Gird Up! Podcast

SummaryElise Gross of Academia Cristo is on the podcast this week. In this conversation, Elise discusses her journey in urban education and ministry, reflecting on the limited options she perceived for women in service roles. She emphasizes the need for more diverse opportunities in ministry that go beyond traditional roles, encouraging women to explore their unique gifts and serve in various capacities. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Girt Up Podcast and Mission04:02 Elise Gross: A Journey from Teaching to Missionary Work10:13 Reevaluating Life and Ministry: A Personal Reflection15:52 Navigating Gender Roles in Ministry20:57 The Humbling Experience of Being an Assistant Teacher23:32 Growth and Change: From Ambition to Humility25:27 The Role of Women in Ministry: A Conversation28:16 Transitioning to Academia Cristo: A New Mission34:12 Understanding Academia Cristo's Mission and Structure38:15 Empowering Women in Ministry: Stories from the Field41:27 Cultural Observations: American vs. Latin American Perspectives46:21 The Landscape of Women's Roles in Latin America52:45 Trailblazers: Paving the Way for Women in Ministry57:33 Navigating Authority and Headship in Ministry01:12:10 Balancing Family and Ministry Responsibilities01:19:20 Redefining 'Big' Lives: Perspectives on Ministry01:23:13 Taking the Leap: Embracing New Opportunities01:29:46 OutroElise's Links:https://academiacristo.com/Gird Up Links:https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFxhttps://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/https://www.girdupministries.com

SummaryIn this special Thanksgiving episode of the Gird Up Podcast, the guys dive into the history, traditions, and cultural quirks of the holiday. From Goose’s passionate defense of turkey to Connor’s hilarious Thanksgiving horror stories, they explore how the celebration has evolved, why food matters, and how gratitude builds real connection. They also dig into presidential traditions, draft their favorite dishes, and debate non-traditional meals. The episode rounds out with animated characters they’d invite to dinner, Thanksgiving “heroes,” post-dinner activities, iconic songs, a trivia showdown, and a few genuine moments of gratitude to wrap it all up.Chapters00:00 Thanksgiving BroCast Introduction02:33 The Turkey Monologue: A Thanksgiving Tradition05:34 Courage and Connection: The Thanksgiving Spirit07:50 Canadian Perspective on Thanksgiving10:38 The Real Story of Thanksgiving13:12 Evolution of Thanksgiving Celebrations15:59 Forgotten Thanksgivings: A Historical Perspective18:54 Presidential Traditions and Thanksgiving31:05 Cultural Perspectives on Spirituality32:39 Literary Adaptations and Their Impact34:36 Navigating Group Dynamics37:08 Thanksgiving Fantasy Draft Introduction39:06 Drafting the Ultimate Thanksgiving Menu47:05 Thanksgiving Culinary Delights49:32 Worst Thanksgiving Dishes53:42 Best Leftover Combos57:32 Animated Dinner Guests01:00:49 Thanksgiving Heroes01:03:00 Nostalgic Thanksgiving Characters01:05:26 Iconic Thanksgiving Movies and Episodes01:08:52 Post-Dinner Activities and Traditions01:11:17 Thanksgiving Songs and Cultural Moments01:14:59 Turkey Day Trivia Showdown01:18:53 Historical Insights and Trivia01:20:45 Thanksgiving Traditions and Trivia01:23:51 Gratitude and ReflectionGird Up Links:https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFxhttps://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/https://www.girdupministries.comJacob's Links:https://mountainviewchurch.orghttps://www.youtube.com/ @RevKlughttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0t553CTKZiojRZttWuEnMh?si=c6fd897338b94f81Connor: https://www.instagram.com/connor.herter/Gustav: https://www.facebook.com/gustav.wenz/

SummaryIn this conversation, Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz shares his transformative journey into Lutheranism, detailing his initial hesitations and the profound discoveries he made during his catechesis. He reflects on the alignment between Lutheran teachings and biblical scripture, emphasizing how this realization deepened his faith and understanding of Christianity. He discusses the significance of understanding one's faith and the role of pastors in effectively conveying God's teachings to their congregations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gird Up Podcast03:39 Meet Reverend Dr. Adam Koontz04:09 Adam's Unique Faith Journey06:29 Cultural Christianity and Its Impact13:31 The Search for Truth in Secularism19:19 The Role of Technology in Mental Health26:51 Experiencing the Transition to Christianity31:48 Encouragement for Young Christians35:14 Finding a Home in the Lutheran Church40:35 The Journey of Discovery in Faith42:01 Understanding Lutheranism in Pennsylvania47:17 The Importance of Lutheran Identity55:02 The Role of Catechesis in the Church01:02:10 Developing Healthy Devotional Practices01:06:35 Family Devotional Life and Catechesis01:12:24 Engaging with Cultural and Political Issues01:17:40 OutroDr. Koontz's Links:Redeemer Lutheran Church, Oakmont, PA: https://www.redeemer-oakmont.org/The Family Bible Commentary: https://www.adcrucem.com/products/five-volume-bible-commentary-adam-koontzGird Up Links:https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFxhttps://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/https://www.girdupministries.com

