Trinity Talk Live

- Season 1

(2017)

Ken Coughlan, Ryan McAllister and Ben Lander discuss "How busy is too busy?" Do you feel like you are rushing from activity to activity? Do you struggle to say "no?" Tune in for some practical, Biblical advice on how to manage the business that often seems to take over and can even get in the way of our relationship with God.

There are over 2 billion people in the world who have never heard of Jesus Christ and who have never experienced His love. Ken Coughlan is joined by Lori Hinman, Brian Carver and Emma Carver as they discuss the importance of Christian world missions, the eternal impact involvement can have upon you, and the essential roles to be played not only by those sent into the field, but also by those sending and supporting them from home.

Ken Coughlan is joined by Ressee Turner, the current High School Youth Leader at Trinity, and Ben Lander, Lay Minister and former Youth Leader, as they discuss "How Can We Help Our Youth Guard Their Faith?" Are you worried about whether your son or daughter will hold true to their Christian convictions once they leave your house and go to college or otherwise out on their own? Do you wonder if there is anything more you can do to help prepare them for the spiritual challenges they will face in the world? The panel explores these questions and more.

Ken is joined by Liz Carper and Greg Derwart as the panel discusses "Why Are Christians Reluctant to Share Their Faith?" We all know the Great Commission is part of our calling as Christian believers, but we often let other factors weigh so heavily on us that they drag us down and keep us from sharing like we should. Liz, Greg and Ken talk frankly about some of the fears that hold us back and even offer up a few solutions.

Ken Coughlan is joined by Mark Cogar and Bill Schafer as they discuss a Biblical understanding of masculinity and how our culture and media send messages that do not match up with God's desires for us.

Ken Coughlan is joined by Mary Lou Roberts and Tom Reed, both of whom have worked in visitation ministry for several years. The three of them discuss what types of issues people in need of visitation face, how to overcome any anxiety about what to say while visiting someone in need, and how to set up a procedure at your church to make sure people don't "fall through the cracks" and those who would benefit from visitation services receive them.

Ken Coughlan is joined by Ben Lander and Lori Hinman as they discuss a phenomenon growing more and more prevalent in the church today: Christians who do not hold a Biblical worldview, or who mix and match, picking elements from multiple worldviews like a philosophical buffet. The panel delves into the role that Biblical illiteracy plays into our willingness to allow non-Christian philosophies to influence us, and they make a few suggestions about how we can best guard our hearts against those elements of modern culture that may drive us away from Christ.

Ken Coughlan is joined by Jessica and Ryan McAllister as Trinity Talk Live kicks off a four week series on family and back to school. They tackle a topic that every working parent faces, how to best prioritize work and family. It is so easy to get caught up in our jobs that we could end up sacrificing the time our family desperately wants and needs to spend with us. Nobody, including those on today's panel, has it "all worked out," but Ryan and Jess do have some solid, Biblical advice that may help you with the struggles you are facing.

Nikki Brown and Dylan Brown are in studio to give a current perspective on what it is like to be a Christian in college today. The panel discusses the temptations that come up when children start to grow into adults and experience more freedom for the first time in their lives, some ideas on how students can guard their hearts, the unfortunate trend of many to leave their faith behind, and finally the challenges they may face within American academia.

High School is a time when many children begin their transition into adulthood, and with that comes some new realizations that they will have to learn how to face. Often it is around this time that they realize for the first time that the world is not always kind to Christians. They are teased, ridiculed and not taken seriously. How can high school students guard their own heart while at the same time shine the light of the gospel truth into a darkening world? Rachel Derwart and Sarah Coughlan, both about to start their sophomore years in high school, discuss these ...

Children today are missing school, battling depression, committing acts of self harm or even suicide as a result of cyber bullying. This is one of the most important issues of our day, and everyone needs to be aware of how to recognize it and how to deal with it. Youth leaders Pam Francis and Ressee Turner discuss what cyber bullying is, what effects it has on its victims, what leads someone to become a cyber bully, and what types of things students and adults can do about it.

