Coram Deo in Bloomington, IL

Available Sectionals:

Act Like Men

Rev. Paul Nus
That’s in the Bible. God said it, through His Apostle, writing to one of His churches (1 Cor. 16:13). And no, he was not talking to women or girls. Manhood and womanhood are God’s design. They’re different—they’re not interchangeable. The United States Marines aren’t the only ones who need “a few good men.” So does the Church, and all of society. And every family needs at least one. Are you ready to step up to the plate? Pastor Nus serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Millersburg, IA and Calvary Lutheran Church in Deep River, IA.

Am I Still Important If I’m Not a Minister of Anything?

Rev. Dr. Ron Bogs
Youth Minister, Music Minister, Children’s Minster, T-shirt-Selling Minister. Are we all ministers? What is my role or job as a young Christian who has not been ordained? Peter says, “You are a royal priesthood,” so am I a priest? But aren’t priests Catholic? In this sectional we will learn about the Biblical vocabulary that will help us to understand our roles, our vocations, and even our callings from God which will reaffirm our life’s spiritual validity! Pastor Bogs serves St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Westfield in Houston, TX.

Amos: False Worship Leads to Hating Your Neighbor

Rev. David Ramirez
When God sends Amos to preach, He is not just angry that the Israelites are treating each other poorly. Like a master physician, God diagnoses the root problem—unbelief. False doctrine and false worship have led the people astray. The Lord roars out His Law, telling us to despair of our idolatrous self-righteousness. Yet the Lion of Judah also promises salvation and gives hope to the house of David—and to us. Come and learn about Amos. Pastor Ramirez serves Zion Lutheran Church in Lincoln, IL.

Answering Critics of the Scriptures

Rev. Jacob Ehrhard
In a class on the Bible, the professor asks, “Where did your Bible come from?” Can you answer? Another teacher claims the Christian faith isn’t trustworthy because it comes from a Bible that was put together by vote. He says there are other gospels and epistles that got left out. Is he right? In this sectional, find out how we came to have the books we do in the Bible and how to defend against accusations that you can’t trust the Bible. Pastor Ehrhard serves Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Dwight, IL.

Armed for Battle: Spiritual Nerfguns vs. Spiritual Bazookas

Rev. Paul Beisel
Ever wondered why your pastor is so picky about music? Or why he prefers that you sing hymns—even at youth group events? Not all Christian hymns and songs are created equal. Some are spiritual Nerfguns, and some are spiritual Bazookas. Many are fun to sing. They may not even contain false teaching! But, in a battle, they do about as much damage to the Enemy as a Nerfgun. We’ll discuss the value of Lutheran hymns in spiritual warfare. Pastor Beisel serves Immanuel Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls, IA.

Can Confessional Lutherans Do That? Using the Guitar in Church

Rev. Dr. Fred Baue
You’ll see a demonstration of how to play the guitar in church using traditional hymns and liturgies. That means we’ll do some singing—so bring your conference worship book! Our teacher, a classical guitarist, is a recording artist and recently completed writing a guitar accompaniment edition of the services in Lutheran Service Book. Pastor Baue serves Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL.

Christ on Campus: Campus Ministry – Just Add Water (Adults)

Rev. Marcus Zill
Have a college near you? Would you like to learn how to begin a campus ministry outreach at a local college on a shoestring budget? Get some help getting started from those who do it full-time. This sectional is designed to be tailored to your specific campus situation and provide practical help and support. Pastor Zill serves St Andrew’s Lutheran Church and Campus Center in Laramie, WY. He is the Christ on Campus Executive for Higher Things and the CCV Manager for Coram Deo—Illinois.

Christ-Types in the Old Testament

Rev. Stan Temme
“Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself,” (Luke 24:27). What did Jesus point out to them from the Old Testament? Maybe the Messianic Prophecies. Or maybe Old Testament types—the people, institutions, and events that foreshadowed Jesus and His work. Find out what a type is and explore some examples. And hear how those types are fulfilled in the New Testament. Pastor Temme serves Lake George Lutheran Chapel in Fremont, IA.

