by John Edson The mission and ministry of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod are dependent on gifts from congregations and individuals. These gifts to the Synod come in two forms. The first is referred to as restricted gifts where the funds can be used only for the purpose designated by the donor. The second type is
At my request, The Lutheran Witness staff has put together this issue to inform the good folks of Synod about the financial realities that we face. The funding of this multi-billion-dollar institution called The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is complex, to say the least. Learn more about the Synod’s blessings, gifts and challenges.
by Kevin Vogts It is unfortunate that when we hear the word stewardship the first thing that comes to mind for most modern Christians is money. Biblically speaking, money is only one part of a life of Christian stewardship. According to Rom. 6:23, what do we all deserve from God on account of our sins?
by Rev. Dr. Greg Wismar This is the time of year when people begin to do all sorts of holiday and summer traveling. We go to see historical sights, enjoy theme parks and other attractions and often include visits with relatives along the way. Appropriately enough, the one special festival on the calendar of the
by Albert B. Collver III and Kim Plummer Krull Throughout its history, LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC) has cared for people in body and soul in response to disasters, hunger, poverty and other needs. Apart from disasters, some of the best-supported programs involve the care and help of children, such as the 1001
by Kim Plummer Krull In 1971, a peak high of more than 350 LCMS missionary families dedicated their lives to serving the Lord in foreign fields. Today, 59 such career missionary families (which often include both a husband and wife with calls to serve) work in other countries. But instead of focusing on decline, Dr.
by Kim Plummer Krull How much has the capital campaign raised, and what’s left to go? The capital fund-raising campaign Fan into Flame has led to blessings as well as challenges. That’s important for LCMS members to know, says LCMS President Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, because “in order for us to solve our financial challenges,
by Kim Plummer Krull We were spending a lot more than we were receiving,” says South Wisconsin District (SWD) President Rev. John Wille, explaining as simply as possible why that district had fallen into an operating deficit of $880,000 and a capital indebtedness of $5.5 million when he became president in 2006. Today, the SWD
Concordia Publishing House Synod’s Publisher From coal-fired steam presses in 1869 to the most advanced digital technology today, the purpose of Concordia Publishing House has remained the same: to provide the churches, schools and homes of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod with resources that are faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. CPH is
Join with us in celebrating the incarnation—and Christ’s death and resurrection too—in the December issue of The Lutheran Witness.
I read with great interest the article “Being a Christian in a High-tech World” (February). I disagree that the church is necessarily “borderline archaic” in terms of technology and media when we Lutherans pride ourselves on using new media first. Surely we can do better in today’s setting than to encourage our congregations to be
Excellent article in the February Lutheran Witness (“A Heavenly Reunion”). One of the best that has appeared in the magazine. George Menghi Houston, Texas Read More Letters to the Editor Send letters to “Letters,” c/o The Lutheran Witness, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122-7295; or send them via e-mail to Lutheran.Witness@LCMS.org.