Defending Christianity
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by those who question Christianity? You may know the frustration that can come upon us when we’re not able to answer tough questions unbelievers ask about God and the Christian faith. You know what you believe, but you’re not able to explain it clearly or defend it. Join us today as I interview Dr. Ron Rhodes, author of Answering the Objections of Athiests, Agnostics, and Skeptics. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/FSM_July_16_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Dealing with Conflict
Conflict is one of the most destructive forces on earth; it instigates war, it divides families, it destroys marriages., it can make the workplace unbearable, and it can wreak havoc in the church. How do we learn to deal with conflict Biblically? Join us today as I interview Kenneth Kremer, author of A Heart at Peace: Biblical Strategies for Christians in Conflict. The program will help you address conflict head on in the family, in the workplace, and in the church. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/FSM_July_09_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
An Ex-Mormon Shares His Story
Why did Stephen Becker become a Mormon and then later leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints? What do Mormons believe and teach that are in conflict with Christianity and God’s Word? Join us today as I interview Stephen Becker. He’ll talk about the six years he and his wife were actively involved in Mormonism and why he left. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/FSM_July_02_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Go First Into the Home–Part Two
It’s tough isn’t it! Even in Christian families, tempers sometimes flare. Christians sometimes find themselves irritated by insignificant things. Then too, we don’t talk with each other about our faith or about our Savior as often as we might like to. Family devotions scare many of us. We all know we should worship and pray together as a family, but sometimes we don’t just because we don’t know how. Today we’re going to talk about “Go first into your home,” it’s part two of a two-part series. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FSM_June_25_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Go First Into the Home–Part One
Raising children to know and love Jesus in today’s world is a joy, a privilege, and a challenge. Parenting is the most important job you will ever have. How can we maintain a Christ-centered home while juggling jobs, sports, school, and community activities? We find the answer when we rely upon God’s power for help, not our own or the world’s. Family Shield Ministries exists to help Christians go and make disciples. We believe that individuals and their families need to go first into their homes. We want to equip Christian parents and grandparents to share Christ with their children, grandchildren, and extended families. Today we’re going to begin a two-part series entitled, “Go First Into the Home.”...
Family Shield Father’s Day Special
God’s plan for the family is that children will be raised by a loving and involved mother and father. Statistics document that children with active and involved fathers are more confident, better able to deal with frustration, gain independence in their own identities better, more likely to mature into compassionate adults, more sociable, more secure, and less likely to show signs of depression. God’s Word has much to say about parenting. It also says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Join us today as we talk about the importance of fathers and raising children to know and love Jesus. My gues today is Rev. Matthew Clark. He is the father, husband, and pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church...
Introduction to God and His Word
I tried to study the Bible but couldn’t understand it. How do we study God’s Word so we get the most out of it? Today’s study will help introduce you to God’s Word and help you grow in faith. You can also use today’s study to introduce someone to God and His Word. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FSM_June_04_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Social Media and Today’s Children
Do you believe technology is bringing your children and family closer together, or creating a greater distance? How can a parent know if their child is involved with too much screen time? What are A+ relational skills that parents need to start at home? Join us today as I feature Arlene Pelicane, author of Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FSM_May_28_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Forgiveness
As far as the East is from the West, so far does He remove our transgressions from us. We thank God that the Lord forgives us for all our sins, but sometimes we have trouble forgiving people who offend us. Forgiveness is always personal. It’s difficult to do, but it’s never optional. When someone has offended us, the temptation to not forgive is great, but the roots of unforgiveness and bitterness can grow deep in the human soul. Left alone, unforgiveness can produce bitter fruit that shows itself in angry thoughts, words, and deeds. So how do we learn to forgive? Why is offering forgiveness not excusing a sin? And how is forgiveness different from reconciliation? Stay tuned today as I interview Donna Pyle, author of Forgiveness: Received from God, Extended to Others....
