CSP President Dr. Brian Friedrich joins Zach to discuss the fragility of higher ed, the future of LCMS universities, innovation in formation, Gen Z’s surprising openness to faith, and why Lutheran education still matters. Visit www.redletterpodcast.com for more.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources to help the church produce greater disciples. Our newest 40-day challenge, Giving Challenge, launched this past Fall — and the results have been incredible.

Churches and individuals are experiencing real joy as they step into the generous life Jesus calls us to. We’ve heard amazing stories already:

• One church received offerings more than double their average for two weeks in a row.
• Another saw more first-time givers than at any point in their history.
• One family increased their giving from 13% to 23%.
• A teenager gave away more than $200 to people in need.
• One woman gave a $20,000 gift to a charity she loves.
• Another family completely rewrote their will through the journey.

And that’s just from the first few months.

If you want a 40-day challenge that not only helps people practice everyday generosity but also helps pastors and church leaders fund the God-sized visions in front of them, it’s time to jump in.

You can find everything — individual copies, church packs, sermon series, small group videos, and more — at www.redlettergiving.com.

With daily readings, weekly sermons, small group videos, and practical challenges rooted in the words of Jesus, the Giving Challenge will equip your community to live with greater joy, gratitude, and impact.

Resources mentioned in the episod

• Concordia University St. Paul
  
  
• Concordia University Nebraska
  
  
• Concordia University Wisconsin
  
  
• Set Apart to Serve (LCMS worker-formation initiative)
  
  
• Voices of the LCMS Videos by Zach Zehnder
  
  
• State of the LCMS Survey (Red Letter Living)

Key insights from the episode

“Higher education is fragile—every institution must diversify revenue, innovate, and stay mission-focused.” – Brian Friedrich
“God’s abundance shows up even in seasons of crisis. We serve under waterfalls of grace.” – Brian Friedrich
“The best thing faculty can do? Build relationships. That’s what keeps students—and forms them.” – Brian Friedrich
“Online education isn’t lesser. Research says the outcomes are equal—and sometimes better.” – Brian Friedrich
“We don’t need either/or thinking in pastoral formation. We need both/and.” – Brian Friedrich
“Concordias can prepare every church worker churches send us. But we can’t create students.” – Brian Friedrich
“Gen Z isn’t the church of tomorrow—they’re the church of today.” – Brian Friedrich
“Only 4–6% of LCMS students attend a Concordia. Imagine the impact if that doubled.” – Brian Friedrich
“Luther points us to Jesus; Jesus points us to the world. That’s why we exist.” – Brian Friedrich
“AI isn’t the enemy. It’s a tool. The question is how we steward it.” – Brian Friedrich

Brian Friedrich’s Challenge of the Week

“Three words from Colossians 3: And be thankful.
Live this week in deep gratitude for God’s abundance.”

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.