Reading & Study Archives

Revitalization: Abiding as the Declining Church

Revitalizing the declining church is a call to preserve our confession rather than our institution.

The 2018 Mindset list . . . Impacting the class of 2018

See what trends made the Beloit College Mindset List for college freshmen, class of 2018. What impact has faith made? What could it make?

The Death of St John the Baptist Homily

To be a witness today and confess our faith is not for the faint of heart as the account of the death of John the Baptist reminds us. And yet we know that Christ has won the victory over death and so there is nothing left to fear or restrain our confession.

What’s Next? Or rather, WHO’S Next?

Studying generational trends can help prepare us for teaching "Plurals", the newest generation who is now entering our confirmation classes.

Oh, No! Revitalization!

"Revitalization" isn't the best word to describe the work of helping congregations be healthy and whole, but it's the one we use. Once we get past the stigma of the word, we discover that every congregation needs "revitalization."

Early childhood educators come together to learn

Early childhood educators are inspired through joint collaboration and planning at district early childhood conference. Early childhood educators are inspired through joint collaboration and planning at district early childhood conferences.

I Trust When Dark My Road: A Lutheran View of Depression

This book by the Rev. Dr. Todd Peperkorn offers a glimpse into one LCMS pastor’s personal journey through depression while relying on God’s grace.

2014 Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music resources

Presented by LCMS Worship, the Institute was held under the theme “Comfort, Comfort, Ye My People.”

The Hiddenness of Urban & Inner-City Mission

Behind the unassuming pastors, church members, volunteers and programs of our inner-city churches lie hidden gems of love, mercy and hope. See how they come alive in urban centers through the ordinary people who make up these congregations.

Standing in the City

In a once-thriving community, one urban church finds itself facing assaults from the devil, poverty, crime and despair. Brothers and sisters in Christ, it’s time to lace up the gloves and take back our cities.

2013 LCMS Mercy Essay Contest Finalist

The annual Mercy Essay Contest is sponsored by the LCMS Office of National Mission to encourage seminary students to engage our Lutheran theology of mercy and its implications in life and ministry. Prof. John Pless of Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Ind. coordinates the competition each year.

Caring for Body and Soul in the Name of Jesus

The Midwestern tornadoes, one of which devastated Moore, Okla., call for a strong response of love by the church. Our congregation — St. John’s in Moore — as well as surrounding congregations and the LCMS Oklahoma District are in need of our collective support now and well into the future.