Christians in Cyberspace!

Rev. Alan Kornacki, Jr.
The Internet is a wonderful tool, especially for social media. But we do not cease to be Christians on the ’net. We will discuss social media in light of the Eighth Commandment, especially when it comes to loving our neighbors online. How does being a Christian affect our time in cyberspace? And what do you do when you realize your online life has been sinful? Pastor Kornacki serves St. Peter Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill, IL.

Consumed by Addictions

Rev. Dr. David Balla
We usually think of alcohol and drugs when we think of addictions. But what happens when porn, Facebook, relationships, gambling, risky behavior, or anything else that takes over and interferes with our lives. It isn’t easy to say no and walk away, nor can you on your own. We’ll hear how Jesus gives the freedom so that we won’t be entrapped. Pastor Balla serves Trinity Lutheran Church in West Chicago, IL.

Crazy Uncle Zeke is Seeing Things Again!

Rev. Duane Bamsch
Do UFOs, rattling skeletons and piles of poo have anything to do with the Gospel? The prophet Ezekiel thought so! Join us for a quick trip to Babylon for some of the weird things Ezekiel saw and did there to remind God’s people of His promises, even when they were far from home. Pastor Bamsch serves Evangelists Lutheran Church in Kingsbury, TX and is the Catechesis Coordinator for Higher Things Conferences.

Creation, Catechism, and Creed

Rev. Blake Rickbeil
The presence of the Triune God, the order of creation, the Fall into sin, the first sacrifice, the first Gospel, God’s law, and the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—all of that and much more is packed into the first four chapters of Genesis. In this sectional, Pr. Rickbeil will help us unpack some of the treasures God presents at the very beginning of the Bible. Pastor Rickbeil serves St. Paul and Trinity Lutheran Churches in Bertha and Hewitt, MN.

Dating, Relationships, and THAT

Rev. George Borghardt
Young love. The butterflies. The long conversations in text and on the phone. Holding hands. Cooties. And then, there’s THAT—you know—that thing that God wants only in marriage. How do you know he’s the one for you? How do you know she is? What’s the Bible say? This sectional will take a look at dating, relationships, and THAT too. Pastor Borghardt serves Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in McHenry, IL and is the Conference and Deputy Executive of Higher Things.

Dead People Don’t Rise

Rev. Kirk Clayton
Isn’t Christianity really about a 2,000-year-old dead dude whose body was stolen and whose disciples lied about to make a lasting name for themselves? Why is one dead guy more important than other dead guys? And dead people just don’t come back to life. Are you prepared to “give an answer for the hope you have in you” when you are challenged? Come and learn of the confidence we Christians have in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pastor Clayton serves Zion Lutheran Church in Mascoutah, IL.

Divine Inception

Rev. Rich Heinz
With the blessed repetition of His Gifts, the Lord plants His Word in your hearts and minds. No need for a technological device to enter into your dreams; He is able to call, gather, enlighten, and sanctify you through His holy liturgy. The results of His gifts then carry over into your entire life. Explore connections from the hit movie, Inception, to open discussions with others about God’s reality, which is very different from the world. (And don’t forget your “totem” of Christ crucified and risen, given to you at Baptism!) Pastor Heinz serves St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL and is the Coram Deo Worship Coordinator.

Doomsday 2012?

Rev. Stephen Kieser
Will 2012 usher in the end of the world? Have you heard what some people are saying about the Mayan calendar? We’ll talk about their beliefs and culture. Most importantly, we’ll find out what the Bible says about the end of time—and what difference Jesus makes as we wait for His return. Pastor Kieser serves Zion Lutheran Church near Storm Lake, IN.

Eustace Coram Leo: Rebirth in the Chronicles of Narnia

Rev. James DeLoach
Which Narnian character most resembles you? Prince Caspian? Lucy? Edmund? What about Eustace, who was changed into a dragon because of his selfishness and ferocious greed? Do you remember what happened to Eustace when he came before Aslan (i.e., coram Leo)? Hint: It also happened to YOU coram Deo! Come discover how you became “just”, like Eustace. Pastor DeLoach serves Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney, NE.

