Jesus-Centric Life

We spend our lives hiding parts of ourselves—afraid that if others truly knew us, we would be rejected, judged, or unloved. Yet the heart of the Gospel is this: in Christ, we are fully known and deeply loved. This episode explores the freedom, healing, and courage that come from stepping out of hiding and living honestly before God and others.

Grace is a gift from God—freely given, deeply needed, and often hard to fully receive. Yet many people still live weighed down by guilt, shame, striving, or the feeling that they must earn what God has already given. This episode explores what it means to truly live in the freedom of grace and how that freedom changes the way we see God, ourselves, and others.

In a world quick to react and easy to offend, what would it look like for Christians to live with deeper grace, humility, and a steadiness rooted in Christ? In this episode of Jesus-Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna discuss what it means to have hearts that are less reactive, more forgiving, and shaped by the grace we ourselves have received.

More and more, we live with the mindset of “I can handle it” or “I’ve got this.” But what happens when self-reliance slowly replaces dependence on God? In this episode we will unpack the subtle lie of self-sufficiency, and how true strength is found not in carrying life alone—but in learning to fully rely on Christ.

The voting continues, and with it come important questions about the future direction of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. In this special edition of Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh, Donna, and Thomas provide an update on the latest presidential election results, explain what has happened so far, and discuss what the next round of voting means for congregations, pastors, and members across the Synod. 

In this episode of Jesus-Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna explore one of discipleship’s most important questions: How do we define spiritual maturity—and how do we invite people toward it? Together, they unpack what Scripture says about maturity in Christ, the marks of a growing disciple, and how churches can create clear pathways for deeper faith.

In this special edition of Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna provide an update on the current state of the LCMS as it moves through another election season. Together, they discuss key issues facing the Synod, the opportunities and challenges ahead, the importance of leadership, and how decisions made at the national level can impact local congregations. 

You’re not alone if you’ve wrestled with faith—or even been tempted to walk away from it. In this episode, Pastor Josh and Donna step into the real concerns many unbelievers carry. Not to dismiss them, but to understand them. Because behind every objection is often a story, an experience, or a question that deserves to be heard.

In this episode of Jesus-Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna sit down with Mindy Chapman to talk about the shift that happens when kids are grown, and life looks different—exploring what it means to stay rooted in church, find renewed purpose, and embrace the significance of this next season.

In this episode of Jesus-Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna sit down with Dave and Sheri Himmelburg to share their journey through the tragic loss of their son, Sean. With honesty and courage, they talk about grief, faith, and what it looks like to keep holding onto God in the middle of unimaginable pain. 

Pastor Josh and Donna talk with Harold Benecke about the reality of parenting adult children with different faith journeys. With honesty and grace, they explore the tension, the questions, and how to hold onto hope when the story isn’t what you expected.

In this episode of Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna sit down with Kathy Boye as she shares her story of walking through an intense and uncertain season where nothing was in her control. With honesty and depth, she reflects on what it looked like to live in the unknown, how her faith was tested, and where she experienced God in the middle of it all.

Faith and family often sound like they should fit together naturally—but many parents discover it’s harder than they expected. In this episode of Jesus Centric Life, Sarah and Josh Krepel join the conversation to talk honestly about the challenges of raising a family in faith, the pressures families face today, and the tension between what we hope for spiritually and what real life actually looks like.

Many people wonder if God has one perfect plan for their life—or if they might somehow miss it. In this episode of Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna explore what Scripture actually says about God’s will, our choices, and how faith guides us through life’s decisions.

Spiritual growth rarely happens in dramatic moments. More often, God shapes us slowly through ordinary days, small decisions, and quiet movements of His Spirit. What are the subtle ways God transforms our hearts over time? Join Pastor Josh and Donna in a conversation about patience, trust, and learning to recognize the quiet work of God in our lives.

Waiting is one of the hardest parts of faith. We live in a world that values speed and immediate answers, yet throughout Scripture, God often works through seasons of waiting. In this episode of Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna explore why waiting can be a powerful spiritual discipline and how God uses these seasons to shape our faith, trust, and dependence on Him.

Online conversations can quickly turn harsh, divisive, and unkind. In this episode, we discuss what it means to reflect Christ in a digital world. How do we speak truth, show grace, and represent Jesus well in the middle of heated online conversations? This discussion challenges us to think about how our words—both in person and online—can reflect the heart of Christ.

Christians are often told to “just be nice,” but is niceness really the same as Christlikeness? In this episode of Jesus Centric Life, we explore the difference between being respectful and living in truth and love the way Jesus did. Together, we will unpack how following Christ sometimes calls us beyond comfort, beyond approval, and into a faith that is both gracious and courageous.

There are seasons when prayer feels difficult—when the words are hard to find, the emotions feel distant, and God seems quiet. In this episode of Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna talk honestly about how to pray when your heart feels numb. Through Scripture and real-life experience, they explore how God meets us even in spiritual dryness and remind us that even numb prayers are heard.

