The Builder’s Blueprint Podcast

In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint, Pastor Ben is joined by Matt Krisko for a thoughtful conversation on Genesis 3:7–21. Together, they explore the “fig leaves” we still use to cover our sin, shame, and vulnerability. As they reflect on Adam and Eve’s response to the fall, they also point to the deeper hope found in God’s gracious response—His mercy that covers what we cannot hide and His promise that meets us in our brokenness. This episode invites listeners to consider both the false coverings we cling to and the lasting grace of God that truly clothes His people.

In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint, Pastor Ben is joined by Bethany’s assistant principal, Dale Lehrke, for an honest conversation about what it feels like to be spiritually depleted—starving, dry, and sometimes gasping for breath.Together, they reflect on how easy it is to live as if we’re only physical beings, while neglecting the reality that we are designed as spiritual people who need the living breath of God. With stories of struggle, setbacks, and growth, Pastor Ben and Dale walk through Ezekiel 37—the valley of dry bones—and explore how God meets us in seasons of emptiness with His Word, His Spirit, and His promise of new life.

In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint, Pastor Ben is joined by Bethany’s Interim Principal, Meghan Vogel, for a practical conversation about Jesus’ words in Matthew 5—and what they mean for everyday life.What does it look like to live as someone who is blessed, salt, and light… not just on Sunday, but in your real vocations Monday through Saturday? Together they reflect on how Jesus reframes the way we think about being a dad, a mom, a spouse, a student, a worker, a leader—and even what it means to show up on hard days when you don’t feel very blessed.If you’ve ever wondered how faith connects to diapers, discipline, deadlines, and dinner tables, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint, Pastor Ben is joined by Bethany’s Youth Director, Ingrid Lewis, for a conversation on intentional faith formation in the home and the role Lutheran education plays in shaping the next generation. As part of National Lutheran Schools Week, they reflect on the partnership between parents, church, and school—and the beauty of how these different pieces work together. Anchored in 3 John 4, the Bethany school’s theme verse for its 90th year, the discussion centers on what it really means to encourage children “walk in the truth.” What does that look like in everyday life, beyond classrooms and church pews? How do we faithfully model, teach, and live out the Gospel so that faith is not just learned, but lived? This episode is an encouragement for parents, educators, and congregation members alike as we invest together in the spiritual lives of our kids.

In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint, Pastor Ben sits down with Samantha Vogel to explore Matthew 5 and Jesus’ surprising words: “Blessed are…” Spoken not to the comfortable, but to the hurting, the grieving, and the weary. Together, they unpack how Jesus redefines blessing—not as ease or success, but as God’s deep, hidden work in the middle of our hardest moments.Through honest conversation and pastoral reflection, this episode wrestles with a powerful question: Can we be blessed even when it feels like we’re barely holding on? And more than that—how does Jesus give us a lens that allows us, looking back, to see that God was present, active, and generous in ways we never could have imagined at the time?If you’ve ever struggled to reconcile faith with pain, or wondered where God is in seasons that don’t feel “blessed” at all, this conversation is for you.

How does a Christian understanding of life engage a world that often approaches life issues very differently?In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint, Pastor Ben is joined by Matt Krisko for a thoughtful and honest conversation about how a Biblical view of life intersects with the complex and often polarized conversations happening in our culture today. Together, they affirm the pro-life confession of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod while also addressing important nuances that are frequently overlooked in public discourse.Rather than reducing life issues to slogans or soundbites, Pastor Ben and Matt explore how Scripture shapes a deeper, more compassionate framework—one that holds together truth and mercy, conviction and care, law and gospel. The conversation invites listeners to think carefully about what it means to speak faithfully, love sacrificially, and bear witness to Christ in conversations that touch deeply personal experiences and real human challenges.

Why does Jesus step into the waters of baptism—and why does it matter for us today?In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint, Pastor Ben is joined by Bethany’s Assistant Principal, Dale Lehrke, for a thoughtful conversation centered on the baptism of Jesus and His words: “to fulfill all righteousness.” Together, they reflect on how Jesus stands in our place, fully obedient on our behalf, and how His baptism gives meaning and assurance to our own.The discussion explores what it looks like to daily remember our baptism, the gift of stillness in a noisy and performance-driven world, and how God’s Word reshapes the way we see ourselves—not by what we achieve, but by what Christ has already done.This episode invites listeners to slow down, rest in God’s promises, and live each day grounded in the righteousness that has been given to us in Christ.

