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...
Last summer, Rev. Kevin Golden and then deaconess intern Laura Jostes led lay people in the Every One His Witness training at Village Lutheran Church in Ladue. Rev. Golden likes this resource because of its strong biblical and theological foundation, but also because it offered his congregation very practical applications.Rev....
Rev. Samuel Powell, of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson City, doesn’t think most pastors are overjoyed at the idea of starting a stewardship campaign. However, last year everyone agreed it was the right time. Rev. Powell reached out to Casey Carlson of the LCEF and Gene Wyssmann of the Missouri...
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....
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” —Luke 10:2 Many congregations will be praying, watching and waiting, as our seminaries hold call services for our new pastors this week. Whether you or your...
Last month, we wrote about how pastors can embrace stewardship with their congregations. As a follow-up, we spoke with Rev. Nathan Meador, Senior Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Plymouth, WI and the Assistant Coordinator of Stewardship for the Office of National Mission-LCMS. Rev. Meador says the first step...
Whether it’s a big church or a small church, a rural or city church, it appears there is a genuine reluctance to address stewardship. This hesitancy can be found both in pastors and laity. It seems there is a pattern across many of our congregations. There is an aspect of...
“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...
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...