How does Lutheran theology contribute to the care of souls, especially those struggling with mental health issues? Erika Petsch (Director, Continuing Education, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and the Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs (Licensed Psychologist, Senior Professor of Practical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2026 Theological Symposium at CSL: “I Will Uphold You: Ministry in Mental Health.” They discuss the relationship between the care of souls and mental health, the changes or significant challenges to mental health we’ve seen in the past 10 years, how we’ve also seen changes in mental health and spiritual care during this time, what we can learn in this year’s Theological Symposium, the long and exciting list of presenters and their presentations, and why this topic is especially important to Erika and Dr. Marrs.
Find more details about the Symposium happening September 22-23, 2026, at Concordia Seminary at csl.edu/symposium.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Heidi Goehmann’s series on “Emotions and the Gospel” – kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel
Coffee Hour conversations with Dr. Marrs – kfuo.org/tag/rick-marrs
Coffee Hour conversations with Dr. Pietsch – kfuo.org/tag/stephen-pietsch
Issues, Etc., series on Christianity and Psychiatry with Dr. John Flo – issuesetc.org/tag/john-flo
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Today’s episode of The Coffee Hour is underwritten in part by Concordia University, Nebraska. You can learn more about Concordia University, Nebraska at cune.edu.
