The Capstone of the Altar – Thomas à Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" (Book 4) | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 37

The Capstone of the Altar – Thomas à Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" (Book 4) | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 37

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. 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 ACELC.net/wal [https://www.acelc.net/wal] Season 2 Reading List: * The Shepherd of Hermas * The Confession of St. Patrick * The Confessions, St. Augustine * The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis * The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther * “A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14 * “The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49 * “On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320 * Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz * The Magdeburg Confession 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. A podcast by the Association of Confessing Evangelical Lutheran Congregations.  Soli Deo Gloria!

Inward Consolation and the Crown of Patience – Thomas à Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" (Book 3) | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 36

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. 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 ACELC.net/wal [https://www.acelc.net/wal] Season 2 Reading List: * The Shepherd of Hermas * The Confession of St. Patrick * The Confessions, St. Augustine * The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis * The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther * “A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14 * “The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49 * “On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320 * Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz * The Magdeburg Confession 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. A podcast by the Association of Confessing Evangelical Lutheran Congregations.  Soli Deo Gloria!

Wisdom, Piety, and the Common Life – Thomas à Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" (Books 1 & 2) | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 35

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. 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 ACELC.net/wal [https://www.acelc.net/wal] Season 2 Reading List: * The Shepherd of Hermas * The Confession of St. Patrick * The Confessions, St. Augustine * The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis * The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther * “A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14 * “The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49 * “On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320 * Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz * The Magdeburg Confession 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. A podcast by the Association of Confessing Evangelical Lutheran Congregations.  Soli Deo Gloria!

Rest and Recreation – Augustine's "Confessions" (Books 11–13) | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 34

Join Rev.'s Gaunt and Bibb as conclude their reading of Augustine's "Confessions." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standingonshoulders.substack.com [https://standingonshoulders.substack.com/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]   Season 2 Reading List: * The Shepherd of Hermas * The Confession of St. Patrick * The Confessions, St. Augustine * The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis * The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther * “A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14 * “The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49 * “On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320 * Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz * The Magdeburg Confession 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. Soli Deo Gloria!

The Ascent of Memory and the Weight of Habit – Augustine's "Confessions" (Books 7-10) | Standing on Shoulders – Episode 33

Join Rev.'s Gaunt and Bibb as they begin their journey through Augustine's "Confessions." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standingonshoulders.substack.com [https://standingonshoulders.substack.com/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]   Season 2 Reading List: * The Shepherd of Hermas * The Confession of St. Patrick * The Confessions, St. Augustine * The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis * The “Marriage Suite” of Martin Luther * “A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage (1519),” LW 44:7-14 * “The Estate of Marriage (1522),” LW 45:17-49 * “On Marriage Matters (1530),” LW 46:265-320 * Selections from The Examination of the Council of Trent, Martin Chemnitz * The Magdeburg Confession 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. Soli Deo Gloria!