Do You Dread Church Meetings?

My unscientific poll of churches suggests the vast of majority of us—church workers and volunteers alike—consider church meetings more obligation than joy. There are many reasons to blame, but frequently I field concerns over the need to address two issues: volunteer commitment and simplified church governance. You can read more...

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William L. Unzicker III Obituary

William Unzicker III, 72, was called home to glory Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at his residence in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was born August 19, 1946 in Herrin, Illinois to William and Lelle (Baker) Unzicker. Bill was teacher and athletic director at Lutheran School Association in Decatur, Illinois (1983-95) and...

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Making Children and Youth a Priority

Many of our congregations have seen an increased median age among members and fewer children and youth. Some congregations send youth to the LCMS National Youth Gathering, while others send groups on servant events or to a Higher Things Conference. Other congregations simply do not have enough young people involved...

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God Save us from Ourselves

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ...If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.—1 Corinthians 12:12, 26The church at Corinth was a church divided against...

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When Financing Might be the Most Responsible Action

As a pastor, you have a lot of responsibility, including sermon preparation, funerals, marriage counseling and leadership—not to mention the financial management and security of the congregation. Although it probably isn’t the highest profile part of your job, keeping a church financially healthy is no easy task. It’s possible that...

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Plus One Helps Congregation Cook Up Food Truck Ministry

If you’ve ever had a bold idea, it may have been followed immediately by doubts, or at least wondering if this could really work. Rev. Jesse Kueker experienced this firsthand when he realized he could envision a barbecue-based ministry in his congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton, MO. Back at...

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Managing Expectations in the Call Process

A young pastor was new at his congregation and preparing for the service when an elder approached him. “I’ve been taking a poll,” the elder informed him. “It’s about the new guy. Word is he’s not as good as the old guy, but he’s not bad.” The elder then left...

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