Casting Nets Podcast

Titus the Troubleshooter

Titus was asked to do much in his ministry. Join Pastor Dave and Will as they begin their walk through Paul's letter to Titus and how he was a troubleshooter in ministry.

1 Timothy 6

Join Dave and Will as we talk about slavery, books, use of language and money all in the final thoughts of 1 Timothy.

1 Timothy 5

Dave and Will talk about Paul's instructions to Timothy concerning widows. We explore what the widows did and how they served the church and the family. While the ministry of widows in 1 Timothy 5 would not make a snazzy Marvel action movie (like "Black Widow"), Will and Dave explore how the widow ministry in Ephesus worked and what it could look like today. Join us as we talk about 1 Timothy 5.

1 Timothy 4

Pastor Dave and Will talk about the great certainty we have in the sound teaching of God's Word, but the demons have some ideas as to what teachings we should focus on. That are those doctrines of demons, and how do they lead us away from Christ?

1 Timothy 3

Men and women in society

We expound on the conversation of Men and Woman and their callings as we practice this great gift in society. For further information on this discussion the Wisconsin Lutheran Synod has put out a statement about the Callings of Men and Women that can be found on their website. You can also turn to the devotions on the Women's Ministry page at https://wels.net/dev-women/uc20210729/

Rural Ministry

Dave and Will talk about the gift of ministry in a rural church setting. Sometimes we forget that ministry is not just about the numbers of people but the message and growth of the God's word among them as Christ is shared.

Catechism: Form in Search of Function

Another episode on Lutheran Catechesis, this time an interview with a man passionate for teaching the truths of God's Word and passionate against the "graduation mentality" that our current customs perpetuate. Listen to how he addressed it in the parish ministry, and his insights now that he is pastoring teens at a area Lutheran High School. Pastor Krahn has served in a larger congregation in the past and now serves teens at Manitowoc Lutheran High School as campus pastor and head of its theology department.
The WLS essay file can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/formsearchfunction
Special Guest: Rik Krahn.

1 Timothy 2

Is Pastor Harley magnanimous? Pastor Ruddat thinks so. They banter about the nature of complements before a deep discussion on prayer and the roles of men and women.
Pastor Ruddat's sermon on prayer that he referenced is found here (https://shirleygreenleaf.com/episode-52-the-unthinkable-reason-why-god-blesses-america/):
For more podcasts on roles of men and women, go here. (https://castingnets.fireside.fm/tags/roles%20of%20men%20and%20women)

Digitized Church Part II

We welcome Jonathan Ruddat, a website designer, used book store entrepreneur, and a part-time employee of 922 church as their online integrator. Listen as we continue the discussion about the digitalized church, especially the nitty gritty, such as.
* Explain the people that make online church work.
* What types of posts have they done during the week? Which ones gets the most trackable online activity?
* Greatest challenge in setting up a digital church
* Greatest challenge in maintaining a digitalized church
* Is digitized church just a fad that will go away now that in-person worship has resumed?
www.Canva.com is the online graphics platform that was mentioned.. Special Guest: Jon Ruddat.

1 Timothy 1

The Apostle Paul takes time to encourage the next generation of Pastors in letters we have called the Pastorial Epistles. Pastor Dave and Pastor Will take some time to begin their conversations on these letters. Join them as we begin our study on the 1 Timothy.

Catechism Strikes Back

We welcome Brandon Steenbock from St. Mark in Green Bay to talk about their efforts to move from long practiced confirmation instruction culminating in Confirmation Day to a life long catechesis. We wrestle with the parent and pastoral involvement in the teaching or catechesis of God's Word. Special Guest: Brandon Steenback.

Digitized Church Part I

We welcome Jonathan Ruddat, a website designer, used book store entrepreneur, and a part-time employee of 922 church as their online integrator. Listen to the discussion as we talk about:
* What is church?
* What makes a digitized church different than a church that streams content online (such as sermons, Bible class, podcast)?
* How does a digitized church not fall into the trap of just providing content for people to consume?
* With a digitized church providing daily material, are we creating a false sense of piety?
* Why have a private facebook group for your digitized church?
* How much of the physical church is incorportated into a digitized church?
* What about communion in the digitized church?
Part II will focus on the nitty gritty of what makes a digital church work Special Guest: Jon Ruddat.

