The Truth in Love

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Don’t jump to conclusions about what other people are thinking! This is one of the most valuable pieces of advice I received long ago and continue to pass along today. Too many times we paint the “worst case scenario” in our heads when we run into a relationship conflict. We’re then filled with hurt, anger and sometimes vengeful thoughts toward someone because we are SURE of the evil they’ve been plotting against us.

Reality has shown me over and over again that most of the evil we’ve assumed to be present in others is not accurate. Granted, there are times when we encounter down right evil people who do want to harm us. However, this is usually the exception. Most people don’t like to harbor ill-will toward others. They want to have a peaceful equilibrium just as much as you do.

Here’s a perfect example of this. Several months ago, “Kate” (not her real name) had expressed her anger to me because extended family and friends were distancing themselves from her. She felt they were judging her over a heart-rending issue in her immediate family. A mistake had been made and Kate was sure they were all seeing her and her family as “failures” and “unworthy” of friendship. I challenged Kate to set aside her assumptions about them…to put the best construction on things instead of the worst. Just recently when I saw Kate, she was excited to tell me how things had changed. She had followed my advice and lovingly confronted a family member about being distant. To her great surprise, this family member wanted to reach out to Kate, but had been unsure of how to do it. It was fear and uncertainty that had caused the distance, not judgment and ridicule. Kate and this family member were able to reconcile when the false assumptions were cleared away. The same was also true when open conversation took place with several other friends.

Satan loves to break up relationships. He loves to plant lies in our heads. These lies, rather than the truth, are often the greatest cause of conflict. Don’t believe the Deceiver. Pray for strength from your loving Savior, Jesus, to speak the truth in love to those around you. Most of the time, you’ll be surprised to find that they’re not nearly as bad as you assumed. In fact, they’re usually eager to speak caring words of truth in love as well. And, by God’s power, great relationships will prosper.

Photo by Herbalizer

Joy through Pain

Posted on September 2, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Have you ever been in a hail storm? I mean being out in the hail without a roof or other shelter over your head? Not something I’d recommend if you can avoid it. However, this is exactly where my family found ourselves a couple of weeks ago on our family vacation to the Black Hills of South Dakota. We were hiking on the Sunday Gulch trail near Sylvan Lake on a beautiful summer day when some dark clouds started to spot the bright blue sky. Some possible showers were in the forecast, but with the temperature being in the 80’s, a little moisture wasn’t too worrisome. However, when the moisture started falling as balls of ice I figured we’d better take cover. By the time the four of us were huddled under the lowest branches of some nice pine trees (NOT the tallest ones in the area in case of lightning), the hail was falling heavily with some of the stones almost as big as golf balls. We spent about 20 minutes huddling close, hardly able to talk because the cacophony of the hail pounding on logs was as loud as the percussion section at the symphony. And, even though we were well sheltered, a few stones still got through with stinging impact…one on Hannah’s leg and one on my head…leaving a bit of a bruise as a reminder.

Although this hail storm encounter had some pain and it was a bit frightening, our overall experience was, strangely enough…delightful! It was AWESOME to see God’s power in the rocks of the mountains, the trees of the forest and the hail from the sky. It was exhilarating to be so close to something so dangerous and yet be calm overall as we were under the natural cover God had provided. It was fun to huddle up with my family and listen to nature’s symphony. It was a delight to make a wonderful memory (on my birthday, no less) that will hold a prominent spot in our mental files for the rest of our days. All in all, the experience was JOYFUL!

That’s how it is when we face life with our faith in Jesus in the number one position. The terrors of this world cannot destroy us. They may cause us some pain, but even then we can rest in peace as we know we’re resting in the hands of our Savior. We KNOW we’re bound for the glory of the new creation. This helps us appreciate the beauty of the present creation…even if it’s trying to kill us. Death is not our end. It will simply be our entry into a world that will show us more of the awesome power and delights of God than we can even dream of right now.

Through the pain of life, look for the joy that is ALWAYS there close at hand as you rest in the hand of Jesus.

Posted in Family Life, Worldview | Tagged comfort, joy, pain, perspective | Leave a comment

“Lows” & “Highs”

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Todd Biermann

I just spent about two weeks moving through the process of having a car “totaled,” settling with insurance and then finding a replacement used car. It has been a time-consuming, tiresome, frustrating and sometimes infuriating process. At some points, I could hardly sleep as the whole process was consuming my mind and emotions. Many of those days gave me lots of “Lows” to share as part of our daily family “Highs and Lows” time before bed.

Photo by Nathan

At the same time, there were many “Highs” to report. No one was injured in the car accident. No traffic tickets were issued. The police officer, tow-truck driver, car shop reps. and insurance personnel were all very kind and receptive to hearing some words about faith in Jesus. Failed attempts to find the right used car still opened some good interactions about my faith. In the perfect time, God provided the right car in the right place at the right price.

Looking back, I realized how often I miss the daily “Highs” that are right before me because I grow so used to having them. A day without a car accident. A day of peaceful sleep. Time to focus on my “to-do” list. A regular schedule with family meal and prayer times. All of these are so regularly given to me by God’s grace that I take them for granted.

I hate to say it, but sometimes I really thank the Lord for the “Lows” that help me see the “Highs” and truly appreciate them. It was such a delight to find my replacement car that I came home to Heather and had her join me in the “happy dance” to thank and praise the Lord. Had I not lost my first car I would never had enjoyed such a delightful moment of clarity and joy.

I pray that you will be able to appreciate the “Lows” that God allows your way. Then, open your eyes to see the “Highs” that will stand out all the more clearly by comparison. Finally, celebrate the grace of God in Jesus that never gives us more than we can handle but always gives us the right balance of “Lows” and “Highs” to keep life exciting!

Posted in Character, Witnessing, Worldview | Tagged character, thankfulness, witness, worldview | 1 Comment

Sorrow Over Terrorism

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Todd Biermann

This week I heard the terrible news about an 85-year-old priest in Normandy, France who was beheaded by radical Islamic terrorists while he was conducting mass. Such news just makes me shake my had in sorrow.

NOT sorrow for the priest. Actually, I rejoice with him that all his sorrows are now over and he is celebrating at the wedding feast of the Bridegroom, Jesus.

NOT sorrow out of fear. Terrorists like this can’t intimidate those who have total protection of their souls from the almighty Lord and Savior of the universe, Jesus.

NOT sorrow at potential loss of my own head. Terrorists may remove my head from my body, but they can’t take away the head of my life, Jesus. I’ll be united to Him for eternity.

Sorrow…for the terrorists. They’re so terribly deceived by the great Deceiver Satan that they think these actions will earn them some great reward. In truth, these actions are only one more sign of the sin and guilt that afflicts us all and that will lead us to eternal destruction in hell apart from grace in Jesus.

Sorrow…for the billions of people still in their sins. In truth, any who have not received the free gift of forgiveness from Jesus as a gracious gift are no better off than these terrorists. You don’t have to be a terrorist to find yourself in hell. Many “good” people will be there too.

Sorrow…for the billions that Satan will claim as his prize. Terrorists and all others who continue following the great Deceiver Satan in this life will spend eternity in the next life along with Satan…in TRUE terror apart from Jesus and His love.

With such tears of sorrow in my heart and on my cheeks, I pray for the courage to speak of Jesus and His free salvation all the more loudly. I pray that every believer in Jesus will confidently proclaim and show the love of Jesus for all to hear and see. I pray the Spirit will fill us with courage that will never be deterred even in the face of those who will threaten us and try to take our lives. In the sure joy of our eternal victory, let us keep our “Thumbs Up” to our ever-living head, Jesus!

Posted in Community Life, Witnessing, Worldview | Tagged community, culture, Thumbs Up, witness, worldview | 2 Comments

By the Book

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Things don’t always go “by the book.” They don’t happen the way we think they’re supposed to. When I became a pastor I had a certain idea of what evangelism looked like. The books in seminary talked a lot about knocking on doors, welcoming people to church for “Friendship Sunday,” feeding hungry bodies and then souls. All these are great ideas for sharing our faith. But, I didn’t hear about the idea of writing a book on Christ-like relationships and then hosting a public book signing event. That is, however, what God had in mind.

