Kinship Radio welcomes your feedback on everything we do. The Director’s Chair is a place we’ve set “at the table” to answer questions and share the heartbeat of who we are and what we’re about. Often presented by our Executive Director, Chris Lemke, these 60 second messages seek to unite and inspire Kinship Radio listeners to be like Jesus and do as he did.
What Are We Waiting For?
Fans of Lord of the Rings will remember this line from the Dwarf warrior, Gimli. When faced with marching out to meet the enemy for what looked like inevitable doom, Gimli proclaimed:
“Certainty of death, small chance of success… what are we waiting for!”
Gimli’s resolve reminds me of a similar resolve by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When faced with that same certainty of death for not bowing to the king, they said, “Our God is able to deliver us, but if he does not, we will not bow down to you.”
I wonder, do I have that kind of abandonment? I’d like to think I do, especially in those times when it’s not life and death but living life right now… today… in the average routine.
Living a completely abandoned life for Christ is not easy. That’s why we’re here, to help keep you focused and directed to follow Jesus in every day of life. We’re Kinship Radio.
Chris Lemke
Executive Director, Kinship Radio
10.12.26
For Such A Time As This
Last week, my wife and I read the story of Esther in our Bible. Talk about a story, complete with an uncle who raised his niece, and that niece became a beautiful queen. And then there’s the evil Haman. And just when it looked like Haman would win, there’s this incredible rescue!
Here’s what I always remember about Esther’s story. When faced with the toughest of decisions that could have cost her life, maybe its worth asking as Esther did, “Who knows but what you’re here for such a time as this.”
The choices we make today may not be life and death decisions, but they may be big enough for us to pause and ponder, “What’s the right thing to do?”
For such times as these, the Bible invites us to seek God’s wisdom–not just a one and done kind of request, but an earnest pursuit of God’s direction.
We’re here to help you and pray with you for that direction of God, and his hope. That’s what we do, at Kinship Radio.
Chris Lemke
Executive Director, Kinship Radio
09.28.26
Get To
I overheard a great conversation the other day. Someone was complaining about being on their church setup team, saying, “I can’t believe I have to be at church at 6:30 this weekend.”
Without missing a beat, their friend replied, “If I may, you don’t have to be at church at 6:30… you get to be at church at 6:30.”
It’s amazing how changing just one word can completely flip your perspective. As Kinship Radio prepares for our upcoming fundraiser, is we’re keeping that lesson in mind.
Honestly, we don’t need your gift. We trust completely that the Lord will provide everything Kinship Radio needs. And because of that, we welcome you to join the Kinship Radio support team and share in what the Lord is doing today in dozens of communities throughout southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.
No, you don’t have to give. But, you get to give and help us proclaim the Good News of Jesus with more and more listeners every single day.
Be part of what God is doing by giving a gift at KinshipRadio.org
Eric F. Johnson
Program Director, Kinship Radio
09.21.26
Volunteer
With the coming of fall, most charitable organizations fire up newsletters and donor appeals asking for your financial help. Kinship Radio is no different. Let’s face it; utility companies don’t take a basket of fresh grown tomatoes as payment for the light bill.
But there are other ways you can help your favorite non-profit. Food pantries and clothing thrift stores need people to sort items, community parks need trash pickers, libraries and schools need tutors and readers, and your church?
In short, your time is even more valuable than your treasure.
Here’s a suggestion. Volunteering your time to help is a great way to build community and strengthen your values as a person and as a family. Take a moment to see where you could spend an hour or two each month and grow what helps you grow.
Kinship Radio needs volunteers, from welcoming guests and clerical help to assisting us in festivals and parades.
Want to help? Look under the Partner With Us tab when you visit our website at www.KinshipRadio.org. We look forward to serving with you here at Kinship Radio.
Chris Lemke
Executive Director, Kinship Radio
09.14.26
Freedom Comes With A Price
This week marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the United States. You likely remember where you were when you heard or saw the news. You likely felt a sense of loss and uncertainty, the kind that takes your breath away for all the wrong reasons.