All Christians are part of the larger body of Christ, and we all have roles to play. But to what role is God calling us? Pastor Paul Austin, Senior Pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Terri Reardon, Trinity's Volunteer Coordinator, explore how we can know where we should be serving.

Lori Hinman fills in a host and welcomes guests Pam Neukam and Jan McMillen, Women's Ministry Leader at Trinity. The three of them discuss what it means to be a woman of God, taking guidance from Proverbs 31. They also discuss some of their female Christian role models and the unfair stereotypes of women, and Christian women in particular, that are often found in modern media.

Ken is joined by Allan Scott, front man of the "Allan Scott Band," and Ryan McAllister of the band "McAllister" (and contemporary worship leader at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church). The three of them discuss how Christians can be discerning in the realm of secular entertainment to make sure that whatever we allow into our heart is "noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable" (Philippians 4:8).

We all know that Jesus is always with us, but what are some practical ways we can make sure His presence is always felt in our home? What can we do to cultivate our relationship with Him, and His relationship with the rest of our family, during the "other six" days of the week? Ken is joined by Megan Connors and Greg Derwart as they share some of what they do personally and with their families to make sure their commitment to Christ is a seven day a week proposition.

What's the big deal with small groups? What can they bring to your congregation that the weekly worship service does not? What are the marks of a good versus poorly organized/conceived small group? Ken is joined by Bill Schafer, who has been part of small group ministry for over two decades, and Lisa Henkel, Small Groups Coordinator for Trinity, and they discuss the benefit and purpose of small groups.

On October 1, 2017, at least 58 people were killed and almost 500 injured when a mass shooter opened fire on a country music concert on the Las Vegas Strip. In the wake of such a tragedy, many people are asking, "Where was God?" Pastor Paul Austin, along with Ken Coughlan, try to offer some answers to that question.

Is God a cosmic killjoy or can Christians have fun? Ken is joined by four members of Trinity's young adult group, "Revolution." Zach Kreiner, Jesse Hinman, Susie Smock and Dylan Brown talk about how they know what God meant for fun and what crosses the line.

Christians all seem to know that God wants us to pray, but often our prayer life is not where it should be. Ken Coughlan, Ben Lander and Tom Reed discuss how to grow in your prayer life.

When you are diagnosed with cancer, some things will change in your life, but you do not need to let cancer control you. Ken is joined by Jan McMillen and Tom Reed, the two leaders of Trinity's Cancer Companions ministry, to talk about some of the struggles faced by people with cancer, the often forgotten struggles of their caregivers, and what friends, family and church groups can do to provide support.

As part of the Red Ribbon Week campaign to raise awareness about the detrimental results of drug and alcohol use, Trinity Talk Live presented this very special episode on "Confronting Drug and Alcohol Addiction." The guest panel consists of addiction counselor Bonnie Wyant-Heisler and Cpl. Dan Petz of the Havre de Grace Police Department. There is something for everyone, from parents worried about their children giving in to pressure, to the adult who is confronting addiction him or herself and feeling like there is no way out.

Trinity Talk Live takes a lighter turn this week and dispenses with the usual panel discussion format in order to help bring the true spirit of the holidays into your home. Have you ever felt like the hustle and bustle gets in the way of your spiritual focus? The entire Coughlan family (Ken, Mary Kay, Sarah and James) gets together to share with you some of the family traditions they use to help keep God in their holiday celebrations, including ideas for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

Is there so much on your "to do" list that the thought of the upcoming holidays fills you with more stress than peace? Phyllis Ostendorf is a professional party planner with Top Shelf Events and Jen Merkel is a professional organizer with New Leaf Organizing Services, and they are offering up their advice on how to keep your sanity during a season that tends to take it away.

During the holidays people are focusing on the blessings in their lives. But maintaining an attitude of gratitude is not supposed to be something we do one day year. There are a lot of benefits to keeping this outlook regularly. But how do we do that? Even with everything bearing down on us, how do we keep our focus on the positive without being overwhelmed by the negative? Ressee Turner and Lori Hinman help answer that question and give you some solid advice on how to accomplish that goal for your life.