Last Thursday I was allowed to have a lecture and book signing event in the local public library. The director of the library indicated they don’t usually allow this because “nobody comes.” He said the week before only three people showed up for a similar event.

God had a different plan. It was a delight to see about fifty people gather for my talk about “Handing Out Life.” There were then some great questions and discussion. As I signed books and chatted with guests, about twenty more filtered in and out of the room. All in all, I was able to make contact with about seventy people. The library director was rather impressed. The best part is that several of the guests had never heard of me or my church previously. And, some of them were eager to learn more and come visit us. Evangelism. It happened in a way and place I didn’t expect.

Bottom line…don’t limit where, when and how God can use you to share His love with the world. It likely won’t be “by our book.” It will happen when you least expect it. Join me in praying that we’ll have the eyes to see the opportunities that will arise and the courage to take advantage of them. The Spirit of God will do the real work by opening hearts to receive the love of Jesus we will share.

Posted in Community Life, Witnessing | Tagged community, God's way, witness | 2 Comments

The Words of Institution – Powerful in Any Language

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Todd Biermann

While in Guatemala on my recent mission trip, I had an unexpected request. Our team joined in worship with the members of World’s Redeemer Lutheran Church in the small Mayan village of Santiago Zamora. Local church laymen were prepared to conduct the service including the delivery of a message, all in Spanish. However, the pastor who was to be there to officiate over the celebration of the Lord’s Supper could not make it at the last minute. So, knowing I was a pastor of the LCMS, a body that shares fellowship with them, the local leaders invited me to officiate. “Great,” I thought, “I’d love to share this awesome gift of God with these fellow Lutherans.” One problem. They asked me to lead the service in Spanish. Fortunately, the service was written out in the bulletin. So, I practiced reading the Spanish words in the five minutes that remained before the start of the service. By God’s power, I was able to read the liturgy of the Supper, including the Words of Institution, with the proper fluency and inflection. The members of the Spanish-speaking congregation followed and responded without a pause. They acted as though it was perfectly normal. I was the representative of Jesus to them. They eagerly held out their empty hands to receive the Body of Christ for the forgiveness of their sins and strengthening of their faith.

This experience awed and humbled me. I was reminded that God is powerful beyond the limits of language and officiant. The power in the Lord’s Supper is not at all about me, the pastor, or the language I usually speak. It’s all about Jesus, our Lord and Savior. He instituted the Supper in one language, but His words have been translated into thousands of other languages ever since. In each of those languages, the Supper has been instituted as Jesus intended to be a source of life and blessing. Whenever Jesus is focused upon as the highest priority in worship, His power will have the opportunity to work.

Keeping Jesus first in worship unites all who receive His gifts, regardless of the language used. I felt a profound unity with my Mayan brothers and sisters that day. Whether the words were in English or in Spanish, the message was the same. Jesus has paid the price for our sins. His Body and Blood are really present in the Supper to wash away our sins. All Christians, regardless of language, are bound in this Supper that turns our eyes, together, to Jesus. Awesome!

Posted in Congregational Life | Tagged Jesus, Thumbs Up, worship | 2 Comments

Guatemala Mission Trip ’16

Posted on June 18, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Next week at this time, Heather, Hannah, Micah and I will be with 17 friends on a mission trip to Guatemala. Heather and I will be leading two separate seminars of Marriage in God’s Way. We’re thrilled to be returning to the country where we’ve shared God’s way for marriage and relationships on two prior trips (2008 & 2009). Our host for both of those trips was Rebeca de Franco, the Director of Lutheran Hour Ministries in Guatemala (Cristo para Todas los Naciones). Rebeca will be hosting us again this time. She was so thrilled about the positive reception for our message in the past that she was eager to have us come again and reach more. We love Rebeca and are excited to be working with her again.

Marriage in Gods Way Guatemala 2009

While Heather and I will be focusing on our marriage seminars, Hannah and Micah will be joining the rest of the team for three other major projects: replacing a roof on a Lutheran school, leading a vacation Bible school for children in a small village, and leading a ministry called Project Joel for youth in a public school. We’ll have the opportunity to touch hundreds of lives with the love of Jesus.

