Suffering Servants: Conversations of the Unspoken

On today's show, we are joined by the Queen of Hospitality, Melissa Hammett. Melissa serves at St. John Lutheran Church in Rochester Michigan as Director of Youth Ministries and plays an absolutely vital role in the way that the Church does Hospitality. From coordinating events at St. John, to opening up her home to everyone, Melissa doesn't just talk about it, she DOES hospitality, bringing joy wherever she goes. We hope you have fun with this episode and are challenged this summer to embark on a joyful journey of one of the Scriptures' greatest delights: Hospitality.

Holy Week is upon us! We are joined on the show today by Pastor Joel Werner from Christ Our Savior in Livonia, Michigan as we take a trip from Palm Sunday, to the Upper Room on Maundy Thursday, to the Cross on Friday, the dark gloomy tomb on Saturday, and burst out of the tomb on Sunday with our Lord Jesus. Join us as we talk about how each of these holy days have major implications on us as believers in Christ, and may our Lord bless you in your holy week worship.

We are down to the Sweet Sixteen! And there are some JUICY matchups. See who makes it through as we finally crown the Champion for 2026! Enjoy our live reactions to a big game live as well 😂 and an Easter Egg at the end of the episode.

Moses, Elijah, Peter, John, Paul, etc. The heavy hitters of the Scriptures take the big stage in the Big Dance on this week's episode. We take 32 people from the Bible and put them head-to-head in a March Madness Bracket-style discussion. Will there be upsets? Hint: Yes! Take a listen to find out. We also throw in some Tournament talk as well, which you are welcome to skip the first 20 minutes or so :)Stay tuned for next week where we begin with the Sweet Sixteen and crown the Champion!

Today we are joined by Elizabeth Leinberger, the Interim Principal (soon to be Principal) of St. John Lutheran School in Rochester, MI. We talked through her ministry journey, the highs and the lows of being called in the Lutheran Schools, the vital importance of Christianity in education, as well as the unspoken burden she carries as a principal and the joy that even that can bring. Enjoy!Outro music is "Your Word" by The Still Worship Collective

Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent is quickly approaching. On today's show, Tyler and Trevor talk with Marc and Steve, pastors with Tyler at St. John in Rochester Michigan about it all. From fasting and asking the question of 'have we missed the mark with it?', to the somberness of Lent and the removal of the Alleluia's, together we covered a ton of ground. Enjoy!Song at the end is a Trevor original. You can find it on Spotify, "Joy of Salvation" by The Still Worship Collective.

Happy New Year, brothers and sisters! Today on the show, Trevor and I talk about nostalgia, new years resolutions, and the promises that God has made to us to rest in this year. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas everyone! Today Trevor and Tyler are joined by Pastor Steve Grafe from St. John in Rochester as we dive deeper into the theology of Christmas. Of course we have a little fun with music, movies, and food, but the bulk of the episode discusses the Incarnation and the reason God becomes man for us; and that is simply to die for our sins. Because of that, we are forgiven. We are set free. Yes it is that simple! We rejoice this Christmas in the gift of Christ and pray that you know how much our Lord loves you too. This gift is for you. This Christ is for you.

**Disclaimer** - Parents, if you have not had the "Christmas Conversation" with your kids, and you know what I'm talking about, be sure that you listen to this episode away from them. We do not desire to ruin the Christmas magic for your kids. We will leave that to you :)Where do Christians draw the line when it comes to Christmas traditions and Christ? Is it okay for Christians to celebrate "secular Christmas?" On this episode Trevor and Tyler break down this conversation. Enjoy!

After a few heavier episodes, we take a break and have some fun for Thanksgiving. Trevor and I talk about family Thanksgiving traditions, "staples" for the Thanksgiving meal, a PowerRanking of Thanksgiving sides, as well as a moment of thankfulness for God's blessing and goodness. Enjoy!

On today's show, Trevor is back! And together we are joined by Pastor Randy Duncan of the Michigan District and University Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor Michigan. We talk about Concordia and his experience guiding a student body through grief, confusion, and anger, as well as how God is using all of that for His glory. Enjoy!

This week we have been celebrating Veterans across the nation. On today's show, we talk with Rev. Dan Maske, US Navy Chaplain about his call in serving in the military. Our conclusion? "The devil will only die tired." Enjoy!

The "producer" of the show has been appointed! Trevor Noonan joins the show for the first time and we had a great conversation about traditional worship and modern worship. As our Director of Modern Praise, Trevor has a lot to say on the topics and it was fantastic conversation. We also were playing with new sounds and features on the new sound board so...no apologies :)Enjoy!