Feminist, Fundamentalist, Or...?

Ms. Sandra Ostapowich
Submit, obey, be quiet. Don’t cut your hair. Don’t wear makeup. Don’t wear jewelry. Cover up. There are a lot of instructions for women in the Bible, and we really don’t like most, if not all, of them. If we rebel against them, we’re feminists. If we follow them blindly, we’re fundamentalists. So what’s the Lutheran perspective on these passages? Bring your Bibles and your questions to this frank discussion of all those verses we love to hate. Sandra Ostapowich is a member of University Lutheran Chapel in Minneapolis, MN and is the Conference Coordinator for Higher Things.

Finding Comfort in Difficult Times: The Hymns of Paul Gerhardt

Dr. Jon Eifert
Pastor Paul Gerhardt lived through wars, plagues, and severe doctrinal trials. Yet this great Lutheran hymn writer did not leave us with hymns of sorrow and grief; instead, his hymns point us to the cross of Christ during our times of trouble. Find out a bit about the man and come to study—and sing—these great hymns that speak so eloquently to our world today. Dr. Eifert is Music Director at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, and was organist for Coram Deo—Las Vegas.

From Google to Gaga: Spiritual Language in Pop Culture

Rev. Michael Schuermann
Pop culture has increasingly begun to speak with a spiritual vocabulary. Trouble is, pop culture isn’t always very religious (let alone Christian!). How do you filter through all the noise to tell whether the message is in line with Scriptural Truth? How can you discuss with your friends the actual messages being conveyed? We’ll take a look at today’s entertainers, from Gaga to Bieber and more, and filter their message through the lens of Scripture.  Pastor Schuermann serves Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Dallas, TX.

God’s Views on Premarital Sex and Cohabitation

Rev. Don Meyer
Pre-marital sex and cohabitation (yeah, that’s living together) have both become normal and even expected for relationships. After all, this is the 21st century! Some churches and pastors even say sex outside of marriage isn’t necessarily a sin. What does God say? Can sex outside of marriage really damage emotions, harm our spiritual well-being, or create physical dangers? In this sectional, we’ll explore all that and more. Pastor Meyer serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Marcus, IA.

H2O: Ordinary and Extraordinary

Rev. Paul Mumme
Water. Common. Ordinary. Abundant. Even in Holy Scripture, water is everywhere. Covering earth. Being parted. Flowing from rocks. Naaman’s skin. Jonah’s grave. Cana’s wine. Jesus’ spit. Living water. Quenching thirst. Sprinkling hearts. Cleansing the Bride. It even caused a foreigner to exclaim: “See, here is water!” What’s so extraordinary about water? Dive in, take a swim in God’s words and promises, and learn how your Lord uses water for your good! Pastor Mumme serves Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bolingbrook, IL.

How Hollywood Views Christianity

Rev. Klemet Preus
For over thirty years Hollywood has been making movies that make it seem as though Christians are stupid, ugly, hypocritical or downright bad. And most of the time we either put up with it or don’t even recognize it’s happening. Pastor Preus will show you some film clips and teach you how to be more aware of the ways Hollywood is trying to change your attitude toward both Christianity and your Christian pastors. Pastor Preus serves Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN and is a past President of the Higher Things Board of Directors.

I Got the Organ to Turn On. Now What?

Mr. Chris Loemker
We’ll discuss the primary function of the organist—leading congregational song. Learn how to register the instrument for hymn-singing as well as tips to help you highlight the rich texts that we sing. Organists and those interested in playing will especially enjoy this sectional. Chris Loemker is a member of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Freeburg, IL and serves as organist at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL. He is the Organist for Coram Deo—Illinois and serves on the Higher Things Board of Directors.

