by William D. Cochran Q. How have LCMS schools grown over the last 40 years? A. There has been a steady growth in the total number of Lutheran schools, which peaked at 2,525 schools in 2006. That includes a significant growth in the number of free-standing early childhood centers, which reached a high of 1,406
by Adriane Dorr Q. What is the Concordia University System (CUS)? The CUS consists of: Ten colleges and universities 27,000 students Over 2,000 full- and part-time faculty Over 200 programs of study One solid foundation, God’s Word, for a Christ-centered educational environment Q. What is the current number of students enrolled in a church vocation,
by Dr. Albert B. Collver III Among the blessings, gifts and challenges that our Synod faces is the task of restructuring. With the passing of Res. 8–08A at the Synod’s convention in July 2010, the Synod decided to create a more flexible organization by aligning its work around two mission boards. The President’s Office was
by Barbara A. Below On a beautiful spring evening in Palmar Arriba, Dominican Republic, as pictures were displayed on a makeshift screen set up in the street outside the three-bedroom home, little Ramona stood in the spotlight and danced. Along with over 200 other people who gathered from the community, Ramona enjoyed the dedication of
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