SummaryIn this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach welcomes Pastor Matt Doebler, a missionary in Australia, to discuss the pressing issue of spiritual apathy among Christians. They explore the biblical story of Gideon as a metaphor for the journey from feeling like a 'nobody' to recognizing one's identity in Christ. The conversation delves into the importance of repentance, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the need for a purposeful life rooted in the Gospel. They also discuss the balance between self-improvement and faith, emphasizing that true meaning comes from an eternal perspective.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gird Up Podcast and Mission02:09 Introducing Pastor Matt Doebler and His Work03:21 Exploring Spiritual Apathy and Its Implications06:20 The Connection Between Gideon and Spiritual Apathy08:25 The Gospel of Luke: A Focus on Nobodies09:40 Understanding Jesus' Call to Discipleship12:09 The Weight of Following Jesus13:43 The Comfort of the Gospel Amidst Apathy17:53 Living in the Tension of Law and Gospel19:13 The Struggle with Apathy and Faith23:50 Afflicting the Comfortable and Comforting the Afflicted25:36 Apathy as the Antithesis of Love32:36 Defining a Purposeful Life36:31 Meaningful Life vs. Full Life38:18 The Struggle of Apathy in Faith40:04 Meaningful Life: A Question of Purpose44:18 The Importance of Gratitude and Recognition46:01 Journey and Rest: A Christian Perspective51:54 The Role of Repentance in Christian Life55:37 Disordered Loves and the Need for Christ01:02:33 Integrating Self-Improvement with FaithMatt's Links:Order "More than Meh" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/dG2jVAKMatt's Gospel-Centered Substack: http://gospelcenteredmentoring.site/Matt's Author Page: https://matthewdoebler.us/Gird Up Links:https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFxhttps://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/https://www.girdupministries.com

SummaryIn this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages with Andrew Marotta, a veteran educator and leadership coach. They discuss the importance of maintaining a strong Christian faith in education, the journey from considering the priesthood to becoming a school leader, and the significance of family and community support. Andrew shares insights on leadership, self-control, and the value of mentorship, while emphasizing the need for positive school culture and the role of parents in supporting educational institutions. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt story about Andrew's father, highlighting the impact of personal connections and the importance of expressing appreciation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gird Up Podcast and Mission01:53 Guest Introduction: Andrew Marotta's Background03:43 Exploring the Priesthood: Andrew's Journey07:35 Family Values and Prioritizing Dinner Time11:02 Overcoming Limited Mindsets and Pursuing Opportunities14:40 Identifying and Pursuing Goals18:26 The Importance of Role Models and Mentorship26:37 The Power of Mentorship and Sharing Knowledge27:58 Emulating Effective Leadership29:16 Testing the Waters: Feedback and Reflection36:16 Adapting to Audience Needs in Speaking Engagements38:21 Choosing Public vs. Catholic Education40:43 Making Impact in Challenging Environments46:05 Supporting Schools: The Role of Parents51:41 Controlling the Controllables52:30 The Importance of Culture in Organizations53:07 Visual Cues of a Positive Environment55:03 Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere56:23 Changing Culture Through Ownership56:56 Modeling Positive Behavior01:00:30 The Power of Positivity01:01:08 Identifying Leadership Potential01:04:24 Navigating Leadership Roles01:05:48 Conversations with Underperforming Leaders01:10:52 Honoring Legacy Through Leadership StoriesAndrew's Links:https://andrewmarotta.com/https://www.instagram.com/marottaandrew?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Gird Up Links:https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFxhttps://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/https://www.girdupministries.com

SummaryIn this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Paul Wendland, a Lutheran theologian, about the pressing issues surrounding gender and sexuality in today's culture. They explore the cultural shifts that have led to a redefinition of gender identity, the church's role in addressing these issues, and the importance of compassion and empathy in conversations with those struggling with their identity. Dr. Wendland emphasizes the need for a supportive community and the significance of grounding one's identity in Christ amidst the challenges of modern society.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gird Up Podcast and Mission02:17 Understanding the Cultural Landscape of Gender and Sexuality12:11 The Rise of LGBTQ Awareness and Identity17:45 Navigating Truth in a Confused Culture30:35 Compassion vs. Integrity in Conversations about LGBTQ Issues36:31 Navigating Truth and Relationships42:46 Long-Term Witness and Compassion44:29 Social Interactions and Christian Witness48:09 Conscience and Public Stance52:11 Creating Open Family Environments57:16 Support for Struggling Individuals01:01:58 Finding Comfort in StruggleDr. Wendland's Links:https://madeknown.net/http://essays.wisluthsem.org:8080/bitstream/handle/123456789/4507/WendlandTransgender.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=yGird Up Links:https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFxhttps://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/https://www.girdupministries.com