Comparing Islam and Christianity
Islam is growing rapidly in the United States. Why is it so urgent for Christians to get informed about Islam? What are some of the common misunderstandings about Islam? What about the question of whether Christians and Muslims worship the same God? Do we? What do Muslims believe about the Koran? What are some of the dos and don’ts for us to keep in mind when striking up a friendship with a Muslim or trying to share the faith? Join us today as I interview Rev. Lawrence Wilson, author of Islam and Christianity: Reaching Out to Muslims, Answering Misunderstandings. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FSM_May_14_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Mothers are Important
Why did God create mothers? What joys and challenges to moms experience as they raise their children? What’s it like for a working mom to become a stay-at-home mom? Why are mothers important throughout their child’s lives, and how can we celebrate moms? Join us today as we present our Family Shield Mother’s Day Special. My guest is Faith Spelbring. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FSM_May_07_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Let’s Learn About Mormon Temples
Why does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints build and utilize Mormon temples throughout the world? Are Mormon temples Biblical? Why or why not? Why do they build them, and what happens inside Mormon temples? Join us today as I interview Bill McKeever, president of Mormon Research Ministry. We’ll learn about Mormon temples and how we can respond and witness to Mormons we meet. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FSM_Apr_30_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Communicating and Witnessing to Homosexuals
How can the average Christian dialogue with gay, transgender, or heterosexuals who believe the Christian viewpoint on these issues are wrong? What should we say? What shouldn’t we say? Join us today as I interview Joe Dallas. Joe is a former gay activist and the author of seven books on sexuality from a Biblical perspective. He’s appeared on ABC Evening News, the Bible Answer Man, Focus on the Family, and is a popular speaker at national and international conferences. His new book coming out this Fall is titled, “Speaking of Homosexuality: How to Discuss the Issue with Kindness and Clarity.” https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/FSM_Apr_24_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Leave?
Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses leave the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society? Join us today as I interview Charles Smith, an ex Jehovah’s Witness. We’ll learn what it was like growing up as a Witness, and how knowing the Christ of the Bible has changed his life. We’ll also learn about the Witnesses Now for Jesus Midwest gathering that will be held in July in Missouri. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/FSM_Apr_16_2018.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Dealing with Abuse of Children and Family Violence
How do we stop abuse of children and family violence? Family Resource Center of St. Louis has been working on prevention and treatment for all forms of child abuse and neglect for 42 years. Join us today as we learn how they’re giving kids and their families a chance for a safe and better life through prevention and treatment of child abuse, neglect, and family violence. My guest today is Greg Echele. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Family Resource Center, a St. Louis based nonprofit agency that specializes in the treatment and prevention of child abuse and family violence. He’s a frequent speaker on child abuse and an adjunct professior at Brown School at Washington University. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/FSM_Apr_09_2018.mp3Podcast:...
After the Resurrection
At the moment of Jesus’ death, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. What does the tearing of the curtain in the temple mean? How many days did Jesus appear to people after His resurrection, and how many people at once saw him after the resurrection? We spend a lot of time before Easter learning about the suffering and death of Jesus for our sins, but do we know as much about what Jesus did after He rose bodily from the dead? Some years ago I prepared a resurrection quiz. Today we’ll talk about the days after His resurrection and why Family Shield Ministries wants to equip individuals and their families to know, grow and go for Christ....
Jehovah’s Witnesses
What do Jehovah’s Witnesses teach and believe that’s different from the Body of Christ? Why would an active Jehovah’s Witness decide to leave the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society? Why does leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses cause family conflict? And why are some ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses disfellowshipped? Join us today as I interview Dr. Jeff Schwehm, an ex-Jehovah’s Witness who has ministered to and helped many ex-Witnesses since he left the organization. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FSM_Mar_20_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Dealing with Drugs
Where do parents go for help when they suspect that their child is taking drugs? What signs and symptoms should we watch for? How can parents find resources that will help? And what should we do when we know our child is on drugs? My guest today is Linda Hermann. Linda is a licensed professional counselor that works for Marriage and Family Institute. She has an extensive background in helping teens and their families. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FSM_Mar_12_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Reaching Millennials and Involving Them in Congregations
“And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and daughters, and talk to them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”(Deuteronomy 6:6-8). The church faces many challenges in today’s world. How can congregations reach and engage millenials and help them raise their children to know and love Jesus? Why is teaching the faith at home so important? What is the church’s role in faith formation? And how does the church partner with the home to strengthen today’s families? Stay tuned today as we talk about strong families produce lasting faith. My guest is Ben Froedenberg, director of Concordia Center for the Family, and...