THANK YOU to all of you who have supported our preparations for this trip. THANKS in advance for your prayers that will lift us up while we’re on the trip. To keep you posted on how our trip is going, we invite you to follow our Facebook posts that we’ll be posting daily starting June 26 on the team page HERE. The posts will also be forwarded to the Facebook page for Faith Lutheran Church HERE. Either way, we’d love to have you join us “virtually” on our trip and unite your prayers with ours to seek God’s rich blessing.

Posted in Marriage, Witnessing | Tagged Guatemala, mission, witness | Leave a comment

Concordia U Blog Post

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Below is a blog now posted on the online education website for Concordia University of WI and MI. You can see it there with a lot of other helpful info by clicking HERE.

12 QUESTIONS ABOUT FAMILY LIFE WITH REV. TODD A. BIERMANN

by Michael Sapiro on June 9, 2016

Todd Bierman is Senior Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc, MI and an instructor in our Master’s of Education – Family Life program. Todd is a leading voice in the conversation about Christian marriage and family in a time of tremendous cultural upheaval.

If you are interested in Family Life Education, sign up for a free email mini-course and see if this could be a calling on your life.

Todd, thank you for taking time out of your schedule. Could we start off with you telling us, in a sentence or two, why do you believe family ministry is so important in the Church now?
Family ministry is essential in the Church so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be passed along to the generations yet to come. In the Church and in our nation as a whole, there is a critically low number of children who have a desire or compulsion to hear of Jesus as Savior and follow Him as Lord.

How do you define Family Life Education?
Family Life Education is a process that equips individuals to show the love of Jesus in all their family relationships and to teach that love to others. Such education provides a clear biblical foundation for love through an understanding of what Jesus has modeled and taught. It also supplies simple concepts and tools to easily remember and put into practice personally and when educating others.

How should we think about Family Life Education?
We need to recognize that Family Life Education is based on clear, absolute truths of the right way for relationships as taught by Jesus. Family Life Education must also be awash with the forgiveness and grace of Jesus since students will be regularly convicted of their own failings to practice what Jesus has taught. We must also acknowledge that gaining Family Life Education is a long, continuing process that will succeed as instructors model the love of Jesus to the students under their care. Finally, Family Life Education prospers when it utilizes the host of resources available that open our understanding of the social dynamics in family life.

Who benefits the most from Family Life Education in the Church?
While every member of the faith family benefits immensely from proper Family Life Education, the greatest beneficiaries are the children. They will be surrounded by a host of disciplers who are eager to guide them to the perfect love of Jesus. They will receive the grace and guidance they crave, but will not find anywhere else in the world. Such discipling of the young will certainly spill over to the world beyond the walls of the church so that the hungry souls of children everywhere will be fed with the message of Jesus that is the only fulfilling food.

How can the Church start introducing family life into the ministry?
The Church can start to introduce family life education into the ministry as it teaches about the perfect love of Jesus for His bride, the church, as summarized in Eph. 5:31. St. Paul reiterates the marriage mandate, “therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife and the two shall become one flesh.” Jesus shows such perfect sacrificial, unconditional and incarnational love to every Christian in His church. Once Christians understand how much they are loved by Jesus, they are empowered and inspired to show that same sort of love in their own marriage and family. As Christian families grow in such love, they will be a model and source of love for the rest of the faith family and then, also, to the entire world.

Can you give us an example of one or two things that can be built into a Church curriculum for Family Life Education?
A great Family Life Education curriculum should start with a strong program of marriage preparation and enrichment. Marriage is the primary relationship after that with Jesus and it is the living model of the way that Jesus loves His bride, the church. Second, the Family Life Education curriculum should have a comprehensive process for equipping parents (all adults) to pass along the love of Jesus to the next generation through every stage of growth. Examples of this are “stepping stones” or “faith legacy” types of programs.

Looking to scripture, do certain verses stand out to you as most related to family ministry?
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gave the mandate, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (ESV) The term “all nations” includes ALL ages…grandparents, parents and children. The Church has an obligation to lead ALL ages to receive the Gospel and live under the Law of Jesus Christ. We are to foster the perpetuation of such discipleship in the home as parents are equipped to disciple the next generation.

