Gottesblog

What concerns me about the sudden explosion of making pastors by means of a thousand different routes is that, while it appears we have an increase in numbers, formation isn’t happening. It can’t happen under the direction of one pastor, and it certainly can’t happen through a computer screen.

[F]inally a letter is received. The letter isn’t for a transfer to another Lutheran congregation but for a “peaceful release.” What you had known to be true was finally revealed. The individual or family left the church for another confession.

Several years ago, I was visiting our seminarian in St. Louis. I attended the Divine Service with him and his wife. As I was sitting and waiting for the bells to chime, I flipped through the bulletin to find a page titled, “The Family Altar.” It’s goal was to provide simple devotional material for the home that’s purpose was to prepare for the week ahead.

“Confessional” churches receive more converts than “Missional” churches, and “Traditional” churches receive more converts than “Contemporary” services.

We have daily chapel at our school. Currently, we make use of the readings from the Treasury of Daily Prayer. Over the years this practice has proven to be a great blessing for not only our children, teachers, and few congregation members who attend but also for me as a pastor. Some might sulk at the thought of having to write multiple sermons each week and lament that “there’s not enough time.” In reality, though, it’s what pastors have been called to do, and we need to be doing it faithfully.

No. This is not promotion for a conference. It’s a meaningful evangelism experience for my unique context! (Did I cover all of the essentials?)

“He’s great! He leaves me alone!”

A spiritual poison can be instilled into the children also with the giving of instruction in history, geography, and other subjects, and sad to say, this does happen, as experience teaches us.