Podcasts about lutheran church missouri synod

What have you always wanted to know about LCMS International Missions (but were maybe afraid to ask)?   In this second International Missions 101 conversation, Erin draws on insights from her day job as Director of Short-term Mission for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to answer common questions about how the LCMS equips and sends missionaries and engages in missions throughout the world.   How does the LCMS do missions? What is the central focus and goal of all mission activities? How do we decide where to plant new missions? What kinds of people become missionaries (are they all pastors?), and what kind of work do they do?   To learn more, check out the following links:   International Mission – The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod  LCMS International Mission Facebook Page How you can serve: Missionary Service – The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod  Short-term mission opportunities: Serve Now – Mission service opportunities  Erin's *other* podcast: 5 Minutes with a Missionary Archives – KFUO Radio  Coffee Hour episodes with missionaries: Short Term Mission Stories  Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

Pr. Ben Ball of St. Paul Lutheran-Hamel, IL The post How the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Dealt with False End-Times Teaching – Pr. Ben Ball, 5/15/25 (1352) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Safe in the Shepherd's Hands | John 10:22-33 In a world filled with countless voices clamoring for our attention, one voice stands apart—clear, faithful, and comforting. Jesus promises, “My sheep hear my voice.” Unlike the fleeting calls that leave us lost and alone, His voice remains steadfast and unwavering. Death could not silence Him, and His ascension did not distance Him. Today, He speaks through His Word, proclaimed by His apostles and pastors, ensuring His sheep are never without His guidance. When we wander, bruised and breathless, He does not scold; instead, He rejoices and gently gathers us into His embrace. You are never abandoned to life's chaotic noise. Your Good Shepherd calls you personally, leading you beside still waters. Join us as we explore the profound assurance of being safely held in the hands of our Good Shepherd. Key Takeaways: Jesus' voice offers comfort, direction, and assurance. His promise ensures we are never alone or abandoned. Through His Word and Sacraments, Christ continually calls and cares for us.

What if our cultural moment isn't "post-Christian" but rather "pre-Christian"? This shift in perspective could transform how we approach ministry and evangelism in today's secular world.Dr. Dean Nadasdy, President Emeritus of the Minnesota South District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, draws from decades of ministry experience to share insights on effective leadership and evangelism. His pastoral wisdom challenges us to reconsider how we approach relationship-building, lay mobilization, and gospel communication in today's church context.• Relationships remain the most enduring aspect of ministry—contrary to the advice not to befriend church members• Equipping laity for servant ministry through intentional systems helped Woodbury Lutheran achieve roughly 66% member participation• The apprenticeship model paired new volunteers with experienced ministry leaders to ensure smooth transitions and proper training• Clergy dominance can prevent lay people from fulfilling their calling to serve in Christ's mission• The "bound, burdened, broken" framework provides a practical approach to contextualizing the gospel for specific needs• Stories engage emotions in ways propositional truth alone cannot, making them powerful tools for gospel communication• Modern parables can effectively communicate timeless truths to contemporary audiences• Shifting from a "post-Christian" to "pre-Christian" mindset transforms our outlook from defeat to opportunity• Our Lutheran theological foundation—commitment to Scripture, grace-centered theology, and Christ-focused proclamation—positions us uniquely for effective ministry• Vibrant communities driven by mission, not institutional structures, will attract those seeking authentic spiritual connectionSupport the showWatch Us On Youtube!

Safe in the Shepherd's Hands | John 10:22-33 In a world filled with countless voices clamoring for our attention, one voice stands apart—clear, faithful, and comforting. Jesus promises, “My sheep hear my voice.” Unlike the fleeting calls that leave us lost and alone, His voice remains steadfast and unwavering. Death could not silence Him, and His ascension did not distance Him. Today, He speaks through His Word, proclaimed by His apostles and pastors, ensuring His sheep are never without His guidance. When we wander, bruised and breathless, He does not scold; instead, He rejoices and gently gathers us into His embrace. You are never abandoned to life's chaotic noise. Your Good Shepherd calls you personally, leading you beside still waters. Join us as we explore the profound assurance of being safely held in the hands of our Good Shepherd. Key Takeaways: Jesus' voice offers comfort, direction, and assurance. His promise ensures we are never alone or abandoned. Through His Word and Sacraments, Christ continually calls and cares for us.

