Paul’s ministry was also an example of caring for people in every need. Paul gives a model for congregations and individual Christians to care for their members and for the unchurched community around them. Paul encouraged the Galatians, “Let us not grow weary of doing good … So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:9–10).
During a crisis people tend to turn to God and their faith for strength. During these times it is common to make supplications or petitions to God. It is a godly and pious act to pray and to bring one’s petitions to the Lord. The Large Catechism calls this “calling upon God in every need”[6] and it says, “He [God] requires this of us and has not left it to our choice.”
Effective outreach is the “planting and watering” (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:5-9) through which a congregation intentionally engages nonchurched people in ways that … provide the congregation with means of continuing contact with the nonchurched people.
The act of pastoral blessing is nothing new. In fact, Aaron gives a blessing in what is referred to as the Aaronic benediction, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift us his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Num. 6:24–26).
Tragic events—including the death of a loved one, a grave medical diagnosis or a catastrophic natural disaster—peel back the façade that covers this broken world. Tragedy often allows people to see with greater clarity the destructiveness of a fallen world and sin’s consequences.
At the foundation of Luther’s spiritual care was visitation. During visitation, or when he could only write, Luther often gave comfort with Scripture, he recommended hymn singing and he often concluded with a blessing.
A portion of this “white paper” takes up the demographic challenge of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. I pray, that as we face challenges with the Word of God, we will continue to grow together in unity.
Effective outreach is a critical element of a congregation's well-being. What is "effective outreach"?
LCMS School Ministry provides direction for starting, expanding, or improving a Christ-centered early childhood development ministry associated with a Lutheran elementary school.
Together we will reach the least and the lost in MissionField: USA, and we will bring the Gospel to new people in new places across the country. We are going to tell the Good News and love our neighbor.
We are celebrating the service of volunteers in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Wouldn't it be great to have more volunteers to celebrate? Here are some ideas to get more people involved ... and people more involved.
Thank you to all of the LCMS Disaster Response volunteers. The amount of support you have offered continues to be astonishing. To those of you who are just now learning about volunteer opportunities, come and join us. You’ll be amazed what is possible.
Volunteers serving in Poland, Malawi, Madagascar, and Tanzania share their stories of serving in the international mission field.
In our inaugural year, Lutheran Young Adult Corps participants will complete over 19,000 hours of service to help Community Partners reach out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through acts of mercy.
We give thanks to God for the incredible support He gives to us through our volunteers.