Episodes

ponderingGod Podcast - Message Monday - Featuring a message from Pastor Craig McCourt. Today's Episode was recorded on June 22, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN The first in a series of God's Outreageous Claims - You Can Even Learn To Forgive Yourself.. (For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend , and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to...

In this episode of The Pondering God Podcast , Pastor Craig dives into the spiritual depth behind the familiar phrase "Thank God It’s Friday." What begins as a light-hearted cultural catchphrase unfolds into a rich exploration of God’s presence in the ordinary, the finished work of Christ on the cross, and the promise of what’s to come. With warmth, humor, and practical insights, Pastor Craig shares three spiritual takeaways supported by Scripture, surprising facts about Friday, and ways to embr...

In Summary: In this episode, Pastor Craig shares three spiritual lessons we can learn from our feathered friends—birds. From trusting God\'s provision to singing in the dark, to having the courage to soar when God calls, we are invited to reflect on how the songs and flights of birds mirror our walk of faith. With a few surprising bird facts and personal stories, this episode is an encouraging and uplifting look at how creation still tells the story of our Creator. This is one For The Birds! For...

In today’s episode titled “The Ancient Mentor,” Pastor Craig McCourt explores key passages from Hebrews 13, emphasizing the importance of mutual love, hospitality, and respecting spiritual guidance as timeless mentor advice. By connecting these ancient words to our everyday lives, Pastor Craig challenges us to seek out mentors, embrace simple living, and extend kindness as a reflection of God’s everlasting care. (For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Past...

In this episode of the Pondering God Podcast , Pastor Craig McCourt invites us to marvel at the beauty and intentionality of creation. From the cosmic dance of the stars to the delicate detail of a single leaf, all of creation sings praise to its Creator. With reflections on amateur photography, Scripture, and a special project called Speaks Twice , Pastor Craig encourages us to listen as both creation and the Word speak powerfully—together—to our lives. Listeners are encouraged to visit www.sp...

ponderingGod Podcast - Message Monday - Featuring a message from Pastor Craig McCourt. Today's Episode was recorded on June 15, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN The first in a series of God's Outreageous Claims - There is Freedom in forgiving your enemies. (For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend , and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen...

Pastor Craig unpacks the difference between Peter's sermon in Acts 2 and Paul's in Acts 17, showing how the early church adapted its message without altering the truth. As we speak to a culture increasingly unfamiliar with the Bible, this episode provides practical, grace-filled strategies for sharing the Gospel in everyday life—without sounding like you’re from another planet. (For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Pl...

Music and the Word of God have journeyed together through time, shaping culture, faith, and human expression. From ancient scrolls and 78 RPM records to streaming services and digital Bibles, each innovation has changed how we engage with divine truth and melody. In this episode, we explore how recorded music and biblical preservation evolved side by side—both influencing the way people experience worship, devotion, and artistry.

In this episode, Pastor Craig McCourt explores the loss of civility in today's world and how Christians can respond with love, patience, and Christlike conversation. He also addresses the recent tragic shooting of two Minnesota legislators and their spouses, urging listeners to be voices of peace in a divided world. (For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org . Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by g...

ponderingGod Podcast - Message Monday - Featuring a message from Pastor Craig McCourt. Today's Episode was recorded on June 1, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN The text for the message was: Revelation 22 (For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend , and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! We would love to hear from you, lea...

Celebrate National Movie Night with Christian family films that inspire and uplift! In this episode, Pastor Craig McCourt discusses why faith-based movies matter and highlights four incredible films from iiFilms: Treasure Lies, The Current, Miles Between Us, and the upcoming My 7 Grandmas . Discover how these stories align with Philippians 4:8 and why they’re the perfect choice for your family movie night. Check out the show notes for streaming links! iiFilms For more information on iiFilms visi...

Psalm 8 reminds us of both the vastness of God’s majesty and His intimate care for us. While we often seek to ascend to divinity, God humbles Himself in Christ. In this episode, Pastor Craig reflects on the paradox of humanity’s longing for more and Christ’s willingness to give it all up for us. What does it mean to embrace humility rather than striving for greatness? Let’s ponder together. (For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearl...