Pentecost
What is Pentecost? Why do Christians believe Pentecost represents the birth of the church? What happened at Pentecost? What languages, or tongues, did the apostles and disciples speak in, and what did they say? Why is the Holy Spirit so important to us as Christians? Join us today as I interview Rev. Randy Asburry, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri. We’ll talk about Pentecost. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/01-2018-02-02_kay-n-randy-asburry_rev.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Conflict in Marriage
The soaring divorce rate indicates that great marriages don’t just happen. All couples have conflict and disagreements. How do couples learn to fight fair and communicate effectively? Join us today as we discuss handling conflict and fighting fair. My guest is Marty Lindvedt, a Christian counselor. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FSM_Feb_19_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Dealing with Spiritual Warfare
What is spiritual warfare? How can Christians learn to stand firm and put on the full armor of God? How do we learn to resist the schemes of the devil and serve the Lord in all circumstances? Join us today as I intervew Rev. Michael Newman. Our topic – Spiritual Warfare in Today’s Families. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FSM_Feb_12_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
The Challenge of Suicide
What causes Christians who believe in Jesus to seemingly give up hope and take their own lives? How is mental illness involved? Why do so many people assume that Christians who commit suicide have lost their faith in Christ and are lost forever? And what does God’s Word really say about sin and grace? My guest today is Rev. Peter Preus. He’s the author of the book, “And She Was a Christian.” In his book, he shares the story of his wife’s suicide. During today’s interview, we will find hope and help, especially for those that have experienced the suicide of a loved one. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FSM_Feb_05_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
It’s All About Jesus
Recently someone asked me why Family Shield Ministries exists. Another way to say this is why do we do what we do? It’s simple — it’s all about Jesus. Today we’ll talk about Jesus, who He is, and what He’s done for you and me. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/FSM_Jan_29_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Becoming a Pastor
Host Kay L. Meyer with guest Vicar Alex Schrader Why would a husband and father with over 18 years of experience in the information technology field decide to attend Concordia Seminary to become a pastor? How did the Lord guide this family as they made this decision? What does becoming a pastor involve, and how has it impacted his family? Join us today as I interview Vicar Alex Schrader. He’s in his third year at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2017-12-01_kay-meyer_01a.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Married and Still Loving It
Nothing is more inspiring than witnessing a married couple that has been together for decades still in love and enjoying life together. But in a culture that continuously seems to devalue marriage, how does a couple stick together? What does it look like to thrive in a marriage in the second half of life? And how does a couple navigate the many life changes and challenges that this season of life can bring? Join us today as I interview Harold Myra. He is the coauthor of Married and Still Loving It. He served as the CEO of Christianity Today International and has taught writing and publishing at Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, IL. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/FSM_Jan_22_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Opening Your Church Door to the Community
How does the mission of God get carried out in today’s world? How can congregations emerge from their buildings, programs, and institutions and effectively engage their communities with the power of the Gospel? What are the eight hinges that help open church’s doors into their community? Join us today as I interview Rev. Terry Tieman, Executive Director of Transforming Churches Network. We’ll talk about the book, Hinges, Opening Your Church’s Door to the Community. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/FSM_Jan_15_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
What is post-traumatic stress disorder, how is it diagnosed, and how is it treated? My guest today is Chaplain Steven Hokane, the Assistant Director of Ministry to the armed forces for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. His military service has taken him to Southwest Asia, Cuba, Bosnia, Germany, Denmark, and Alaska, as well as state side assignments. He participated in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, has provided pastoral care for deployed service members throughout the world. Our topic today is post-traumatic stress disorder. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FSM_Jan_08_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Witnessing to Mormons about LDS History and Beliefs
How is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints dealing with touchy topics about their history that Mormon members can now so easily obtain on the Internet? What did the LDS Church believe and teach about race and the priesthood? What do they teach about polygamy? And do they really believe that man will become like God? Join us today as I interview Bill McKeever, President of Mormon Research Ministries. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FSM_Jan_01_18.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours
If you’re looking for parenting direction in today’s chaotic world and your pint-sized treasures always seem to have the upper hand, you’re not alone. How can we encourage healthy attitudes, positive behavior, and long-lasting values in children of all ages? Join us today as we talk with the author of Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours. My guest is Dr. Kevin Leman. He’s an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, speaking and educator who has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and common sense. He’s a New York Times Bestselling Author of more than 50 books. Leman lives with his wife Sandy in Arizona. They have five children and four grandchildren....
