Programs

RECENT Engaging Truth PROGRAMS

Programs from September 2020 to Current

 

• IN MY FOOTSTEPS BUT NOT ON MY COATTAILS – June 6, 2021 - Sons of faith often follow their fathers into ministry. Sometimes it's because they have been urged into the calling all their lives and sometimes it's because they've witnessed their fathers at their work. In the case of Pastor Steve Misch and his two pastor sons Nathan and Zachary, it was a case of being surrounded by faith in their daily lives. Join Pastor John Cain as Steve Misch explains, "Family conversation has always been centered on the Gospel, and being saved in the faith has been enumerated often, so it's a matter of their following in my footsteps and not on my coattails."

• THE FOCUS CHANGES BUT THE WORK REMAINS THE SAME – May 30, 2021 - Hear TLC director Jennifer Simpson as she joins host Pastor David Schultz to discuss the changing structure -- and name -- of TLC. Because the needs of the community have changed to include single moms up to their mid-20s, TEEN LIFE CENTER has changed its name to TWO LIVES CHANGED, reflecting the services provided to both mom and baby through crisis pregnancies. Regardless of the change in name and focus, providing both material and spiritual support through the love of Jesus Christ are still the primary roles of TLC.

• PARTNERS IN MINISTRY, PARTNERS IN RETIREMENT – May 23, 2021 - Join host Pastor David Schultz as he welcomes Diane Bahn to the Engaging Truth microphone. Diane and her husband, David, both just wrapped up 40-year-careers in ministry with his retirement as Senior Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church and her retirement as a leader and teacher with PLI, an organization designed to train church workers around the globe. Listen as Diane shares the highs and lows of a partnership dedicated to serving God.

• FROM A MESS TO A MESSAGE – May 16, 2021 - That's the way Denise Mountenay describes her life journey. Join Pastor John Cain as he and Denise discuss her growth from a troubled teen, through a trio of abortions as a young adult, to her current role as a speaker with Together for Life Ministries. She says that when she recognized God's miracle of fetal development she was shocked and devastated. "I realized then it's not a potential human being, but a human being with potential." Now she carries a clear message: "The choice to have your baby killed before birth should be unthinkable -- not a choice."

• May 9 – 2021 - Back in the late 1960s when Terry Roos married seminarian Gerald Kieschnick, she had no idea of the road that lie ahead, but she trusted God and her husband and followed her faith. Join host John Cain as he and Mrs. Kieschnick recount the twists and turns that led the couple from their first parish in Mississippi through a career that included a stint as the National President of the LCMS to their current role with Legacy Deo. With her typical sense of humor, Terry offers one simple message: "Each day is a gift from God. Try not to mess it up!"

• May 9- 2021 - Natalie DeMik is a young mother in the midst of her Christian journey. A seminarian and deaconess herself, Natalie and her husband Stephen started Cypress Chapel five years ago. Join her as she and host John Cain discuss the challenges of being the mother of four young children and the wife of a Navy chaplain about to be deployed. Her advice is to start each day with the question: "What does God want us to do today? Yesterday is behind us and each new day is unique.

• CHOICES 4 LIFE – May 02, 2021 - What do you do when you discover mid-life that you were raised by adoptive parents? Or, more than that, what do you do when you discover even later that your birth was because of rape? Most people, even in our educated culture, think that a child born of rape must have a strain of "demon" in them. In the minds of many more, that child should have been aborted. But not so with Juda. She tells the story of her birth mother being raped by 8 men, and Juda being the product of that rape. Join us to discover what God has called Juda to be and do with her life as host Dave Schultz uncovers with Juda what many would like to hide.

• PURPOSE THROUGH PAIN – May 02, 2021 - After walking through cancer, Rachel McCants discovered her purpose: to help other women thrive in life and faith. Join Rachel as she chats with host Matt Popovits discussing her story of survival, her mission of encouragement, and the incredible resources she now provides.

