July-August

The development of pastoral education has taken some interesting twists and turns over the centuries. Speaking in broad strokes, the education of the Levites was based on the Pentateuch until the rest of the Old Testament was penned by divine inspiration. Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers formed the core of Levitical pastoral theology. The Prophetic … [Read more...] about Pastoral Formation Through the Ages

The purpose of this essay is to consider the main aspects of the pastoral ministry and pastoral care in the Lutheran church today. What is the responsibility of the Lutheran pastor and what is the responsibility of his congregation? Every orthodox Lutheran pastor confesses that the Holy Scriptures are God’s errorless inspired Word, the only … [Read more...] about The Pastor and Pastoral Care Today

During the year of our Lord, 2020, the ELS endured a number of events that would have been considered catastrophic taken all on their own, but taken as a whole, they represented a large-scale shift in how we view ourselves. The suspension of in-person worship, forced distance from those to whom we were providing close care, and the sudden death of … [Read more...] about Preparing Shepherds for the Future

God bless our native land, firm may she ever stand, through storm and night. When the wild tempests rave, Ruler of wind and wave, do Thou our country save, by Thy great might (ELH #602, verse 1). That song, often sung during summer, is a prayer, isn’t it? A prayer for God’s help in the storms and darkness our nation faces, both the literal and … [Read more...] about Teach Us to Pray: Psalm 79

In my instruction of youth or adult confirmands, I have occasionally and repeatedly made this point: When it comes to salvation sentences, always watch who is controlling the verbs. If it is not God who is the subject of the sentence and we the objects, we will leave ourselves open to the tricks of Satan. The last question I have used in the … [Read more...] about The Subject of Your Certainty

Two people were friends for years. One stopped speaking to the other some time ago and refuses to acknowledge any communication, say what the problem is, or attempt to try to solve whatever might be wrong. Does God forgive this kind of deliberate act of disobedience where someone refuses to love his neighbor? What insights does Scripture offer in … [Read more...] about Pastor, I Have a Question July-August, 2021