SummaryIn this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach welcomes Pastor Jacob Klug to discuss the significance of Martin Franzmann's hymnody and the value of beautiful words in articulating Christian faith. They explore the role of art and poetry in the church, the importance of men in leadership roles, and the concept of the church militant. The conversation emphasizes the need for a bold and beautiful expression of faith in a world filled with challenges, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with their beliefs and the arts.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gird Up Podcast02:13 Welcoming Pastor Jacob Klug07:32 Exploring Martin Franzman and His Significance16:30 Diving into Hymns: Thy Strong Word18:38 The Value of Beautiful Words in Christianity23:27 Articulating Faith Through Poetry29:14 The Role of Context in Sharing the Gospel35:15 The Intersection of Beauty and Theology38:40 The Search for Beauty in a Broken World41:24 The Beauty of Human Existence44:04 The Wisdom of the Cross46:18 The Power of Words and Poetry47:34 The Vision of Eternal Beauty49:46 Exploring Hymns and Their Messages54:36 The Call for Church Unity56:50 The Militant Church and Spiritual Warfare01:12:06 Encouraging Male Leadership in FaithJacob's Links:https://mountainviewchurch.orghttps://www.youtube.com/ @RevKlug https://open.spotify.com/episode/0t553CTKZiojRZttWuEnMh?si=c6fd897338b94f81Gird Up Links:https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFxhttps://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/https://www.girdupministries.com

SummaryIn this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach speaks with Grace Ungemach about her journey as a pastor's wife in Cincinnati, the importance of church marketing, and the unique challenges and opportunities in urban ministry. They discuss setting boundaries in ministry life, the role of personal branding, and how women can find meaningful roles in church beyond teaching. Grace shares her insights on navigating social media and the significance of having a clean and accessible church website. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Girt Up Podcast02:35 Meet Grace Ungemach: A New Journey03:44 Life in Cincinnati: Community and Ministry05:16 Navigating the Role of a Pastor's Wife07:13 Urban vs. Rural: The Appeal of City Life09:40 The Challenge of Being a Pastor's Partner13:31 Adjusting to Life as a Pastor's Wife15:38 Setting Boundaries in Ministry19:12 Finding Contentment in Challenges22:45 The Importance of Courage in New Ventures24:32 Grace's Business: Church Marketing Solutions28:06 The Role of Aesthetics in Church Marketing31:04 Prioritizing Church Marketing in Ministry32:30 Understanding Website Trust and Design35:40 Mission Statements and Community Engagement36:30 Traits of Thriving Churches38:35 Navigating Social Media for Personal Branding43:41 Branding vs. Marketing: Key Differences45:22 The Importance of Personal Branding54:58 Finding Your Path: Career Transitions and Ministry01:02:55 Exploring Non-Teaching Roles in Church WorkGrace's Links:https://lutheran.marketing/Grace@lutheran.marketing(803) 317-3307Gird Up Links:https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFxhttps://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/https://www.girdupministries.com

In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach sits down with Dan Van Voorhis — teacher, historian, and host of the Christian History Almanac. Together they explore the importance of church history, the role of the Lutheran church today, and the future of Christianity in a changing world.Dan shares why hope matters, how diverse church traditions can enrich our understanding of the faith, and why knowing the past helps us live faithfully now. The conversation also touches on the hidden lives of faithful pastors, what makes historical Christian leaders influential, and how tools like AI can help in research and ministry.Chapters00:00 — Introduction & Support for Gird Up 01:23 — Meet Dan Van Voorhis: A Journey in Podcasting 03:40 — The Christian History Almanac: Daily Exploration 05:39 — The Unique Sign-Off: A Message of Hope 10:09 — “Everything Is Going to Be Okay” 13:07 — Why Studying Church History Matters 16:32 — Fascinating Figures Through the Ages 20:01 — Exploring Diverse Church Traditions 25:22 — Understanding American Christianity 28:53 — The Lutheran Church’s Role Today 38:11 — Mysticism & Spirituality 39:57 — Navigating Church History’s Big Names 43:29 — Pastors’ Hidden Impact 47:12 — Learning from the Saints 48:47 — Traits of Influential Christian Leaders 52:09 — Reclaiming Wisdom from the Past 55:08 — Where Sports & Faith Intersect 58:37 — Recommended Biographers & Resources 01:06:13 — Concerns for the Church’s Future 01:08:47 — Anticipating Joy in What’s AheadGird Up Links:   / @girdupministries4911    / girdup_be_a_man  https://www.girdupministries.com