Together 4 Good: Conversations on Faith, Family, and Community

Why is church work so exhausting? Nate and Kevin get honest about what’s working and what could change. In this episode, Pastor Nate Preisinger sits down with Kevin Dragseth (aka Bethany Lutheran's Program Admin Extraordinaire and Volunteer Coordinator) to talk about what it’s really like working for the church, especially in ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America).  From youth ministry burnout to underfunded programs, duplicated efforts, and too many churches doing the same thing on their own, this convo is real, honest, and even a little funny (because it’s Kevin and Nate). Kevin brings years of experience, sharp insight and a whole lot of heart to the table as they talk about why things feel stuck and what needs to shift if the church is going to move forward.  They also dig into the emotional weight of closing church buildings, what faithful change could look like, and why collaboration isn’t just a nice idea, it’s necessary. 🔔 Subscribe to hear more conversations about faith, life, and the goodness we create together. Connect with us: Bethany-Denver.Org [http://bethany-denver.org] or check out our app Bethany Connect [https://subsplash.com/bethany-denver/app] 📱Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/bethany_denver [https://instagram.com/bethany_denver]

Feeling burned out? Discover how Sabbath rest and God's peace protect your soul in a world that won’t slow down. Let’s face it, peace can feel pretty hard to come by these days. The noise, the pace, the pressure to keep going…it adds up fast.  And suddenly we’re exhausted. Spiritually, emotionally, even physically. This week on Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate Preisinger talks about what he calls "Spiritual Sunscreen,” the kind of peace that doesn’t just feel nice in theory, but actually protects us in the middle of our everyday chaos.   Rooted in the story of Exodus and the command to keep Sabbath, this episode is all about learning how to slow down, not out of laziness, but as an intentional act of faith. Because when God invites us to rest, it’s not a suggestion. It’s a gift. One that helps us remember who we are and who God is. Whether your calendar is overflowing or your soul just feels tired, this conversation is for you. It’s a reminder that rest is holy. And peace isn’t something we earn, it’s something we receive. You’ll walk away with:  * A better understanding of why Sabbath matters (and why it’s still relevant today) * Encouragement for when you’re feeling spiritually depleted * Practical ways to create space for rest, rhythm, and God’s grace in your life. Key Takeaways:  💛Peace is your spiritual sunscreen: protective, essential, and meant to be applied daily 💛The story of Exodus and the Sabbath commandment show us that rest is holy, not optional 💛Resting doesn’t mean doing nothing, it means choosing what matters most 💛God’s peace doesn’t depend on your productivity 💛Grace meets you exactly where you are. Whether your calendar is overflowing or your soul just feels tired, this conversation is for you. It’s a reminder that rest is holy. And peace isn’t something we earn, it’s something we receive. 🔔 Subscribe to hear more conversations about faith, life, and the goodness we create together. Connect with us: Bethany-Denver.Org [http://bethany-denver.org] or check out our app Bethany Connect [https://subsplash.com/bethany-denver/app] Bible Verses: Exodus 20:8–11, Matthew 11:28–30 📱Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/bethany_denver

Wondering if church still matters in today’s world? Pastor Nate Preisinger discusses why faith, community and worship are more important than ever.  We get it, church isn’t what it used to be for a lot of people. Maybe you’ve stepped away, felt burned, or just drifted. We’re diving into why church still matters, not just as a tradition, but as a life-giving, soul-nourishing practice. You’ll hear:  * Why intergenerational community is so rare and powerful, and how church offers it in a way that few others do. * How regular spiritual practice builds emotional and spiritual resilience (and what Allen Iverson has to do with it.) * The surprising role communal singing plays in shaping us, yep even if you’re off-key. * How the church’s message of “you are loved” can counter burnout, hustle, and the never ending to-do list. Whether you’ve been faithfully attending for years or haven’t set foot in a sanctuary in a while this conversation is an invitation, not of guilt, but of Grace. Explore what it could mean to belong, to sing together, and to be reminded: you are already enough. Connect with us! Check out Bethany-Denver.org for more information!

Pastor Nate explores a faith-filled morning routine, less about productivity, more about presence with God. So often, we’re told that the key to a better life is to optimize everything, including our spiritual practices. But what if faith isn’t something to "hack" or master? What if it’s about showing up, slowing down, and trusting God more than ourselves? Through Scripture readings, prayer journaling, and honest reflection, this episode encourages listeners to trade performance for presence and start the day with intention and grace. What you’ll learn in this episode: * How to shape a simple, sustainable morning routine centered on faith * Why Scripture and prayer are powerful ways to start your day * The danger of turning faith into a self-improvement project * Why connection with God matters more than spiritual perfection * How rest, humility, and trust form the foundation of a faithful life Links and Resources:  Download the Bethany Connect App to stay inspired and connected! Search “Bethany Connect” in your phone’s app store. Learn more or plan a visit: https://www.bethany-denver.org [https://www.bethany-denver.org] A Special Invitation: Subscribe to the Together 4 Good podcast today and share this episode with someone you care about. Start a healthy, respectful conversation rooted in love and faith. Together 4 Good: Faith, Love, Community and Conversations for Everyday Life is a podcast from Bethany Lutheran Church ELCA in Cherry Hills Village, CO, designed to offer practical and engaging episodes that support you without expectations. Whether you’re feeling disconnected from traditional religion or exploring faith, we’re here to walk alongside you. Stay Connected with use: https://www.bethany-denver.org

Welcome to the Together 4 Good podcast! In this week’s episode, Pastor Nate dives into the complicated intersection of religion and politics and why we need to talk about both. While these topics are often labeled “too divisive” for polite conversation, Nate offers a different vision—one grounded in humility, compassion, and the Gospel message. He explores how faith informs our values and civic life, how churches can speak into political issues without endorsing candidates, and what it means to be a people guided first by Christ and not by party lines. What you’ll learn in this episode: * Why religion and politics feel so personal and polarizing * How Jesus was deeply political without being partisan * A faithful way to approach civic life rooted in love and humility * The role of church in a divided culture * Why conversations (not silence) are crucial for spiritual growth Links and Resources:📲 Download the Bethany Connect App to stay inspired and connected! Search "Bethany Connect" in your phone's app store 📍 Learn more or plan a visit: https://www.bethany-denver.org A Special Invitation:Subscribe to the Together 4 Good podcast today and share this episode with someone you care about. Start a healthy, respectful conversation rooted in love and faith. Together 4 Good is a podcast from Bethany Lutheran Church ELCA in Cherry Hills Village, CO, designed to offer practical and engaging episodes that support you without expectations. Whether you’re feeling disconnected from traditional religion or exploring faith, we’re here to walk alongside you. Stay Connected with us: https://www.bethany-denver.org