The Mission Table

Rev. Paul Ferguson Jr.
  • 5.0 (5)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Pull up a chair and join the conversation. The Mission Table is the official podcast of the California-Nevada-Hawaii (CNH) District of the LCMS, where leaders, pastors, and everyday disciples gather to share stories, explore ministry challenges, and celebrate how God is at work across our communities. From church planting to leadership development, outreach to innovation, each episode is a fresh invitation to be part of Christ’s mission—right where you are.

  1. From One Island to Another — Part 2 with Pastor Uma

    12/17/2025

    From One Island to Another — Part 2 with Pastor Uma

    Pastor Uma’s journey continues. In this second chapter of his story, we follow the remarkable path from the island of Sri Lanka to the island of O‘ahu — and into God’s unfolding call. Pastor Uma shares how faith, perseverance, and the global Church shaped his journey, and how God called him to serve as pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Ewa Beach. It’s a powerful story of migration, mission, and what it looks like when the Gospel takes root across cultures, oceans, and communities.

    41 min
  2. The Story of God Working Through Uma

    11/17/2025

    The Story of God Working Through Uma

    The Mission Table, where we pull up a chair with everyday leaders doing extraordinary things for the sake of the Gospel. Today’s story is one that spans continents, cultures, and the unmistakable fingerprints of God’s grace. We’re joined by Pastor Uma, the newly installed pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Ewa Beach, Hawai‘i. His journey is nothing short of remarkable—born and raised in Sri Lanka in a Hindu family, shaped by years spent as a refugee in Liberia, and ultimately led by the Holy Spirit to faith in Jesus Christ and a call into pastoral ministry here in the United States. It’s a story of courage. It’s a story of resilience. And it’s a story of how God brings people from the ends of the earth to exactly where they’re needed for such a time as this. So settle in—because today at The Mission Table, we get to hear how God wove together Pastor Uma’s past, his calling, and his heart for the people of Hawai‘i into a mission that continues to unfold in powerful ways.

    52 min
  3. LCEF Resources: Ministry and Real Estate

    09/15/2025

    LCEF Resources: Ministry and Real Estate

    In this episode we sit down with two representatives from LCEF who partner in a big with the CNH district through resources for ministry planning and real estate. Kris Kunkel brings expertise and proven processes to help churches move forward according to God’s will. Josh Rhee brings years of real estate development background to find where creative streams of revenue meet ministry opportunity.

    36 min
  4. Mercy Holistic Ministry — Dignity. Compassion. Transformation.

    08/24/2025

    Mercy Holistic Ministry — Dignity. Compassion. Transformation.

    Join us at The Mission Table as Paul welcomes Rev. Berhanu and Marion Smith from Mercy Holistic Ministry in Sacramento. Discover how mobile showers, haircuts, bikes, meals, and prayer are restoring dignity and transforming lives—one neighbor at a time. Hear stories of real hope, local impact, and how you can join the movement, no matter where you live.

    47 min
  5. Growing Together at Holy Cross - Rev. Marsh Shamburger

    08/08/2025

    Growing Together at Holy Cross - Rev. Marsh Shamburger

    In this episode, we’re sitting down with Pastor Marsh Shamburger to reflect on Holy Cross Rocklin’s incredible year of growth—new leadership, renewed vision, and a church leaning fully into its mission. From fresh outreach efforts to deeper spiritual engagement, hear how one congregation is impacting its community and what’s next on their journey.

    41 min
  6. Not Myself: What Counseling Really Is—and Isn’t

    07/18/2025

    Not Myself: What Counseling Really Is—and Isn’t

    What is counseling, really? And what’s holding so many of us back from pursuing it? In this episode, Paul sits down with Jennifer Ferguson, founder of Grace Place Counseling, for an honest conversation about mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Together they explore common myths, what a first session actually looks like, how faith and therapy intersect, and what to do when you just don’t feel like yourself. Whether you’re a ministry leader, a curious skeptic, or someone who’s quietly struggling, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a reminder: healing is possible—and it starts with the first step.

    41 min
  7. Redeeming Grace: A Story of Merger, Mission and New Beginnings - Steve Roma & Muluneh Taye

    07/03/2025

    Redeeming Grace: A Story of Merger, Mission and New Beginnings - Steve Roma & Muluneh Taye

    What happens when two congregations take a bold step toward becoming one church with one mission? In this episode of The Mission Table, host Paul Ferguson Jr. sits down with Pastor Steve Roma and Pastor Muluneh Taye to share the powerful story behind the formation of Redeeming Grace Lutheran Church in the South Bay. From declining numbers to Spirit-led unity, this conversation explores the journey of merging St. Mark and Resurrection Lutheran Churches, the challenges of unifying worship cultures, and the fresh vision now unfolding across two campuses. You’ll also hear how Redeeming Grace is reaching its diverse community through outreach, prayer, and persistence. Whether your congregation is considering its future or simply looking for encouragement, this episode is for you.

    38 min
  8. Empowering Local Leaders

    06/17/2025

    Empowering Local Leaders

    In this episode of The Mission Table, host Paul Ferguson, Jr. sits down with Aaron Putnam of LINC Bay Area and Pastor Dawit Bokre of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Hayward. Together, they explore how LINC is raising up local, diverse leaders to transform communities and congregations across the Bay Area. From grassroots leadership development to multiethnic ministry breakthroughs, this is a powerful conversation on what it means to lead with hope and serve with purpose.

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Pull up a chair and join the conversation. The Mission Table is the official podcast of the California-Nevada-Hawaii (CNH) District of the LCMS, where leaders, pastors, and everyday disciples gather to share stories, explore ministry challenges, and celebrate how God is at work across our communities. From church planting to leadership development, outreach to innovation, each episode is a fresh invitation to be part of Christ’s mission—right where you are.

Information

  • Creator
    Rev. Paul Ferguson Jr.
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Copyright
    © 2025 CNH District LCMS
  • Show Website
    The Mission Table

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