Reading & Study

‘What About?’ Pamphlets

“What About?” is a series of 27 pamphlets written by Rev. Dr. A.L. Barry, former president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

A White Paper on Pastoral Formation Prior to Seminary

This paper seeks to assist the church in thinking more intently about how the church begins forming pastors before they enter the seminary.

Imposing Death Safely

God's mercy in Christ is [our] only hope to be saved. Not without death, but despite it, through it, and from it.

Tips for English Conversation Partners

The LCMS Office of International Mission has been partnering with our missionaries to provide volunteer support to ongoing English-based outreach efforts. These tips are based on one missionary’s experience hosting an online conversation group, but most can be applied in any English conversation partner setting.

Emotions and the Church

One thing that happens because we are a church body that highly values thinking and learning is that we talk less about our emotions.

The Church — Praying

Prayer is the sign that the church is still breathing, however labored that breath may be. The cross leads us to despair of everything — save Christ!

CTCR opinion and addendum – ‘Communion and COVID-19’

The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations wrote an addendum and summary to reaffirm its March 20, 2020, opinion on “Communion and COVID-19” about online home Communion.

CTCR report – Human beings as gifts of God

Racism grounds the identity and security of human life not in the God who alone is our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, but in self. Racism is a sin against the First Commandment because it fails to receive other human beings as gifts from God.

CTCR report – ‘The Order of Creation: Theology, History, Definition’

What is the role of men and women in the church today? This report from the CTCR examines the history of the order of creation as found in Scripture, Lutheran theology and the LCMS.

The Many Tasks of the Church Worker

As we serve the church, we can leave the saving to the One who does it best.

Thankful for three years of Lutheran Young Adult Corps!

As Lutheran Young Adult Corps completes its third year and begins to pivot as a program, it is a time to show thanks for all God has done in and through the program.

Has the Offering Plate Been Passed By?

So what are we to do if the passing of the plate becomes a long-term casualty of COVID-19? The key is formation.

A White Paper on the Current Context of Pastoral Formation

This white paper is intended to promote continued conversation, across the Synod, about pastoral formation.

An unexpected visit

The Rev. Dr. Hans-Jörg Voigt recalls a visit from LCMS President Rev. Dr. John William Behnken soon after the end of World War II and the kindness of Lutherans from America and England.

It’s not my job to save the church

As we serve the church, we can leave the saving to the One who does it best.