I Have Questions about Suicide

Rev. Peter Preus
Why do some people, including some Christians, yearn to end their lives? Is suicide an unforgivable sin? How does it fit into a Biblical understanding of sin and grace? And how do you care for people who are hopeless, distressed, and maybe even suicidal? In this sectional, Pastor Preus will help you sort through your questions about suicide. Pastor Preus serves Lutheran Church of the Triune God in Brooklyn Center, MN.

Is God Against Me? The Theology of the Cross

Rev. Kim Scharff
What if things don’t work out? What if I don’t win? When will the pain stop? What if I don’t see any reason to go on? The Theology of the Cross forces us to look at life honestly, as Dr. Luther put it, “...to call a thing what it actually is.” But in that same Theology of the Cross we find the comfort of the God who loves us in Jesus Christ and the hope we need to live each day coram Deo. Pastor Scharff serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Norborne, MO.

Jesus and Genesis on Creation

Rev. Dr. Joel Heck
In this sectional, we will look at the biblical evidence for the doctrine of creation from both Old and New Testaments, especially the first chapter of Genesis, which may be called “a divine signature” since the hand of God seems especially evident in this chapter. A look at the New Testament shows that many of the writers also mention creation. This sectional will look at the nature of their comments about creation. Dr. Heck teaches C. S. Lewis, History, and Old and New Testament at Concordia University Texas.

Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes

Rev. Jeff Pflug
More than ten million Arabic-speaking Christians possess a rich heritage, rooted in the traditions of the Middle East. We’ll borrow their spectacles to see how the woman caught in adultery was never meant for stoning. This look at John 8:1-11 will note how our Lord Jesus humiliates powerful people on their own turf, yet He neither condemns the woman nor overlooks her self-destructive lifestyle. Instead, walking the razor’s edge, He says, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and do not sin again.” Pastor Pflug serves Faith Lutheran Church in Madison, IN.

Long Neck Bottle: A Lutheran View of Alcoholism’s Impact

Rev. Bruce Scarbeary
In this sectional, Pastor Scarbeary—who has some personal experience with the effects of alcoholism—will lead you to explore the impact that addiction has on family and friends dynamics. Learn what the Word of God proclaims about the hope, healing, and comfort Christ brings to these broken relationships. Pastor Scarbeary serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Roanoke, IL.

Love Wins? Bell’s Hell

Mr. Chris Rosebrough
Maybe you’ve heard about Rob Bell’s view of hell. Is he a faithful teacher of God’s Word or does he teach a form of universalism? And what exactly is his “gospel”? We’ll compare and contrast Rob Bell’s teachings to the Bible and see if the doctrine in Love Wins, Velvet Elvis and his Nooma videos square with the Scriptures and the Church's confession from its beginning. Chris Rosebrough is the Treasurer for the Higher Things Board of Directors and is the President (Captain) of Pirate Christian Radio.

Me? Play the Organ? How Do I Even Get This Thing to Turn On?

Mr. Chris Loemker
Learn the basics about the organ—from how to find the ‘on’ switch, to the fundamentals about manual and pedal keyboards. You’ll also learn how the instrument makes its noise. This sectional is for anyone interested in learning more about the organ. Chris Loemker is a member of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Freeburg, IL and serves as organist at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL. He is the Organist for Coram Deo—Illinois and serves on the Higher Things Board of Directors.

Media Input

Rev. David Emmons
We are constantly being influenced by “input” from the world around us. What are we being taught? Do you even think about it? Can you identify the various worldviews that might be influencing you? We’ll consider some of your favorite TV shows, movies, and books. What are they about and what are they trying to teach you? What do they lead you to feel or to think? We’ll learn to examine media input through Scripture and the Confessions. Pastor Emmons serves Zion and Immanuel Lutheran Churches in Turtle Lake, WI.

Mormonism Exposed!

