Missionary Churches: Navigating in a Post-Church World
In an increasingly secular and pluralistic society, what is the status of the Church, and how do we engage the unchurched around us?
The Magazine
What Is Your Areopagus?
Unbelievers…will not, on their own, choose to come and hear the Gospel. We (the Church) must go to them.
Our Confessions Make Us Missional
Which is more important? Doctrine or mission?
Volunteers Are Not Free!
It’s the beginning of a new year. It’s an opportunity also to review how we employ—and treat—our volunteer staff.
One of Those Years
For me, the beginning of the new year is always exciting. What will the ensuing months bring? Where will I fail? Where will I succeed? How will I grow? Coupled with looking ahead, I always make it a practice to look behind. To reflect on the closing year, to remember, and to ask, “What has God been up to in my life?”
Sadness and the Seasons
by Dr. Leslie (Jack) Fyans I have lived in the upper Midwest all my life but have always dreaded the winters. The gloomy weather depresses me. Do other people have this problem, or is it just me? All of us are affected by our natural environment, and our bodies seem to be especially sensitive to
Lutheran Witness: December 2009
At the heart of it all, as so vividly expressed by Luther’s famous Christmas hymn, “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”—the focus of two of our stories this month—is the birth of God’s Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amid the Glitz: A Christmas Reminder
A trip to a hometown ‘holiday’ celebration creates an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus’ birth.
Luther’s Christmas Hymns
A number of Christmas hymns are associated with Martin Luther. Here are the most familiar.
Out of Ashes, Kindness
‘This is all I have to give you,’ she said sadly. What a wonderful gift! It reminded me of Mark 12:42.
What’s Dispensationalism?
by Dr. Jerald C. Joersz Some TV evangelists and writers of popular religious books promote a view of the end times called “dispensationalism.” What is dispensationalism? How does it differ from how Lutherans understand biblical teaching about the end of the world? Dispensationalism (or “premillennial dispensationalism”) is a teaching that divides biblical history into seven
Grieving a Significant Loss
by Theresa M. Shaltanis I lost my wife three years ago the week after Thanksgiving. Since then, this time of year has felt empty to me. Friends have told me it’s time I get over this, but I just can’t. What can you suggest that might make this time less melancholy? The death of a