Reading good books. Having good conversations. That is what Standing on Shoulders is all about. Join the conversation as three Confessional Lutheran pastors read great works of the Christian Church, discuss their meaning, and ponder their significance and impact for us today.
Standing on Shoulders
Claim This Podcastby ACELC
5.0(4 reviews)
38 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
Podcast Overview
Reading good books. Having good conversations. That is what Standing on Shoulders is all about. Join the conversation as three Confessional Lutheran pastors read great works of the Christian Church, discuss their meaning, and ponder their significance and impact for us today.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
1/8/2024
1 verified contact email on file for Standing on Shoulders
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
June 1, 2026
The Capstone of the Altar – Thomas à Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" (Book 4) | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 37
<p>In this episode of Standing on Shoulders, hosts Reverend Micah Gaunt, Reverend Mark Kranz, and Reverend Tysen Bibb bring their multi-part study of Thomas à Kempis’ "The Imitation of Christ" to a close. Focusing on Book 4, the hosts unpack the ultimate pinnacle of the interior life: the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. Historically structured as the traditional scholastic final note, this final booklet shifts from personal discipline to the place where the Christian soul enters into the most intimate, tangible connection with Christ Himself.</p> <p>Questions of confessional integrity, theological clarity, and ecclesial life remain perennial concerns for the church — particularly in times of institutional strain and cultural fragmentation. How does a synod faithfully uphold its doctrinal commitments while preserving unity, order, and mutual accountability? What correctives do Scripture and theology provide when language, priorities, or practice begin to drift? These questions carry significant implications not only for governance and discipline, but for the church’s shared confession and common life. How we engage them will shape our life together, both now and in the years ahead. Come join us in Lincoln, Nebraska this June 16-17 as we seek to interact with these questions during our 2026 ACELC Conferece, "Walking Together: Next Steps." For more information, visit <a href="https://www.acelc.net/wal">ACELC.net/wal</a></p> <p>Season 2 Reading List:</p> <ul> <li> <p>The Shepherd of Hermas</p> </li> <li> <p>The Confession of St. Patrick</p> </li> <li> <p>The Confessions, St. Augustine</p> </li> <li> <p>The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis</p> </li> <li> <p>The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther</p> <ul> <li> <p>“A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14</p> </li> <li> <p>“The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49</p> </li> <li> <p>“On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <p>Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz</p> </li> <li> <p>The Magdeburg Confession</p> </li> </ul> <p>Some of these works are available for free online, and we will post links to the suggested editions we will be reading. Others are available in print from multiple publishers. Just like your Bible, the best version is the one you read. However, we will let you know which versions we are reading and where they can be found.</p> <p>A podcast by the Association of Confessing Evangelical Lutheran Congregations. </p> <p>Soli Deo Gloria!</p>
May 21, 2026
Inward Consolation and the Crown of Patience – Thomas à Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" (Book 3) | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 36
<p>In this episode of Standing on Shoulders, hosts Reverend Micah Gaunt, Reverend Mark Kranz, and Reverend Tysen Bibb continue their exploration of Thomas à Kempis' classic work, "The Imitation of Christ." Shifting focus from the outward behavior and practical wisdom of the previous booklets, the discussion dives directly into Book 3: On Inward Consolation, unpacking the internal spiritual landscape and hidden struggles of the Christian soul.</p> <p>Questions of confessional integrity, theological clarity, and ecclesial life remain perennial concerns for the church — particularly in times of institutional strain and cultural fragmentation. How does a synod faithfully uphold its doctrinal commitments while preserving unity, order, and mutual accountability? What correctives do Scripture and theology provide when language, priorities, or practice begin to drift? These questions carry significant implications not only for governance and discipline, but for the church’s shared confession and common life. How we engage them will shape our life together, both now and in the years ahead. Come join us in Lincoln, Nebraska this June 16-17 as we seek to interact with these questions during our 2026 ACELC Conferece, "Walking Together: Next Steps." For more information, visit <a href="https://www.acelc.net/wal">ACELC.net/wal</a></p> <p>Season 2 Reading List:</p> <ul> <li> <p>The Shepherd of Hermas</p> </li> <li> <p>The Confession of St. Patrick</p> </li> <li> <p>The Confessions, St. Augustine</p> </li> <li> <p>The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis</p> </li> <li> <p>The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther</p> <ul> <li> <p>“A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14</p> </li> <li> <p>“The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49</p> </li> <li> <p>“On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <p>Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz</p> </li> <li> <p>The Magdeburg Confession</p> </li> </ul> <p>Some of these works are available for free online, and we will post links to the suggested editions we will be reading. Others are available in print from multiple publishers. Just like your Bible, the best version is the one you read. However, we will let you know which versions we are reading and where they can be found.</p> <p>A podcast by the Association of Confessing Evangelical Lutheran Congregations. </p> <p>Soli Deo Gloria!</p>
April 24, 2026
Wisdom, Piety, and the Common Life – Thomas à Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" (Books 1 & 2) | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 35
<p>In this episode of Standing on Shoulders, hosts Reverend Mark Kranz and Reverend Tysen Bibb begin an exploration of one of the most influential devotional works in Christian history: "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas à Kempis. Moving from the philosophical depth of Augustine to the practical, gritty wisdom of the 15th-century Netherlands, the discussion focuses on Books 1 and 2 and the historical movement that birthed them.</p> <p>Questions of confessional integrity, theological clarity, and ecclesial life remain perennial concerns for the church — particularly in times of institutional strain and cultural fragmentation. How does a synod faithfully uphold its doctrinal commitments while preserving unity, order, and mutual accountability? What correctives do Scripture and theology provide when language, priorities, or practice begin to drift? These questions carry significant implications not only for governance and discipline, but for the church’s shared confession and common life. How we engage them will shape our life together, both now and in the years ahead. Come join us in Lincoln, Nebraska this June 16-17 as we seek to interact with these questions during our 2026 ACELC Conferece, "Walking Together: Next Steps." For more information, visit <a href="https://www.acelc.net/wal">ACELC.net/wal</a></p> <p>Season 2 Reading List:</p> <ul> <li> <p>The Shepherd of Hermas</p> </li> <li> <p>The Confession of St. Patrick</p> </li> <li> <p>The Confessions, St. Augustine</p> </li> <li> <p>The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis</p> </li> <li> <p>The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther</p> <ul> <li> <p>“A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14</p> </li> <li> <p>“The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49</p> </li> <li> <p>“On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <p>Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz</p> </li> <li> <p>The Magdeburg Confession</p> </li> </ul> <p>Some of these works are available for free online, and we will post links to the suggested editions we will be reading. Others are available in print from multiple publishers. Just like your Bible, the best version is the one you read. However, we will let you know which versions we are reading and where they can be found.</p> <p>A podcast by the Association of Confessing Evangelical Lutheran Congregations. </p> <p>Soli Deo Gloria!</p>
38 total episodes available
Similar Podcasts
Discover related shows you might enjoy
Treasures from the Lutheran Church
Dylan T. Smith
Christendom and the World
Pastor Andrew Preus
The Gottesdienst Crowd
Jason Braaten
Christ for Us
christforusorg
A Brief History of Power
Dr. Adam Koontz and Rev. Jonathan Fisk
On The Line
Bryan Stecker
Issues, Etc.
Lutheran Public Radio
The Word of the Lord Endures Forever
Lutheran Public Radio
Deep-dive analytics for Standing on Shoulders
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is Standing on Shoulders?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.