Prayer is one of the most important parts of the Christian life, yet it’s often the least understood and least practiced. In this episode of Jesus Centric Life, join us as we take a deep dive into what prayer really is, why it matters, and how it shapes our relationship with God. From when to pray and how to pray, to why prayer is a discipline that strengthens faith, this conversation invites listeners to rediscover the power and purpose of talking with God.

In this episode, Pastor Josh gets real and honest about the hard truth that leaders will disappoint—and even Jesus did. Drawing from the Gospel of Mark 1:31–38, this conversation explores why disappointing others is often part of faithful leadership and how leaders can resist tying their worth to approval. Instead, we’re invited to ground our identity, confidence, and value in Christ—not in whether everyone is pleased with us.

In this episode, Pastor Josh and Donna have an honest conversation about the pluses and minuses of being part of a synod, focusing on the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. They explore the value of shared theology, accountability, and mission—while also naming the real struggles that come with structure and synodical life. It’s a thoughtful, grace-filled discussion for anyone wrestling with what it means to walk together as the Church.

In this episode of Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna explore what integrity looks like when faith moves beyond words and into obedience. Together, they wrestle with the quiet, unseen choices that shape our walk with Jesus, the cost of doing the right thing when no one is watching, and how integrity is ultimately formed through trust, surrender, and grace. This conversation invites leaders and disciples alike to examine not just what they do—but who they are becoming in Christ.

In this episode of Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna wrestle with the honest, aching question many believers carry but rarely say out loud: Will God show up for me? When it feels like God is moving powerfully in everyone else’s story but yours, doubt, disappointment, and comparison can creep in. Together, they explore the truth of who God is, what His presence really looks like, and how faith holds steady—even when the evidence feels thin.

Jesus rarely gave straight answers. Instead, He asked questions—questions that challenged assumptions, exposed hearts, and invited transformation. In this episode, we explore how Jesus used questions to shape people more deeply than explanations ever could, and what that means for how we grow in faith, disciple others, and lead with wisdom today.

Jesus healed many—but not all. This episode wrestles honestly with the uncomfortable reality that some experienced healing while others walked away still suffering. We’ll explore what Scripture reveals about God’s purposes, how to hold faith and disappointment together, and how to trust Jesus when healing doesn’t come the way we hoped or prayed for.

Not every season of faith feels fresh or exciting—and that’s okay. In this episode, we talk about the gift of routine and how God often works powerfully through consistency rather than intensity. We’ll explore why steady faith matters, how ordinary rhythms shape discipleship over time, and why faith that feels familiar may actually be forming deeper trust and lasting transformation.

Many people follow Jesus expecting clarity, blessing, ease, or visible outcomes—and feel shaken when He delivers something different. In this episode, we explore moments in Scripture where Jesus didn’t meet expectations and why those moments weren’t failures of faith, but invitations into deeper trust. Through Biblical accounts of confused disciples and unmet hopes, we’ll consider how disappointment with Jesus can actually become a turning point that deepens faith rather than destroys it.

In this episode of Jesus Centric Life, we welcome special guest Emma Turnbull to help us explore “the benches” in our lives — those moments of joy, pain, waiting, or growth that shape who we are. It’s about learning to sit with others in their hard places instead of trying to fix or rush them. From a child’s fear to a friend’s disappointment, love often looks like presence, not solutions. Discover how Jesus models this compassionate presence and how we can trust God’s work on every bench we find ourselves on.

In this episode of Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna wrestle with the question many are asking today: Does the church still matter? At its heart, the church isn’t a building or a program—it’s people in relationship with one another and with God. We’ll talk about why relationships are central to the life of the church and how the proclamation of the Gospel keeps the church alive and relevant in every generation.

Have you ever asked yourself the question: Am I leading, or just doing? Many in the church don’t see themselves as leaders, but God calls each of us to influence others right where we are. We’ll talk about the danger of staying passive, what it means to run to Jesus for guidance, and how leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about faithfully pointing people to Him in everyday life.

Merry Christmas! On this special Christmas episode of Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna open Scripture to reflect on the miraculous birth of Jesus. We’ll see how the story of that holy night—angels announcing good news, shepherds running to the manger, and a Savior born in humility—still shapes our lives today. What happened over two thousand years ago continues to bring hope, peace, and joy to a world in need.

Was Jesus a real historical figure or just a fabrication? Looking through the lens of apologetics, we’ll examine historical evidence, biblical accounts, and non-Christian sources that point to the reality of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We’ll also unpack why it matters—because if Jesus really lived, His claims demand a response.

The world is sometimes a loud and busy place. Join us as we look at how to pursue spiritual formation in a world of noise and distraction. While the enemy uses busyness to pull us away, Scripture calls us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). Together we’ll explore what it means to slow down, focus, and be transformed by God’s presence.12:2). Together we’ll explore what it means to slow down, focus, and be transformed by God’s presence.

