In this episode of Echoes of Sunday, Pastor Steve and Pastor Dan continue the “Glimpses of Glory” series by exploring Jesus’ challenging call in Matthew 16–17 to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, a call that flows directly from Peter’s bold confession and the surprising rebuke that follows. Together they unpack the narrative that moves from the messianic secret to the Transfiguration, showing how Jesus reveals His glory not only on the mountaintop but also through suffering, obedience, humility, and the way of the cross. Through an honest conversation about expository preaching, discipleship, pride, servanthood, and the paradoxes of the Gospel where the first become last and greatness is found in serving others, Dan and Steve help listeners see how these passages prepare our hearts for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. This episode invites believers to wrestle with what it really means to follow Jesus, surrender self, set aside ego, and embrace the grace-filled and countercultural life He calls us into as we journey with Him from confession to glory.

In this episode of Echoes of Sunday, Dan and Pastor Steve dive deeply into Matthew 16–17, reflecting on Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and exploring how that unshakable truth becomes the foundation for the Church and for every believer’s life. Their conversation moves naturally from theology to real‑life ministry as they discuss the beauty of glimpsing Christ’s glory, the challenge of following Him through the valleys, and the tension pastors feel between wanting to steward their calling well and remembering that Christ alone builds His Church. With honesty and warmth, they open up about the emotional weight of shepherding people—the joy, the heartache, the doubts, and the deep privilege of walking with others through grief, storms, and seasons of uncertainty. Anchored by the powerful image of a lighthouse standing firm as waves crash around it, this episode reminds listeners that even when life feels overwhelming, our refuge is secure because Jesus, the Christ and Son of the living God, holds us fast.

Why do so many Christians feel awkward about sharing their faith, especially in traditions that once used the word Evangelical? In this conversational episode, Pastor Steve and members of the congregation explore the history behind the term, why many Lutherans tend to avoid conflict, and how simple, everyday encounters, like talking with someone at the dog park about the church comfort dog named Joy, can lead to natural spiritual conversations.

The group reflects on experiences from the 70s and 80s, the influence of large revival events, and why outreach can sometimes feel intrusive. Together, they offer down-to-earth ideas for sharing hope with gentleness and respect. They emphasize invitation instead of argument, using relationships and shared interests, and allowing small acts of kindness and prayer to naturally open doors.

What You Will Hear:

• How the word Evangelical originally related to Lutheran identity and how its meaning changed
• Common barriers like fear of offending others, discomfort with conflict, and hesitation about talking to strangers
• Why program-centered evangelism can feel uncomfortable today
• How shared experiences and relationships lead to better conversations
• Encouragement to trust God with the results while planting small seeds of hope