Shows
Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenThe Christmas Episode - with Pastor Steve Grafe and Trevor NoonanMerry 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...
2025-12-181h 16
Michigan District, LCMS Podcast1.10 Is Buddy a Christ Figure? And Other Christmas Movie Debates | Conversations on Culture & Faith
Show Notes:
Is Buddy the Elf a Christ figure? What are the best Christmas Carol adaptations? Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? And what do our favorite holiday films actually teach us about hope, belonging, and the meaning of Christmas?
In this episode, we dive into beloved Christmas movies, including Elf, Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life, and more. Along with some surprising picks for the Christmas season. We explore how these stories shape our understanding of the holidays. Through our theological lens, we ask where these films echo the true Christmas story, where th...
2025-12-171h 23
Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenSecular Christmas?**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!
2025-12-121h 22Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenThanksgiving SpecialAfter 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!
2025-11-261h 16Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenHe Loved Them To The End - with Rev. Dr. Randy DuncanOn 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!
2025-11-211h 10Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenA Different War - with U.S. Navy Chaplain Rev. Daniel S. MaskeThis 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!
2025-11-1454 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenWorship as Performance - with Trevor NoonanThe "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!
2025-11-071h 29Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenHalloween etc.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
2025-10-3147 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenThe Tension of Grief - with Seth MoormanToday 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...
2025-10-241h 35Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenI Still Think About Charlie KirkI share my thoughts on the assassination of Charlie Kirk on today's episode.I wrote about it here: I Still Think About Charlie Kirk
2025-09-1742 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenJesus Saved Me From The Trap - with Tristan WaechterToday 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...
2025-09-121h 15Suffering Servants: Conversations of the Unspoken(Bonhoeffer) God is LoveAs 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
2025-08-2235 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenI Just Want To Tell Others About Jesus - with Pastor Jim WeistThe 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...
2025-08-012h 00Suffering Servants: Conversations of the Unspoken(Bonhoeffer) Only Love Keeps The Church From Becoming RigidOn 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
2025-07-2536 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenEmbracing (an Ordination sermon)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."
2025-07-1835 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenThorns In The FleshI 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.
2025-06-1327 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenCompassion - Love In ActionToday 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.
2025-05-3036 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenA Personal Relationship With Christ?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.
2025-05-1631 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenBeing Dad - with Kevin DykstraBecoming 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!
2025-05-021h 34Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenWhat You Hear MattersBlessed 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...
2025-04-2532 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenDon’t Skip Good FridayIt'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
2025-04-1831 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenMarch Madness Special - with Pastor Chris DeneenWe'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!
2025-03-271h 37Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenLutherans and Catholics - with James A. MillerToday 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!
2025-03-211h 29Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenThe Impossible Prize - with Pastor Donavon RileyThe 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...
2025-03-061h 36
Youth4LifeHope for the Homeless with Pastor Tyler CronkrightLike the episode? Let us know!Homelessness. Visit any major city (and most smaller ones!) and you’ll find people struggling with housing insecurity. Perhaps it looks like a high school student floating from one couch to the next. Or maybe you see evidence of homelessness under an overpass or on a park bench. In some places, homelessness has become so prevalent that entire communities exist. How do we support those who are experiencing housing insecurity? Pastor Tyler Crokright joins us on the podcast this week to tell us how we can serve and support the homeless po...
2024-04-031h 01Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenCurious Cases - with Pastor Mark RennerPastor 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...
2024-03-151h 06Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenFamily Ministry and ADHD - with Josh KittlemanJoining 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...
2024-02-0957 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenRecovery and Community - with Ron HughesToday, 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...
2023-12-151h 33Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenSuffering in the NICU - with Shelby Cooper"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.
2023-11-171h 23Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenThe One Who Stands Alone Falls - with Pastor Joel A. Werner"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...
2023-10-271h 23
2023-10-1621 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenTransitions, Liturgy, and Concordia Texas - with Rev. Dr. Jim MarriottThe 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!
2023-10-061h 18Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenWomen's Health, Compassion, & The Luke Clinic - with Penny ArmbrusterOn 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
2023-09-011h 19Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenSuffering in South Sudan - with Rev. Dr. Charles SchulzOn 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 tyler@fogdetroit.com
2023-08-251h 08Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenSuffering, the Seminary, and September 11th - with Pastor Bill WredePastor 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.
2023-08-041h 27
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2023-07-221h 16Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenSuffering with Addiction - with Donavon RileyPerhaps 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 disap...
2023-06-231h 41Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenSuffering in Women's Ministry - with Deaconess Terry PriestleyPastor 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.
2023-05-191h 16Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenSuffering in Campus Ministry - with Randy DuncanOn 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.
2023-03-241h 02Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenSuffering In The City - with Christian JonesOn 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/
2023-03-101h 22Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenSuffering Loss and Grief - with Chad BirdTyler 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...
2023-02-241h 02Suffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenSuffering In Depression - with Gabe KasperTyler 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...
2023-02-1059 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenRaw StrugglesSatan 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.
2023-01-2359 minSuffering Servants: Conversations of the UnspokenWhy Do We Suffer?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!
2023-01-0955 min
Shepherd's Gate ChurchMay 29, 2022 | Local Serve Sunday | Tyler CronkrightMay 29, 2022 | Local Serve Sunday | Tyler Cronkright by Shepherd's Gate Church
2022-05-2927 min
The Awaken Project PodcastEPISODE 056: Young Adults in Leadership Ep. 1 // Pastor Tyler CronkrightIt's here! Our series on young adults in leadership has arrived! On this episode you are going to be hearing from Pastor Tyler Cronkright who is currently serving two congregations in Detroit, Michigan. Listen in as Pastor Tyler shares about the importance of team leadership among many other things! Want to support the show? CLICK HERE! Want to join our gap year program? CLICK HERE!
2022-03-151h 01
Shepherd's Gate ChurchAugust 1, 2021 | Value Every[one] | This Is How We Roll | Tyler CronkrightAugust 1, 2021 | Value Every[one] | This Is How We Roll | Tyler Cronkright by Shepherd's Gate Church
2021-08-0139 min
Shepherd's Gate ChurchUnbelievable | An Unbelievable Gift | July 28, 2019 | Tyler CronkrightMiracles can seem like a distant past, but what if we knew that miracles still happen every day all around us? What if our hearts were awakened with joy and wonder, and our eyes were opened to see that Jesus is still at work today, in your life, and in every life around us? Through Him, we not only hope for the miracle, we believe for the unbelievable.
2019-07-2833 min
Shepherd's Gate ChurchValue Everyone | Local Missions | Vicar Tyler Cronkright | March 4, 2018Guest Preacher Vicar Tyler Cronkright from Family of God Lutheran Church in Detroit joins us to discuss local missions.
2018-03-0425 min