Shelter from the Storm
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress my God, in whom I trust.” —Psalm 91:1-2 Basements are quite unusual in certain parts of the country, like Texas and California. But for those of us who...
2019 Calls
James Bartok Faith Lutheran Church – Springfield, MO Jeremiah Gensch Child of God Lutheran Church – St. Peters, MO Andrew Lehenbauer St. Paul Lutheran Church – Concordia, MO Alan Mueller Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Immanuel Lutheran Church – Sweet Springs, MO Cory Stallings The Exchange Communities Lutheran Church – Jackson,...
The Power of Active Alumni for Lutheran Schools
With graduations happening across the world right now, many people are thinking about what the students will become—what majors they’ll pick, what activities they’ll choose, and eventually what jobs will kick-off their futures. However, there’s another often-overlooked angle about what these students will become. They’re going to become alumni. Engaged...
Three Simple Things to Activate Your Volunteer Base
Summer is a unique time for most congregations. While many members are checking out of their routines and going on vacation, seasonal ministries are also ramping up. As many congregations get ready to kick off mission trips, vacation Bible school (VBS) and service projects, they’ll also be seeking more volunteers....
Pastors, Please Take Your Vacation
As a pastor, you go where you’re needed—counseling a couple on the brink of divorce, the side of a hospital bed or presiding over an unexpected funeral. But there’s another place you’re needed. And if you’re being completely honest with yourself, you might be avoiding it. Pastors need to take...
You’re Not Alone!
“I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone.” —Numbers 11:17 Moses was overwhelmed by the burden of leading God’s people. More than...
A Changeless God in an Ever-Changing World
“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” —Malachi 3:7 The writer to the Hebrews says that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. But one could also say that we are surrounded by a great cloud of changes. While many crave consistency, we...
God’s Plan for His People
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet...