When I was a young adult, I opted out of church. I still believed in God; and I still prayed. But for many reasons, the imperfect institution got in the way. You’ve heard the statistics that more and more people are voting with their feet when it comes to church. They’re opting out … or [...]
Although I have a Norwegian surname, I come from a long line of both German and Scandinavian Lutherans. I am grateful for the faith my ancestors brought when they immigrated to the United States. Now I live in Minnesota, a land that is a bastion of Lutheran strength. But things are changing. Yes, some churches [...]
By Rev. Craig Pederson, Assistant to the Bishop When your job title is “Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Vitality,” you need to learn to have some fun with it. When I meet with church groups, I like to say that I have a special dispensation from the Bishop to proclaim “Vitality!” in a congregation [...]
By Rev. John Hulden, Assistant to the Bishop With a gaggle of little sweet ones gathered at the preacher’s feet, who knows what will happen next? Check your next kids’ sermon against these five simple concepts so you don’t get derailed the next time you are called on to preach to kids. Keep It Simple [...]
"Many Samaritans believed in Jesus because of her testimony." After hearing about living water, the Samaritan woman left her water jar by the well (no time to lug that heavy thing!) and ran to the city. Her witness to the people might be the best example I've seen of Evangelism -- Lutheran style. She tells [...]
