempis' classic work, "The Imitation of Christ." Shifting focus from the outward behavior and practical wisdom of the previous booklets, the discussion dives directly into Book 3: On Inward Consolation, unpacking the internal spiritual landscape and hidden struggles of the Christian soul. Questions of confessional integrity, theological clarity, and ecclesial life remain perennial concerns for the church — particularly in times of institutional strain and cultural fragmentation. How does a synod faithfully uphold its doctrinal commitments while preserving unity, order, and mutual accountability? What correctives do Scripture and theology provide when language, priorities, or practice begin to drift? These questions carry significant implications not only for governance and discipline, but for the church’s shared confession and common life. How we engage them will shape our life together, both now and in the years ahead. Come join us in Lincoln, Nebraska this June 16-17 as we seek to interact with these questions during our 2026 ACELC Conferece, "Walking Together: Next Steps." For more information, visit ACELC.net/wal Season 2 Reading List: The Shepherd of Hermas The Confession of St. Patrick The Confessions, St. Augustine The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther “A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14 “The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49 “On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320 Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz The Magdeburg Confession Some of these works are available for free online, and we will post links to the suggested editions we will be reading. Others are available in print from multiple publishers. Just like your Bible, the best version is the one you read. However, we will let you know which versions we are reading and where they can be found. A podcast by the Association of Confessing Evangelical Lutheran Congregations.  Soli Deo Gloria!

    1h 14m

  2. Apr 24

    Wisdom, Piety, and the Common Life – Thomas à Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" (Books 1 & 2) | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 35

    In this episode of Standing on Shoulders, hosts Reverend Mark Kranz and Reverend Tysen Bibb begin an exploration of one of the most influential devotional works in Christian history: "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas à Kempis. Moving from the philosophical depth of Augustine to the practical, gritty wisdom of the 15th-century Netherlands, the discussion focuses on Books 1 and 2 and the historical movement that birthed them. Questions of confessional integrity, theological clarity, and ecclesial life remain perennial concerns for the church — particularly in times of institutional strain and cultural fragmentation. How does a synod faithfully uphold its doctrinal commitments while preserving unity, order, and mutual accountability? What correctives do Scripture and theology provide when language, priorities, or practice begin to drift? These questions carry significant implications not only for governance and discipline, but for the church’s shared confession and common life. How we engage them will shape our life together, both now and in the years ahead. Come join us in Lincoln, Nebraska this June 16-17 as we seek to interact with these questions during our 2026 ACELC Conferece, "Walking Together: Next Steps." For more information, visit ACELC.net/wal Season 2 Reading List: The Shepherd of Hermas The Confession of St. Patrick The Confessions, St. Augustine The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther “A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14 “The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49 “On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320 Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz The Magdeburg Confession Some of these works are available for free online, and we will post links to the suggested editions we will be reading. Others are available in print from multiple publishers. Just like your Bible, the best version is the one you read. However, we will let you know which versions we are reading and where they can be found. A podcast by the Association of Confessing Evangelical Lutheran Congregations.  Soli Deo Gloria!

    1h 10m

  3. Feb 28

    Rest and Recreation – Augustine's "Confessions" (Books 11–13) | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 34

    Join Rev.'s Gaunt and Bibb as conclude their reading of Augustine's "Confessions." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standingonshoulders.substack.com   Season 2 Reading List: The Shepherd of Hermas The Confession of St. Patrick The Confessions, St. Augustine The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther “A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14 “The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49 “On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320 Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz The Magdeburg Confession Some of these works are available for free online, and we will post links to the suggested editions we will be reading. Others are available in print from multiple publishers. Just like your Bible, the best version is the one you read. However, we will let you know which versions we are reading and where they can be found. Soli Deo Gloria!

    1 hr

  4. Jan 5

    The Ascent of Memory and the Weight of Habit – Augustine's "Confessions" (Books 7-10) | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 33

    Join Rev.'s Gaunt and Bibb as they begin their journey through Augustine's "Confessions." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standingonshoulders.substack.com   Season 2 Reading List: The Shepherd of Hermas The Confession of St. Patrick The Confessions, St. Augustine The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther “A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14 “The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49 “On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320 Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz The Magdeburg Confession Some of these works are available for free online, and we will post links to the suggested editions we will be reading. Others are available in print from multiple publishers. Just like your Bible, the best version is the one you read. However, we will let you know which versions we are reading and where they can be found. Soli Deo Gloria!

    1h 18m

  5. 12/04/2025

    Restless Hearts and Ordered Loves – Augustine's "Confessions" | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 32

    Join Rev.'s Gaunt and Bibb as they begin their journey through Augustine's "Confessions." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standingonshoulders.substack.com   Season 2 Reading List: The Shepherd of Hermas The Confession of St. Patrick The Confessions, St. Augustine The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther “A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14 “The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49 “On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320 Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz The Magdeburg Confession Some of these works are available for free online, and we will post links to the suggested editions we will be reading. Others are available in print from multiple publishers. Just like your Bible, the best version is the one you read. However, we will let you know which versions we are reading and where they can be found. Soli Deo Gloria!

    1h 16m

  6. 11/27/2025

    No Other Reason but the Gospel – St. Patrick’s Confession Response Episode | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 31

    Join Rev.'s Kranz, Gaunt, Bibb, and special guest Rev. Jeffery Kuddes as they explore "The Confession of St. Patrick." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standingonshoulders.substack.com   Season 2 Reading List: The Shepherd of Hermas The Confession of St. Patrick The Confessions, St. Augustine The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther “A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14 “The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49 “On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320 Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz The Magdeburg Confession Some of these works are available for free online, and we will post links to the suggested editions we will be reading. Others are available in print from multiple publishers. Just like your Bible, the best version is the one you read. However, we will let you know which versions we are reading and where they can be found. Soli Deo Gloria!

    58 min

  7. 11/01/2025

    Christ Before Me - The Confession of St. Patrick Episode 1 | Standing on Shoulders - Episode 30

    Join Rev.'s Kranz, Gaunt, and Bibb as they explore "The Confession of St. Patrick." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standingonshoulders.substack.com   Season 2 Reading List: The Shepherd of Hermas The Confession of St. Patrick The Confessions, St. Augustine The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther “A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14 “The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49 “On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320 Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz The Magdeburg Confession Some of these works are available for free online, and we will post links to the suggested editions we will be reading. Others are available in print from multiple publishers. Just like your Bible, the best version is the one you read. However, we will let you know which versions we are reading and where they can be found. Soli Deo Gloria!

    58 min

  8. 10/16/2025

    Christ Builds; The Church Rejoices - The Shepherd of Hermas Episode 3 | Standing on Shoulders - Episode 29

    Join Rev.'s Kranz, Gaunt, and Bibb as they dive into "The Shepherd of Hermas." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standingonshoulders.substack.com   Season 2 Reading List: The Shepherd of Hermas The Confession of St. Patrick The Confessions, St. Augustine The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther “A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14 “The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49 “On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320 Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz The Magdeburg Confession Some of these works are available for free online, and we will post links to the suggested editions we will be reading. Others are available in print from multiple publishers. Just like your Bible, the best version is the one you read. However, we will let you know which versions we are reading and where they can be found. Soli Deo Gloria!

    1h 5m
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Reading good books. Having good conversations. That is what Standing on Shoulders is all about. Join the conversation as three Confessional Lutheran pastors read great works of the Christian Church, discuss their meaning, and ponder their significance and impact for us today.

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