Understanding Church
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Understanding Church is an evolution of the Bethlehem Backchat podcast. We talk about life in the quirky community known as the Christian church. Special guests are featured to add topic specific depth to the conversation. We are a caring and compassionate platform for all, and an avenue through which we can truly "understand church" and all that term implies. Welcome!
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Top 10 Understanding Church Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Understanding Church episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Understanding Church for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Understanding Church episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Concerning Suffering
Understanding Church
07/06/24 • 45 min
We suffer in many ways. We can gain comfort in knowing that there is hope in Christ and that our community can offer support in such times. When we are struggling, we are never alone. What does the scripture say about how to handle such emotions and situations. In this episode, Pastor Dan and Vicar Wendy Farone offer insight and consideration as we "make our light so shine" in the world. Are you an Eeyore, a Pooh, or a Tigger? Great perspectives and insights offered as we think about our lives in this Kingdom.
Our Lutheran Worship Service
Understanding Church
11/17/18 • 46 min
Are you ready to capture the fullness of our worship life together? Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone walk through the bulletin and the what's and why's of our Lutheran Worship Service. We take a deep dive into the nuances and meaning of the communal worshp service. You wil sing "Holy, Holy, Holy" with excitement and full voice because you "get" the true meaning of the worship experience. Further, having been fulfilled you are ready to carry this blessing into the world.
How to Write a Sermon
Understanding Church
03/26/18 • 41 min
In this episode Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the process through which a pastor goes in order to create a sermon. There is lots of research to be done including reading a variety of biblical interpretations, reading commentaries, and then connecting the findings into a coherent message to be shared with an awaiting congregation. Multiply that times 52 weeks in a year, holidays, weddings and funerals and that's a lot of writing and preaching!
Chatting With the Bishop
Understanding Church
04/12/21 • 47 min
So...I forgot to hit record! I left in the outtake! Take Two! In this episode Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone chat with Bishop Kurt Kusserow serving the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod. Discussion focuses on what a synod is and does and how it fulfills the mission "To serve, connect & equip ELCA congregations in southwestern Pennsylvania to tell the story of Jesus." Further, we discuss "vocation" and how we can serve others using our God-given talents. Here is a Spiritual Gifts Assessment Tool to help you figure out yours!
A Monk and a Nun Walk into a Church
Understanding Church
12/05/20 • 50 min
Imagine the controversy when a Monk (Martin Luther) and a Nun (Katharina Von Bora) walk into a church and get married! This love story didn't start out that way! Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone walk through the history of how Martin and Katie met, their family dynamics and tragedies, and the partnership that grew between them out of mutual stubbornness and strength.
Luther Family Portrait https://praypsalms.org/martin-luther-the-psalms-96c4739d1891
How to Listen to a Sermon
Understanding Church
09/12/23 • 40 min
Listening for specific things within a sermon can help you get the most out of the sermon message! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone offer suggestions that may plant a seed that helps your understanding grow. We will discuss the purpose and intention of the sermon, how long a sermon should be, and how best to listen utilizing the acronym 'SEA'--Scripture, Engagement, and Action into our lives.
Intro/Outro Music by Myson Robles-Bruce
Josh Kenst on Mission in Senegal, West Africa
Understanding Church
01/27/24 • 44 min
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone speak with Josh Kenst, who is serving as a missionary/volunteer in Senegal, West Africa. Josh is part of the YAGM (Young Adults in Global Mission) initiative through the ELCA. His mission is for one year and he shares his experience in building relationships. As part of his welcome there, he was able to choose fabric for his clothing...a nod to his hometown colors! See the picture! Enjoy this discussion as we find out about this global mission.
Why is Jesus' Birth Such a Big Deal?
Understanding Church
12/12/22 • 32 min
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone answer many questions surrounding the true 'reason for the season' including: Why did Jesus have to be born in the first place? Why did God send Jesus as an infant? Why send Jesus into a place that is so lowly? What was God's hope for creation in sending Jesus? What is God's glorious design in this Savior? Think about what your life would be if Jesus was never born? How is God at work in the moment of Jesus' birth? We are hoping that this is an opportunity to understand the reason God sent Jesus into the world.
Martin Luther Part 1
Understanding Church
09/29/20 • 40 min
Did you know that Martin Luther's real last name was Luder!? What do you think that Luther's father's job was? You can join us in a little bit of trivia and find out! Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone share some history of Martin Luther's upbringing, the history of the Lutheran tradition, and Luther's intention of posting the 95 theses.
Christ Has Died, Christ Has Risen; Christ Will Come Again.
Understanding Church
04/17/24 • 43 min
In this episode, Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone discuss the promise that "Christ Has Died." [We know that from Good Friday]; "Christ Has Risen." [Yes! Risen Indeed!] and "Christ Will Come Again." OK, when? What does all that mean? We also talk about why the Easter season lasts for several weeks. You may want to listen twice as there are some very important points made about the resurrection and the Easter season. Thanks for listening!!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Understanding Church have?
Understanding Church currently has 66 episodes available.
What topics does Understanding Church cover?
The podcast is about Christianity, Spiritual Podcast, Religion & Spirituality, Podcasts, Religion, Religious, Lutheran, Spiritual and Christian.
What is the most popular episode on Understanding Church?
The episode title 'Christ Has Died, Christ Has Risen; Christ Will Come Again.' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Understanding Church?
The average episode length on Understanding Church is 40 minutes.
How often are episodes of Understanding Church released?
Episodes of Understanding Church are typically released every 41 days, 1 hour.
When was the first episode of Understanding Church?
The first episode of Understanding Church was released on Jan 18, 2018.
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