• COPING WITH LOSS: TAKING THE BAD WITH THE GOOD – April 25, 2021 - Nearly a year ago, Pastor Chris Nietubicz came home from his work at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings, Texas, complaining of a severe headache. Two days later the 39-year old had died leaving behind a grieving wife and two young children. Join host Pastor David Schultz as he welcomes Lauren Nietubicz to discuss how she and her family have dealt with their loss by relying on their faith in a God who remains faithful and constant even in dark times.

• GRIEF, LOSS, AND MOVING FORWARD IN FAITH – April 25, 2021 - Less than two years ago Clarissa’s husband of 17 years — author and journalist Rob Moll — died suddenly in a hiking accident. Clarissa shares her story of loss and of her journey in grief with host Matt Popovits. Clarissa shares not just of her own heartbreak but of her spiritual growth and how each one of us can live with hope in the face of death.

• EQUIPPED: THE ARMOR OF GOD FOR EVERYDAY STRUGGLES – April 18, 2021 - Each day we are in a battle. Thankfully, God promises to equip his people for all the struggles that come our way. Join host Matt Popovits as he interviews Pastor Chris Kennedy to discuss how God protects us in the midst of spiritual attacks and how we can develop our spiritual muscles to endure life’s difficulties.

• THE POWER OF STORY AND THE WINGFEATHER SAGA – April 18, 2021 - Andrew Peterson is an award-winning musician. He’s also the author of a bestselling fantasy series for children called the Wingfeather Saga. Andrew joins host Matt Popovits to discuss the power of stories and the latest addition to the Wingfeather series. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation.

• LUTHERAN CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY – April 11, 2021 - Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz is the Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty in Washington, D.C. He discusses with host Matt Popovits the latest happenings in our nation’s politics and the potential impact on religious liberties.

• GETTING THROUGH GRIEF – April 11, 2021- Grief and loss is something each one of us experiences, over and over, throughout our lives. And yet, God promises not only to sustain in those losses but to grow and transform us through them. Rev. Michael Newman, President, Texas District LCMS, is the author of a new book, “Getting Through Grief.” He sits down with host Matt Popovits to discuss it and to help us understand what God is up to in our seasons of pain and loss.

• CHANGE OF COMMAND AT CONCORDIA – April 4, 2021 - Join Engaging Truth host Pastor John Cain as he welcomes the Rev. Dr. Tom Egger, newly installed president at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Changing times demand rethinking the approach of training pastoral candidates while remaining true to God’s Word. Dr. Egger explains his philosophy on preparing the next generation of pastors for their labors in the field.

• LENT AND REPENTANCE April 4, 2021 - What is the season of Lent all about, anyway? And what is repentance? Join host Pastor Matt Popovits as he interviews Chad Bird, author of "Unveiling Mercy", as they dig into the significance of this pre-Easter season.

• HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST – March 28, 2021 - What’s the significance of Palm Sunday in the story of Jesus and what will someone encounter if they attend church on this kickoff to Holy Week? Ken Hennings, President Emeritus of the Texas District of the LCMS, will answer these questions and more.

• MAKE AMERICA SAVED AGAIN – March 28, 2021 - Christian pastor and author Randall Mooney joins Pastor David Schultz to discuss the decline of the influence of religion in America. “If we diminish the gospel, we diminish God’s power,” Mooney says. “There is no compromise, we have to get into the Word. The Word is where the light is. The Word is where the power is.”

• LENT AND REPENTANCE – March 21, 2021 - What is the season of Lent all about, anyway? And what is repentance? Join host Pastor Matt Popovits as he interviews Chad Bird, author of "Unveiling Mercy", as they dig into the significance of this pre-Easter season.

• WHAT YOUR CHURCH WORKER NEEDS – March 21, 2021 - Pastor Matt Popovits joins Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, former President of the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, to discuss what life is really like for church workers. Overworked, underpaid, and driven by a deep sense of calling, those who work in the church carry unique burdens even as they bring tremendous blessing. How can the compassionate congregant best support and encourage the church workers in their life and what might the local church need to do differently to help ensure a healthy, happy, and faithful crop of leaders in the future?