Ideally, we would all be perfectly focused on the birth of Jesus at Christmas, but things often get in the way. Sometimes it can be the lengthy "to do" list. Other times it can be something more tragic, like facing Christmas for the first time after the loss of a loved one. Ken is joined by Jessica McAllister and Megan Connors as they try to provide some insight on what types of things can get in the way of having our hearts fully prepared to celebrate Jesus and how we can go about making sure we are prepared for the true meaning of the holiday.

Advent is supposed to be a season of preparation when we are preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ. Part of that should include acts of charity toward others. Unfortunately, many of us get so caught up in other things this time of year that our charity can sometimes fall by the wayside. Pam Neukam and Katie Lander join Ken to show how even the busiest among us can work in acts of charity this time of year.

Ken and Mary Kay Coughlan review the animated Christmas movie "The Star."

This is part 1 of a 2-part Christmas special. Polling the staff of Trinity Lutheran Church came up with a list of the Top 10 Christian Christmas Carols and Hymns. They start by telling a little something about the history of each hymn, then perform them. It starts with #10 through #6.

This is part 2 of a 2-part Christmas special. Polling the staff of Trinity Lutheran Church came up with a list of the Top 10 Christian Christmas Carols and Hymns. They start by telling a little something about the history of each hymn, then perform them. It ends with #5 through #1.

Trinity Talk Live returns in 2018 with some familiar faces and practical advice on making this year one for Christ. People love to make resolutions at the start of a new year, but by the end only 8% are kept. Ken Coughlan, Terri Reardon and Greg Derwart discuss not only generally what types of resolutions you could make that are Christ-centered, but also how to make sure you keep them.

The subject of abortion is often either a conversation stopper or an argument starter. Some people, when they hear it mentioned, quickly change the subject. Others escalate things to a high level of hostility where rational discussion becomes impossible. Ken is joined by John Andrews and Paula Hoppel, who both attended this year's March for Life, Trinity's lay minister and regular "Trinity Talk Live" contributor Ben Lander, and Christian apologist with the Life Training Institute Clinton Wilcox as they seek to help the pro-life Christian learn how to balance truth ...

The panel takes a look at some often overlooked personal aspects of the issue of abortion: the needs of women faced with a crisis pregnancy and those who are suffering after having undergone an abortion. Ken is joined by Carol Maglove with Birthright, provider of crisis pregnancy centers, and Therese Hessler with Project Rachel, which provides post-abortion ministry.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 18.1% of the population is affected by an anxiety disorder every year. Nearly one-half of the people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety. You may feel like there is a giant weight holding you down, preventing you from doing anything. If you or someone you know if suffering from anxiety or depression, Dr. Kendra O'Hora and Meredith Mertens, LCPC have some advice. They explore what these two conditions are, why they are so often linked together, how to recognize them and how to know ...

When properly used, social media can be a blessing. But there are also many dangers and the use of social media is not for everyone. Ken is joined by Phil Noske and Mike Hinman as they discuss these benefits and risks, as well as how to view social media as a mission field.

Some people think science and faith are in conflict with each other. Others think they cover different realms entirely and never overlap. Yet the apostle Paul says that we should be able to see God's invisible qualities in what He has made. Conflict, compartmentalization, conversation or convergence. Which is the proper model for the interaction of science and faith? Ken is joined by Trinity's own Kelly Derwart and visiting apologist Josh Alexander, as they make the case for convergence.

Have you ever heard that kids say the darnedest things? Well, sometimes they ask the best questions too. Several children from Trinity's Sunday School program ask whatever is on their mind to Pastor Chuck Lashley. There are questions about Trinity Church itself, about our faith, the Bible and Jesus. There are questions that make you laugh, cry, and especially think.

