Editor’s Note: This article was prompted by this picture and the conversation taking place here. God forbids women to speak the lessons in church. 1 Timothy 2:11-15 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-38. Those who say that God doesn’t forbid women to … 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
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
Martin Chemnitz (1522-86) was one of the principle figures in the Lutheran Reformation. A good case could be made that he is the person most responsible for the defense and promotion of the true Orthodox Lutheran faith after Martin Luther. … Continue reading
Under the impact of modernity there are significant pressures brought to bear on the pastoral office that would make the office something other than the teaching office of the church. Alistar MacIntyre has argued that modernity has produced a world … Continue reading
Several months ago I applied and obtained a job at Walmart. “But, Pastor Richard, I thought you were and are a pastor?” As many of you already know, I was in the colloquy process for quite some time. I applied … Continue reading
In a Facebook conversation the other day a person said, “Evangelicals are notorious for having impossibly high expectations for the pastor’s wife. Does the same happen in Lutheran circles? Is there a cure for this?” Indeed, there can be some … Continue reading
Here are some quotes when considering AC XIV: XIV Of Ecclesiastical Order they teach that no one should publicly teach in the Church or administer the Sacraments unless he be regularly called. “…it is with those who are … Continue reading
Many people are unaware that before ministry I was a finance and economics major in college. In fact, during my senior year of college at Minot State University I was hired by American International Group (i.e., AIG). This new job … Continue reading
Pastors are called to be servants of the flock. The congregation elects pastors. The congregation calls pastors. The congregation ordains pastors. Since this is the case, it certainly sounds as if the pastor is accountable to the will of the … Continue reading