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Go To Church

Release Date: 03/29/2026

Thinking Fellows

What makes a church "healthy"? In this episode of the Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Scott Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hillman examine the popular language of healthy churches, church growth, and discipleship. They question whether marketing metrics have replaced the biblical marks of the church and argue that the true measure of the church is the faithful preaching of Christ crucified and the right administration of the sacraments. Rather than chasing marketing strategies or growth models, they contend that the church exists to deliver the forgiveness of sins through Word and Sacrament,...

Whose Father was Abraham?

Thinking Fellows

On this episode of Thinking Fellows, the guys ask what it means to call Christianity, Judaism, and Islam the “Abrahamic faiths.” They look at the history of the term and what these religions actually share. They also explain why their differences, especially about Jesus Christ, matter more than the label and how Christians can talk with Jews and Muslims without losing the truth of the Gospel. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517:

Challenging Children's Church

Thinking Fellows

In this episode of Thinking Fellows, the guys discuss the ongoing debate over children's church and whether kids should be separated from adults during worship. They argue that Christian worship is more than age appropriate teaching. God works through the proclamation of His Word and the sacraments for believers of every age, making children an important part of the gathered church. Drawing from Scripture, Luther, and recent research, they make the case that worshiping together as families helps pass the faith from one generation to the next and forms children in ways that children's church...

Can We Trust Luther?

Thinking Fellows

In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Adam, Bruce, and Caleb explore whether Martin Luther can be trusted, responding to modern critiques that question his character, motives, and mental state as a way of dismissing the Reformation. They argue that while Luther was at times emotional, outspoken, and flawed, his theology should be judged by how faithfully it interprets Scripture rather than by speculative psychological diagnoses or personal attacks. Along the way, they discuss how Luther's humanity, historical context, and extensive writings have fueled both serious scholarship and polemical...

The Turk at the Door

Thinking Fellows

In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Adam Francisco discusses his new book The Turk at the Door, exploring how Martin Luther understood Islam, the Ottoman Empire, and the challenges facing Christendom during the Reformation. The conversation examines Luther's distinction between just war and holy war, his study of the Quran, and why Christians should understand Islam without confusing political conflict with the proclamation of the Gospel. They discuss why this overlooked chapter of Reformation history still matters today as Christians engage thoughtfully and faithfully with their Muslim...

Are Young Men Coming Back To Church?

Thinking Fellows

Caleb, Scott, and Bruce discuss the claim that young men are making a dramatic return to regular church attendance. They examine the data and the growing implications of the widening differences between young men and young women in their dispositions toward Christianity. Ultimately, the fellows urge caution and patience, warning against adopting a new "seeker-sensitive" approach to church in an attempt to capitalize on these trends. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517: ...

Lutheranism in Finland w/ Toni Kokkonen

Thinking Fellows

In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Dr. Scott Keith and Caleb Keith discuss the state of Christianity in Finland with pastor and youth director Toni Kokkonen. The conversations examines how Lutheranism shaped Finnish culture and identity, the challenges posed by secularization and debates within the Finnish state church, and the role of confessional renewal movements seeking to remain faithful to Scripture. Despite cultural and ecclesial challenges, the episode highlights encouraging signs among younger generations who are deeply engaged with theology, worship, and the future of Lutheran...

Jesus vs. Paul? The Myth of a Divided New Testament

Thinking Fellows

Did the Apostle Paul invent Christianity? Did his teachings contradict the message of Jesus? These claims have become increasingly common in popular books, documentaries, podcasts, and online discussions. The Fellows refute this idea and present compelling reasons to see and believe that the New Testament speaks with one voice. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517:

Certainty and Assurance

Thinking Fellows

The Thinking Fellows discuss proclimation, apologetics, and epistemology. What does it mean that the Christian faith is certain? How does certainty of God's word differ from analytic certainty like mathmatics? The certainty of the Christian faith comes from a divine word of promise that points us to the death and ressurection of Christ for both knowledge and faith. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517:

What Is the Athanasian Creed, and Why Does It Matter?

Thinking Fellows

Caleb Keith and John Hoyum discuss the content and purpose of the Athanasian Creed. What is this third ecumenical creed, and why do Lutherans still confess it today? More from 1517:

More Episodes

What is the difference between habitually missing church or removing it from your life, and simply missing a service? In this episode, the Thinking Fellows discuss the essential nature of gathering together as the Church while also considering how to admonish attendance without attacking faithful members who occasionally miss services.

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