The Red Letter Disciple

Red Letter Living, LLC
  • 4.8 (113)
  • SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Red Letter Disciple, a podcast to challenge you and your church to be greater disciples of Jesus so that together we can unleash the greatest and fullest expression of Jesus possible. When we do, when we truly live as disciples of Jesus, the world will never be the same! Your host, Pastor and author Zach Zehnder, along with co-host and friend, the one the only Pastor Chris Johnson. Let’s do this.

  1. 108: Rich Rudowske on Bible Translation, Why Bible Engagement Matters, and How the LCMS’s Unique Opportunity Can Bring Unity to our Church Body

    6D AGO

    108: Rich Rudowske on Bible Translation, Why Bible Engagement Matters, and How the LCMS’s Unique Opportunity Can Bring Unity to our Church Body

    Dr. Rich Rudowske, Executive Director of Lutheran Bible Translators, unpacks why Bible engagement is declining in America, what research says about its impact, and why Scripture is vital for the flourishing of the church. Together we explore the global 2033 Bible translation goal and the unique opportunity the LCMS has to play a key role. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Sponsor Section Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources to help the church produce greater disciples. This season we are launching a series of videos on our YouTube channel called “The Voices of the LCMS,” where we are unpacking data from our survey of 1054 Lutheran leaders. These videos are opening up questions, conversations, and opportunities to help us walk together in the future. Rich’s Challenge Read your Bible every day, and take it a step further by reading with a group. Use an app like YouVersion, invite friends, and share comments to sharpen and encourage one another. Are You Following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going. In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus. You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.  Watch the Entire Season on YouTube We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here. Resources Mentioned in the Episode Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT)God Speaks Challenge BookYouVersion Bible App (1 billion downloads milestone)Collective Impact Alliance (global Bible translation collaboration)American Bible Society research on Scripture engagementAugsburg Confession and the Lutheran Confessions“Voices of the LCMS” Videos See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    58 min
  2. 107: Is There Still Hope for the LCMS? A Candid Conversation with Former Texas District President Michael Newman

    OCT 28

    107: Is There Still Hope for the LCMS? A Candid Conversation with Former Texas District President Michael Newman

    Michael Newman reflects on lessons from his ministry and leadership, the future of the LCMS, why trust and humility matter, and why discipleship is about doing the Word, not just hearing it. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.  Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International.  Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI. For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy. Mike’s Challenge Live out James 1:22. Don’t just listen to the Word—do it. Take action this week that aligns your faith with your works. Are You Following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going. In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus. You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.  Watch the Entire Season on YouTube We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here. Resources Mentioned in the Episode Texas District LCMSGospel DNA by Michael NewmanJames 1:22Concordia University TexasEvangelist Training in Texas District See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 3m
  3. 106: Tim Ahlman on Being Silenced, Misunderstood, and Spiritually Formed — What He Told President Harrison and What Sabbatical Taught Him

    OCT 21

    106: Tim Ahlman on Being Silenced, Misunderstood, and Spiritually Formed — What He Told President Harrison and What Sabbatical Taught Him

    Tim Ahlman shares lessons from his sabbatical, why leadership rhythms matter, and how local churches and institutions can build trust together for the future of the LCMS. He also talks deeply and personally about what it was like to be silenced on his own podcast, how it feels to be misunderstood, and what he said to LCMS President Matthew Harrison. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International.  Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI. For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy. Tim’s Challenge Disciple one and be discipled by one. Find a Timothy you can pour into, and a Paul who can pour into you. Are You Following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going. In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus. You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.  Watch the Entire Season on YouTube We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here. Resources Mentioned in the Episode Christ Greenfield Lutheran Church: christgreenfield.churchUnite Leadership Collective: uniteleadership.orgConfessing Jesus Mission (forthcoming book, 2026)Lead Time PodcastThe Tim Ahlman PodcastGospel DNA by Mike NewmanUnstuck Group (Paul Alexander)Serving Challenge by Zach ZehnderVoices mentioned: President Matthew Harrison, President Tom Egger, Brian Wolfmueller, Mike Gibson, Ryan BarlowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 17m
  4. 105: Ben Haupt on the “Gold Standard” vs. New Paths in LCMS Pastoral Formation—Residential, SMP, Colloquy, and the Future of Training Pastors

    OCT 14

    105: Ben Haupt on the “Gold Standard” vs. New Paths in LCMS Pastoral Formation—Residential, SMP, Colloquy, and the Future of Training Pastors

    Ben Haupt unpacks the challenges of pastoral formation, why decentralization matters for the future of the LCMS, and how Lutheran theology is deeply relevant for today’s culture. We dive deep on some of the pastoral challenges in the LCMS today and what can be done in the future. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International.  Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI. For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy. Ben Haupt’s Challenge: Engage in conversation. Start something—a podcast, a video, or a local group—that invites real dialogue. Don’t retreat. Lean into Scripture and confessions, and talk with those who see things differently. Are You Following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going. In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus. You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.  Watch the Entire Season on YouTube We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: PLI: plileadership.orgActon InstituteNot Being There study (ATS) on online theological educationThe Lutheran Confessions (Book of Concord)Voices mentioned: C.F.W. Walther, Wilhelm Löhe, Friedrich Brunn, Jordan PetersonBen’s Podcast: Bitcoin Reformation PodcastRed Letter Living resourcesVoices of the LCMS Videos See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 5m
  5. 104: Bryan Stecker on Media, Sacraments, and Strategy to Help the LCMS Grow Again—While Staying Both Confessional and Missional