What does Ice Cream and a Lutheran Catechism have in common. (beyond after you read one, you deserve the other) Let's find out in todays PonderingGod Episode. (For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend , and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! We would love to hear from you, leave us a comment right here . Get your very own ponderingGod...

Welcome to another episode of Pondering God Podcast with Pastor Craig McCourt! Pentecost has come and gone—the flames, the rushing winds, even the potluck casseroles—but now it's Tuesday. How do we live as Pentecost People in the ordinary moments of life? (For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend , and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcas...

Pentecost Sunday 2025 - Three Pentecosts. This is a very personal and direct message for the members of Peace Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN - I pray it encourages you as well. Each Monday Morning, we bring you a message hot off the press or from the archives. We pray that these messages will be an extra boost of encouragement to you. For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message, visit us at www.ponderinggod.org For more information on...

Jesus didn’t call us to bring people to church—He calls us to bring the church to the people . In this episode, Pastor Craig explores what it means to train believers to go into their neighborhoods, workplaces, and everyday conversations, living out their faith in practical ways. With Scripture, humor, and engaging storytelling, this episode reminds us that discipleship is an action—not just a location. (For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit...

In this episode, Pastor Craig explores the beauty of do-overs from a Biblical perspective. Using stories from Peter, Jonah, and even the resurrection, he explains why fresh starts matter and how we can practically embrace new beginnings. From confession to renewal, this episode encourages listeners to ponder God’s grace in their own lives and take steps toward a God-given reset . For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org P...

(NOTE: We reset our episode count to reflect the number of episodes found on this current site.) In this episode, Pastor Craig McCourt explores why Pentecost is just as crucial as Christmas and Easter. He discusses how the church was born, how the Spirit empowers believers, and why Pentecost invites us into God’s story. With humor, illustrations, and practical steps, this episode encourages listeners to move beyond attending church twice a year and instead live out an active, Spirit-led faith. F...

In this episode of Pondering God , Pastor Craig McCourt explores three surprising lessons we can learn from the life of a sloth. Through biblical wisdom, we reflect on the importance of rest, being slow to speak, clinging to Christ, and engaging in community. Join us in pondering what it truly means to be an active member of the body of Christ. For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a frie...

Message from Peace Lutheran Church - Sunday May 25th "Tell It Like It Is" Rev. 21:1-7 Each Monday Morning, we bring you a message hot off the press or from the archives. We pray that these messages will be an extra boost of encouragement to you. For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message visit us at www.ponderinggod.org For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Pl...

(We ran out of server space for the month so we could not post this until the 1st - this is Friday's episode) In this episode of Pondering God , Pastor Craig explores the story of the widow’s mite and how it teaches us to stop striving for fleeting treasures and instead trust in Jesus, who provides everything we need. Through biblical wisdom, engaging illustrations, and practical steps, we learn how to embrace contentment in Christ and live without the exhausting chase for "more." For more infor...

LAST THURSDAY I thought it was Ascension Day oops - I'm calendar challenged - So here is a classic issue all the way from last week! In this episode of Pondering God , Pastor Craig McCourt explores the significance of Christ’s Ascension in Acts 1. Why did Jesus go up, and what does it mean for us today? We look at the sending of the Holy Spirit, the promise of Christ’s return, and the power we have to live boldly for him. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that invites reflection and act...

In this episode of the Pondering God Podcast , Pastor Craig McCourt flips the old Membership has its privileges tagline upside down, revealing that in Christ’s kingdom, membership is about responsibility , not perks. Drawing from Jesus’ teachings, the Last Supper, and Paul’s words on the body of Christ, this episode helps listeners consider how they can serve their congregation and live out their faith daily. It also explores the vital role of worship and Bible study in growing as a servant. For...

"In this episode, Pastor Craig dives into the question: 'What’s at stake if the church continues to decline?' Exploring themes from The Great Dechurching, he discusses the importance of gathering, the call to be the light of the world, and the practical steps believers can take to strengthen their faith communities. With humorous road trip tales and scriptural insights, this episode invites listeners to reflect, act, and embrace their role in the body of Christ. Tune in and ponder along!" For mo...