Every Power
The president of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and Other States stepped to the microphone for his opening convention address in 1917. World War I raged. The
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A Strategy of Inconvenience
The past 60 years have been unprecedented for cultural, political and even ecclesiastical stability to the point of being predictable, if not boring. But there were assumptions over those same
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“Zooming In” on Mission
In these days of restricted travel and social distancing, scenes like the one depicted here have become commonplace for many of us. In this case, the participants in the Brady-bunch-style
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On the Other Hand
In 1937, Rev. E. Eckhardt, the editor of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Statistical Yearbook, looked back at the scattering forces that gripped the nation and the church in the early
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The Character of Mission
My tenure in Texas has given me the opportunity to listen to many pastors, particularly those who lead small congregations in small and remote communities. What I have observed is
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3 Cautions About Post-Coronavirus Predictions
Have you been hearing predictions about what life will be like after COVID-19? Some church analysts are voicing grave concerns about church workers and congregations. They forecast a “crash” in
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“It Will Be Okay”—That Will Not Cut It
“It will be okay.” That will not cut it. As an urban missiologist, I have been following our nation’s politics and civil unrest with sadness and wonder as to how,
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Generations of Pain
“The riot was a spontaneous overflow of pent-up aggressions.” That quote is not from a news report regarding the protests resulting from George Floyd’s tragic and senseless death in Minneapolis.
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A Small Congregation with a Big Heart
Many missionary colleagues and I have asked about measuring success in mission. In a desire to be accountable to the church through which the Lord has called us to ministry,
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Lutheran Schools Are Shining Lights During COVID-19
Lutheran schools in Texas did not waver when COVID-19 hit and learning transitioned to online. They have been shining lights for parents and students through the storm. Below are a
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