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Central Lutheran Church - Elk River
Established in 1948, Central Lutheran Church has been a beacon of faith and community in Elk River, Minnesota, for more than seven decades. Led by our dedicated Lead Pastor, Ryan Braley, we are a congregation deeply rooted in family values and intergenerational connection.
Central Lutheran Church offers two services every Sunday at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM, welcoming individuals and families of all ages to join us in worship and fellowship. Our services and activities are thoughtfully designed to engage, inspire, and strengthen the spiritual growth of each member of our church family, from the youngest to the eldest.
We pride ourselves on being a family-centered and family-focused church. Our intergenerational approach allows us to embrace and celebrate the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives within our congregation, fostering a vibrant and supportive community.
Beyond the church walls, Central Lutheran Church is deeply committed to serving and uplifting the wider Elk River community. Our active involvement in local initiatives reflects our core belief in the power of faith in action, as we strive to put Christian love and compassion into practice.
At Central Lutheran Church, we don’t just attend church – we are the church. Join us as we continue to nurture faith, celebrate family, and serve our community, hand in hand.
Episodes
198 episodes
The True Self vs. False Self: Discovering Who You Really Are {Reflections}
Have you ever been caught off guard by the seemingly simple question: "Who are you?" For many of us, we instinctively respond with what we do—our jobs, roles, or accomplishments. But what happens when those external identifiers are stripped awa...
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6:48
Rhythm: Worship with Pastor Ryan Braley
Have we lost our breath in the modern world? In this profound exploration of worship, we discover that for ancient peoples, worship wasn't a scheduled event but as natural and necessary as breathing itself. It was woven into the fabric of their...
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32:36
Faith in the Age of AI {Reflections}
Ever feel like the world is changing too fast to keep up? You're not alone. In this deeply reflective episode, I explore a profound interview between Stephen Bartlett and investor Raoul Paul that left me questioning what happens when artificial...
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7:30
Rhythm: Submission with Ben Carruthers
Ever noticed how certain words can immediately put us on edge? "Submission" is certainly one of them. What should be a pathway to freedom has become associated with control, oppression, and abuse. But what if we've been looking at it all wrong?...
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26:57
Theology on a Timer {Reflections}
Racing against a 30-second timer, Pastor Ryan tackles deep theological questions with surprising candor and insight in this experimental podcast format. Music director Mike Lauer serves as both inquisitor and timekeeper, challenging Ryan to dis...
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10:40
Rhythm: Silence & Solitude with Pastor Ryan Braley
What happens when we stop shaking the jar of our lives and let everything settle? In this exploration of silence and solitude, we discover how intentional withdrawal from noise and distraction creates space for profound spiritual encounters.
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32:09
Fire in the Fireplace: A Christian Perspective on Sex {Reflections}
We live in a culture saturated with sexual messaging, yet meaningful conversations about sexual ethics often remain elusive. Drawing from both pastoral experience and personal journey as a parent of four, Ryan offers a refreshingly balanced fra...
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8:40
Rhythm: Service with Sonja Knutson
Have you ever wondered why the most fulfilling moments in life often come when we're serving others? This powerful exploration of "The Rhythm of Service" reveals how regular acts of service transform not just those we help, but our own spiritua...
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19:47
Wonder in a Jaded World {Reflections}
What happens when we lose our capacity for wonder? Through the lens of Abraham Joshua Heschel's profound wisdom, this episode explores how modern life has gradually eroded our ability to be amazed by the extraordinary world around us.Ry...
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7:54
Rhythm: Fasting with Pastor Ryan Braley
What happens when we deliberately disrupt the rhythm of consumption in a world where virtually anything can be delivered to our doorstep within hours? This episode dives deep into the countercultural practice of fasting and how it shapes our sp...
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32:30
Mastering Your Emotions {Reflections}
Ever been swept away by your emotions, feeling like you've jumped into a rushing river with no control over where you'll end up? That's exactly what we're diving into today as I share a powerful insight that's been transforming my life at 45 ye...
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8:36
The Rhythm is Gonna Get You with Pastor Ryan Braley
What forces are shaping your life right now? Beyond your conscious awareness, daily habits and patterns are carving pathways in your heart, sculpting your desires, and ultimately determining who you become.When we repeatedly complain, o...
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30:33
Wild Faith: John the Baptist's Radical Path {Reflections}
The wild, untamed nature of God's work takes center stage as we explore the revolutionary ministry of John the Baptist – a man who abandoned his priestly inheritance to preach in the wilderness. This seemingly simple career change represents on...
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10:06
I Am the Resurrection and the Life with Pastor Ryan Braley
"I am the resurrection and the life." With these words, Jesus makes one of his most profound declarations while standing at the grave of his friend Lazarus. But what does this statement really mean for us today?When Jesus refers to the ...
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24:31
It’s In the Moment with Sonja Knutson
What happens when Jesus interrupts an ordinary meal to become a servant? On this Maundy Thursday, we witness a profound moment that transforms how we understand love and service.There's a striking difference between choosing to serve an...
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18:35
I Am the True Vine with Pastor Ryan Braley
The ancient world valued gardens as rare treasures belonging only to kings and the wealthy. These weren't merely beautiful spaces but powerful symbols of divine blessing, order over chaos, and sacred communion. When Jesus declares "I am the tru...
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29:24
What Emerges When We Stop Feeding Our Distractions? {Reflections}
Wilderness journeys reveal what's hidden in the depths of our hearts. During this Lent season, we're exploring how temporary discomfort creates space for profound spiritual growth.The 40-day period of Lent mirrors powerful biblical wild...
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7:56
I Am the Good Shepherd with Pastor Ryan Braley
What if Jesus calling us "sheep" isn't just a poetic metaphor, but a profound truth about human nature? In this eye-opening message, Pastor Ryan explores why sheep perfectly represent our tendencies toward poor judgment, defenselessness, and ai...
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29:43
I Am the Way, the Truth, the Life with Ben Carruthers
Jesus' declaration "I am the way, the truth, and the life" isn't made during a theological debate or before a massive crowd. Instead, these profound words emerge around a dinner table as comfort for twelve confused disciples facing imminent los...
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23:13
Blind Faith {Reflections}
What happens when our spiritual vision gets things backward? Ryan explores two powerful Gospel narratives that flip conventional religious understanding on its head.First, we dive into John 9, where Jesus heals a man blind from birth—bu...
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8:20
Keep Your Eyes On Your Own Paper {Reflections}
Have you ever caught yourself looking at someone else's life, work, or talents and thinking, "What about them?" You're not alone. In this deeply reflective episode, we explore a fascinating moment between Jesus and Peter from John 21 that perfe...
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6:02
I Am the Light of the World with Ben Carruthers
Standing in the temple courts during the vibrant Festival of Sukkot, surrounded by massive oil lamps commemorating God's pillar of fire, Jesus makes his bold declaration: "I am the light of the world." The timing couldn't be more profound—momen...
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22:21
