Why is Witnessing so Hard for Us?
Wherever I go, I find people of God who want to be better equipped to witness. They long to be able to tell people the good news of Jesus. But
Continue reading
Pastoral Outreach to Those With Gender Dysphoria
Olympic champion, Bruce Jenner, was atop the news this past spring and summer as the saga of his transition from manhood to womanhood unfolded. Time magazine, where Bruce Jenner was
Continue reading
“Cactus Communities”
I call them “cactus communities.” Let me explain. A cactus has life and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. But a cactus is also highly guarded and difficult to open.
Continue reading
To Build, or Not to Build?
Recently, a colleague of mine asked me for some advice that might help the chairman of a church building committee convince fellow members of the congregation that such a significant
Continue reading
The Welcome of the Forgiven
Earlier this month the Texas District Board of Mission Administration visited the Haven for Hope in San Antonio. The Haven for Hope is the largest homeless shelter in the nation
Continue reading
It Was a Great Day, Anyway!
Despite another round of rain in the Cypress area that caused localized flooding, the “public launch” of Cypress Chapel was a great success. Cypress Chapel is the most recent church
Continue reading
A New Season for University Lutheran Church in Austin
In just a few weeks, University Lutheran Church (ULC) in Austin will begin to occupy a brand new ministry site. Located at the same address as the old building—on the
Continue reading
Reflections on the Synod Convention
In my blog dated June 6, 2016, I identified three issues as the most important at this summer’s LCMS national convention. Here is a concise summary of the action taken
Continue reading
Community Connections Coordinator Comes to Hope
James Lavender was installed as Community Connections Coordinator (C3) at Hope Lutheran in Austin on June 5. The C3 position is designed to build relationships with people in the local
Continue reading
LWML Texas District Adopts 11 Grants for Mission Work
The mission of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) is “to assist each woman of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in affirming her relationship with the Triune God so she is
Continue reading