Lutheran Witness: June/July 2008
As with last month, we are overflowing with feature stories, beginning with our Reformation cover story by Dr. Robert A. Kolb and Dr. Charles P. Arand.
The Magazine
Ashes to Ashes?
Dr. Knippa suggests [in the April 2008 Family Counselor] the questioner look at www.lcms.org for a “historical and scriptural perspective” regarding cremation. He then refers to this with no scriptural references. I would suggest that LCMS add the Bible reference of Joshua 7:15, 25, where we are told that an accursed criminal had to be purged
Starting Anew with a Seminary Graduate
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
Rural revitalization: a good idea, but is something missing?
The idea of the rural community as a mission field is right on! For more than 30 years, Dr. Hunter, a rostered LCMS pastor, has been helping churches big and small work toward the effective transformation of the Lord’s Great Commission to make disciple of all peoples. I have heard him say time and time
Four Writers Reflect on Their Call to the Ministry
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?
Spoiled ending
Pastor Borst’s article about stumbling into the wrong movie was intersting enough, but did he have to tell everyone the ending to a movie a lot of us have NOT seen? Respectfully, C. Richard Read More Letters to the Editor Send letters to “Letters,” c/o The Lutheran Witness, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis,
Keep up the good work
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
Missing the mark on reconciliation
I disagree with Rev. Gleason’s April Witness letter (Be reconciled) that recommends ‘commune now, reconcile later.’ He stated, “They know it [reconciling] is what God wants and calls us to do. But that person cannot yet do it.” Communing in such rebellion will not make a person stronger as Rev. Gleason suggests, but weaker. We
One Message, Many Messengers
Our seminaries in Fort Wayne and St. Louis continue to prepare messengers to proclaim God’s Word faithfully worldwide. Read the inspiring stories of four “messengers.”
What God wants us to see
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 about the choir?
I enjoyed your article about St. Paul’s Lutheran High School; however, you made no mention of their wonderful choir. This group puts on an extended tour every year. This year, they were here in Roswell and gave us a wonderful concert. Two of the young women stayed in our home over night–they were the best
Preparing and Raising Up “Messengers”
As the Lord calls workers for the harvest, the whole church has a role in identifying, encouraging, and assisting men as the consider and pursue pastoral ministry.