Reading & Study

2023 International Church Relations Conference video presentations

Presentations from the 2023 International Church Relations Conference were recorded and are now available to view on demand.

Video: 2023 Disaster Response Conference presentations

Under the theme “Walking Together in Disaster Response,” The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod hosted a Disaster Response Conference on Sept. 6-8, 2023, at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod International Center in St. Louis.

Articles: Encouraging Families Toward Lifelong Catechesis and Christian Discipleship 

Faith formation begins at home. Parents, as the first teachers of the faith, play a vital role in nurturing lifelong discipleship within their families. This collection of articles offers guidance and inspiration to help families grow together in Christ.

CTCR report — ‘Christian Decision-Making and the End of Life’

As the legal environment surrounding assisted suicide and other end-of-life issues continues to change, this report offers an update to the CTCR’s previous work on the subject.

One day with an English Bible Camp volunteer

A team from Redeemer Lutheran Church in Gorham, Maine, shared the Gospel with children at the mission congregation of Havířov in the Czech Republic.

40 Prayers for Life — The Lord’s Mercy Endures Forever

This prayer booklet has been prepared for use by individuals or groups — laypeople, pastors and church workers — during pro-life prayer vigils.

The real purpose and real impact of short-term mission

If you're on the fence about serving a short-term mission with the LCMS, I'd encourage you to try it. It was rewarding for me in ways I didn’t expect.

CTCR report – ‘A Chaste and Decent Life: An Update to Human Sexuality 1981’

The new report, which affirms the propositions found in the 1981 CTCR report titled 'Human Sexuality: A Theological Perspective,' addresses issues that have arisen since the original report.

2023 LCMS Life Conference Video Presentations

The conference provided Lutherans with resources to faithfully proclaim what God’s Word teaches about life, health, marriage and family.

LCMS Life Ministry – Convention Resolutions: 1941-2023

Based on its national convention resolutions from 1941 to 2019, the LCMS has compiled a compendium document of the Synod’s action on life-related topics.

One day, four languages

Lydia Steinhaus describes mission work in the Czech Republic and reflects on our God who calls people from all nations to follow Him.

CTCR statement on ‘Luther’s Large Catechism with Annotations and Contemporary Applications’

The CTCR forthrightly asserts that this volume does not change, question or supplant any doctrinal position of the LCMS, including any Synod teaching on contemporary cultural issues such as race or sexuality.

CTCR report – ‘A Snapshot of Trending Tools: Christians and Social Media’

The CTCR considers the use of social media and its impact on life and faith according to seven categories: community, trust, knowledge, influence, identity, temptation and vocation.

God turns obstacles into opportunities

Denise Lewis served in Słupsk, Poland, with a team from her congregation, Resurrection Lutheran Church and School, in Newport News, Va., in July 2022. She shared a reflection on her volunteer service.

CTCR evaluation – ‘Lutheran World Federation’

The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations provides an overview of the Lutheran World Federation as a resource in advising partner churches about the LWF and the Commission’s concern over their joint membership with the LWF.