The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

What goes on behind the scenes to produce all of the Set Apart to Serve resources? Jennifer Duffy (Managing Director, Production, LCMS Communications) and Veronica Cheney (Production Specialist, LCMS Communications) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about their roles in LCMS Communications, what each of them gets to do in production, how they serve the International Center and specifically Set Apart to Serve (SAS), how SAS materials and resources are produced, their favorite resources, and their most memorable experiences in taking SAS materials to conventions and gatherings. Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How are LCMS missionaries sharing the Gospel with Persian refugees in Germany? The Rev. Dr. Christian Tiews (LCMS Missionary serving in Hamburg, Germany) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his path to the LCMS and missionary service, the community he serves in Hamburg, how this community has changed with an increase of refugees, the historical reasoning for Persians being open to the Gospel, how he serves refugees in Germany, and the incredible ways God is working in the lives of these refugees. Read more about Pastor Tiews in Lutherans Engage online at engage.lcms.org/q-a-christian-tiews-spring-2026. Follow Pastor Tiews on Facebook to read more of his daily interactions in Germany at facebook.com/christian.tiews. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We head out to the West Coast for this episode! The Rev. Michael Lange (President, California/Nevada/Hawaii District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and talk about how a Midwestern boy ends up as a pastor in California, Michael's journey to seminary, how an interest in church planting has shaped his goals for the district, interesting things about the CNH District, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How do we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial? Dr. Russell P. Dawn (President of Concordia University, Chicago) and Dr. Wilfred McClay (chair of classical history and western civilization at Hillsdale College, presenter for CUChicago Stand Tall for Freedom Series) join Andy and Sarah to talk about Concordia Chicago's Stand Tall for Freedom Series, why it's important that we consider the topics of freedom, virtue, and civic responsibility during America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, Dr. McClay's area of research and work at Hillsdale College, what people may not know or understand about America's founding documents, and what Dr. McClay will be speaking about at the Stand Tall for Freedom event in September. More details for this specific event will be released at a later date, so stay updated on the Stand Tall for Freedom series at cuchicago.edu/events. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How is the Church across nations united in praise to God? The Rev. Dr. Ely Prieto (Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Chairman Multiethnic Symposium Committee, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and Erika Petsch (Director of Continuing Education, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah to talk about Concordia Seminary's Multiethnic Symposium! They discuss how this Symposium fits within the broader mission of educational events at the Seminary, this year's theme and speakers, how the church is equipped to bear witness to God’s love and faithfulness across all nations through the Symposium, and why an event like this is important in continued learning. Learn more and register at csl.edu/multiethnic. United in Praise: Multiethnic Symposium 2026 May 5-6, 2026 Registration closes April 20 csl.edu/multiethnic As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What role does music play in the formation of Christians for daily living and church work? Dr. Sam Eatherton (Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, Kantor, and the Kreft Professor for Music Arts at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and Lois Eatherton (teacher of music at St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Des Peres, Missouri, and Project Coordinator, Children in Worship Initiative, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about how both of them pursued full-time church work, why they love to teach music both in academic settings and in the home, how music plays a role in their home with their children and grandchildren, why music is essential in Christian formation, and the joys and challenges of serving the church. Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How do new ideas help monetarily support the Concordia University System? Curt Gielow (CU Ventures Executive Vice President) and the Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy (President, Concordia University System) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what CU Ventures is, where the idea began and how it serves the Concordia Universities, what the Talents Fund is and how it provides monetary support for the Concordia Universities, and how CU Ventures and the Talents Fund supports students. Reach out to Curt at curt@curtgielow.com for information on the Talents Fund. Find more information at cuventures.com and talentsvcfund.com. Find information on Concordia University Scholarships at cus.edu. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We head out to Kansas in this episode! The Rev. Justin Panzer (President, Kansas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and talk about his journey through school to seminary, how his time at Westfield House in England was especially formative for him, interesting things about the Kansas District, how his time in congregations has shaped how he leads, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS. Follow goings-on in the Kansas District at facebook.com/kslcms. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How does online evangelism lead to real-life church planting in Puerto Rico? The Rev. James Neuendorf (LCMS missionary serving in Puerto Rico) and the Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller (Senior Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church, Austin, TX) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Rev. Neuendorf is called to serve in Puerto Rico, how Rev. Wolfmueller's congregation in Texas is involved in this work through the Puerto Rico FORO, how Puerto Ricans have learned about Lutheran teaching from online evangelism, the new online efforts happening through mission work in Puerto Rico which lead to Word and Sacrament ministry, and how the FORO supports this work in a meaningful way. Resources in this episode: Read about this story at engage.lcms.org/puerto-rico-spring-2026. Learn more about the LCMS presence in Puerto Rico at lcmspuertorico.org. Find information about a FORO to support at international.lcms.org/foro. Learn more about all LCMS International Mission at international.lcms.org. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How has Lutheran Bible Translators made a difference for people who want to read the Bible in their own language? The Rev. Dr. Rich Rudowske (Executive Director, Lutheran Bible Translators) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT), where LBT serves around the world, why this work is so important to him, a recent Bible dedication for the Komba people in Ghana, and a historic translation goal for LBT and partner translation organizations. Learn more about Lutheran Bible Translators at lbt.org. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We go "non-geographical" today to learn about the English District! The Rev. Jeffrey Miskus (President & Bishop, The English District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and talk about growing up in Canada and his path to seminary, how his formation led to where he is serving now, a brief history of the English District (and how there are LCMS churches in Canada), and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Concordia Universities have an exciting opportunity for Lutheran high school students! Dr. Jamie Kowalczyk (Vice President for Strategic Operations/Chief of Staff, Concordia University Chicago), Breana Winnes (Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission, Concordia University St. Paul), Aaron Roberts (Associate Vice President of Undergraduate Admissions, Concordia University, Nebraska) and Leah Toerpe (Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Concordia University Wisconsin) join Sarah to talk about the new Direct Admission program at these four Concordia Universities, including how this helps high school students gain a direct path into a Concordia University, the advantages of this program, what makes each Concordia a special and unique place for higher education, and their advice for high school upperclassmen. Learn more about this program at cus.edu/admissions. Learn more about the Concordias: Concordia University Chicago: cuchicago.edu Concordia University St. Paul: csp.edu Concordia University, Nebraska: cune.edu Concordia University Wisconsin: cuw.edu As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How can we encourage children's presence and participation in the worship service? Professor Jared Stiek (Assistant Professor, Lutheran Teacher Education; Assistant Dean, College Education, Concordia University Chicago) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what drew him into the education field, what he loves about teaching future Lutheran educators, the aspects of children’s value in church that are often overlooked, what we learn about children from Scripture and our Lutheran doctrine, and some ideas for fostering a child's upbringing in the church. Resources in this episode: lea.org/childrens-place-in-the-church cph.org/whisper-whisper-learning-about-church cph.org/about-the-lutheran-church-set (Worship) cph.org/right-from-the-start amazon.com/Parenting-Pew-Guiding-Children-Worship/dp/0830823409 blog.cph.org/read/everyday-faith/parenting-in-the-pew-6-steps-to-help-kids-behave-in-church As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What role does pastoral recruitment play in Set Apart to Serve? The Rev. James Baumgartner (Manager, Pastoral Missionary Recruitment with the LCMS Office of International Mission) and the Rev. Dr. Quintin Cundiff (Director of Church Planting with the LCMS Office of National Mission) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what they get to do in their respective positions, their journeys into church work vocations, the need for international pastors and what these pastors get to do, how church planting works and why it is important, and how we can continue to raise up new pastors by the work of the Holy Spirit. Learn more about serving internationally with the Office of International Mission at international.lcms.org and learn more about church planting by emailing church.planting@lcms.org. Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How do students from the Peace Lutheran Campus Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point serve God's people through their Spring Break mission trips? Scott West (faculty advisor for Peace Lutheran Campus Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point) is joined by Peace Lutheran Campus Center members Clara, Ethan, Sebastian, Melissa, Matt, Rylan, and Rachel to talk about how the Center enriches the lives of college students at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, why mission trips are a priority, how Scott has seen students grow in their faith in God and love toward their neighbors during these trips, what the students have learned, and how they see these trips as helpful in forming them for their future vocations. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We launch a new series today, answering this question: Who is on the LCMS Council of Presidents, and what do they get to do? The Rev. Benjamin Ball (Senior Pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, Hamel IL; Second Vice President, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to kick off the series by answering the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to), sharing his journey from childhood through seminary formation, what he loves about the congregations he's been blessed to serve, the duties of the Second Vice President of the LCMS, why he's a pastor in the LCMS today, and what brings him joy in serving God's people. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Have you heard the 1725 version of Bach's St. John Passion? You have a chance to hear it live in St. Louis during Holy Week! Dr. Maurice Boyer (Artistic Director of the American Kantorei) and the Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker (Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Dean of Chapel, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Sarah to talk about what Bach's St. John Passion is, how it is different from the more popular version that the American Kantorei performed two years ago, the highlights of this Passion, what sets the Passion apart from Bach's other works, and how this can be a part of a listener's Holy Week journey. Learn more at american-kantorei.org and csl.edu/event/st-john-passion-by-johann-sebastian-bach-1725. Sunday, March 29 3:00 p.m. CT Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Tuesday, March 31 7:30 p.m. CT St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Des Peres, MO Both performances are free admission. A door offering will be collected. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How can Lutheran congregations support military service members and veterans through Operation Barnabas? Jill Tendler — Operation Barnabas volunteer at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Eureka, MO, and Lee Hinton — Administrative Coordinator for LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Jill's military family story, why Operation Barnabas is important to her, and how small actions make a huge difference for veterans and military families. Learn more at 314-996-1337 and lcms.org/ministry-to-the-armed-forces/operation-barnabas. This episode originally aired on January 9, 2024. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What's it like to be a student in a church work program at Concordia University Irvine? The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Ruehs (Assistant Dean of Christ College at Concordia University Irvine) and Carrie Donohoe (Director of LCMS Recruitment, Christ College Program Coordinator, and Assistant Director of LCMS Placement at Concordia University Irvine) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what they love about working at Concordia Irvine (CUI), why church worker formation is important to them and to CUI, the church work programs available at CUI and what makes them unique, what students would experience on a visit day, and how to take the next steps to learn more. Find Concordia University Irvine online at cui.edu. Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What’s unfolding right now at the Lutheran Heritage Foundation? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise (Executive Director, Lutheran Heritage Foundation) and the Rev. Dr. Douglas Rutt (Board Member, Lutheran Heritage Foundation) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the LHF-sponsored African Translation conference in Addis Ababa, the very exciting work underway in Iceland and Norway, the extensive distribution of the Spanish Lutheran Book of Prayer, and the recently published Vietnamese translation of Unchanging Truth in Changing Times. Learn more about Lutheran Heritage Foundation at lhfmissions.org. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.