Rev. Brent Kuhlman
WARNING! What you’ll learn in this breakaway might just shock you! You’ve seen them walking or riding their bikes. Perhaps they’ve knocked on your door and even been in your livingroom. Mormon missionaries! Are Mormons Christians? What do Mormons really believe? About God? Jesus? Salvation? And what’s that they’re wearing under their clothes? And why? Come find out. Pastor Kuhlman serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Murdock, NE. He is the Vice-President of the Higher Things Board of Directors and a Plenary Teacher for the Coram Deo conferences.

Music is for Sissies

Dr. Jon Eifert
Well, not really. But in this sectional we’ll begin to look at ways that organists can improvise and depart from what’s written on the page. Useful strategies will be given for re-harmonizing hymns as well as presenting you with the building blocks to start coming up with your own service music. Chris Loemker is a member of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Freeburg, IL and serves as organist at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL. He is the Organist for Coram Deo—Illinois and serves on the Higher Things Board of Directors.

Peyote or Real Presence: Native American vs. Lutheran Worship

Rev. Ricky Jacob
Find out how the Native American Church worships. No, we won’t be ingesting any peyote. But we will consider the differences between the Native American Church and Lutheran worship. If Martin Luther had inherited their service, what would he have retained and what would he have omitted? Native Americans sometimes say that white men go to church to talk about God, but they go to church to talk to God. Why do you go to church? Pastor Jacob is called by the Nebraska District of the LCMS as Missionary-at-Large to the Winnebago Tribe.

Something to Remember: Taking God’s Word to Heart

Rev. Nathan Sherrill
Ever memorized lines from a movie? How about all those trite childhood jingles: “I see London I see France...” When your mom gets cancer or your dad dies in Afghanistan, will movie lines comfort you? When you leave home and deal with major challenges, will you will lean on childish ways? No, but you will build on childhood foundations. And if you have known the Holy Scriptures from infancy, you will be well-prepared to meet whatever comes your way. Pastor Sherrill serves St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, IA.

Staying Connected to the Faith

Mr. John Zimmerman
Headed to college soon? Have you thought about what student groups you are going to join during your college years? Where can you find people who share your faith and will encourage you? Where do you go to receive your Lord’s Word, Body, and Blood? Come and learn about Christ on Campus and Lutheran Student Fellowship chapters. Mr. Zimmerman is on the staff of Western Illinois University and is the Faculty/Staff Advisor for Immanuel Lutheran Student Center in Macomb, IL.

Stem Cell Research and Cloning: Promise or Peril?

Rev. Dr. James Lamb
There’s a lot of hype these days about curing diseases with stem cells. Are we? How does cloning fit in? Can we clone a human being? Have we? Can Christians favor such things? Come and learn some easy-to-understand basics on stem cell research and cloning. What’s more, we will do so from a Biblical perspective centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dr. Lamb is the Executive Director of Lutherans for Life in Nevada, IA.

Taking the “Crisis” Out of Crisis Pregnancy

Mrs. Amy Beisel
Crisis pregnancy centers (also called Caring Pregnancy Centers) are springing up nationwide in an attempt to reverse the effects and widespread acceptance of abortion. Many have developed in direct opposition to abortion clinics in the area. What is the role and function of a local crisis pregnancy center? How could you help out a pregnancy center in your area? We will answer these questions and more. Mrs. Beisel is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls and serves on the Board of Directors for The Lighthouse Center of Hope in Iowa Falls, IA.

Talking about Homosexuality in a Tolerant World

Rev. Len Astrowski
How do you explain your Biblical concerns about homosexuality (and all sexual sin for that matter) to unbelievers? We’ll explore how to use logical tools with those who do not believe the truth of God’s Word. We’ll also discuss what the Bible says about sexual sin, why God has given us sex, and what help Christ’s forgiveness offers all those struggling with sexual sins. Pastor Astrowski serves Grace Lutheran Church in Fairgrove, MI.

Talking to Your Non-Lutheran Friends about Jesus

Rev. Mark Buetow
Ever heard this from your non-Lutheran (but Christian) friends? “It doesn’t matter what you believe about the little stuff. What matters is that we all believe in Jesus?” What do you say to that? Come learn how every little teaching is actually connected to Jesus. You’ll also learn how to talk to your non-Lutheran friends about Baptism, Communion and any other topic where they disagree—and to do so on the basis of Jesus and the Word of God. Pastor Buetow serves Bethel Lutheran Church in DuQuoin, IL and is the Media Executive for Higher Things.