Culture is changing and it can be difficult to keep our children on the right path. Do you see key areas to address here?
Children are being taught that they have the freedom to choose their own spiritual path. They are being left to follow the desires of their corrupt selfish nature that clamors for independence and autonomy. Therefore, they naturally run from God and the message of Jesus. Without parents and a Church that actively disciples them in the Word of Jesus, they are left on their own path of destruction.

So, how can we work towards keeping the next generation faithful?
As parents are strengthened in their own discipleship and equipped to disciple their children, the Gospel of Jesus and His love will inspire and empower the parents who will then train up the next generation in the way that they should go so that they will not turn from it when they grow older. Following Jesus will be joyfully taught and modeled by one generation to the next with the support of the Church.

What other advice would you have for the Church?
The Church will foster the discipleship of the next generation as it equips every family type for the task. This means actively discipling parents, grandparents, step-parents, foster parents, and every adult in the Church for the important task of discipling the next generation through word and action. Single adults can still be involved in the task of discipling the next generation as they are models and teachers from whom every child in the Church family is able to learn. Single Christians, grandparents and other adults without children of their own are all essential in the task of discipling the next generation. They are able to directly influence the children of the Church while they also support the parents in the church.

Pastors and other Church workers are essential in the task of helping families thrive as they teach of God’s love in Jesus for every person in every family. They can point to the strengths in every type of family and equip them all with Jesus’ way of love.

What can be done to help marriages and families achieve harmony?
Harmony results from first receiving the unconditional forgiveness and love of Jesus for our inevitable failures in relationships. Then, having received such sacrificial and unconditional love from Jesus, joyful and thankful individuals are able to pass along what has been received in their marriage and family relationships. We forgive as we have been forgiven…freely. We love as we have been loved…unconditionally. We share the peace we have with God…harmoniously.

What is the primary objective for Christians and how can that objective be achieved?
The primary objective for every Christian is to grow closer in relationship to Jesus, receiving His perfect love and responding in joyous praise and service to Him. His love will inspire our love for everyone in the world around us. Growing in such a loving relationship with Jesus is achieved primarily as Christians faithfully study the Word of Jesus and receive His free forgiveness and power through Holy Absolution and reception of the Lord’s Supper. Such growth is supported as fellow Christians model and share the love of Jesus with one another.

Want to know more? Take our mini-course:

Posted in Community Life, Family Life, Worldview | Tagged community, culture, family, teaching | Leave a comment

An Indian Anniversary

Posted on June 4, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Yesterday Heather and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary. The best part of the day was simply being together all day. This filled our “love tanks” with the “quality time” we both crave and need.

We also made the day special by trying something new together. We went out to eat at an Indian restaurant and sampled a variety of different authentic dishes. It was delightful to try new tastes and discover new delights…together. We smiled, talked and laughed as we discovered some things we didn’t care for so much, but mostly several tastes we both enjoyed very much.

To continue our “Indian Anniversary,” we watched the 2013 movie The Lunchbox. It was set in India and featured wonderful glimpses of daily culture and life. It also delved into the trials and joys of relationships, especially the marriage bond. The movie was great in helping us understand relationships from another perspective that wasn’t common to us. Heather and I both enjoyed this new glimpse into the vast beauty of human relationships that God has given for us to enjoy.

All in all, we had a fabulous anniversary. It was great being together. It was wonderful to discover something new together. It was awesome to grow deeper in love as we again cherished the gift of marriage. God made something AWESOME when He designed marriage as a gift to be enjoyed by all people of all times and places.

Posted in Marriage | Tagged anniversary, love, marriage | 1 Comment

Handing Out Life Impact

Posted on May 19, 2016 by Todd Biermann

My book, Handing Out Life, is certainly having an impact. I’ve written before about a local realtor, Kristy Cantleberry, who has been touched by the teachings in Handing Out Life and has become a dear friend. She sends out a monthly newsletter as a mass mailing to clients and others in the community. This month Kristy shared her very moving testimony related to the work God is doing in her life. I’ve received her permission to share the content of that newsletter below. It appeared with a picture of the front cover of Handing Out Life along with a picture of her, Heather and me. I should also note that Kristy reported to me just today that the newsletter has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. In fact, one reader sent her a check for $100 to go toward buying and sharing more copies of Handing Out Life. God is awesome in how He touches people you’d never expect in ways you’d never expect! Read Kristy’s testimony and join her and me in thanking and praising Jesus for His awesome grace!