As we step into a new year, what are we really asking God for?In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint Podcast, Pastor Ben is joined by Bethany’s Interim Principal, Meghan Vogel, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on embracing godly wisdom at the start of a new season. Flowing directly from Pastor Ben’s recent sermon on 1 Kings 3:4–15, the discussion centers on King Solomon’s humble request for wisdom as he begins his reign—and how ultimate wisdom is found in Christ Himself.Whether you’re leading others or simply navigating the everyday decisions of life, this episode invites you to pause, pray, and ask the same question Solomon did: “Lord, give me a discerning heart.”

In this special Christmas-season episode of The Builder’s Blueprint Podcast, Pastor Ben Vogel is joined by Principal Meghan Vogel for a reflective and joy-filled conversation about some of their favorite Christmas music. Together, they explore how these beloved hymns and songs do more than set a festive mood—they proclaim the Gospel and shape our hearts and our households to be centers for praising the Lord.  

In this week’s episode, Pastor Ben Vogel is joined by guest Matt Krisko for a rich conversation rooted in Isaiah 9. Together they explore the imagery of burdens and yokes found in Isaiah’s prophecy and how these ancient words speak directly into our lives today. Matt and Pastor Ben reflect on the weight we so often carry and how Christ comes to break every yoke and set His people free.Matt also shares an encouraging update from his journey as a student at Concordia University, St. Paul. He talks about the joys of being a pastor-in-training and the ways God continues to shape his heart for ministry.

In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint, Pastor Ben Vogel sits down with Bethany’s Vice Principal, Dale Lehrke, for a thoughtful conversation on one of Scripture’s most powerful images: light and darkness.Together, they explore how the Bible uses this metaphor to describe both the human condition and God’s saving work. From Isaiah’s promise that “the people walking in darkness have seen a great light” to Jesus’ declaration that He is the Light of the World, Pastor Ben and Dale reflect on how Christ’s light gives clarity, hope, and direction in a world often clouded by confusion and fear.They also share practical, everyday ways we can walk in that light—and how the light of Christ not only helps us see more clearly, but also shine that light into the lives of others.

In this episode of The Brick Podcast, Pastor Ben Vogel and Youth Director Ingrid Lewis ground their conversation in Jesus’ parable of the talents. They reflect on how Jesus calls us to invest our gifts generously in the mission of making disciples. They discuss how the greatest gift we have—the gospel—is meant to be shared, and how overcoming fear helps us use our gifts boldly for God’s kingdom.

In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint, Pastor Ben Vogel is joined by BLS Interim Principal Meghan Vogel for a conversation about the daily opportunities God entrusts to His people. Together, they explore how every gift—time, talents, relationships, and resources—is given by God to be used for others.  

In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint Podcast, Pastor Ben Vogel is joined by Samantha Vogel, a student at Concordia Nebraska, to explore the powerful message behind Jesus’ Parable of the Talents. Together they discuss how this parable transforms our perspective—inviting us to see ourselves not as owners, but as stewards of the time, treasure, and talents God has entrusted to us. Through honest reflection and practical insight, they unpack how God shifts our hearts from self-centeredness toward a life of gratitude and generosity—one that seeks to bless others and honor the Master who has given us everything.

In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint Podcast, Pastor Ben Vogel sits down with BLS Interim Principal Meghan Vogel for an honest and hope-filled conversation about one of life’s most feared topics: death. Together they explore why this subject stirs such deep fear, how our culture often avoids it, and how Jesus’ resurrection gives us the courage to face it with faith and peace.In light of our recent All Saints Day celebration, Pastor Ben and Meghan reflect on the hope we have in Christ—a hope that turns fear into courage and mourning into joy.

