Standing Firm since 1882
In 1844, C.F.W. Walther founded the German-language magazine Der Lutheraner for the churches that would soon form The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Walther set out a fourfold purpose for the periodical: First, to make known the doctrine, treasures and history of the Lutheran Church. Second, to show how the Evangelical Lutheran Church is the true church of Jesus Christ on earth. Third, to help Lutherans know how to believe, live and die in the faith. Fourth and finally, to uncover the false doctrine afflicting the Lutherans of his time.
Der Lutheraner’s sister publication, The Lutheran Witness (LW), was founded in 1882 to serve the English Synod of Missouri, Ohio and Other States before that Synod — and its signature magazine — joined the LCMS in 1911. After nearly 150 years in print, LW remains the LCMS’s flagship periodical and one of the world’s oldest denominational magazines. Even today, LW continues to be guided by Walther’s vision as it seeks to help readers interpret the contemporary world from a Lutheran perspective.
Meet The Team
LW’s editors and designers work to craft articles and magazines that point readers to Christ crucified. In the end, it’s not about us; it’s about Christ — and His life, suffering, death and resurrection for the sins of the world.
Rachel Bomberger
Managing Editor
Job 19: 25–26 — For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God.
Megan K. Mertz
Chief Copy Editor
John 16:33 — I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Roy S. Askins
1 Cor. 2:2 — For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Erica Schwan
Graphic Designer
John 11:25–26 — I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?
Lisa Moeller
Graphic Designer
Phil. 4:6–7 — 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.
Frank Kohn
Col. 1:21–22 — And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.
Content on witness.lcms.org is copyright © 2026 The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Reproduction of a single article or column for
personal or parish use only does not require permission of The Lutheran
Witness. Such reproductions, however, should credit The Lutheran Witness
as the source. Images that are not in the public domain or credited to LCMS
Communications may not be reproduced. For permissions requests not explicitly covered
by this policy, contact Lutheran.Witness@lcms.org.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are
from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by
Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good New Publishers. Used by
permission. All rights reserved.
The Lutheran Witness is published in print 11 times
per year by Concordia Publishing House, 3558 S. Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis,
MO, 63118-3968. Subscribe at witness.cph.org.
Braille and large-print editions for the visually impaired
may be requested free of charge. Contact Lutheran Braille Workers at lbwloveworks.org
or toll free at 800-925-6092.