By the early 1530s Dr. Martin Luther had taught concerning the nature of the ministry and the call of pastors in various writings. Additionally, Lutherans explicitly stated their position on the Office of the Holy Ministry in the Augsburg Confession … Continue reading
It is just another normal day as yet another pastor is thrown out by the congregation God has called him to serve. Is he being ousted for Biblical reasons? Is he being thrown out because he is teaching heresy? Is … Continue reading
Eli was derelict in his duties as high priest. He did not keep his sons in check. Working as priests under Eli’s supervision, his sons Hophni and Phinehas stole offerings from God, threatened worshippers with violence, and fornicated with women … Continue reading
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Today we are going to talk about preachers. The Bible has many names for them: pastors, teachers, preachers, elders, bishops, even angels. Our text for today uses the word minister, which means servant. What God requires of … Continue reading
In keeping with the theology of the Old Testament, some Christian churches (including many Lutheran ones)[i] have retained the custom of referring to clergy as “priests.” Now it is not my purpose to argue for a return to this terminology or … Continue reading
There’s a ton of confusion in the Church today surrounding the pastoral office. Do we really even need pastors? What is he supposed to do with his time? Is he supposed to be a leader, a counselor, a CEO, a visionary, … Continue reading
As you saw today on BJS there were two excellent articles written concerning the Divine Call process and the Office of the Holy Ministry. These two articles were enhanced by a Google Hangout hosted by Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller with the … Continue reading
The Church stands or falls on the article of justification. Ask any Lutheran about justification and it won’t be long before you’re hearing about salvation by grace through faith. But follow that question up with, “And from whence does this … Continue reading
DISCLAIMER: As the author, I do not place any blame on the men who now serve in the preaching office who went through and alternate route instead of going to the seminary. It’s not your fault! On the front page … Continue reading