Anchored In Christ
In a time marked by spiritual confusion and experience-driven worship, the distinct voice of confessional Lutheranism is often lost amid the noise of modern evangelical culture. Many—even lifelong Christians—have never encountered the biblical clarity, theological depth, and enduring comfort offered by the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Anchored in Christ exists to bridge that gap. This podcast presents the core teachings of confessional Lutheranism in a format that’s both engaging and accessible. Through thoughtful conversation, scriptural teaching, and real-life application, Anchored in Christ introduces listeners to the unique theological and pastoral strengths of the LCMS. It’s not just another Christian podcast—it’s a clear, compassionate, and uncompromising proclamation of Christ crucified for sinners, set against the backdrop of today’s theological trends. ⸻ Why It Matters The LCMS has long been committed to faithfully confessing the Gospel, but its distinctiveness is often misunderstood or overlooked—especially in a landscape shaped by the influence of big-box churches and decision-centered spirituality. Anchored in Christ invites listeners to rediscover what makes Lutheran theology both rich and deeply comforting: • The centrality of Word and Sacrament in worship • The assurance of a Christ-centered faith, not rooted in personal decision but divine promise • The historical and biblical grounding of doctrines such as justification, vocation, and the means of grace Whether you’re a disillusioned evangelical, a curious seeker, or a lifelong Lutheran looking to go deeper, this podcast offers a fresh, faithful voice grounded in something far older than today’s trends. ⸻ What to Expect Each episode of Anchored in Christ features clear teaching, honest reflection, and accessible conversations rooted in Lutheran theology. Alongside co-hosts Doug Hannah and Rev. Curt Hoover, you’ll hear from pastors, theologians, and lay leaders as they explore how the Gospel speaks into modern questions with ancient wisdom and lasting hope. This is more than just theological talk—it’s a call back to biblical, sacramental, Christ-centered faith. A faith that’s not built on hype or emotion, but on the enduring promises of God.
Episodes
In this powerful Reformation Week episode of Anchored in Christ, Pastor Curt Hoover and Doug Hannah welcome Pastor Andrew Abraham, who shares his incredible journey from the Roman Catholic priesthood to becoming a joyful Lutheran pastor. What makes someone walk away from a lifelong commitment to the Catholic Church? What happens when someone discovers, for the first time, the full sweetness of the gospel?
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After a recent comment by President Trump—“I’m not sure I’m going to make it to heaven”—Doug and Pastor Curt dive into what this reveals about our modern view of salvation, assurance, and the ongoing confusion many Christians experience around grace.
They explore why so many people, even those surrounded by faith communities, live in spiritual insecurity—and why the gospel gives us permission to be confi...
"If you're going with 'good enough,' you ain't going with good enough."
Is the Church just a collection of preferences, or is it something more?
In this candid and powerful episode of Anchored in Christ, Doug Hannah sits down with his pastor, Curt Hoover, to share some of the wise things his pastor says about theological complacency. We are constantly seeking what's easiest, most comfortable, or simply "good enough"—but as Pastor C...
Have we started treating church like a restaurant — switching locations when the service feels off or the “vibe” changes? In this episode, Doug and Pastor Curt Hoover dig into the modern consumer mindset that’s infected how we view the church. Is it ever okay to leave your church? What about when someone hurts you? And how do we discern the difference between real spiritual harm and personal discomfort?
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We live in a time when many churches sound like startups, operate like corporations, and cater to consumers like retail stores. But is that what Jesus meant when He said, “I will build my church”? In this episode, Doug and Pastor Curt ask a bold question: What exactly is a church, anyway?
They explore how American Christianity has drifted toward branding, entertainment, and consumer satisfaction—often at...
What if confessing your sins out loud—yes, out loud—wasn’t just tradition, but a doorway to deeper peace and assurance?
In this episode, Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover talk about the ancient practice of confession and absolution: where it comes from, why it matters, and why it’s more than a “Catholic thing.” With stories from Pastor Curt’s ministry—including a powerful deathbed moment—this episode in...