• PARENTING WITHOUT A MAP – March 14, 2021 - Mary Van Geffen is an international parenting coach for overwhelmed parents of "strong-willed & spicy children." She helps parents to gain the confidence and skills to choose gentle, respectful parenting. She joins host Matt Popovits to discuss how to parent when you don’t feel as though you received the best roadmap for success from your family of origin, parenting in a pandemic, as well as how to deal with parental guilt. It’s a powerful and timely conversation for parents, grandparents, and children alike.

• WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEXT GENERATION – March 14, 2021 - Cassie Moore is a Director of Christian Education and a published author. Her area of expertise is youth and young adults and helping churches and other organizations love and serve them effectively. Pastor Matt Popovits sits down with Cassie to discuss Generation Z and what sets them apart from their predecessors. Specifically, Cassie will give us insights into the unique struggles of 15 – 25-year olds and how they are navigating the trauma of this global pandemic.

• WHEN A PASTOR LEAVES – February 28, 2021 - Mark Wuggazer is the newly installed Sr. Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. Prior to St. John, Pastor Wuggazer spent his entire ministry in the state of Michigan. He sits down with host Matt Popovits to give us an inside peek into what it’s like for a pastor to take a new call, say goodbye to a congregation he loves, and to trust God as he steps into something new.

• CHOSEN: A STUDY OF ESTHER – February 28, 2021 - Donna Snow’s new book takes us to the world of an often-overlooked, but incredibly timely character in God’s story. “Chosen” is a study of the Old Testament book of Esther, a woman who was selected by God to stand up for what’s right, speak truth to worldly power, and to trust in the power and plans of God. Join host Matt Popovits as he interviews Donna and discusses the importance of Esther’s story and how it relates to what people of faith are facing today.

• THE DEEPLY FORMED LIFE – February 7, 2021 - Rich Villodas pastors one of the most diverse churches in the United States. He’s also written a bestselling book titled, “The Deeply Formed Life.” In this conversation Host Pastor Matt Popovits and Pastor Rich discuss his new book and how we can move from surface level spirituality to a deeper connection with Jesus--a connection that can affect everything from how you view your sexuality, to racial injustice, and healing from trauma and pain.

• MAKE SURE YOU’RE ON ROCK AND NOT SAND – February 7, 2021 - Michael and Elizabeth Steele have worked hard to build a Christ-centered, loving environment for their three daughters. What’s their key to success? “When things start shifting under you,” Elizabeth says, “you need to make sure your foundation is solid rock and not sand!” And Mike echoes that, saying, “We constantly pray about our girls being exposed to the secular world and we have to continue to walk on the right path.” Listen as the Steeles discuss their marriage and faith with Host Pastor David Schultz.

• LUTHERANS FOR LIFE – January 31, 2021 - Laura Hemminger has been championing the rights of the unborn for years. After reluctant participation at a vigil outside a clinic in college, Laura discovered a passion and a calling, eventually working with Lutherans for Life. In this conversation, Pastor Matt Popovits and Laura discuss how Christians and non-Christians alike can serve women considering abortion and help protect the lives of children in the womb.

• SANCTITY OF LIFE – January 24, 2021 - Pastor Larry White is a regular speaker for national pro-life, pro-family organizations across America. In that connection, he has had the opportunity to address millions of Americans through national radio and television broadcasts and has spoken to nearly 20,000 pastors across the nation. Pastor White also serves on the National Advisory Board of the Family Research Council. In 1997, Pastor White was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree by Liberty University of Lynchburg, VA, in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the pro-life movement. Pastor John Cain hosts this meaningful segment on Life Sunday, 2021.

• ELIJAH RISING & FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING – January 24, 2021 - David Gamboa works with Elijah Rising in Houston, Texas, fighting against human trafficking and supporting the vulnerable people victimized by it. In this powerful conversation David and our host Pastor Matt Popovits, talk about the realities of human trafficking, its link to pornography, and what each of us can do to protect those who might be victimized.

