Why does the Missouri Synod smell like the ELCA right now? Am I just an ungrateful person? After all, we have so many blessings in the Synod. But sometimes there are things that are just so mind-numblingly absurd, the only … Continue reading
John H. C. Fritz served as a parish pastor for over 20 years, including two as the president of the Western District of the Missouri Synod, before becoming a professor of church history and pastoral theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis for 33 … Continue reading
There has been quite a blustery reaction to the letter sent to the Lutheran Witness that was posted on BJS last Tuesday. The letter, authored by Pr. Mike Grieve and signed by a group of pastors, myself included, expressed great disappointment … Continue reading
The deadline is approaching to submit feedback and commentary on the proposed Catechism Explanation Revision. As the “field-test” edition of the new version of the Explanation of the Small Catechism has been sent out to all Missouri Synod pastors and … Continue reading
Men have a long history of silently, passively, allowing women to fight and be attacked in their stead. It began with Adam in the Garden. Adam, the head of Eve, was her husband, pastor, and lord. Yet he stood by … Continue reading
The first of a planned 10 volume collection of Marquart’s Works has been published by Lutheran News and edited by Rev. Herman Otten, longtime friend and colleague of Kurt Marquart. I received my copy in the mail a few days ago … Continue reading
Rev. Jordan McKinley’s inaugural post on “The Most Neglected Part of the Small Catechism” has gotten me thinking. I played a little guessing game with myself before I read the post. I wanted to think about how I would answer this question on … Continue reading
[To read the introductory post on this topic, as much of this advice builds upon and flows from the principles laid out in it, click here.] Here is the first post on organization: Youth Work 1-A: Organization and the … Continue reading
[To read the introductory post on this topic, as much of this advice builds upon and flows from the principles laid out in it, click here.] Here is the first post on organization: Youth Work 1-A: Organization and the … Continue reading
My congregation, Zion Lutheran Church in Lincoln, IL has been holding semiannual regional youth conferences since 2010. Our spring conference is always held the last Saturday of April, and the fall conference on the first Saturday of October. Below is the information … Continue reading
[To read the introductory post on this topic, as much of this advice builds upon and flows from the principles laid out in it, click here.] Here is the first post on organization: Youth Work 1-A: Organization and the Congregation … Continue reading
[To read the introductory post on this topic, as much of this advice builds upon and flows from the principles laid out in it, click here.] To begin, the principle that ought to drive the organization of youth work in … Continue reading
[***Correction*** It seems as though the version that will come before the convention tomorrow may be different then what was already printed (because the committee was still working out final language). While I still think the original overture deserves consideration, I hope the version … Continue reading
Common Questions: 1. Women have already been serving in combat situations, why is this a big deal now? It is now official. Women will be included in the draft. (see question 2 below) With the removal of the exclusion … Continue reading
Women in combat is an issue that the Missouri Synod ought to speak on, period. It is a no-brainer. It is one thing to send men into harm’s way to die to protect the nation or a community. To purposefully send women is a … Continue reading
The following overture concerning women in combat is already being considered by congregations in several districts (and hopefully more soon). I pass it on in the hopes that the pastors and congregations of the synod will consider it in prayer and … Continue reading
Ever since the Missouri Synod has been “re-branded” in blue and even Gottesdienst Online got hip to the new trend and dressed up in blue for a few days, I have had blue on my mind. And it struck me that a rather large blue elephant in the room (that lots of people used to be very concerned about) has hardly been discussed of late.
Continue readingIt is a question that every parent, congregation, and pastor faces. It is a question that strikes fear into the hearts of many. But it shouldn’t. Youth are not some alien life form whose mysteries require an advanced degree in … Continue reading