In this episode of The WISECast, the WISEGuys talk together about how ministry has been working in the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. What we all thought would be just a brief inconvenience has become a months-long disruption with no end in sight. Pastor Scott and Pastor Chuck explore the challenges and even a couple opportunities that have arisen through all this. They also get candid about the strain this has caused.

In this episode of The WISECast, the WISEGuys talk with longtime Western Iowa Synod administrator Kay Broich. They cover her long history in serving under 3 different Bishops, and her ecumenical experience as she continues to engage with the ELCA. But most importantly, together they discuss Kay's personal experience with life as a multi-racial family and the challenges that has created for her and her family in a part of the country that we typically think of as being predominantly white. However, reality is a little different and Kay's perspective is a great benefit for each of us as we seek to learn and improve upon the question of equality. Due to time constraints, the interview with Kay does come to a bit of a brief ending, but The WISEGuys plan to bring her back on in a future episode to continue this important conversation.

In this episode of the WISECast, WISEGuy Pastor Scott spends time talking with the Western Iowa Director of Evangelical Mission (DEM), Pastor Jim Mossman. Pastor Jim is the newest member of the Western Iowa Synod Staff, though his role in unique as he is actually a Churchwide employee deployed in the Western Iowa Synod. Pastor Jim shares his history and past ministry work and how that is informing the work that he is undertaking within the synod.

In this episode of the WISECast, the WISEGuys talk with the Western Iowa Synod Assistant to the Bishop, the Rev Dr Mike Kroona. Pastor Mike shares insights into his role and duties in this synodical call. Together they also explore the ways that Pastor Mike's role connects to the church at the local and global level.

In this episode of The WISECast, the WISEGuys sit down across the digital desk with Western Iowa Synod Bishop Lorna Halaas. She shares her personal history and experience in the Western Iowa Synod, her election experience, and her work as Bishop within the synod. This episode was recorded remotely in the midst of social distancing due to COVID-19.

In this special episode of The WISECast, the WISEGuys each share a reflection and response and message as we all attempt to adjust to the unknowns surrounding us with concerns over the Corona-Virus. Pastor Scott's reflection doubles along with his personal podcast, which you'll hear at the beginning and ending of his portion. Then Pastor Chuck shares a message as well. May God watch over us all in these troubling times.

In this episode of The WISECast, the WISEGuys pose the question "what does a pastor do all day?" Contrary to popular belief, they DO work more than just one hour on Sundays. In order to gain some insight, they speak with 3 different pastors, with each sharing some of their day to day activities. While there are some things that carry over, more often than not its the unexpected things that really begin to dominate a pastor's day. *Please note, as this podcast continues to grow and develop, the WISEGuys are experimenting with different recording equipment, resulting in different sound levels and quality at different points. They mention this about midway through this particular episode.*

In this episode of The WISECast, the WISEGuys explore the connections between faith and the farming lifestyle. They each sit down with individuals who have connections into farming. Together they discuss changes in farming over the past several decades, things that can be controlled and things that have to be left up to God. This is a fascinating look at the ways our Western Iowa landscape and economy has changed in recent history.

In this episode, the WISE Guys highlight 2020 and the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Women's Ordination within the Lutheran tradition. This anniversary predates the establishment of the ELCA, and so women have been pastors within this denomination since its inception. To highlight this important milestone for women in ministry and church-leadership, Pastor Scott and Pastor Chuck sat down with two women leaders. Chuck talks with Pastor Jealaine Vaccaro Marple, who has been ordained for several years. Scott talks with Deacon Lisa Johnson, who is currently in the process of seminary education and candidacy for ordination as a pastor. We're grateful for the faithful witness and experience that these two women have shared, and hope it sheds some light into both the rewards as well as the challenges that they've experienced in this particular type of ministry. (Note that different microphone setups are evident throughout the course of the episode)

Welcome to the WISECast, the Western Iowa Synod Experience, the official podcast of the Western Iowa Synod of the ELCA. In this introductory episode, our two hosts, Pastor Scott and Pastor Chuck, affectionally known as the Wise Guys, interview one another just to introduce themselves and the new podcast itself. Future episodes, which are expected to drop monthly, the Wise Guys will explore many different aspects of life in and around the church. Some episodes will look at congregational matters, and others will deal with aspects of life for our members.