• FIGHTING FOR LIFE – January 17, 2021 - Author, speaker, and activist Denise Mountenay is fighting for the life of the unborn. But it wasn’t always that way. Abused as a young child, troubled as a teenager, and having several abortion procedures of her own, Denise’s life was suddenly and radically changed by the message of Jesus. Join Host Pastor Matt Popovits as we hear Denise’s powerful story and learn about all that she’s doing to fight for the life of the unborn.

• TEEN LIFE CENTER - MAINTAINING THE MISSION, BROADENING THE SCOPE – January 10, 2021 - Since 2008 the Teen Life Center has worked tirelessly to share the love of Christ and to help young single moms be the best moms they can be. Now as they continue to support teens in crisis pregnancy, TLC is broadening the mission to Two Lives Matter, expanding its role to provide material and spiritual support to single moms 19 to 25 and to offer a housing option for single moms 18 to 29. Join host Pastor David Schultz as he welcomes TLC Director Jennifer Simpson to the Engaging Truth microphone.

• CHOICES4LIFE – January 3, 2020 - Outspoken life advocate Juda Myers founded CHOICES4LIFE as a way to promote and restore honor and dignity to women and children of rape conception through assault and/or incest. A main goal is to educate the world about the value of every human life conceived. Join Pastor David Schultz as he welcomes Juda to the Engaging Truth microphone.

• WHY CHRISTMAS MUSIC MATTERS SO MUCH – December 20, 2020 - Melanie Penn is an acclaimed singer and songwriter based in New York City. Her Christmas album, “Immanuel”, tells the story of Jesus’ birth from the perspective of nearly every character in the narrative. It’s a joyful, heart-warming record that has become a holiday favorite for many. Melanie joins Host Matt Popovits to discuss the power and the importance of Christmas music, especially in a year marked with so much anxiety.

• BEING IN MINISTRY – December 6, 2020 - The Rev. John Kieschnick has served in nearly every role imaginable as a pastor, from leading a small rural congregation to shepherding a large urban flock such as Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in the Houston area. Whether mentoring newly-minted pastors or consulting with congregations on major fundraising efforts, it has been a full, fruitful journey. Join Host David Schultz as he welcomes Pastor Kieschnick to discuss his career of faithful service in the challenging times of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

• A JOURNEY OF PROGRESSIVE VICTORIES OVER THE OLD SELF – November 29, 2020 - Join Host Pastor David Schultz as he welcomes pastor and author Tim Carter, whose faith walk led him from a career as a death row prison guard to his current post as an Associate Pastor. “It’s very humbling,” Carter says, “that God is using me as an instrument to serve others.”

• THE LIFE OF A PASTOR – November 29, 2020 - Jeff Muchow has been in pastoral ministry for years. He’s preached countless sermons, counseled hundreds of people, and nurtured the faith of the churches he’s served day in and day out. Join Host Matt Popovits as he digs into the heart and mind of this parish pastor, helping us understand the humanity, the humility, and the joy of those who seek to bring God’s promises to the world.

• Celebrating Christmas With A Ministry of Sight and Sound – November 22, 2020 - Join Host Bill Prewitt as he welcomes N.J. Malenke. Every year NJ prepares a dazzling display of Christmas lights and music to spread the Good News of Christ’s birth to the people of Northwest Houston during the holiday season.

• Coping With COVID – November 15, 2020 - Does it feel as if there’s a struggle for your soul between God’s angels and Satan’s minions? Join Pastor David Schultz and host Bill Prewitt as they discuss the Pastor’s recent battle with COVID-19 and his struggle to recover. The healing power of Jesus in triumph!

• When a Pastor Prepares to Leave – November 15, 2020 - Pastor David Bahn has been in ministry for decades. He’s preached hundreds and hundreds of sermons, taught countless Bible studies and walked with many people in their faith journey. But in just a handful of week’s he’ll be retiring. Pastor Bahn sits down with host Matt Popovits to discuss how a pastor prepares for retirement, the temptation (even for pastors!) to find our identity in what we do, and how he—and us all—can face the future with peace.