Teenage Wasteland: You Are Not a Product!

Rev. Karl Hess
You come into this world with flesh and blood, barf and snot, quirks and neuroses, and a complicated family. You’re not easy to package, because you’re a person, not a product. But people want a packaged-you, with all your unsightly weaknesses and emotional baggage airbrushed and medicated away. How can you form real relationships like that? Does anyone make time for you if you can’t market yourself? Yes—Jesus, who bought you with His blood when there was nothing appealing about you. Pastor Hess serves St. Peter Lutheran Church in Joliet, IL.

The Best and Worst YouTubes Ever

Rev. Robert Weinkauf
Well, maybe not the best and worst ever. But in this sectional, we’ll watch YouTube examples that will engage issues of faith and worship—and help us understand why we worship as we do and why we believe teach and confess as we do. Pastor Weinkauf serves Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Basehor, KS.

The Book of Revelation—from God's Point of View

Rev. John Drosendahl
Everybody seems to have their own “interpretation” of Revelation. But not Lutherans. Come learn how this revelation of our Lord and Savior should be viewed from God's perspective, since it’s His revelation to us! We’ll explore how God sent this book through John—as poetry, apocalyptic literature, eschatological literature, and from an Eastern mindset. And we’ll let other Scriptures interpret this word of God so that Jesus' revelation becomes clearer to us! Pastor Drosendahl serves two churches in eastern NC: Peace Lutheran in Goldsboro and Our Redeemer in Wilson. He is the Catechist for Coram Deo—Atlanta.

The Fatal Flaws of Darwinism

Rev. Dr. Joel Heck
This sectional looks at the fatal flaws of Darwinian evolution, such as the complexity of DNA and the existence of live “fossils,” along with some of the evidence for a young earth. The sectional also looks at the nature of mutations, the distortion of the evidence by evolutionists, and some geological facts. Dr. Heck teaches C. S. Lewis, History, and Old and New Testament at Concordia University Texas.

True Love – What is It?

Rev. Mark Eddy
Everyone loves love. Some people are in love with love—romantic love, that is. But when the Scriptures talk about love, they’re seldom talking about our relationship with that special guy or girl. What does the Bible mean by true love? Is it a feeling or a way of life? How does it differ from others things that we call “love”? Learn what true love is from the Inventor of love: God. And have Him bring true love into your life—whether or not you have a boyfriend or girlfriend. Pastor Eddy serves Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Taylor Ridge, IL.

What Does That Mean? Those Strange Liturgical Terms

Rev. Keith GeRue
You’ve heard all the strange terms your pastor uses—words like Invocation, Confession, Kyrie, Gloria in Excelsis, and Eucharist. Have you ever wondered what all they mean? What about the clothing the Pastor wears? Does it make sense to you? We’ll discuss that and much more in this sectional. Pastor GeRue serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Girard, IL.

What the Media Won’t Tell You about Islam

Rev. Christian Tiews
Muslims live all around us. You may know some. After all, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, is expanding quickly, and has a major influence on world affairs. In this sectional, you’ll find out about Muslim beliefs (their holy books, prophets, and hadith), Muslim practices (the Five Pillars), Islam’s worst enemies, and how to share Christ with Muslims. Pastor Tiews serves Grace Lutheran Church in Tulsa, OK.

When Should I Get Married? Why Not Now?

Rev. William Foy
So you think you are in love and you would like to get married, but all the “wise” people say you should wait. Wait for what and why? Will you be more ready for marriage in a few years? What makes you think so? Let’s talk about early marriage, its advantages, and its Scriptural foundation. We’ll bust some myths about the waiting game. Hey, young men, do you have the courage to talk commitment? Young ladies, this is your hour of power! Pastor Foy serves Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, IN.