Join us today as we take a deep dive into Matthew 4 and Luke 4, where Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness. Satan’s lies attacked His identity and purpose, but Jesus countered every one with God’s Word. Together, we’ll ask: What lies are you believing in your own life? We’ll explore how memorizing Scripture helps us recognize deception, replace it with truth, and stand firm in our identity in Christ.

Forgiveness doesn’t erase pain overnight. Scars often remain, but in Christ, those scars can become powerful testimonies of His healing and redemption. In this episode, we explore what life looks like after forgiveness — the freedom it brings, the transformation God works in us, and the daily choice to forgive again when old wounds resurface.

What do you do when forgiveness feels impossible? In this episode, we explore how Scripture calls us to forgive even when others aren’t sorry, keep causing pain, or can’t make things right. Anchored in Jesus’ words from the cross, this conversation points to the freedom and healing only Christ can bring.

In Part 2 of Jesus-Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna continue their conversation with Harold Beneke on Dr. Heather Holleman’s book, The Six Conversations. This episode offers a deeper examination of the six pathways—social, emotional, physical, cognitive, volitional, and spiritual—and how they guide us beyond surface-level dialogue into meaningful connections in life. Harold shares further insights on how these pathways have shaped his own relationships and how practicing them can transform the way we connect with family, friends, and our church community.Link to The Six Conversations: https://a.co/d/51PqNv0

In this episode of Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna welcome Harold Benecke to dive into Dr. Heather Holleman’s book The Six Conversations. Together they explore the six pathways—social, emotional, physical, cognitive, volitional, and spiritual—and how these simple yet profound questions can open the door to deeper connection in a world filled with isolation. Harold reflects on how the book has impacted his own relationships and how practicing these conversations can transform the way we connect with family, friends, and our church community.

Talking about faith is never one size fits all. In Part Two of our series on Conversational Faith, we will dig into the five hurdles that often keep people from following Jesus: apathy, intellect, emotion, church hurt, and different religions. Each of these barriers is real, personal, and often painful—but they’re not impossible to navigate. Through practical insights, real-life examples, and Jesus-centered wisdom, we explore how to meet people where they are and walk with them through their questions and struggles.

Sharing your faith doesn’t have to feel forced, pressured, or awkward. Instead of rehearsed speeches or fear-driven witnessing, conversational faith is about authentic, everyday conversations that point people to Jesus. Together, we explore the difference between “witnessing” and real conversations, the role of listening, and how Jesus modeled a relational approach to faith. If you’ve ever wondered how to naturally talk about your faith with friends, family, or coworkers, this episode will give you freedom and encouragement.

Today on Jesus Centric Life, Courtney Menefee shares how her generation navigates faith in a culture pulling in many directions. From challenges to hope, she reflects on what it means to stay centered on Christ when cultural pressures rise—offering wisdom and encouragement for every listener.

In this episode of Jesus Centric Life, Courtney shares how her faith was nurtured through family and church, and how those roots continue to guide her today. Her story reminds us that discipleship isn’t just personal—it’s a legacy lived out across generations and anchored in Christ.

We live in a world that celebrates speed—quick results, instant growth, and rapid success. But when it comes to following Jesus, the pace is often slower… and more sacred. Today on Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna dive into the tension between our desire for fast progress and God’s invitation to grow deep roots.

Multiplying leaders is essential for growth, but how do you do it without compromising your mission? On Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna dive into the tension between empowerment and alignment—sharing insights on how to raise up leaders who carry the DNA of a Jesus-centric culture.

In this episode of Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna explore the power and purpose of Sabbath living. Far from being just a day off, Sabbath is a rhythm of rest, trust, and renewal that is essential for true discipleship.

Pastor Josh and Donna dive into the rhythm of resting and serving—not as opposites, but as ways to stay rooted in Jesus. This episode challenges the idea that you have to be “full” before you serve/rest and reminds us that our identity is in Jesus, not earned. Learn how to stop escaping, quiet the noise, and enjoy Jesus in both the stillness and the action.

Following up on our name change to Jesus Centric Life, Pastor Josh and Donna dive deeper into what it means to follow Jesus beyond Sunday mornings and ministry roles. In this episode, they explore how being a disciple isn’t something you switch on in key moments—it’s a way of life that shapes your decisions, relationships, priorities, and identity.

In this episode, Pastor Josh and Donna share the heart behind the shift from Jesus-Centric Leadership to Jesus-Centric Life. While leadership remains a vital part of the conversation, this new title reflects a broader vision—one that embraces discipleship, everyday faith, and walking with Jesus in every aspect of life.

Doubt is an often-overlooked but important part of leadership. But how should we understand it? Is doubt a weakness to avoid—or a tool to engage with? In this episode, Donna, Pastor Josh, and guest Thomas MacLean take a thoughtful look at the role of doubt in leadership. Through a close reading of Judges chapter 6, we’ll examine the story of Gideon and how God responded to his hesitation and questions. Together, we’ll explore how divine reassurance and purpose can coexist with uncertainty, and what that means for leaders today.