“For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” —2 Corinthians 4:5 One faithful Lutheran school teacher once told me that everyday he would tell the students in his classroom that Jesus died on the cross and rose again for the forgiveness...
“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 12:21Pastors are not called to be change agents. They are not called to be visionary leaders. They are not...
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.–2 Timothy 3:14-15The Baptismal rite...
“Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you!” —Psalm 102:1 Hurts and brokenness among the chosen people of God is nothing new. While there is much more attention given to church worker health, the anguish of God’s servants fills the Psalms. Psalm 102 begins with a preface that notes,...
“O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old.” —Psalm 44:1What is one thing that congregations can do to strengthen both the church and our communities today? The answer is simple, but not easy....
Change is a favorite word for discussions about the state of the Christian Church and consideration of its future. Church “futurists” propose changes to everything from governance and structure to worship and, among some, doctrinal positions. But as church leaders, we are able to discuss this from the context of...
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.—Psalm 32:1In the movie, Return of the Jedi, as part of their complicated relationship, Darth Vader says to his son, Luke Skywalker, “Your thoughts betray you.” How often the person who feels guilt over some dark deed has thought...
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” —Matthew 10:29-31 One of the first thing that the Saxon immigrants did...
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 When St. Paul encourages those with...
“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.” —2 Corinthians 4:1 Since the fall into sin, work has been marred by frustration and futility. At times, even those who serve in congregations and schools have been disappointed by the lack of apparent fruits from their labor....