In this episode we are joined by Pastor Teresa Peters, Director of Youth & Family Ministry for the North American Lutheran Church (NALC). Pastor Peters shares her experiences, insights, and practical advice for how churches today can effectively minister to young people, emphasizing relationship-building, belonging, and possible approaches to catechesis. Whether you’re a pastor, youth leader, or a parent, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on nurturing faith across all ages.

www.thenals.org/podcast⁠

Key Topics

• Changes in Youth Ministry
• Building Relationships over Programs
• Youth Ministry as a Whole-Church Effort
• The Role of Belonging
• Recommended Resources for Youth Ministry

Hosts

• Dr. David Luy
• Pastor Maurice Lee

Additional Resources

• The Art of Teaching Confirmation by Laura Langhoff Arndt
• Teaching the Faith at Home: What Does this Mean? How is This Done? by David Rueter
• Egermeier's Interactive Story Bible
• Bible Project
• SOLA Publishing materials for children’s and adult study

To learn more about the North American Lutheran Seminary, visit ⁠www.thenals.org

In this episode, we are joined by the Rev. Ryan Jones, Director of Iona House, a 71-acre center for contemplation and Christian formation located in Placerville, CA. to discuss the importance of catechesis in the modern church. Ryan shares his insights on how ancient practices and paradigms can be utilized to form a more accurate understanding of human beings and their purpose, contrasting this with today's secular assumptions. The conversation covers the power of contemplative practices, the role of imagination in spiritual formation, and practical advice for pastors working within existing congregations.

www.thenals.org/podcast⁠

Key Topics

• Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times
• Contemplative Practices
• Practical Catechesis
• Challenges in Pastoring

Hosts

• Dr. David Luy
• Pastor Maurice Lee

Additional Resources

• Learn more about Iona House, visit www.ionahouse.org

To learn more about the North American Lutheran Seminary, visit ⁠www.thenals.org

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Mary Jane Haemig, Professor of Church History at Luther Seminary. Our discussion delves into approaches to Christian education and evangelism, emphasizing the significance of consistent, accessible catechetical instruction for all ages. This episode offers valuable insights for church leaders, educators, and laypeople interested in deepening their faith and enhancing their evangelistic efforts through structured and consistent catechesis. Join the conversation and listen today!

www.thenals.org/podcast

Key Topics:

• The Importance of Consistency in Catechesis
• Engaging the Congregation and Community
• Reframing Evangelism
• Empowering Laypeople
• Creating a Culture of Lifelong Learning

Hosts:

• Dr. David Luy
• Pastor Maurice Lee

Additional Resources:

• Dr. Haemig's articles in Word and World:
• • "Catechesis: A Tool for Sharing the Gospel"
  • "An Image of Luther for Today: The Catechetical Luther"
• SE 1 | EP 7 with the Rev. Ryan Jones coming next month.

To learn more about the North American Lutheran Seminary, visit ⁠www.thenals.org

In this episode we explore the intricate interplay between catechesis, culture, and preaching. Our guest is Dr. Frederick Bauerschmidt, permanent deacon of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Professor of Theology at Loyola University Maryland. Join us as we delve into Bauerschmidt's theological approach to preaching, uncovering the essence of crafting sermons that resonate deeply with listeners. This episode offers insights for preachers seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of contemporary culture while remaining faithful to theological traditions. Join the conversation and listen today!

⁠www.thenals.org/podcast⁠

Key Topics:

• Theological preaching, crafting intellectually engaging sermons
• Sermon preparation, emphasizing the role of theological thought
• Effective preaching delivery
• Balancing tradition with contemporary issues
• Tips for sermon preparation and engagement

Guest:

• Dr. Frederick Bauerschmidt — Deacon of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Professor of Theology at Loyola University Maryland

Hosts:

• Dr. David Luy
• Pastor Maurice Lee

Additional Resources:

• Books by Dr. Bauerschmidt:
• • The Love That Is God: An Invitation to Christian Faith
  • How Beautiful the World Could Be: Christian Reflections on the Everyday
  • No Lasting City: Essays on Theology, Politics, and Culture
• Save the date for the North American Lutheran Seminary's June InterTerm, "Word and Sacrament Mission in a Post-Christian World," taught by the Rev. Canon Dr. Dan Alger June 10-14, 2024 in Ambridge, PA registration opens March 25th

To learn more about the North American Lutheran Seminary, visit ⁠www.thenals.org

In this episode, Dr. David Luy and Pastor Maurice Lee discuss the conversations we’ve had so far during this season of the podcast focusing on catechesis. They engage in a thoughtful exploration of the concept of catechesis and its vital role in the Christian faith and emphasize the need for a profound awareness of spirituality and the constant danger of straying from the Christian path. The discussion extends to the idea that theoretical principles alone may not suffice, highlighting the importance of lived performances and narratives in shaping a faithful life. The integration of vocation within catechesis is considered, along with practical approaches to renewing and making visible the lost world of catechesis. The conversation touches on the power of narratives, worship, and testimonies from the congregation in forming a robust Christian identity. Join the conversation and listen today!

