What happens when a lifelong Lutheran falls in love with a Catholic woman, moves into the heart of Baptist country, and suddenly has to defend a faith he’s always taken for granted?

For Matthew Gehne, it changed everything.

After growing up as a pastor’s kid, Matthew spent his years in the Marine Corps and college putting his faith on the back burner. But when he met his future wife, Maggie, and began navigating serious theological differences between Lutheranism and Catholicism, he found himself digging deeper into Scripture, church history, and the Lutheran Confessions.

Today, Matthew is using Instagram to make Lutheran theology accessible to a new generation.

In this episode of Red Letter Disciple, Zach Zehnder sits down with Matthew to explore what Lutherans share with Catholics and Baptists, where their beliefs differ, and why those distinctions matter.

They also discuss a growing interest in historic Christianity among young adults, particularly young men. While Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy have developed visible online communities, Matthew believes Lutheranism offers much of what young Christians are searching for, including historic worship, sacramental theology, and deep roots in Scripture.

But are Lutherans doing enough to help people discover it?

Zach and Matthew also discuss how to have charitable conversations across denominational differences, the opportunities and dangers of online theology, and how Hodos and the Lutheran Young Adult Gathering hope to strengthen faith and community among the next generation.

Whether you’re a lifelong Lutheran, a curious Christian, or a church leader trying to reach young adults, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at what makes Lutheran theology distinctive and why it matters today.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Child Beyond International (CBI).

CBI is an incredible global partner that reaches the most vulnerable children in Guatemala. And you can help!  Please prayerfully considering partnering financially with this ministry through child sponsorship. You can make a difference in the life of a child forever

To find out more, go to www.childbeyond.org/rll. 

Resources Mentioned

• Matthew’s Instagram
• Lutheran Young Adult Gathering

Key insights from the episode

• Sometimes you don’t appreciate your faith until you have to defend it. Matthew’s encounters with Catholic and Baptist theology pushed him to rediscover the biblical and historical foundations of Lutheranism.
• Theological convictions and charitable conversations can coexist. Matthew and his wife learned that understanding each other’s beliefs mattered more than winning arguments.
• Lutheranism has something young Christians are searching for. Sacramental theology, historic liturgy, church history, and biblical authority resonate with people looking for something deeper.
• The Lutheran Church has a visibility problem. Matthew believes Catholic and Orthodox voices are reaching online audiences that Lutheran theology could also serve.
• Digital theology should lead to real-life discipleship. Matthew measures success not simply through followers and views, but through meaningful conversations that connect people with local congregations.

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