Holiday Traditions for the Family
Why are traditions and precious memories important as we build strong, healthy families for Christ? Why do traditions matter? How can we show our children and grandchildren who they are, and what’s important to us? What traditions do you and your family enjoy during the holidays? Join us today as we discuss family traditions. My guests are Coreen Jander and Faith Spelbring. We’ll learn about their families and discuss traditions for the holidays. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FSM_Dec_18_17.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Why Do Christians Celebrate Christmas? and Why Don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses?
What is the incarnation of Christ? When did it happen, and why should it be celebrated and proclaimed to all people? Why do the prophesies about Christ predicted in the Old Testament, fulfilled in the New Testament matter? Why and how should we celebrate Christmas? Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses tell their members and followers that they shouldn’t celebrate Christmas? How can Christians respond to Jehovah’s Witnesses and share the truth of God’s Word? Join us today as we discuss celebrating the birth of Christ. My guest is Bob Gray. Bob was a Jehovah’s Witness for over 20 years and served as a Jehovah’s Witness elder, pioneer, Watch Tower study conductor and service overseer before he came to know Christ. Now as a Christian he reaches out in love to...
Eight Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids
What are Eight Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids? Why should we control our volume knob? What does listening have to do with parenting effectively? Why should we understand the power of our words, and why is regular family time so important? Join us today as I interview Dr. Todd Cartmell, author of Eight Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids, he is a clinical child psychologist, and author of several parenting books. He and his wife life in Chicago and have two sons. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FSM_Dec_04_17.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Dealing with Depression
What is depression? What are symptoms we should watch for? How is it diagnosed and treated? Join us today as we discuss dealing with depression. My guest is Dr. Richard Winter, Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Counseling at Covenant Seminary. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FSM_Nov_27_17.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Confirmation and Today’s Youth
Why should congregations develop a holistic approach to involving young Christians into the life of the church, especially as it relates to confirmation? What is the history of confirmation? Why is much of what is occurring in our churches not meeting the needs of today’s youth, and why are so many youth and young adults leaving the church? Join us today as I interview Rev. Peter Naefger, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Our topic: beginning with the end in mind. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FSM_Nov_13_17.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
The Two Kingdoms of God
Christians live in two kingdoms. What is the kingdom of the right, and the kingdom of the left? Why should Christians understand these teachings? Today my guest is Dr. Gregory Seltz, the Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty. Today we’ll talk about two kingdoms of God and learn about LCRL Freedom. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FSM_Nov_06_17.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
God Grows Families
God doesn’t always send us a family in the way we expect, but God always has a plan. We just need to wait for Him to show us His plan, and be open to sharing God’s love with all people. Joan Harwell and her husband never had children of their own, yet God eventually sent them a family from India. Join us today as I interview Joan Harwell and Rev. Stanish Stanley. We’ll learn how God grows families. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FSM_Oct_02_17.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Eight Great Smarts
Why should we expose our young children to a variety of activities so their God-given passions can be awakened? What are the Eight Great Smarts? How do we discover and nurture our childrens’ intelligence? My guest today is Dr. Cathy Koch. She’s the founder and president of Celebrate Kids and an internationally celebrated speaker and radio guest. Today we’re talking about her book, Eight Great Smarts. This book is packed full of practical, hands-on guidance, and will help parents tailor their parenting style to bring out the best in the unique children God has given them. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FSM_Sep_04_17.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...
Balance – When Life is Overwhelming
Why is it that some people are content, while others never seem to be satisfied? One important aspect of having a balanced life is recognizing that a balanced life does not mean that we are perfect or have a perfect life. Having a balanced life means learning to manage physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual needs of yourself and your family. As a Christian man or woman of God, we must learn to accept failures and bumps in the road. Today I’ll be sharing information from my Bible study entitled “Balance: Christ Filled Living.” I’m going to be sharing the information from chapter three that is entitled “Balance – When Life Seems Overwhelming.” https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/FSM_Jun_26_17.mp3Podcast:...
Father’s Day Special
Why are fathers so important to their children? What are the joys and challenges of being a father in today’s world? Why should we celebrate dads? Did you know that research shows fathers are central to the emotional well-being of their children? Studies show that if a child’s father is affectionate, supportive, and involved, he will contribute greatly to his child’s cognitive, language, and social development, as well as academic achievement, a sense of well-being, and a positive self-esteem. Stay tuned for today’s Family Shield, Father’s Day Special. I’ll be talking with Adam Hautly and Nate Schmoll. They are both fathers of young children. https://familyshieldministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FSM_Jun_12_17.mp3Podcast: Play in new window |...