www.thenals.org/podcast⁠

Key Topics:

• The ongoing significance of catechesis in Christian discipleship
• The need for acute spiritual awareness in the Christian journey
• The role of lived performances and narratives in shaping Christian life
• Integrating vocation within catechesis
• The significance of worship in catechesis and spiritual formation

 Hosts:

• Dr. David Luy
• Pastor Maurice Lee

 Additional Resources:

• Save the date for the North American Lutheran Seminary's June InterTerm, "Word and Sacrament Mission in a Post-Christian World," taught by the Rev. Canon Dr. Dan Alger June 10-14, 2024 in Ambridge, PA visit thenals.org/interterm to learn more.
• SE 1 | EP 5: Catechesis and Contemporary Culture with Dr. Frederick Bauerschmidt coming next month.

To learn more about the North American Lutheran Seminary, visit ⁠www.thenals.org

In this episode we have Todd Hains from Lexham Press on the podcast as we delve into Martin Luther's approach to catechesis and its relevance for modern Christian practices. Hains unpacks Luther's emphasis on simplifying and purifying catechetical methods, highlighting the integration of these teachings into daily routines, both at home and within the church. Luther's insistence on memorization as a foundational step in learning the catechism is explored, offering insights into a classical model of education. The conversation pivots to contemporary applications, urging pastors to adopt manageable steps and engage congregations through tools like Luther's Small Catechism. Join the conversation and listen today!

⁠www.thenals.org/podcast⁠

Key Topics:

• Luther's catechetical approach
• Memorization and classical learning
• Integration of catechetical teachings into daily routines
• Contemporary application 

Guest: 

• Dr. Todd Hains

Hosts:

• Pastor Maurice Lee
• Dr. David Luy

Additional Resources:

• Save the date for the North American Lutheran Seminary's June InterTerm, "Word and Sacrament Mission in a Post-Christian World,"taught by the Rev. Canon Dr. Dan Alger June 10-14, 2024 in Ambridge, PA – Registration opens March 25th! 
• The Fat Cat Series by Lexham Press
• Martin Luther and the Rule of Faith by Dr. Todd Hains

In this episode, we dive into the world of early Christian catechesis with Dr. Alex Fogleman, the founding director of the Catechesis Institute and assistant research professor of theology at the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University. Uncovering the diverse approaches, theological foundations, and practical aspects of catechesis in the early church, the episode explores figures from the early church and sheds light on the communal and relational nature of formation in the Christian community. Dr. Fogleman reflects on the relevance of these insights for modern Christian formation and recommends essential texts for a deeper dive. Join the conversation and listen today!

⁠www.thenals.org/podcast

Key Topics:

• The foundations of catechesis
• Catechesis and its historical context
• The recovery of catechesis in our modern context
• The intersection of knowledge and faith
• Dr. Fogleman’s latest book, “Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation”

Guest:

Dr. Alex Fogleman - Director of the Catechesis Institute and Assistant Research Professor of Theology at the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University

Hosts:

• Dr. David Luy
• Pastor Maurice Lee

Additional Resources:

• Save the date for the North American Lutheran Seminary's June InterTerm, "Word and Sacrament Mission in a Post-Christian World," taught by the Rev. Canon Dr. Dan Alger June 10-14, 2024 in Ambridge, PA
• The Catechesis Institute
• Dr. Fogleman's latest book "Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation"
• SE 1 | EP 3: Catechesis in Luther with Dr. Todd Hains coming next month

To learn more about the North American Lutheran Seminary, visit ⁠www.thenals.org

Why Catechesis?

In this episode, the Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett joins Dr. Luy and Pastor Lee as they explore the role of catechesis in Christian formation. They delve into the historical and theological significance of catechesis, drawing from early Christian and Reformation traditions. Dr. Scandrett highlights the importance of classic catechisms like the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments in shaping Christian identity and understanding. The episode emphasizes the dynamic relationship between catechists and students and the need to integrate catechesis within the worshipping community. Dr. Scandrett's insights offer a compelling perspective on the ongoing relevance of catechesis in nurturing Christian discipleship.

www.thenals.org/podcast

Key Topics:

• Historical context and theological foundations of catechesis
• The role of classic catechetical topics in Christian formation
• The importance of dynamic catechist-student relationships
• Integrating catechesis within the worshipping community
• The ongoing significance of catechesis in Christian discipleship

 Guest:

• Dr. Joel Scandrett – Associate Professor of Historical Theology at Trinity School for Ministry

 Hosts:

• Dr. David Luy
• Pastor Maurice Lee

 Additional Resources:

• The North American Lutheran Seminary's summer interterm class on "Word and Sacrament Mission in a Post-Christian World," taught by Dr. Dan Alger
• SE 1 | EP 2: Catechesis in the Early Church with Dr. Alex Fogleman coming next month

To learn more about the North American Lutheran Seminary, visit www.thenals.org