Father’s Day Special

Pastor Will Harley and Pastor Dave Ruddat share their dad stories while reflecting on what it means to be a Christian dad. God has provided good dads and bad dads for us to look at in the pages of Scripture, and Pastor Harley and Pastor Ruddat go over some of our favorite good dads and bad dads:
Isaac (Genesis 25)
Jethro (Exodus 2:17-21; 3; 18: 5-27
Eli (1 Samuel 2; 1 Samuel 4)
Saul (1 Samuel 11)
David (2 Samuel 13)
Joseph (Matthew 2, Luke 2)
The LORD (Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15)

Professional Growth

Professional growth for pastors is not just the waist line we get from potluck dinners. Listen today to the five reasons pastors need the grow professionally.

Philippians 4

We rejoice in the love of our Lord as he strengthens us to live as his children. Join us as we finish the book of Philippians.

Commencement Speeches

Dave and Will take a look at a couple commencement speeches. We discuss what makes a commencement speech good and eventually we talk about what really makes them worth while.

Confirmation Memories

Discover the human side of teaching confirmation. We are not teaching robots, but we are teaching human beings. Confirmation kids struggle, have their own personalities, and need Jesus. Share with two pastors as they recount their memories of teaching confirmation. Learn that teaching confirmation can have an impact on children's lives and on ours.
Also, to listen to Space Unicorns, click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17o1OlroNSE) You'll never be the same...

Philippians 3

We talk today about the great benefit we have with others who work in the ministry with us. We also talk about how blessed we are to have the great gifts of Christ and his forgiveness.

Historical Confirmation

Have you ever wondered why we do confirmation the way we do? What's with all the ceremony? What is the laying on of hands all about? Where did it all come from? We look into all of these while discussing flowers, shifting practices, oh and Jesus.

Philippians 2

We talk today about the harmony we have together because of Jesus. He is true Lord and true man for us. Near the end of the podcast we loose connection with the internet; so we will have to catchup on the end of show next week.

Mother’s Day Special

It is Mother's Day weekend and if we don't talk about mothers we would be doing a disservice. Join us as we talk about the some Biblical examples of mothers. May God bless us as we learn from their examples.

Catechetical Church

We start a three week study on the practices surrounding the Catechism and confirmation. Today we ask the question of whether or not the Church has lost its Catechical focus. Join the conversation and the debate.
Show Notes:
Richard Hollerman's blog: https://truediscipleship.com/why-i-left-the-lutheran-church/

Philippians 1

It seems odd to say that a person could be joyful in the midst of suffering. It would be if you were responsible for creating and sustaining the joy in you. But we have Christ. He is the reason for our Joy in the midsts of all points of life. Join us as we start talking about Philippians.

Let Me Influence You

Social Media has brought into our lives social influencers who can reach a great many people. But there is a dark side to influencers that even Pastor Ruddat and Pastor Harley are not immune to. Today we explore the role of influencers in our lives and the world around us. Who should we look to for influence?

Daniel 11:36-12:13

Don and Will talk about the end of Daniel. We discuss the AntiChrist, the End Times, and the Joy of Eternal life.

Lutheran Preaching

Words matter and God's word changes the world just as it did in the beginning. Discover how Lutheran Preaching is unique and essential for today's church and today's world.

The Week that Changed the World

We don't want to ruin the ending, but the best kept secret is....Christ is Risen! What led to that glorious truth? How does it impact you?

Daniel 10-11:35

Don and Will begin their talk on the last vision of Daniel. As we race to the end of the book we take a moment to see the stark reality of living in a life filled with sinful people. We see the battle wages behind the scenes between good and evil. We see God's plan to send his Son to safe play out evermore before our eyes.

You’re Cancelled

Dave and Will talk today about being cancelled. With cancel culture dominating our news, the question needs to be asked, "Is cancel culture a good thing?" We look at some history of cancel culture, mix in a lot of our take on the issue, and wrestle with the standards God gives in Scripture. But the conversation isn't over until we see Christ and his forigiveness for all. Forgiveness is the only "cancel culture" that changes culture!

Is There Ever A Time We Are Not?

Dave and Will talk about vocation and how our callings in life are a part of who we are. Most importantly, being a Christian influences all our callings in life. For further commentary on the "Social Dilemma" check out 5tothrive.net (https://www.5tothrive.net/podcast/2020/11)

Daniel 9

Don and Will continue to discuss the book Daniel. We really talk about prayer and the beautiful prayer of Daniel. We also talk about how God answers prayer with the prophecy of seventy sevens.

Daniel 7 and 8

We enter into the discussion of visions. Join Don and Will as we discuss the first chapters of visions in Daniel.

Church is Done. Now What?

