Reading & Study Archives

Celebrating unconventional ministry ‘success’

While we don't necessarily believe in "success" in ministry, how do words like “growth” and “effectiveness” weigh on a church worker, congregation or agency sharing the Gospel?

Church Worker Wellness – Week 40 devotion: Emotional wellness

A little boy in a special needs classroom teaches us a lesson about God’s love and mercy.

Church Worker Wellness – Week 39 devotion: Emotional wellness

There are times in each of our lives when we simply need a friend.

‘Making Disciples for Life’ – Get excited!

"Making Disciples for Life" not only provides better access to existing resources, it also brings people together for identifying and developing new resources.

Church Worker Wellness – Week 38 devotion: Spiritual wellness

Caring for others calls for us to recognize our own need for the care that comes from others.

Church Worker Wellness – Week 37 devotion: Spiritual wellness

God is good, even in the waiting. Jesus connects with us and gives us this body of believers to hold fast in the waiting.

Finding local resources

Many Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod church workers and spouses identified the need for help finding more wellness resources. Here are three helpful tips for finding localized resources.

CTCR paper – ‘The Child as a Gift of God’

This paper examines the many subtle ways that American culture rejects life as a fundamental gift of God and instead sees “having a baby” as a human accomplishment.

Church Worker Wellness – Week 36 devotion: Relational wellness

If you are feeling lonely, take comfort in knowing that the God who sent His Son into the world to save us from our sins will not let you down.

International volunteer work and your health

We ask all individuals serving with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to consult with a primary care provider or travel physician prior to departing on a short-term mission trip.

Church Worker Wellness – Week 35 devotion: Emotional wellness

What are you afraid of? How does God meet us in our fears?

‘Service of Sending’ homily for national missionary Rev. Martin Schultheis

Rev. Dr. Steve Schave preaches a sermon based on Micah 6:6-8 during a Sending Service for national missionary Rev. Martin Schultheis on Nov. 19, 2019.

Church Worker Wellness – Week 34 devotion – Vocational wellness

There are so many days when it seems like my words, as a teacher, fall on deaf ears.

Wellness: A Lutheran perspective

Wellness and well-being are not distinctly Lutheran ideas, but Lutheranism does have some unique doctrinal concepts that are useful for the pursuit of our wellness.

State of church planting in America

Looking ahead to the year 2050 in the U.S., what does the future of the church, and of church planting, look like?