    OCT 7

    104: Bryan Stecker on Media, Sacraments, and Strategy to Help the LCMS Grow Again—While Staying Both Confessional and Missional

    Bryan Stecker shares his journey from business to ministry, why the Lutheran voice matters online, and how the sacraments and entrepreneurial spirit can shape the future of the church. Plus, how do we stay both confessional and missional as a church body. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International. Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI. For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy. Bryan Stecker’s Challenge Add one spiritual discipline into your weekly rhythm. It could be prayer, fasting, or something else. Start small, be consistent, and see how God uses it to shape your discipleship. Are You Following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going. In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus. You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. Resources Mentioned in the Episode · Red Letter Living resources · On The Line Podcast: https://ontheline.net · Lutheran Institute of Theology: https://lutheraninstitute.org · The Lutheran Confessions (Small Catechism, Large Catechism, Formula of Concord) · Jordan Peterson · Bishop Robert Barron · Pints with Aquinas · Byran Wolfmueller · Voices of the LCMS Videos See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 10m
  6. 103: Three Large-Church LCMS Pastors on Growing in a Declining Synod, Being Confessional and Missional, and How to Raise Up Leaders for the Future

    SEP 30

    103: Three Large-Church LCMS Pastors on Growing in a Declining Synod, Being Confessional and Missional, and How to Raise Up Leaders for the Future

    Three LCMS pastors,Tim Niekerk, Scott Giger, and Brad Hubbard, share how their congregations are growing amid Synod decline, why confessional and missional belong together, and how to raise more leaders without losing our Lutheran soul. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International. Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI. For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy. The LCN Pastors’ Challenge (this week) · Encourage a church worker who needs it (text/call someone today). · Keep the main thing the main thing: lead with love, preach Christ, meet people where they are. · Know your community: identify one tangible need outside your walls and serve it in Jesus’ name. Are You Following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going. In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus. You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. Watch the Entire Season on YouTube We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here. Resources Mentioned in the Episode · Salem Lutheran Church (Tomball, TX) — Tim Niekerk · Cornerstone Lutheran Church (Central Indiana) — Scott Giger · St. Lorenz Lutheran Church (Frankenmuth, MI) — Brad Hubbard · LCMS Youth Gathering (New Orleans) · Best Practices Heartland Conference · Best Practices for Ministry in Phoenix · King of Kings (Omaha, NE) · “Voices of the LCMS” Videos See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 14m
  7. 102: Dr. Gerald Kieschnick on Leading the LCMS Through the 9/11 Terrorist Attack, Why Unity Still Matters, and How the LCMS Can Walk Together in the Future

    SEP 23

    102: Dr. Gerald Kieschnick on Leading the LCMS Through the 9/11 Terrorist Attack, Why Unity Still Matters, and How the LCMS Can Walk Together in the Future

    Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, the 12th president of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, reflects on his years of leadership, how he led through the 9/11 terrorist attack, what he has learned about unity in the church, and why the next generation needs courageous, faithful leaders more than ever. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International.  Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI. For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)Waking the Sleeping Giant by Gerald KieschnickLutheran Hour MinistriesConcordia Seminary, St. LouisLCMS FoundationGBKIES@gmail.com Are you following Jesus?  Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going. In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus. You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.  Watch the Entire Season for Free We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple Podcast on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here! https://www.youtube.com/@RedLetterLiving See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 9m
  8. 101: Does the LCMS Have a Future? Matt Engel on the Data and the Way Forward After 1,054 Lutheran Leaders Responded

    SEP 16

    101: Does the LCMS Have a Future? Matt Engel on the Data and the Way Forward After 1,054 Lutheran Leaders Responded

    In this episode, Matt Engel, a data expert from Gloo, unpacks the survey data of 1054 Lutheran leaders that recently completed “The State of the LCMS” survey through Red Letter Living. He talks about if the survey is reliable, and what the results mean for the future of our LCMS denomination. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources to help the church produce greater disciples. This season we are launching a series of videos on our YouTube channel called “The Voices of the LCMS,” where we are unpacking data from our survey of 1054 Lutheran leaders. These videos are opening up questions, conversations, and opportunities to help us walk together in the future. Resources Mentioned in the Episode Gloo / Church analytics platformsBarna ResearchLifeWay Research on discipleship metricsData-Driven Ministry (Matt Engel’s research/work)Red Letter Living resources Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going. In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus. You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. Technology isn’t the enemy, it’s a tool to help disciple-makers thrive. #MattEngel #TechnologyAndFaith #ChurchInnovation #RedLetterChallenge #ZachZehnder #VoicesOfTheLCMS See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 12m
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About

Welcome to Red Letter Disciple, a podcast to challenge you and your church to be greater disciples of Jesus so that together we can unleash the greatest and fullest expression of Jesus possible. When we do, when we truly live as disciples of Jesus, the world will never be the same! Your host, Pastor and author Zach Zehnder, along with co-host and friend, the one the only Pastor Chris Johnson. Let’s do this.

Information

  • Creator
    Red Letter Living, LLC
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Red Letter Living, LLC
  • Show Website
    The Red Letter Disciple

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