Recent posts

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.

LCMS Stewardship Ministry – August 2014 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, an updated list of objectives for stewardship ministry is provided. The goals listed are practical and functional and are meant to be applied to situations that are both internal and external. The list’s intended audience is individuals, families and congregations. The Board of Stewardship has adopted these objectives and pray they can be a much-needed start for discussion about this important topic.

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."

Audio interview: Dealing with unrest

The Rev. Steve Schave, director of Urban & Inner-City Mission, and the Rev. Dr. John Nunes, Emil and Elfriede Jochum professor and chair at Valparaiso University, discuss ministry in urban areas as well as the unrest unfolding in Ferguson, Mo., and around the world. KFUO Interview — Aug. 13, 2014.

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.”

Interview with Rev. Heath Curtis, coordinator, LCMS Stewardship Ministry

Rev. Heath Curtis, coordinator for LCMS Stewardship Ministry, discusses the Stewardship Ministry, its redesigned website (www.lcms.org/stewardship) and the resources available to pastors and congregations during an interview on KFUO-AM.

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.

LCMS Stewardship Ministry – July 2014 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, the topic of time stewardship and it being a casualty of the fast-paced society in which we live are discussed. Helping to shape faithful stewards within the congregation must include careful consideration of this important piece of stewardship and the ways to strengthen it in members’ lives.

Video: ‘Life Together in Community: They Are in the Image of God’

Rev. Steven Schave, director of LCMS Urban & Inner-City Mission, explains how this ministry works to boost revitalization efforts and spread the Gospel.

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.

LCMS Stewardship Ministry – June 2014 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, insight is provided into the importance of ordinary stewardship – taking care of what God daily provides – in the lives of congregation members. When the elements of ordinary lives are used daily to be stewards of the love God gives, then God is able to do extraordinary things through these individuals, in their lives and in their community.