.jpg)
Central Lutheran Church - Elk River
Weekly sermons from our Central Lutheran Church preaching team plus quick reflections from Pastor Ryan Braley.
Real talk, ancient wisdom, and honest questions — all designed to help you learn, grow, and find encouragement when you need it most.
At Central, our mission is simple: FOLLOW Jesus together, be a community where you BELONG, and LOVE our neighbors across the street and around the world.
Think deeper. Live freer. Share an episode with a friend and visit us in person anytime — you’re always welcome here in Elk River, MN.
Episodes
221 episodes
You Mad Bro? The Iceberg of Human Emotions {Reflections}
Ever wonder why you sometimes act completely out of character? Those moments when you snap at a coworker or make an impulsive decision that leaves you thinking, "That wasn't like me at all"? This episode dives deep into the hidden emotional for...
•
8:00
Just Kidding with Ben Carruthers
What does it mean when Paul warns against "obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking" in Ephesians 5:4? Contrary to some interpretations, this isn't a blanket prohibition against humor and joy - God clearly has a sense of humor! Just look at the...
•
28:10
#100 - Two Questions for Life {Reflections}
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself who you truly are and what you're really doing here? In our milestone 100th episode of Reflections, we dive deep into these two deceptively simple questions that have the power to transform your entire life...
•
10:14
The Resurrection of the Dead and Why We Can Trust the Gospels with Pastor Ryan Braley
What if the most extraordinary claim in human history—that a man died and rose from the grave—was actually true? And what if we could examine the evidence for this claim the same way we evaluate any other historical document?The Gospels...
•
37:56
#99 - Should Christians Drink? Exploring Faith's Gray Areas {Reflections}
Ever found yourself wondering about the boundaries of Christian living? In this thought-provoking episode, Ryan tackles the frequently asked question "Should Christians drink alcohol?" – but quickly reveals that the real issue runs much deeper ...
•
10:34
#98 - Kill Your Guru: The Journey from Dependency to Maturity {Reflections}
Growing pains aren't just physical – they're relational too. That moment when you realize someone doesn't need you the way they once did can be simultaneously heartbreaking and beautiful.Ryan opens up about watching his 21-year-old son ...
•
7:56
Before the Beginning Begins with Pastor Ryan Braley
What if the most profound theological concept in Christianity was actually an invitation to the most beautiful relationship in existence? When a community member asked "What is the Trinity?", it opened the door to exploring not just a doctrine,...
•
37:59
#97 - What Happens When You Die? Part 3 {Reflections}
Ever been told that heaven is just floating on clouds and playing harps for eternity? A young confirmation student once confessed to me that this common image was exactly why she didn't want to affirm her faith. "I just don't want to sit on a c...
•
11:22
The End, and How It All Connects with Pastor Ryan Braley
The resurrection of Jesus stands as the bedrock of our hope, promising that no matter what chaos surrounds us, we will ultimately be okay. This powerful conclusion to our Philippians series reveals how Christ functions as the cosmic glue bindin...
•
32:38
.jpg)
#96 - What Happens When You Die? Part 2 {Reflections}
Death touches us all, prompting the universal question: what happens when we die? As someone who conducts many funerals, I've sat with countless families grappling with this mystery. While no living person has empirical evidence, Scripture offe...
•
11:00
Joy Anyway, through the Ups and Downs with Sonja Knutson
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" These words, penned by the Apostle Paul from a Roman prison cell, stand as either the most audacious command in scripture or the most profound key to unlocking a life of genuine joy. W...
•
18:33
#95 - What Happens When You Die? Part 1 {Reflections}
Death comes for us all, but what follows remains shrouded in mystery. Drawing from ancient wisdom found in Ecclesiastes, we explore one of the most profound questions humans face: what happens when we die?The Book of Ecclesiastes offers...
•
5:10
Rubbish to Righteousness with Ben Carruthers
Where do you find your joy? Is it in delicious food, exciting vacations, meaningful relationships, or good health? These sources of happiness seem natural—but what happens when they're taken away?In this eye-opening exploration of Phili...
•
32:08
Spiritual but Not Religious? {Reflections}
Ever caught yourself nodding along when someone says, "I'm spiritual but not religious"? This reflexive distinction has become commonplace in our culture, but what are we really saying when we make this claim?Ryan dives deep into this m...
•
6:28
Phronesis and Other Unpronounceable Miracles with Pastor Ryan Braley
What glasses are you wearing? How we view reality fundamentally shapes everything about our lives – our choices, our relationships, our definition of "the good life." In this illuminating exploration of Philippians 2, we dive deep into the anci...
•
34:07
Holy Places: Rethinking Sacred Geography in Modern Faith {Reflections}
Have you ever wondered what makes a place truly sacred? Ryan explores the fascinating contrast between ancient beliefs about holy places and a more personal understanding of sacred spaces.Throughout history and across religious traditio...
•
5:06
Can't Lose with Pastor Ryan Braley
What if I told you that regardless of your circumstances, you simply cannot lose? That's the radical truth Paul communicates from his prison cell to the Philippian church. Looking at a man who's been beaten, shipwrecked, starved, rejected, and ...
•
31:11
Two Roads: Choosing Softness or Hardness {Reflections}
Have you ever wondered if there's more to spiritual conviction than just feeling bad about your sins? That nagging feeling might actually be an invitation to something deeper and more transformative.Taking you on a journey from my Chris...
•
8:16
Intro to Joy with Sonja Knutson
Discover the radical counterculture of joy through the lens of Philippians, a letter penned by a man awaiting possible execution. Pastoral Associate Sonja Knutson launches our new sermon series "Joy Anyway" by unpacking why this brief 104-verse...
•
16:47
Rediscovering Sacred Space {Reflections}
Ever wonder if we've lost something vital in our modern rush to demystify the world? Ryan explores one of the most fascinating paradoxes in spiritual history: how ancient Israelites built an ornate temple for God, only to realize that no buildi...
•
7:24
Home: A Father’s Day Sermon with Pastor Ryan Braley
"Does anybody really love me?" It's a question that echoes in the depths of our hearts. For those who grew up without a father—or with complicated father relationships—this question carries extra weight, especially on Father's Day.Growi...
•
37:46
The Chaos Inside Us {Reflections}
Have you ever wondered why spiritual clarity often follows periods of inner turmoil? In this reflective episode, we explore the powerful story of Elijah from 1 Kings—a narrative that perfectly captures the spiritual rollercoaster many of us exp...
•
7:34
Rhythm: Celebration with Pastor Ryan Braley
What if celebration isn't just something we do when life is going well, but a spiritual discipline we need to cultivate intentionally? In this eye-opening exploration of sacred celebration, we discover that God actually commanded his people to ...
•
31:39
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...
•
6:48