A (very opinionated) power rank of the best Halloween candy. Should we celebrate it as Christians? Listen and find out.My Reformation sermon on the "Five Solas" here

Today I am joined by my brother in Christ, Rev. Seth Moorman. Seth serves both as a pastor and executive at 1517. On the show, we talk through some heavy things. Less than two years ago, Seth's beloved wife Jill was taken to be with Christ. Naturally, as a result Seth has been living in grief. We talk about what grief is, how does it rear its head, what do we do with it, how do we handle it, what do we say, and where he finds comfort. It's a great conversation and we both pray that if you are struggling with grief, that you find some comfort and hope, not just by our conversation, but in the promises of Jesus Christ, who is the Resurrection and the Life for you.Read What Makes A Saint: A Saint Suffers by Seth Moorman

I share my thoughts on the assassination of Charlie Kirk on today's episode.I wrote about it here: I Still Think About Charlie Kirk

Today on the pod, I am joined with a brother in Christ, Tristan Waechter, who serves on the East Side of Detroit in a variety of ways. From youth ministry, to hispanic ministry, to seminary, and even a music career, we covered so much today and know that you will be blessed by the conversation. We give you a taste of his music at the end of the episode so make sure you listen all the way through!Jesus Saved Me From The Trap Full Music VideoRND music on Spotify, Apple Music, and all social medias! Give them a follow and listen to the Gospel in a unique and powerful way.

As promised, we continue with another Bonhoeffer sermon, this time about Baptism and about the love of God, which is joined to you in Holy Baptism. The Collected Sermons of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The longest episode to date, but it is absolutely WORTH the listen! I got to talk with one of my childhood pastors, Rev. Jim Weist, and talk about all of the incredible things God has done in His life. From Jamaica, to the police force, to the Indian Reservation, God has continued to show His faithfulness to Jim and his ministry, even in the face of some intense suffering. Both of us pray that that you are blessed by this conversation and if you would like to have Jim speak at your congregation, specifically about his time on the Reservation, please reach out to me ([email protected]) and I will get you in touch with him. Thanks for listening today!

On today's show, I talk about my good friend Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a very polarizing figure in the Lutheran Church (for whatever reason). In his Reformation Day sermon, he makes the case for the Confessional Church to be a Confessing Church. In other words, it's not that you do the "right things", it's how Christ's love is expressed in response to what He has done for you. Have we forgotten what loving and serving our neighbors looks like?Bonhoeffer: A Testament to Freedom

My brother in Christ, Alexander, was ordained into the Office of the Holy Ministry on Tuesday and the sermon that was delivered, I thought, was worth sharing and discussing a little bit. It talks about the embracing our baptisms, the cross, suffering, and comradeship as we truly do life together as brothers and sisters in Christ.Listen to a previous episode entitled, "The One Who Stands Alone Falls."

I had some major ailments this past week and it got me thinking about why God allows for these things to happen. What is He trying to teach us through our sufferings? May that always be our prayer when we face any suffering, no matter how great or how trivial.

Today on the show I talk about one of my favorite words in Greek: Splagchnizomai. Translated to English to mean "compassion", when you look at the Biblical roots, it takes on a whole different meaning. Let's talk about compassion towards others and the compassion our Lord Jesus has for us.

On this episode, I talk a little bit about one of the things in evangelical Christianity that really bugs me..."My personal relationship with Christ." Jesus has not called you to a personal relationship with him. He's called you to something much much greater and something beyond the personal. He's called you into Christian community with others.

Becoming a dad changed my life. Today, I talk with another fellow dad, Kevin, who has three children (a 3 year old, and 4 month old twins!). We talk about the joys and struggles of fatherhood and the love we have for our children and our wives. Enjoy!

Blessed Easter to all of you! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. On today's show, I have a flashback to "follies of the week", talking about some ridiculousness that I've come across during the week. This folly comes courtesy of Christianity Today and the heretical take that Jesus was not (necessarily) nailed to the cross. This had me thinking about the bigger issue of consuming all kinds of "Christian media" and just assuming it's true. What you hear matters. Because faith comes through hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ. Have a listen!Was Jesus Crucified with Nails? - Christianity TodayWhy I Can't Recommend Joyce Meyer

It's Good Friday and I spend some time reflecting on the vital importance of what Jesus did on this day for us...for YOU!Easter is Overrated

We've taken the top 20 Bible verses according to Crosswalk.com and talked about them and the implications these verses have on our lives as Christians. In it, we talk about things to say and not to say during suffering, prosperity, and the fruits of the Spirit, among so much else. Humor and Theology is what we do best so please enjoy!

