Recent posts

Devotional Thought for St. Matthew’s Day

Each of these gifts – whether in material wealth, or intelligence, or beauty, or family, etc. – is not only a gift but a duty.

LCMS Interview with Dr. Norman Nagel

Dr. Nagel reflects on the comfort that comes from the means of grace delivering God’s promises to us in certainty. This video interview was filmed in the lovely chapel of Laclede Groves right after Easter, 2014.

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.

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.