Lutheran Witness: June/July 2016

Online:

• Read the complete special edition of The Lutheran Witness
• From the President: Christ Is Our Rock. Be Bold! 

From the editor

Flights are booked. Schedules are listed. Delegates are ready. Everything is falling into place for Lutherans to converge on Milwaukee July 9–14 for the 66^th LCMS convention.

For those who won’t be in attendance, you’re welcome to watch convention proceedings online at www.lcms.org/convention. But if you just can’t wait for July, this issue of The Lutheran Witness gives you a sneak peek at what will be discussed and voted on this summer.

You’ll learn why Christ’s service to His people through worship will guide the work of the delegates’ day. The convention essayists, who will expound on the convention theme for the delegates, have done the same for you, offering a quick look at what it means to “Repent, Confess, Rejoice.” You can even ponder the convention Bible study (and download the rest for your congregational or personal use!).

Synod leaders have also outlined a handful of substantial issues that will be showcased at the convention: evangelism, licensed lay deacons, revitalization and others. Information on the National Offering is included as well.

You’ll also read the biographies of the three nominees for president of the LCMS as well as a series of questions – submitted via LCMS social media – and answers from those men. Quotes from both seasoned and new delegates will give you a glimpse into everything from what topics matter to congregations to how delegates pray in preparation for the convention.

This summer, thousands of Lutherans will take flights, study their schedules and stand ready to do the work of the Church in convention. And with them, we look to the Rock — to Jesus — as we repent, confess and rejoice in His goodness: in Milwaukee, here at home and around the world.

Adriane Heins, Managing Editor
The Lutheran Witness