Summer ‘Lutheran Witness’ previews convention

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing,” St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians. And indeed, it is pure folly to the eyes of the world. Who would believe that a dead man hanging on a tree redeems the world? It seems even more outrageous when you learn that same man is God incarnate. Indeed, it seems folly to the world, “but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18).

This summer, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) will again gather in convention to discuss and perform the work of the church. Delegates will elect officers, debate and vote on resolutions, gather for worship, study God’s Word and more.

The theme chosen for the convention is “We Preach Christ Crucified,” from 1 Corinthians 1. This central message will inform delegates as they discuss vital matters related to the Concordia University System, church fellowship, providing pastors for LCMS congregations and other matters necessary to the operation of the church.

The June/July issue of The Lutheran Witness is a preview of what’s coming up in convention. It includes biographical summaries, personal statements and Q&As with the five presidential nominees. It also introduces the convention essayists and provides a short summary of their presentations. In the “Overture Overview,” readers will find a quick outline of the major matters that delegates will face on the convention floor.

Most important, though, readers will be reminded — as they always are in the pages of LW — of Christ and Him crucified for the sins of the world. As the Rev. Roy Askins, LW managing editor, writes in his column, “For Christ has not built His church on the shifting sands of popular opinion or worldly wisdom, but upon the preaching of Christ crucified — a message of folly to many, but of salvation to us who are called.”

To subscribe, visit cph.org/witness . Learn more about the issue and other topics online at witness.lcms.org.

Posted June 15, 2023