Reading & Study Archives

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.

God’s Mercy Never Ceases

LCMS missionaries in the Dominican Republic get to build relationships share Christ with people simply by doing life together.

Church Worker Wellness – Week 57 devotion: Relational wellness

What encouragement do you need today? Who can you encourage?

Church Worker Wellness – Week 56 devotion: Relational wellness

Naming our struggles can be powerful in recognizing the face of God in our lives.

Church Worker Wellness – Week 55 devotion: Emotional wellness

Christmas, Easter, and the Cross is for you. Christ is with you this week and every week.

Video equipment and technology are getting lots of use these days in church sanctuaries, staff homes and other places. However, there is one place, usually a hub of hospitality, not seeing any action these during this time: the church kitchen.

The CARES Act opens options for making a difference during the current pandemic

Important benefits and prayerful considerations for people in a position to give charitable gifts this year

Finding our stewardship voice

The church has not been called to sit silently during these days of challenge. The church proclaims what it has always proclaimed: the Word of God.

Church Worker Wellness – Week 54 devotion: Financial wellness

My mom taught me the concept of tithing from the start of that first paper route.

Showing Christ’s love in times of ambiguous loss

We expect grief after a significant loss, but we can grieve any long-awaited and meaningful moments, from vacations to concerts.

The mission of the Church in dark and latter days

The fear of world wars, global pandemics, economic depression ... what does it all mean to the future of the mission of the church?

Set aside an offering ‘as God hath prospered’ you

What percentage of my income (including this stimulus check) should be directed to the Lord’s work in my congregation? How is the Lord calling me to be generous in this situation?

When are we the Church?

If we see ourselves as the church only when we are “in the building,” we fail to heed our Shepherd’s call to be salt and light in the world through the various vocations in which He has placed us.