Today I am joined by my brother James Miller, a former Lutheran pastor who recently converted to Catholicism. On this episode, we talk through what led him to his conversion and what he has learned about the Catholic Church since joining. We discussed differences and similarities, arriving at the conclusion of disagreement, but unified in the belief of our Savior Jesus who died and rose from the grave. Have a listen!

The Pod is back! On today's episode, I sit down with Pastor Donavon Riley, aka The Warrior Priest, to talk about his new book, "The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction." We talk about the nature of addiction, why he wanted to write this book, and how does the concept of "free will" and Luther's theology of the bondage of the will influence those who are in bondage to addiction. You're not going to want to miss this episode!Where you can find Donavon:Order The Impossible Prize: https://shop.1517.org/collections/1517-publishing-catalog/products/9781962654708-the-impossible-prizeWriting and Podcasting at 1517: https://www.1517.org/1517-search-result?qSearch=donavon%20rileySubstack: https://donavonlriley.substack.com/Previous conversation on Suffering Servants: https://sufferingservants.buzzsprout.com/2105824/episodes/13046988-suffering-with-addiction-with-donavon-riley

Pastor Tyler is joined this week by Pastor Mark Renner to talk about Pastor Mark's new book, "Curious Cases: A Series of Short Pastor Case Studies." In this book, Pastor Mark explores different situations that have arisen in the church, or that might arise in the church, and how might we as THE Church work with God's people. It is a book that can be used in studies, staff matters, or just to inform the Christian about struggles they may not have considered before. Praise be to Christ for Pastor Mark's work and love for people in writing this book!Amazon: Curious CasesWipf and Stock: Curious Cases

Joining me on this week's episode is my dear brother in Christ, Josh Kittleman, the Director of Christian Family Formation at Christ Our Savior in Livonia. Together we talk through his journey from small parish ministry, to the University level, and then to big parish ministry and what he has seen, learned, and experienced. We also are sure to hit one of the things that Josh struggles with on a regular basis: his diagnosis of ADHD. Josh is incredibly transparent and humorously walks through what his life and his approach to ministry has shifted knowing that he struggles in this. We both pray that as you listen to his story that you receive comfort, reassurance, and confidence knowing that you are not alone in your sufferings.

Today, as Pastor Hill finishes his vacation, Tyler is joined by a dear friend of the Family of God. Ron Hughes has been serving with us for over ten years and has become an intricate part of the ministry. Our people love him and gravitate towards him because of his experiences. On the show today, we talk about those experiences. As a veteran in recovery, Ron has much to say with regard to faith, community, and the power of the Holy Spirit. He talks about his journey as a recovering alcoholic and how God works in our lives, especially at our lowest moments. We pray that you are blessed by the conversation today.If you would like to be put in contact with Ron, please let us know!

"This episode is incredibly special to me. To sit and chat with one of my favorite people in the whole world truly is such a gift. I pray that you hear my sister's story of her multiple trips to the NICU with her son, Beckham, and with her, truly see the goodness of God even in our suffering." - TylerWe do not own the rights to the song "Goodness of God" by Jenn Johnson and Bethel Music.

"He who stands alone falls." Pastor Hill drops a great thought about men and women in the ministry who try to be "hero" servants and serve a great mission, but do it alone. This person has made themselves a prime target for the enemy to pick them off and suffocate them. What can we do? How can seminary training prepare pastors better so that they don't end up trying to serve Christ by their lonesome? Pastor Joel Werner of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Livonia joins our conversation today as a pastor with nearly four months of pastoral experience. He shares from his time at the seminary and provides some deep insights into what the Church may or may not be able to do to equip not just pastors, but members of the congregation. We also review (from last week) the six elements that the Church should perhaps look inwardly about. All that and a bag of chips on this week's episode!Follies include a tire store, and of course, Michigan football."Pia Desideria" Reimagined for Contemporary Theological Education:https://place.asburyseminary.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1299&context=asburyjournalA History of Lutheranism:https://www.amazon.com/History-Lutheranism-Eric-W-Gritsch/dp/0800634721/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FYM61WJMSEPU&keywords=a+history+of+lutheranism+gritsch&qid=1697733866&sprefix=%2Caps%2C220&sr=8-1

The Rev. Dr. Jim Marriott joins Tyler on this week's episode! Jim taught at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, where Tyler attended, and now serves as the Associate Pastor at small Texas church outside of Austin. He also teaches theology and music at Concordia University Texas where he is also the chairman of the theology department. On this episode, we talked about the use of liturgy in suffering, difficult transitions, and yes, we talked a little bit about the ongoing struggle with Concordia and the LCMS. Enjoy!