In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint, Pastor Ben Vogel is joined by Matt Krisko, a Concordia University, St. Paul student preparing for pastoral ministry. Together they discuss the universal experience of weariness in our fallen world—how spiritual, emotional, and physical exhaustion can take root when left untreated—and how the hope of Jesus Christ renews our strength. Through Scripture, personal reflection, and honest conversation, Pastor Ben and Matt explore what it means to bring our tired hearts to the Savior who says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint, Pastor Ben Vogel sits down with Bethany Lutheran School’s Vice Principal, Dale Lehrke, to explore the incredible power our words hold. Together they discuss how the things we say can shape hearts, build relationships, and reflect the condition of our own hearts. More importantly, they reflect on how Jesus transforms our speech—redeeming not just our words, but the hearts they flow from.

In this episode, Pastor Ben Vogel is joined by Bethany’s Director of Youth Ministry, Ingrid Lewis, to talk about family dynamics. They delve into the ways dysfunction can impact families and how God’s grace is a key resource for bringing stability and restoration.

In this episode, Pastor Ben sits down with Heidi Klump, Bethany’s administrative assistant and a devoted wife and mother, to explore how our culture’s understanding of marriage has drifted from God’s original design. Together, they unpack how society often treats marriage as a temporary contract rather than the lifelong covenant God intended.Through thoughtful conversation, Pastor Ben and Heidi wrestle with questions like:How has culture redefined marriage compared to God’s Word?What does covenant love look like in contrast to contract love?How does Christ’s love for the Church shape marriage?What encouragement can we offer to those struggling in broken marriages?This episode invites listeners to rediscover marriage as a reflection of Christ’s faithful and sacrificial love—a love that endures and restores.

In this episode of the Builder’s Blueprint Podcast, Pastor Ben Vogel sits down with his daughter, Samantha Vogel, a first-year college student, to talk about one of the most pressing issues of our time: identity. Together they explore the confusion in our culture, the deep longing for belonging that we all feel, and how Jesus, our Good Shepherd, provides the true foundation of who we are.

On this week’s Builder’s Blueprint, Pastor Ben Vogel is joined by his guest (and wife!) Meghan Vogel, Interim Principal at Bethany Lutheran School. Meghan is the third of six rotating guests who will reflect on the sermon theme from the previous Sunday.Together, Pastor Ben and Meghan dive into Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:19–24, exploring the pull of greed and the temptation to make “stuff” and money more than God ever intended. How does the gospel free us from clinging to earthly treasures? And how can we grow in generosity and trust in God’s provision? This conversation offers honest reflections and practical encouragement for living as Christ’s disciples in a world consumed by materialism.

In this episode of the Builder’s Blueprint podcast, Pastor Ben Vogel sits down with Bethany’s own Matt Krisko, a young member currently studying for the pastoral ministry at Concordia University, St. Paul. Together, they explore the challenge of apathy in today’s culture and what it means for Christians to live with greater spiritual zeal. Matt shares insights from his college experience, his own insights into the ways God stirs us to move from indifference to passionate faith.

In this first conversation on The Builder’s Blueprint, Pastor Ben Vogel sits down with his guest, Dale Lehrke, Vice Principal at Bethany Lutheran School. Dale is the first of six rotating guests who will join Pastor Ben each week to reflect on the previous Sunday’s sermon theme.Together, they wrestle with the challenges of pride and self-exaltation in a world that constantly tells us to put ourselves first. How does Jesus’ call to humility reshape the way we lead, serve, and live with others? Dale and Pastor Ben share personal insights and practical encouragement for living out humble service in everyday life.

In this kickoff episode of The Builder’s Blueprint, Pastor Ben Vogel shares the heart behind launching a new weekly podcast. He looks back on the origins of The Brick podcast—Bethany’s ongoing monthly series that highlights the stories of God’s people—and explains how it continues to serve as a place for testimony and encouragement.So why add another podcast? Pastor Ben introduces The Builder’s Blueprint as a companion resource: a weekly conversation released every Wednesday with a different guest. Each episode will dive into God’s Word preached the previous Sunday, exploring how that Word shapes everyday life and faith.Whether you’ve been part of Bethany for years or are just beginning your journey of faith, this podcast offers practical, personal reflections to help you build your life on the foundation of God’s Word.