Safe in the Shepherd's Hands | John 10:22-33 In a world filled with countless voices clamoring for our attention, one voice stands apart—clear, faithful, and comforting. Jesus promises, “My sheep hear my voice.” Unlike the fleeting calls that leave us lost and alone, His voice remains steadfast and unwavering. Death could not silence Him, and His ascension did not distance Him. Today, He speaks through His Word, proclaimed by His apostles and pastors, ensuring His sheep are never without His guidance. When we wander, bruised and breathless, He does not scold; instead, He rejoices and gently gathers us into His embrace. You are never abandoned to life's chaotic noise. Your Good Shepherd calls you personally, leading you beside still waters. Join us as we explore the profound assurance of being safely held in the hands of our Good Shepherd. Key Takeaways: Jesus' voice offers comfort, direction, and assurance. His promise ensures we are never alone or abandoned. Through His Word and Sacraments, Christ continually calls and cares for us.

Safe in the Shepherd's Hands | John 10:22-33 In a world filled with countless voices clamoring for our attention, one voice stands apart—clear, faithful, and comforting. Jesus promises, “My sheep hear my voice.” Unlike the fleeting calls that leave us lost and alone, His voice remains steadfast and unwavering. Death could not silence Him, and His ascension did not distance Him. Today, He speaks through His Word, proclaimed by His apostles and pastors, ensuring His sheep are never without His guidance. When we wander, bruised and breathless, He does not scold; instead, He rejoices and gently gathers us into His embrace. You are never abandoned to life's chaotic noise. Your Good Shepherd calls you personally, leading you beside still waters. Join us as we explore the profound assurance of being safely held in the hands of our Good Shepherd. Key Takeaways: Jesus' voice offers comfort, direction, and assurance. His promise ensures we are never alone or abandoned. Through His Word and Sacraments, Christ continually calls and cares for us.

Dr. Jon Bruss, President of Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN Dr. Tom Egger, President of Concordia Seminary Dr. Bruss' Statement on Unauthorized Master of Divinity Programs in the LCMS Dr. Egger's Statement on Unauthorized Master of Divinity Programs in the LCMS Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO The post The Promotion of “Rogue” Seminaries in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod – Dr. Jon Bruss & Dr. Tom Egger, 5/9/25 (1292) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

You Know It Is the Lord! | John 21:1-14 | Trinity Lutheran Church Have you ever had a moment when God's promises became unmistakably clear? In John 21:1-14, the disciples experience this very clarity. Initially, they don't recognize the figure on the shore—until He speaks and His promise is fulfilled. They've witnessed this before: a night of fruitless fishing, then a simple command from Jesus, and suddenly their nets overflow. "It is the Lord!" proclaims John, recognizing Jesus by His word that accomplishes exactly what He promises. Today, we hear that same powerful word, given so that "you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:31). Listen and believe—it truly is the Lord! ✨ Key Takeaways: Jesus fulfills His promises in unexpected ways. Recognizing Jesus comes through hearing His Word. God's Word is powerful, creating faith and life.

You Know It Is the Lord! | John 21:1-14 | Trinity Lutheran Church Have you ever had a moment when God's promises became unmistakably clear? In John 21:1-14, the disciples experience this very clarity. Initially, they don't recognize the figure on the shore—until He speaks and His promise is fulfilled. They've witnessed this before: a night of fruitless fishing, then a simple command from Jesus, and suddenly their nets overflow. "It is the Lord!" proclaims John, recognizing Jesus by His word that accomplishes exactly what He promises. Today, we hear that same powerful word, given so that "you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:31). Listen and believe—it truly is the Lord! ✨ Key Takeaways: Jesus fulfills His promises in unexpected ways. Recognizing Jesus comes through hearing His Word. God's Word is powerful, creating faith and life.

You Know It Is the Lord! | John 21:1-14 | Trinity Lutheran Church Have you ever had a moment when God's promises became unmistakably clear? In John 21:1-14, the disciples experience this very clarity. Initially, they don't recognize the figure on the shore—until He speaks and His promise is fulfilled. They've witnessed this before: a night of fruitless fishing, then a simple command from Jesus, and suddenly their nets overflow. "It is the Lord!" proclaims John, recognizing Jesus by His word that accomplishes exactly what He promises. Today, we hear that same powerful word, given so that "you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:31). Listen and believe—it truly is the Lord! ✨ Key Takeaways: Jesus fulfills His promises in unexpected ways. Recognizing Jesus comes through hearing His Word. God's Word is powerful, creating faith and life.

