“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” —Titus 2:1 When St. Paul writes to the young pastors Timothy and Titus, he repeatedly implores them to hold on to and teach sound doctrine. Commentators often note that the expression would be best translated “healthy doctrine.” J.N.D. Kelly writes of the...
According to 1 Peter 3:15, Christians are called to be prepared to give an answer or defense (Greek word for apology, as in apologetics) for the hope that we have. But in this age of shrill voices and all CAPS and exclamation points (!!!) on Twitter and Facebook, we are...
Most people don’t necessarily see a direct connection between a congregation’s business administration and the individuals worshiping on Sunday morning. However, when churches and other buildings receive repairs or updates, the impact can change lives. For example, it’s been almost six years since Joyce Hicks entered the fellowship hall of...
My “10:02 Prayers” this week have been for the Holy Spirit to stir up surprises in new mission initiatives among our congregations. In fact, I’m challenging all of us to use the month of February to pray daily at 10:02 (mindful Jesus’ call to prayer in Luke 10:02) for new...
“And [Peter] he went out and wept bitterly.” —Luke 22:62 Tears are not foreign to those who serve God and His Church. Throughout the Scriptures we find our Lord choosing for His service uncertain saints, men and women, who are known more for their failures than their feats, more for...
by Pastor Marty Hasz, Eisleben Lutheran Church What’s the one most difficult outcome for a pastor to achieve in the congregation? Agreeing on the color of the new sanctuary carpet? Sort of, yes. Even small decisions can be influenced with that agony of broken or strained relationships. Outstanding sermons and...
And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are…” And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. —Acts 15:36, 41 When Paul begins his second missionary journey, it is...
By Christina Stackle This post is one of a series about supporting families in your congregation. Join us for Tell the Next Generation: A Family Ministry Conference on March 9, 2019. Have you heard parents tell their children, “I love you right up to the moon and back?” This saying,...
Rev. Kenneth Frerking of Columbia, MO was called to his heavenly reward on the evening of Saturday, January 12. He is survived by his wife, Ethelyn “Lynn” (nee Crawford), and his daughter, Joanna. Please keep the Frerking family in your prayers. Rev. Frerking served at University Lutheran Chapel from 1957 to...
"Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” —John 12:20-21 Pastors and church leaders often feel pressure to live up to some level of artificial expectations. After years...