In this episode of Anchored in Christ, we sit down with Dane Hale to explore the profound shift from "performance-based" Christianity to the "Divine Service."

Dane shares his journey from an evangelical background to the Lutheran faith, discussing the moment he realized that church shouldn't be a consumer-driven experience or a "distraction-free" environment, but a filling station where we are fed by the Word and Sacrament. We also dive into the vital importance of generational worship, why having our children in the pews with us matters for their formation, even when it’s a struggle.

If you’ve ever felt like you were on a spiritual treadmill or wondered if there was more to church than just "checking boxes," this conversation is for you.

Support the Podcast: https://www.anchoredpod.org/

Pastor Curt Hoover and Doug Hannah tackle a tough question: Is watching church online actually the same as being there?

The conversation dives deep into the Lutheran distinction between "Word and Sacrament", explaining why you can receive the Gospel through a screen, but you cannot receive the True Presence of Christ’s body and blood in the Holy Supper.

We also confront the modern trend of "convenience Christianity," the "gross-out factor" of John 6, and why your faith shouldn't be dictated by your feelings.

Scripture References:

Hebrews 10:25

John 6

Learn more about the podcast at: https://www.anchoredpod.org/

What is the season of Epiphany, and why does the church calendar matter in modern life?

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In this episode of Anchored in Christ, Pastor Curt Hoover and Doug Hannah broadcast from the sanctuary of Faith Lutheran Church near Nashville, TN. They dive deep into the "rhythms" of the church year, exploring why these ancient traditions aren't just window dressing—they are tools for comfort, unity, and focus.

We also discuss the "pastor’s uniform" (and why it’s better than expensive sneakers), how to "see" Jesus with your ears, and how the message of Epiphany cures the post-Christmas blues.

If Jesus was perfect and had no sin, why did He need to be baptized?

In this episode of Anchored in Christ, Pastor Curt Hoover and Doug Hannah dive into Matthew 3 to explore the theological concept of "The Great Exchange." Is baptism just an empty symbol ora public display of our own decision? Or is it a sacrament where God actually does the work?

We discuss how Jesus stepped into the Jordan River not to be cleansed, but to take on our filth and leave us His righteousness. We also tackle the common fears and questions surrounding baptism:

Does water baptism actually save you?

Infant baptism vs. "Believer’s Baptism."

The danger of "despising" God’s gift vs. struggling with sin.

Finding objective comfort in God's promises when you don't "feel" saved.

Whether you are new to the faith or have been in church your whole life, this conversation will help you find rest in the finished work of Christ.

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CHAPTERS:

0:00 - We are on video now!

1:35 - What does God expect? (Law vs. Gospel)

2:30 - The Great Exchange: Does baptism actually do anything?

5:10 - Why was a perfect Jesus baptized?

8:35 - Baptism: God's work, not ours

13:15 - The comfort of "The Great Exchange."

15:40 - Does grace give us a license to sin?

20:15 - Finding assurance when you doubt

SUPPORT THE MISSION: If this content has comforted you, please consider supporting the podcast. Every gift helps us keep the lights on and the cameras rolling. 👉 Give here: http://anchoredpod.org

In this episode, Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover discuss why we feel so exhausted by New Year's resolutions. We look at the "American Gospel" of self-improvement and moralism, and contrast it with the story of the 12-year-old Jesus, who wasn't focused on self-help, but was resolute about his Father's business.

We also discuss the film My Dinner with Andre, the spiritual danger of "sleepwalking" through life, and share a powerful story about a dying man who finally found peace in true forgiveness.

In this episode, we cover:

• Intro: We are finally on video

• Are we "sleepwalking" through life? (My Dinner with Andre)

• The problem with New Year's Resolutions vs. Being "Resolute"

• Jesus at 12 Years Old: Seeking Wisdom vs. Smarts

• Law vs. Gospel: Why the "American Gospel" is exhausting

• Why Baptism and Communion are gifts, not "rituals"

• A Dying Man’s Confession: A story of total forgiveness

• How to rest in Christ this year

About Anchored in Christ: Anchored in Christ is a podcast dedicated to finding rest in the finished work of Jesus. Hosted by Doug Hannah and Pastor Kurt Hoover, we explore theology, culture, and what it means to live as Christians in a world that demands we do everything ourselves.

Share this clip with a friend who needs rest!

If Anchored in Christ has been a blessing to you, would you consider helping us continue into the new year? Your year-end gift, no matter the amount, makes a difference. Visit anchoredpod.org to give.

And for more about our church, visit faithlutheran-tn.org

As 2025 ends, Doug and Pastor Curt reflect on death...not to be morbid, but to explore the kind of peace that only comes from knowing Christ. From deeply personal stories of friends passing into eternity, to reflections on what really matters as you approach your final days, this conversation is tender, hopeful, and unflinchingly honest.

You’ll hear about a beloved friend who spent her final hours ministering to others, even leading someone to Christ from her hospice bed. You’ll also hear why Jesus’ words...not our performance...must be what we cling to at the very end.

This episode isn’t about fear or guilt. It’s about rest. Real, gospel-rooted rest in the face of mortality.

If Anchored in Christ has been a blessing to you, would you consider helping us continue into the new year? Your year-end gift, no matter the amount, makes a difference. Visit anchoredpod.org to give.

And for more about our church, visit faithlutheran-tn.org

What if Christmas wasn’t just heartwarming—but necessary?

In this episode of Anchored in Christ, Pastor Curt Hoover and Doug Hannah explore the staggering necessity of the Incarnation. Why did Jesus have to come in the flesh, in such a lowly way? Why the manger? Why the cross? And why is it essential for our joy today to understand how lost we were—and how loved we are?

You’ll hear a bold reframing of the Christmas story that goes beyond sentimentality and speaks directly to the gravity of our condition and the glory of the rescue. As Pastor Curt says: this wasn’t a divine suggestion—it was a rescue mission. And Christmas is not over on December 26th.

• Visit our church: faithlutheran-tn.org

• Get Advent devotions from the LCMS: Advent Devotions 2025

• Help us continue this work: Consider donating to support the podcast at anchoredpod.org

Most Christians know about Advent… kind of. But few really observe it—and fewer still understand what it means for our spiritual lives. In this episode of Anchored in Christ, Pastor Curt Hoover and Doug Hannah unpack what Advent actually is, how it’s been part of the Church’s life for over 1,600 years, and why it’s more than just a warm-up act for Christmas.

They explore the deep theological richness of this season—its roots in the Old Testament, its future-looking hope, and its quiet call to repentance and reflection. If you’ve ever wondered whether Advent was “just a Catholic thing,” this conversation will reframe everything.

You’ll also hear:

• Why Advent isn’t technically part of the Christmas season

• How waiting shapes the Christian life

• What it means that Jesus comes to us in three ways

• How the devil spent 4,000 years watching and waiting

• Simple, practical ways to observe Advent at home or with your church

• Why skipping Advent might actually rob you of joy

📖 Recommended Resource:

https://resources.lcms.org/worship-planning/advent-devotions-2025/

For more about Pastor Curt’s church, visit faithlutheran-tn.org.

As always, visit anchoredpod.org to hear past episodes, subscribe, or send us a note.

🙏 We’re grateful for your support. If this podcast has been meaningful to you, would you consider helping us keep it going? You can donate at anchoredpod.org. And if you’re unable to give, your prayers and shares mean just as much. Thank you.