What does the confessional Lutheran church look like in Sweden? We were honored to meet and share stories of global Lutheran church leaders at the International Church Relations Conference (ICRC), held during the LCMS Synod Convention. In this conversation, the Rev. Bengt Ådahl (Bishop, Mission Province in Sweden) joins Sarah and guest co-host the Rev. Roy Askins (executive editor of the Lutheran Witness, LCMS Communications) to talk about where he lives and works, the history of the Mission Province in Sweden, challenges this church body has faced as they seek to be faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, how the church fits into the broader culture of Sweden, how they are able to serve their neighbors with the love of Christ, and the joy he’s found among fellowship with fellow Lutherans.
Find the Mission Province in Sweden at ilcouncil.org/members/europe/sweden.
To learn more about Global Lutheranism:
Read more about the 2026 International Church Relations Conference at reporter.lcms.org/2026/global-lutheran-leaders-challenges-abound-contentment-rules.
Learn more about partner churches around the globe at lcms.org/how-we-serve/international/partner-church-bodies.
Find the International Lutheran Council at ilc-online.org/members.
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, Irvine. You can learn more about Concordia University, Irvine at cui.edu.
