BIM concentrates on bridging ‘Gospel gap’ globally

The LCMS Board for International Mission emphasizes unified mission efforts with Synod partner churches and extends 15 missionary calls and appointments.

Pastoral Education – June 2013

This issue of Pastoral Education highlights some of the continuing education opportunities available through Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

LCMS names three deaconesses to new positions in International, National Mission offices

ST. LOUIS, June 8, 2013—Three deaconesses recently began serving in newly created positions at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) International Center in St. Louis.

National mission board prepares for convention, reviews policy

Also on the agenda for the June 3-4 meeting of the LCMS Board for National Mission was a discussion on the Synod’s place in the public square.

Thrivent members vote to open membership to all Christians

Members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans vote overwhelmingly to extend Thrivent’s common bond, allowing it to serve all Christians — not just Lutherans.

Schave named associate executive director, LCMS Office of International Mission

ST. LOUIS, June 7, 2013—The Rev. Steven D. recently began serving as associate executive director at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Office of International Mission (OIM).

Nominees for LCMS president address ministry, issues

The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, the Rev. Dr. Herbert C. Mueller Jr. and the Rev. Dr. David P.E. Maier answer the same six questions posed by “Reporter” and “The Lutheran Witness.”

Board approves $81.7 million-plus operating budget

The Synod Board of Directors adopts a balanced national-Synod operating budget (or “spending plan”) of $81,762,189 for the 2013-14 fiscal year that begins July 1.

LCMS joins in releasing “An Affirmation of Marriage”

ST. LOUIS, June 6, 2013—Seeking to provide clarity and express mutual agreement on what Scripture teaches about marriage and sexuality, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod released “An Affirmation of Marriage” May 24 that also is signed by leaders of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), Lutheran Church—Canada (LCC) and the North American Lutheran Church (NALC).

Youth Gathering registrants are from 35 districts, 12 countries

Some 25,000 participants — including youth and adults from Botswana, Nigeria, Finland, Germany, India, Pakistan, Taiwan and Slovakia — are expected to attend the National LCMS Youth Gathering in July.

Youth Gathering offers ways to ‘stay connected’

There are several ways to “connect” to the Synod’s 2013 National Youth Gathering, July 1-5 in San Antonio, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the Gathering website.

Church bodies issue joint ‘Affirmation of Marriage’

The statement is the result of ongoing study and discussion between the LCMS, the Anglican Church in North America, Lutheran Church—Canada and the North American Lutheran Church.

LCMS releases marriage ‘toolkit’ to aid discussion

As the Supreme Court deliberates two marriage-related cases, the Synod offers these tools to help congregational members, confirmation classes, Bible study groups and others discuss marriage.

Committees propose 116 resolutions for convention

Curious about the resolutions that will be presented to delegates at this summer’s LCMS convention? Here’s a quick rundown.

Convention Corner (June 2013)

The 65th Regular LCMS Convention won’t be all work — there also will be opportunities for relaxation and fellowship.

LCMS reaches out after tornadoes, seeks volunteers

The LCMS approves an initial $100,000 emergency grant to assist tornado victims in Oklahoma. Those interested in volunteering for cleanup may now register for service.