Todd, Kristy and Heather

I DO BELIEVE

I hesitated for a few months wondering if I should share my story. It is extremely personal. Please don’t judge me, but for some reason I feel that I must share.
For over 25 years I have struggled with my faith. I am extremely spiritual but have not been sure what I believe. Growing up, we always attended church but I stopped going after I was married. I just never felt comfortable attending. I felt like everyone was always trying to push their religion on me and that caused me to withdraw even more.

I do believe in faith and that everything in life happens for a reason, exactly when it is supposed to.
A few months ago, I debated whether to get up a 6am to attend the monthly Grand Blanc Chamber networking breakfast. My alarm went off and I told my husband that I wasn’t going so that I wouldn’t interfere with his workout. For some reason, Dave insisted that I go.

At the breakfast, I started to meet new business people and one of them introduced himself as Pastor Todd. He gave me his personal business card and I took a seat and waited for the speaker to start. To my surprise, Pastor Todd was the scheduled speaker! He spoke in a way that touched me beyond explanation. He spoke about everything that I really believe in. He mentioned The Five Love Languages and the Wheel of Life. He brought it all together in a down to earth way that made total sense to me. I was shocked.

As you probably know, I am not shy nor do I have a filter. So after the breakfast, I approached him and I asked, “Who are you and where did you come from? I am NOT religious and I don’t even know what I believe. I cannot believe I am even up here talking to you but for some reason you touched me.”
Pastor Todd NEVER judged me, he never forced religion on me, he just listened and for some reason I listened too!

I left the event and within minutes he sent me an email to invite me to have a cup of coffee. I thought to myself, “What would I talk to a pastor about?” I am always challenging myself to do something each day that scares me, so I agreed to meet him. When we met for coffee, I was not a bit shy in reminding him that I wasn’t religious. He again never judged me but proceeded to explain why I should believe. It actually made sense! I left feeling a bit different that day. Little did I know that my spiritual life was about to change.

For some reason, I liked this guy! He challenged me and boy did I challenge him! I ended up having him meet my husband and I also had Pastor come into my team meeting and speak. It sparked a great conversation about life in general among the team.
The next day, I got another email from Pastor Todd, it went something like this: I don’t meet many business people in the community that I have an instant trust with but for some reason I have that trust with you. I would like you to read my manuscript that I am working on and write a testimonial.

I couldn’t believe that he wanted me to read a book about religion. He knew darn well that I would NEVER choose to do that, but I did it! He knew exactly what he was doing by challenging me!
Dave and I both read it and it made perfect sense. I was honored and humbled to write a testimonial for this man that I have so much respect for. I thought I was done with religion but Pastor Todd kept showing up in my life and for some reason, I was ok with this.
Dave and I eventually attended a church service. I was extremely nervous because I wasn’t sure what to do or if people were going to judge me. Pastor said “Kristy, it’s not about you, it’s about the gifts you give to others.” I had never thought of it that way. The service was amazing. Pastor’s wife and daughter sat with us and the message of the sermon fit perfectly with what had been on my mind that week.
Everywhere I go, I talk about Pastor Todd. Although it still seems strange for me to speak about religion, for some reason I feel like I have to pass my story along. It is natural and comfortable for me to talk about it and I feel like it is my gift to share with others. I don’t share my story for any other reason except to say that everything really does happen for a reason and it happens exactly when it is meant to. That has always been my belief.

If any of you would like to meet Pastor Todd, I would be honored to introduce you to him. He honestly has changed my life. And as you all know, I like to give back, it is what I was meant to do in life. So my gift to all of you who always support me is to offer you a copy of Pastor Todd’s upcoming book, Handing Out Life: The Simple Way to Rewarding Relationships in All of Life. Just call me and let me know that you would like a copy. I promise it will touch you like it did me. Remember, I have already read it and my testimonial is on the back cover!

Thank you Pastor Todd and God bless all of you!

Kristy Cantleberry

Posted in Community Life, Witnessing | Tagged community, witness | 2 Comments

Rev. Dr. Todd A. Biermann