• What Your Church Worker Needs – November 8, 2020 - Pastor Matt Popovits joins Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, former President of the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, to discuss what life is really like for church workers. Overworked, underpaid, and driven by a deep sense of calling, those who work in the church carry unique burdens even as they bring tremendous blessing. How can the compassionate congregant best support and encourage the church workers in their life and what might the local church need to do differently to help ensure a healthy, happy, and faithful crop of leaders in the future?

• What You Need to Know About the Next Generation – November 8, 2020 - Cassie Moore is a Director of Christian Education and a published author. Her area of expertise is youth and young adults and helping churches and other organizations love and serve them effectively. Pastor Matt Popovits sits down with Cassie to discuss Generation Z and what sets them apart from their predecessors. Specifically, Cassie will give us insights into the unique struggles of 15 - 25 year olds and how they are navigating the trauma of this global pandemic.

• Mom, I'm a Girl – November 01, 2020 - After a lifelong struggle with his gender identity, Judy Glenney’s son tragically took his own life. Judy’s pain and her son’s journey are documented in her powerful book, “Mom, I’m a Girl.” Judy joins Pastor Matt Popovits to discuss what she’s learned about God’s faithfulness, even in such heartbreaking loss. Judy offers hope to other parents who may be walking a similar path, reminding them—and each of us—that no matter what takes place, God hears and answers our prayers.

• Prayers in the Pandemic – October 25, 2020 - Join Pastor David Schultz and Bill Prewitt as they discuss how a purposeful daily prayer life can help fortify your faith when you’re unable to follow your regular worship routine due to the pandemic. The concept of prayer as a dialog and not simply an event can help make it a vital part of Christian life.

• Reducing the Demand for Human Trafficking – October 18, 2020 - Joe Madison is the Executive Director of the non-profit, demand reduction organization “Love People Not Pixels.” Joe and his organization seek to protect vulnerable women and children by working to reduce the demand for human trafficking and prostitution. In this discussion, Pastor Matt Popovits and Joe discuss the connection between pornography and trafficking and how even a recent Netflix production may be helping further the demand for abuse.

• Make America Saved Again – October 11, 2020 - Christian pastor and author Randall Mooney joins Pastor David Schultz to discuss the decline of the influence of religion in America. “If we diminish the gospel, we diminish God’s power,” Mooney says. “There is no compromise, we have to get into the Word. The Word is where the light is. The Word is where the power is.”

• Striking a Christian Balance Between Government & Religion – October 4, 2020 - Pastor David Schultz shares a lively discussion with LCMS Texas District President Michael Newman and Dr. Rev. Gregory Seltz, Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, on the role of religion in governance and support for those working to protect religious liberty.

• Technology and Troubled Times – October 4, 2020 - Host David Schultz welcomes broadcast engineer Glenn Wheeler to discuss how churches and Christian broadcasters have been forced to adapt to the way God’s word gets to the hungry masses during a pandemic. From streaming Sunday services to ZOOM Bible studies, the Good News finds its way to waiting ears.

• A Pastor To Politicians – September 27, 2020 - Scot Wall works in Austin,Texas, at the State Capitol. But he’s not an elected official or a lobbyist. He’s a pastor to the politicians and everyone else whose work brings them into the capitol building. Scot gives us insight into the unique struggles of being an elected official and how his work with the Capitol Commission allows him to share the good news of Jesus with some of the most influential leaders in our state. Matt Popovits hosts.

• Dealing With Covid-19 in the Bronx – September 27, 2020 - Rev. Matthew Gonzalez, Pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Bronx, NYC, and Host Matt Popovits discuss the pastor’s recent diagnosis with the coronavirus and what it was like to fight the illness. Pastor Gonzalez also shares what it’s like to lead a congregation in the epicenter of the pandemic and to pastor a church where so many have fallen ill and others have succumbed to the virus. What’s the message of hope to be preached when an entire city is on lock-down and hundreds of thousands of your neighbors are sick?

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