In the wake of the day’s tragic events, life changed. We were reminded by 9-11 that our freedom in this country should never be taken for granted. Freedom is not free; it comes with a price and an ongoing challenge from those who wish to take it.
The same is true for the follower of Christ. Our freedom in Christ is paid in full by Jesus’ death and resurrection. That freedom to live as He did and does will always be challenged. That’s why Kinship Radio exists–to encourage and equip you to be sold out for Jesus when you face what lies ahead.
Despite whatever tragedy takes place, live and love like Jesus. We’re honored to lead to Him. We’re Kinship Radio.
Chris Lemke
Executive Director, Kinship Radio
09.07.26
Starting Anew, Not Over
If you’ve ever played a board game like Aggravation or Sorry, you know the agony of what happens when someone lands on the space you’re occupying. You’re sent back to your base. You have to start over.
I was recently reminded that, when we mess up as Christ-followers, we don’t have to start over. Instead, God welcomes us to start again, right where we are.
In Psalm 37, we’re told that the Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Following Jesus isn’t a game with penalties and punishments. It’s a journey that requires dedication and discipline.
If you’ve messed up. If you’ve blown it for the hundredth time, God’s inviting you to trust him and start again, right where you are.
As your go-to radio station we’re here to help you start and stay on that journey. That’s what we do here at Kinship Radio.
Chris Lemke
Executive Director, Kinship Radio
08.31.26
Schedules and Seasons
Hi, I’m Chris Lemke, Executive Director of Kinship Radio.
Schedules. Routines. We live by them yet relish the times we’re free from them.
Schedules help keep us on track. They help us organize our day and keep things in order. And when our normal schedule changes, it may take a little getting used to.
Remember COVID? A lot of schedules and routines were disrupted. Some were re-established; some were not.
The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity.”
Recently, Kinship Radio changed its schedule. We did so to build a stronger bridge with you and the communities we serve. And we did so to reach more people who aren’t listening but would like to listen to the kind of radio we offer.
Rest assured, our mission of helping you discover, know, and grow in Jesus has not and will not change. But how we do our mission has, so that we can engage more listeners hungry to know the hope we have in Christ.
That’s Kinship Radio.
Chris Lemke
Executive Director, Kinship Radio
08.24.26
Our Mission Statement
Hi, I’m Chris Lemke, Executive Director of Kinship Radio.
Throughout the day, you’ll hear us mention our mission statement. In short, it’s to help you discover, know, and grow in your relationship with Jesus through worship and the Word.
For decades, Kinship Radio had a certain way of doing that, that is until the first of July. That’s when we altered our program schedule, leading some listeners to believe we were watering down the Gospel.
On the contrary, the Gospel is still central in all we say and do. But how we present it is a little different.
In first Corinthians nine, Paul says, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” In other words, he changed his approach.
Kinship Radio has changed its approach to deepen and widen its relationship with you. That’s kind of a weird thing for a radio station, but then again, Kinship Radio is more than a radio station.
Together, we share life’s journey as friends, as family, as Kinship Radio.
08.17.26
It’s More Than Radio
I recently spoke with a listener who was not happy with our programming changes. I listened, and I was grateful to hear that while she didn’t like the changes, she would still occasionally listen.
The relieved look on my face apparently prompted her to add, “Kinship isn’t just a radio station. It’s like a marriage. It’s a family and you don’t leave family.”
I was stunned. She understood exactly our heartbeat at Kinship Radio. We may have a favorite program or song, a favorite teacher or artist, and that’s OK. What this listener understood was that together we’re more than a radio station, we’re family with a heart to help others discover, know, and grow in Jesus.
So when you listen, you have brothers and sisters who share and care the same as Jesus. That’s what God‘s family does. That’s what we do here at Kinship Radio.
Chris Lemke
Executive Director, Kinship Radio
08.03.26