When we say “church,” what do we actually mean? And why does it matter that you physically show up on Sundays—not just stream a sermon or join a midweek Bible study?
In this episode, Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover dive deep into what’s really happening in church during the Divine Service—and why the Lord’s Supper is not just a symbol, but the actual delivery of God’s gifts to you. From the early chur...
Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover talk honestly about one of the most common struggles in the Christian life: prayer. What if you’re bad at it? What if you don’t feel anything? Is God still listening when you don’t have the words?
This episode dismantles the performance-based pressure we often place on prayer and offers a grace-filled reminder: God is not grading your eloquence. You already have access ...
In this first-ever guest episode of Anchored in Christ, Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover sit down with Pastor Hans Fiene...creator of Lutheran Satire and pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Crestwood, Missouri.
Together, they discuss:
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The origins and impact of Lutheran Satire
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Why so many people are exhausted by American Christianity
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The beaut...
Is Christianity supposed to comfort you… or confront you?
In this somewhat-porchside conversation, Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover unpack one of the most powerful yet often-overlooked teachings in the Bible: the distinction between Law and Gospel. It’s not about Old Testament vs. New Testament—it’s about how God speaks both honesty and hope to sinners.
You’ll hear:
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Wh...
“Baptism… now saves you” (1 Peter 3:21).
For many Christians, that verse is confusing or even ignored. In this episode of Anchored in Christ, Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover dig deep into what Scripture and historic Christianity actually teach about baptism.
They explore why the early Church never questioned God’s work through baptism, how the Reformation ...
Many Christians treat “vocation” like a title or career choice. But authentic calling isn’t about what you do—it’s about how you serve your neighbor in everyday life. In this episode, Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover unpack the biblical teaching on vocation and demonstrate how God works broadly through ordinary people in ordinary jobs—family, friendships, work, and community.
They explore:
What does it mean to be justified—and why does everything depend on it?
In this episode of Anchored in Christ, Doug and Pastor Curt dive deep into the doctrine that Luther called the one on which the Church stands or falls: justification by grace through faith. It’s not a bonus topic—it’s the whole thing.
They explore why so many Christians live as though the...
What happens when church becomes a product instead of a place to die and rise with Christ? In this episode, Doug and Pastor Curt Hoover talk consumerism, church growth models, and what makes a church... actually a church.
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EPISODE 004 – BIG BOX CHRISTIANITY: WHEN CHURCH BECOMES A PRODUCT
Has church become more about attraction than transformation? In this provocative episode, Doug and Pastor Curt Hoover dig deep into the rise of...
Episode 003 – Why the Church Exists: Word, Sacrament, and the Mystery of It All
What if church isn’t about a great speaker, a cool vibe, or a killer music team? What if it’s about something far more ancient—and far more essential?
In this episode of Anchored in Christ, Doug and Pastor Curt explore what the Church is really built on: Word and Sacrament. These aren’t just buzzwords. They’re t...
Exhausted from trying to be a “good Christian”? In Episode 2, Doug and Pastor Curt unpack why the Gospel is a promise we rest in, not a list we strive to complete. If you're worn down by vague spiritual to-do lists or unsure whether you’re doing enough, this episode is for you.
Support the show: https://anchoredpod.org/giving-page
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Full Show Notes
Welcome back to Anchored in Christ, a podcast about clear, Christ-centered faith...
Why are so many disillusioned Christians rediscovering Lutheran theology?
In this debut episode, Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover explore what makes historic Christianity different—and why it matters now.
Support the show: anchoredpod.org/giving-page
Full Show Notes
Welcome to the debut episode of Anchored ...
This isn’t just another Christian podcast—Anchored in Christ exists to introduce you to the heart of the Gospel, through the lens of historic, biblical Lutheran teaching. Today, we’re kicking things off by sharing why this podcast matters, and what you can expect in the weeks ahead
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