I struggled with your editorial on funerals (Feb. 2008 Q&A). Serving in a congregation that regularly does more than fifty funerals a year, it becomes clear that our issue is not so much truth as love. A funeral or memorial service is for the living, and the focus is on proclaiming the gospel of Jesus […]
Regarding the story “50 Faces of Mercy” in the March 2008 Witness, you highlighted 50 lives changed by compassionate Christian action. Captivated, I read each and every story. Well done. Paul Koch Read More Letters to the Editor Send letters to “Letters,” c/o The Lutheran Witness, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122-7295;
Captivating compassion Read More »
I enjoyed so much the article “Seeing what God wants us to see” in the April edition of The Lutheran Witness. It brought to mind a personal experience that I had some years ago. I had always had a fear of flying and was dreading my upcoming flight to Toronto on business. I had only flown
What God wants us to see Read More »
Bravo! The April, 2008 Lutheran Witness deserves a gold star. This is the best edition in a long time. The articles are relevant, fresh, and thought provoking. May God bless this ministry! Glenna OsbornMember of St. Matthew Lutheran ChurchLee’s Summit, MO Thanks for the free copy of the Witness. Our former congregation’s pastor chose to
Keep up the good work Read More »
by James Heine Because we focus on pastoral recruitment, education, and support in the May issue of The Lutheran Witness, we asked our clergy contributors this question: Who first encouraged you to consider the pastoral ministry, and what effect did that encouragement have on your life and on your desire to become a Lutheran pastor?
Four Writers Reflect on Their Call to the Ministry Read More »
by Roland Lovstad Graduating seminarians anticipate seminary “Call Day” as a time to move from preparation to active ministry. At the same time, congregations like Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hampton, Va., anticipate the day when their hopes will be met with a new pastor. “Here we are going into 2008 after four years without a permanent
Starting Anew with a Seminary Graduate Read More »
by Roland Lovstad It’s fair to say no two ministries–or congregations–in the LCMS are alike. They may be small churches in rural America, “megachurches” in the suburbs, or historic congregations in urban settings. Surrounding these congregations are wonderful opportunities to bring God’s Word to immigrants, ethnic groups, blind or deaf people, families, children, military personnel,
Our Seminaries: Responding to Needs, Addressing Costs Read More »
Thanks for the free copy of the January Lutheran Witness. Our former congregation’s pastor chose to discontinue the blanket congregational subscription offered through the New Jersey District in a cost-saving move. The savings are minimal, but I suspect this attitude is prevalent among many pastors and congregations. I feel this to be very foolish. The
Being in the seventh decade of my life, I have long wondered why you so frequently choose such grotesque, repulsive covers for The Lutheran Witness. The March special issue was no exception. It just made me shudder. No wonder we are losing so many of our youth. It is as if we are stuck in
Positive covers, please! Read More »
In his article “No Longer Captive: Alleluia!” in the March Lutheran Witness, Rev. John T. Pless speaks of the sting of death, that is, sin, but he fails to address the power of sin, that is, the Law. Yet, the Holy Spirit teaches us through His servant, the apostle Paul, in Rom. 7:6: “But now,
Regarding February’s Family Counselor, “Playing Second Fiddle”: One might point out to the husband who feels like a second fiddle that life is a matter of the choices one makes. He may choose to feel like a second fiddle and put pressure on his wife, making her defensive, and at the same time inducing an
Playing Second Fiddle Read More »
by Rev. Jeffrey Sippy An old adage says polite gentlemen do not speak poorly of another man’s bride. Can you imagine? Can you imagine someone speaking poorly about your spouse? Yet the Bride of Christ is often maligned and insulted by reckless and thoughtless words—sometimes by its own members. Criticism, complaint, and gossip are the
The Miracle of Pentecost: A United and Harmonious Church Read More »