Worship in church is done. What are the church people to do? Dave and Will talk about Good Works and how they look in the life of a Christian after they leave church for the week. What good are good works and from where do they come? Join us to find out on this our 100th episode.

Daniel 6

Don and Will talk about Daniel 6. We look at what it looks like to live our Christian faith and the consequences we may have to face when we do. Listen in and the join the conversation.
The Book reference was "Jesus + Nothing = Everything"

American Christianity has Failed

Dave and Will talk today about the failures of American Christianity. With a focus on individualism and externals that have left us empty what have we left behind? Absolution and the proclaiming of forgiveness are the keys.

The Writing is On the Wall - Daniel 5

The account of the the hand writing on the wall in the middle of party has many elements to it. If you have been following us as we have walked through Daniel you will not want to miss this conversation. Babylon falls and Daniel again speaks the Word of the Lord.

The Bound Will and Covid Vaccination

To Vaccinate or not to Vaccinate? That is the question in discussion today. With references to Star Wars and a 15th century monk, Dave and Will talk about how we should and could approach the topic of covid vaccines.

Daniel 4

We continue our walk through the book of Daniel and today we see the glory of man fail. God humbles the proud and we see it in action. But God always humbles to call us back. Join us as we explore the connections to Christ Jesus and how the Spirit speaks through pages of Daniel.

Let’s Study Bible Study

We talk today about Bible Study. We look at the formal Pastor lead Bible Study on Sunday and Small Group Bible Studies. What are the goods and the bads, the ins and outs, and have we messed it up. Join us for this conversation as two Parish Pastor discuss their craft on equipping others to talk about Christ.

Daniel Chapter 3

Don and Will talk today about Daniel chapter 3. As they continue to walk their way through the book of Daniel may the Lord show us that running away or standing and fighting aren't always the way to go. Standing our ground on the Word of God knowing life is not just about living but giving Glory to God in all we do. That is something to talk about. Join the conversation.

Daniel 2

Don and Will jump back into the conversation with the book of Daniel. In Daniel chapter 2 we find God coming to the aid of his people when all things are looking impossible. We also see Daniel living to the glory of God who saved him. What a great witness for us and encouragment. Join us for the conversation.

Statistical Nightmare

Dave Ruddat and Will Harley talk about Congregational Statistics and the good that come from all the work in putting them together. Can the business work of church numbers be interesting and helpful to a church? Listen to a great conversation as these two talk about Gospel ministry and the nightmare of numbers and figures.

Daniel 1 It’s Just Some Food

Daniel is a great book to look at for many reasons. One of the reasons we have chosen to walk our way through it, is because it deals with great upheavel. Daniel lived through the transition of three different governments. He lived through the results of God's people disobedience to the Lord and its consequence. He lived through being taken into captivity and having to find ways to balance living his faith and hope in his Lord and dealing with a government and people that didn't approve. He then lived long enough to see great upheavel again. Join us as Don and Will walk through the book of Daniel starting with Chatper One.

2020 Review

We welcome Dave Ruddat to the show today. What a wonderful adventure 2020 was. Dave and Will take on a review how we grew, failed, and prevailing in 2020. We will talk about the personal, the community and the church. Join us for this great conversation.

88.UAC Civil Government

We don't want to pour more fuel in the fire that surrounds us today. But, it needs to be said that Christians are called to interact with the government and society in a vastly different way. Today we welcome back Don and discuss the joys of living our vocations as called children of God through Jesus. What does that mean for us in this changing society?

87.UAC Ceremonies, Saints, Mass...Oh My

Today, Will, talks about Article 15, 21, 24 of the Augsburg Confession. This means we get the opportunity to talk about Church Rites, Saints, and the Mass. Hopefully, this will answer some of your questions about any of those topics. Also, since we are close to the celebration of Christmas. Merry Christmas and Christ's blessings to you.

86.UAC Confession and Absolution

Today Will talks about the importance of confession and absolution. What a great time to see what our Savior Jesus has done for us and how we can share that with someone who really needs to hear that their sins are gone, they are forgiven. Join us for the conversation.

85.UAC Church

Today, Will talks about Church. What is the mark of the church? What is the difference between the visible church and the invisible church? Well if you ever wondered why certain things in Lutheran churches remain the same or why we don't have fellowship with other church bodies that believe differently. This is where it all begins. Let's talk about the church.

84.UAC Good Works

Today we talk about how Good Works flow from the faith worked in us by the Holy Spirit. We don't get in depth in examples because...well... we want to leave some of that for you to figure out. But we do discuss article 6 and 20 of the Augsburg Confession. Join us for the conversation.