How do we know when God is calling us to follow a certain path in our lives? How can we know it is truly from God and not merely our own wishes and desires? Once we have discerned His call, how can we overcome our fears, our hesitancy to leave our comfort zone and follow where God is leading? All of those questions are explored by returning guests Ben Lander (Lay Minister), Ryan McAllister (Director of Music Ministry) and Lori Hinman (Bible Studies Leader).

When you get together for a Bible study or small group, do you try to shrink into some unseen corner at the beginning and end hoping nobody will ask you to open or close with prayer? Do you think that when you pray out loud you sound so ineloquent, especially compared to your pastor, that you are afraid of what people will think of you? Far too many Christians put way too much pressure on themselves when it comes to prayer. Ken is joined by Mark Cogar and Bill Schafer as they discuss overcoming these fears and praying like you are talking to "Daddy," your audience of ...

Sometimes it feels like we Christians are speaking a language all our own. We have our own "Christian Lingo" that we may understand, but those outside the church do not. Ken Coughlan first encourages Christians to be wary of using this "lingo" when spreading the gospel to non-believers. He then defines some of these "Christian Terms" in more everyday language, both so that you can understand any words that remain a mystery to you, and also to help you think of ways you can explain these concepts without resorting to a term that may confuse your audience.

In celebration of Holy Week, Trinity Talk Live honors Christ's Passion and Resurrection. The guests are four actors from Trinity's annual Passion Play, Rusty Hess, Greg Critzer, Bill Schafer and Greg Derwart. Using the Passion Play as a framework, they walk through Holy Week, discussing the significance and impact of events such as the Triumphal Entry, Last Supper, Crucifixion, Resurrection and more.

High school is a bridge between youth and adulthood. At this age we get confronted by other viewpoints and often have to think through what we believe and why we believe it, maybe for the first time. For some Christians, this may be the first time they've really felt their faith challenged. Seven questions submitted from high school students are answered by Christian apologist Ken Coughlan, including: Is there any evidence outside the Bible that Jesus even existed; Out of the thousands of religions in the world; Why is Christianity the only right one, doesn't ...

Peer pressure is something we face at all ages. Christians live surrounded by a culture that does not always share our values. Yet like all humans, we are tempted to seek approval from those around us. Mike Hinman, Sarah Coughlan and Kurt Kreiner discuss what peer pressure is and how to stay true to your Christian convictions when your friends and acquaintances push you to do otherwise.

What can you do to help your children "own" their faith? A person does not become part of God's kingdom merely because his or her parents were believers. We all have to make a personal commitment to Jesus for ourselves. As parents, what can we do during those years while our children are under our care to encourage them to take that step and accept Jesus Christ as their own personal savior?

There are many mission fields in the world where we can bring the gospel. Some are local. Some are on the other end of the Earth. But increasingly, bringing the gospel to the place where people "are" involves going online and entering the digital arena. Such a large part of people's social interaction occurs online that we as a church cannot overlook it as an environment in need of Christ's message. Ben Lander and Ken Coughlan, both of whom are involved in different aspects of Trinity's digital outreach, talk about some ways churches can get involved in this area as ...

In honor of Mother's Day, Trinity Talk Live talks to several people and asks how their mothers or grandmothers influenced their faith as they grew older. By looking back in hindsight, it is our hope to provide some ideas about what parents can do today to influence the Christians their children will become.

Profound grief can strike us in a number of ways. We most commonly think of grief as following the loss of a loved one, but there are other forms of grief as well. Dr. Kendra O'Hora, a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist, and Bill Rehrig, director of the Stephen Ministry at Trinity, discuss the various forms grief can take, how grief can manifest in our lives, and the importance of taking steps to deal with it so that it does not lead to even more negative consequences.

It is the time of year when high school seniors are getting ready for final exams and graduation. Some of them have plans to move on to college. But inevitably every college Freshman faces things during their first year that they didn't expect. Five Christian college students each give their best advice about things they wish they knew before they went to college (plus a bit about other options worth consideration besides a four year college).