Different Pews, Same Promise

Season 2 keeps rolling as Mike sits down with three middle school students from Epiphany Lutheran Church & School — Mallory, MZ, and Marcello — representing 6th, 7th, and 8th grade perspectives on faith, school, friendships, sports, technology, and life growing up today. The conversation is honest, funny, and real as they talk about what middle schoolers actually deal with, how they see the church, and where they notice God at work in everyday life. Expect plenty of laughs, relatable stories, and the reminder that even from different pews and different experiences, we all need the same Savior.

Season 2 kicks off with Mike, Ruben, Derek, and Channing back around the table for a conversation that moves from serious reflection to plenty of laughs. In this episode, the guys dive into the growing role of AI in everyday life, the church, education, and faith conversations. They also spend time discussing communion and confirmation in the Lutheran Church, looking at why these gifts and teachings matter for young people, families, and the life of the church today.The conversation also turns toward the mental health struggles many youth face on a regular basis, the pressure, anxiety, identity, loneliness, and the weight of growing up in a fast-moving world. Through it all, the guys keep pointing back to the hope we have in Christ and the steady promise of God’s grace.And of course, it would not be Different Pews, Same Promise without some basketball talk, friendly disagreements, jokes, and good back-and-forth banter. Season 2 begins with faith, friendship, laughter, and honest conversation about the things shaping our world and our walk with Christ.

What does it look like to walk through high school with your faith intact—and growing?In this episode of Different Pews, Same Promise, we sit down with two students at very different points in the journey: one just stepping into high school after leaving Epiphany, and one preparing to graduate and step into what comes next. Together, they share honest reflections on what it’s like to carry their Lutheran faith into new environments, new challenges, and new opportunities.We talk about where their faith began how their families came to the Lutheran Church, what brought them to Epiphany, and how those early foundations shaped who they are today. From confirmation memories to real-life moments where faith became personal, this conversation highlights the importance of being rooted in Christ before stepping out into the world.The students also wrestle with bigger questions: What does it mean to be Lutheran in today’s culture? How do you live out your faith in a high school setting? And why does being grounded in grace knowing we are saved by Christ alone, actually matter in everyday life?You’ll hear both perspectives the excitement and uncertainty of starting high school, and the wisdom and reflection that comes with finishing it. There’s laughter, real talk, and even a few unexpected moments as they share advice, struggles, and encouragement for younger students who are preparing to follow the same path.This episode is a reminder that no matter where you are just beginning or getting ready to move on you are not walking alone. Different pews, different stages of life, but the same promise: Christ is with you, guiding you, strengthening you, and holding you in His grace.

In this episode of Different Pews, Same Promise, we sit down with David Schlecht, founder of Scripture in Motion, to talk about faith, creativity, and the mission of bringing the Word of God to life through animation. David shares how God led him from videography and motion design into a ministry focused on creating high-quality visual content built around pure Scripture. We talk about calling, the creative process, the importance of staying rooted in God’s Word, and how media can serve the Church without overshadowing the message of Christ.

In this Bonus episode of Different Pews, Same Promise, we sit down with Pastor Jeff Muchow to talk about his original Easter play, “The Promise: Unwrapped.” What started as an idea rooted in music, storytelling, and faith has grown into a powerful production that explores real questions about life, suffering, forgiveness, and the promises of God.Through vintage Christian music, humor, and honest conversation, this play follows a group of young girls who stumble upon something unexpected in their grandparents’ attic and begin a journey that points them back to the hope found in Christ.Join us as we talk about the heart behind the story, the message of Easter, and why God’s promises still matter today.Performances will be held at Epiphany:March 20, 21, and 27 from 6:00–8:00 PMMarch 29 from 3:00–5:00 PMCome enjoy an evening of food, music, storytelling, and a reminder that no matter where we come from or how we arrive, we all share the same promise in Christ.

In this episode of Different Pews, Same Promise, we sit down with Matt Schleicher, principal of Epiphany Lutheran School, to talk about the heart and mission of Lutheran education. Matt shares his journey into education, the calling of serving in a Lutheran school, and the unique role Christian schools play in shaping students not only academically but spiritually. We discuss the challenges and joys of leading a school where faith and learning go hand in hand, and how teachers and families partner together to raise the next generation in Christ. Whether you are a parent, student, church member, or simply curious about Lutheran education, this conversation offers insight into how God works through schools to form young people in wisdom, character, and faith.

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Jason Schleicher, author of "Good Lord", to talk about calling, formation, and what it means to be shaped by Word and Sacrament. Jason shares his journey into pastoral ministry, his experience in the LCMS Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program, and how that theological formation influenced both his preaching and his writing.We discuss the difference between moral improvement and the Gospel, how Lutheran theology clarifies grace in everyday life, and what it looks like to lead faithfully in today’s Church. Whether you’re discerning a call, walking through seminary, or simply longing for deeper clarity about grace and vocation, this conversation will encourage and challenge you.

In this episode we come to you with Matt and Mike. The president and vice president of Epiphany's congregation. We get a chance to ask them questions about how and when they became Lutheran and add in some great conversation through out. I hope you enjoy as we interact with these two great influences for Epiphany Lutheran Church.

In this episode Derek and Ruben introduce themselves and how they came to the Lutheran Church. Through stories like basketball, hunting and fishing, we show how important the promise of Christ is. We also show you how unimportant it is that we are all different. Not just different in skin color, where we grew up and our family lives, but that those differences mean absolutely nothing to the promise we have and the community/family that we have built

This is the start of Different Pews, Same Promise. This episode zero is the start of a podcast I have wanted to kick off for a while. The idea of the podcast is to talk about the different ways people come to the church. We all grow up differently and have a different story, but the promise is the same for all of us. In this episode zero I talk mostly about myself and the way that I came to the church and came to do what I am doing. The Podcast will be mainly done by interview or many round table conversations with many different people throughout. I hope that this finds someone new and draws them to ask questions and learn more about the faith!