On this week's episode, Tyler interviews a great friend of the podcast and the Family of God. Penny Armbruster is the Executive Director of The Luke Clinic in Detroit and Flint.  The Luke Clinic is a free pro-life 501c3 non-profit charity dedicated to taking care of mothers, providing prenatal care, and infant care. On this episode we talk about compassion, relationships, suffering, women's health, and the importance of family.Consider supporting the Luke Clinic by visiting their website: www.thelukeclinic.org

On this exciting episode, Pastor Hill and Pastor Cronkright sit down with a long time friend and professor, Rev. Dr. Charles Schulz of Concordia University Ann Arbor. Recently, Pastor Schulz has returned from a two week stint in South Sudan where he taught church history at the seminary. We talk with him about his experience there, the need for the Gospel, and what we can learn here in the United States from our brothers and sisters in Africa.If you are interested in having Pastor Schulz speak at your church, please contact Tyler at [email protected]

Pastor Bill Wrede of Denison, Iowa joins me (Tyler) on this week's episode. In our conversation, we talked about the hard transition from the Seminary to being a parish pastor, to the struggles he experienced as a Seminary employee, and lastly, his time serving at Ground Zero in New York on September 11th and in the days following. This man has quite the story, and we can't wait for you to hear it!You can also view the episode on YouTube.

Perhaps the most polarizing episode to date. Tyler sits down with Donavon Riley to talk about addiction. What is the nature of the addict? What don't "outsiders" understand? What is truly at the core of addiction and is there really a cure?This particular episode of Suffering Servants will shock your system. It’s raw and it’s real. But it’s also necessary for us to understand our addicted brothers and sisters and what they go through, oftentimes alone. If you listen to just one episode of this pod, make sure it’s this one. You won’t be disappointed. I think it will help you sympathize with the addicted and perhaps give an inside glimpse of the life they go through, always asking the question, "Am I good enough?"Support Donavon's work on the Banned Books podcasts, Warrior Priest podcast, and 1517.orgHis book's Crucifying Religion and The Withertongue Emails can be purchased on Amazon

Pastor Tyler interviews Deaconess Intern Terry Priestley of St. John Lutheran Church in Rochester Michigan & Family of God Detroit. In this episode, they discuss the importance of women's ministry, physical presence for those in need, and the importance of listening. They also discuss the vicious cycle that many women involved in toxic relationships go through. Terry also shares of her own experiences, suffering, trauma, and how she has overcome only by the power of Jesus Christ. We pray you are blessed by the conversation today.

On this episode, Tyler sits down with Pastor Randy Duncan, the campus pastor at Concordia University Ann Arbor. In this conversation, they talk about the struggles of college students and the importance of campus ministry. They also take some time to talk about Randy's suffering in his own life, including divorce, and how God has delivered him from this. 

On this episode, Tyler sits down with Pastor Christian Jones of the Franklin Avenue Mission and Flint Mission Network to talk about the struggles of pastoring in the inner city. The conversation consists of violence, addiction, social justice, family life, and raising up leaders. When we say they covered it all, we mean it. Have a listen!Learn more about the Flint Mission Network by going to their website: https://flintmissionnetwork.org/

Tyler sits down with Chad Bird of 1517 and talks about all kinds of suffering. As an Old Testament scholar, Chad shares about how God uses suffering in the Bible and how that is applied to us today. He then talks about suffering he inflicted upon himself as he pursued his own goals and achievements. How did God bring him back to Himself in this suffering?And lastly, we take some time to discuss the recent tragedy in Chad's life as he and his family mourn the death of Chad's son Luke, who died last summer in a hiking accident. Where is God in our grief? What promises can we cling to?Check Chad out on 1517.org and on the 40 Minutes in the Old Testament podcast

Tyler sits down with Pastor Gabe Kasper, Lead Pastor at University Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It's a very real conversation about ministry leaders suffering with depression. We try to describe the feelings of inadequacy and the day-to-day fears when you are in the middle of it. Ultimately, we talk about Christ Jesus who sits with us in the suffering and gives us hope and promise that this all will end.Side note, if you would like to talk about mental health and struggles you may be going through, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here for you.

Satan has been working overtime. & every now and again, we will just vent and talk about the happenings in the inner city. Today we cover baptism and the sixth commandment, and then we get very real. From physical violence, to verbal harassment, we see it all. Have a listen and let us know what you think.

To begin the journey of suffering in the Christian life, we must first talk about why is there suffering in the first place? Is God punishing me? Do I deserve it? What can I do amidst the suffering? We break down four main reasons for suffering: 1) Correction, 2) Discipline, 3) Persecution, 4) Hidden Purpose.Have a listen! Rate, review, contact us!