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.
Justification by Faith Through Grace
Understanding Church
05/11/25 • 46 min
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone discuss a central doctrine of the Lutheran Church. There are a lot of 'churchy' words in just the episode title! Not to worry, we make it easy to understand! Justification by faith is a divine act by which God declares us righteous or in right relationship by offering us grace. Being in right relationship doesn't mean that we are just 'good people' or that we do 'good things' (and we should do both), but that through grace we are forgiven through our belief in Christ and made righteous! Listen and it will make more sense!
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!
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.
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.
Mysticism and the Church
Understanding Church
12/03/21 • 53 min
What does the word "mysticism" conjure up in your mind? And what does it have to do with church? In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail, Associate Pastor Ellen Lundie, and Wendy Farone discuss the true meaning of mysticism and what it could mean for our lives in faith? We will talk about some historical women mystics (yes, women!) and that you may already be one!!
The Unruly Mystic: Saint Hildegard (2014) Documentary https://youtu.be/LAP6Ka_pZRI
Books
- Hild: A Novel (The Light of the World Trilogy) by Nicola Griffith (fictionalized) (Easy Read!)
- Women Mystics in Medieval Europe by Emilie Zum Brunn & Georgette Epiney-Burgard
- Two Kinds of Love: Martin Luther’s Religious World by Tuomo Mannermaa
- Theology of the Heart:The Role of Mysticism in the Theology of Martin Luther by Bengt R. Hoffman
- Luther and the Mystics by Bengt R. Hoffmann
Parables: What's Your Point?
Understanding Church
03/08/21 • 41 min
In this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss “the point” of a parable. Jesus was genius in His design and approach to teaching in this way. We discuss three main parts to look for in a parable including a complete thought, a point being made (spiritual wisdom), and a deeper understanding of the truth. The book, Luther’s Aesop, is linked below as are the 2 Bible Project videos with even more information about parables!!
Watch: How to Read the Parables of Jesus Video | BibleProjectTM
The Purpose of Parables Podcast | BibleProjectTM
Luther's Aesop (Early Modern Studies): Springer, Carl P. E.: 9781612480008: Amazon.com: Books
Martin Luther Part 2
Understanding Church
10/20/20 • 41 min
In the second part of this series, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss even more about the critical contribution of Martin's interaction with the Roman Empire and his impact on our beliefs and practices as Lutherans. We talk about the backstory of his final years and the human side of Luther as he and his wife, Katie, serve others. On the lighter side, we discuss "What's up with that hair?" or the tonsure style of haircut common within Luther's order.
Video on the History of the Tonsure Haircut
https:///www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPgUILjfcB4
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.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Understanding Church have?
Understanding Church currently has 67 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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