By Paula Schlueter Ross SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Relying on the “rock-solid” foundation of their faith in Jesus Christ, delegates to the 32nd Biennial Convention of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League adopted a record-setting mission goal of $1.7 million for…
Districts show 'overwhelming' response to church-planting idea
By Paula Schlueter Ross Mission executives from 29 of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod’s 35 districts already have taken the orientation training for the Ablaze! “Covenant Congregations” church-planting initiative — an “overwhelming” response, says Rev. Yohannes Mengsteab, national director for new mission fields…
Closeup of a 'Covenant Congregation'
As a mission executive for the Mid-South District, Rev. Greg Bearss oversees LCMS church-planting efforts throughout the state of Arkansas. The former banker and graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, also serves as pastor of LakePointe Lutheran Church in…
Concordia, Austin, adopts new name
Concordia University, Austin, Texas, will change its name to Concordia University Texas, effective July 2. The name change — which includes a new logo and school seal — coincides with the university’s plans to move to a larger site in…
LCMS World Relief gives $564,629 for disasters
In barely two months from the start of spring to June 1, LCMS World Relief/Human Care responded to need caused by destructive storms and other disasters with pastoral care and grants totaling $564,629. For instance, tornadoes and massive flooding in many…
Trooper’s funeral draws some 6,000 to LCMS church
By Paula Schlueter Ross The May 2 funeral of New York State Trooper David Brinkerhoff was “powerful” on many levels, according to Rev. Mark Mueller, Brinkerhoff’s pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Delmar, N.Y. Thousands of police officers — some…
Committees propose 97 resolutions for convention (Part 1)
Nine convention floor committees are proposing a total of 97 resolutions for delegates to consider at this summer’s triennial Synod convention, July 14-19 in Houston. Eight of those committees met in St. Louis the weekend starting May 18 to form…
Committees propose 97 resolutions for convention (Part 2)
Program and Finance Recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Task Force for Funding the Mission spawned five of the 15 resolutions drafted by Committee 4. Given highest priority is Res. 4-01, which calls on the Council of Presidents and the Board…
'07 LCMS president nominees share views (Part 1)
As in previous LCMS convention years, Reporter asked the five nominees for Synod president this year to answer in writing questions related to issues in the Synod — some of which will no doubt be considered during the Synod convention…
'07 LCMS president nominees share views (Part 2)
As in previous LCMS convention years, Reporter asked the five nominees for Synod president this year to answer in writing questions related to issues in the Synod — some of which will no doubt be considered during the Synod convention…
'07 LCMS president nominees share views (Part 3)
As in previous LCMS convention years, Reporter asked the five nominees for Synod president this year to answer in writing questions related to issues in the Synod — some of which will no doubt be considered during the Synod convention…
'07 LCMS president nominees share views (Part 4)
As in previous LCMS convention years, Reporter asked the five nominees for Synod president this year to answer in writing questions related to issues in the Synod — some of which will no doubt be considered during the Synod convention…
Committees propose 97 resolutions for convention (Part 1)
Nine convention floor committees are proposing a total of 97 resolutions for delegates to consider at this summer’s triennial Synod convention, July 14-19 in Houston. Eight of those committees met in St. Louis the weekend starting May 18 to form…
Committees propose 97 resolutions for convention (Part 2)
Program and Finance Recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Task Force for Funding the Mission spawned five of the 15 resolutions drafted by Committee 4. Given highest priority is Res. 4-01, which calls on the Council of Presi-dents and the Board…
Letters to the Editor (June)
Volunteer vs. career missionary service A story in the April issue underscores the popularity of a short-term volunteer approach to overseas mission. Bold monolingual English speakers witness to Christ through labored speech and good deeds. Young and old have an…
Purchasing program adopts new name
What used to be known as the Synod’s “National Contract Program” is now its “Group Purchasing Agreement,” or “GPA.” “But it’s more than a name change,” says Mike Magee, purchasing manager at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis. “We…