Color: White Old Testament: Exodus 12:1–14 Old Testament: Exodus 24:3–11 Psalm: Psalm 116:12–19; antiphon: v. 17 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 11:23–32 Gospel: John 13:1–15 Gospel: John 13:1–15, 34–35 Introit: Psalm 67:1–3, 6b–7; antiphon: Galatians 6:14b; Liturgical Text Gradual: Psalm 111:4–5 Tract: Psalm 111:4–5; John 6:55–56 Let Us Love One Another, as Christ Jesus Has Loved Us   “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26). By eating His body and drinking His blood, we proclaim to all the world that Jesus is, indeed, our Passover Lamb (Ex. 12:1–14), who was sacrificed for us on Calvary. In Christ, the Lord remembers us in mercy and remembers our sin no more; He forgives us all our iniquity. With such love, he “loved His own who were in the world,” and even loves us “to the end” (John 13:1). As He washes us and feeds us in love, let us love one another, just as He has loved us (John 13:34). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: Black Old Testament: Isaiah 52:13—53:12 Psalm: Psalm 22; antiphon: v. 1 Psalm: Psalm 31; antiphon: v. 1 Epistle: 2 Corinthians 5:14–21 Gospel: John 18:1—19:42 Introit: Psalm 102:1–2, 12; antiphon: Isaiah 53:4a, 5a, 6a, c Gradual: Isaiah 53:1, 11b Tract: Psalm 140:1–7, 12–13 Behold the Lamb of God, Who Takes Away the Sin of the World   Jesus, the Lamb of God, is led to the slaughter of His cross as the sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the world. “Despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Is. 53:3), He is the righteous Servant who justifies many by His innocent suffering and death. He bears our griefs and carries our sorrows; He is wounded for our transgressions; He is crushed for our iniquities; He suffers our chastisement, so that “with His stripes we are healed” (Is. 53:4–5). As the Son of God, He fulfills the Law for us in human flesh, and so fulfills the Scriptures (John 19:7, 24). For in Christ, “God was reconciling the whole world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Cor. 5:19). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: Black Old Testament: Isaiah 52:13—53:12 Psalm: Psalm 22; antiphon: v. 1 Psalm: Psalm 31; antiphon: v. 1 Epistle: 2 Corinthians 5:14–21 Gospel: John 18:1—19:42 Introit: Psalm 102:1–2, 12; antiphon: Isaiah 53:4a, 5a, 6a, c Gradual: Isaiah 53:1, 11b Tract: Psalm 140:1–7, 12–13 Behold the Lamb of God, Who Takes Away the Sin of the World   Jesus, the Lamb of God, is led to the slaughter of His cross as the sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the world. “Despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Is. 53:3), He is the righteous Servant who justifies many by His innocent suffering and death. He bears our griefs and carries our sorrows; He is wounded for our transgressions; He is crushed for our iniquities; He suffers our chastisement, so that “with His stripes we are healed” (Is. 53:4–5). As the Son of God, He fulfills the Law for us in human flesh, and so fulfills the Scriptures (John 19:7, 24). For in Christ, “God was reconciling the whole world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Cor. 5:19). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: White Old Testament: Job 19:23–27 Psalm: Psalm 118:15–29; antiphon: v. 1 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:51–57 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 5:6–8 Gospel: Mark 16:1–8 Introit: Psalm 8:1, 5–6, 9; antiphon: Luke 24:5b–6b Gradual: Psalm 118:24, 1 Verse: 1 Corinthians 5:7b–8a, c Christ's Resurrection Means That We Will One Day Be Raised   “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Cor. 5:7). By the shed blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, eternal death has passed over us. Now we pass with Christ through death into life everlasting. For Christ the crucified One is risen! The stone has been rolled away from the tomb, revealing that the tomb could not hold Him (Mark 16:1–8). Now our Redeemer lives eternally to save us from sin and Satan and the grave, and we can live in the sure hope of our own bodily resurrection with Christ. “After my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:26). Feasting on the living Christ, who is our meat and drink indeed, we boldly say: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? . . . But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:54–55, 57). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: White Old Testament: Ezekiel 37:1–14 Psalm: Psalm 33; antiphon: v. 6 Epistle: 1 John 5:4–10 Gospel: John 20:19–31 Introit: Psalm 81:1, 7a, 10, 16b; antiphon: 1 Peter 2:2a Verse: Matthew 28:7b; John 20:26a, c The Wounds of Christ Give Us Life   “For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood” (1 John 5:7). These three point to Christ and flow from Christ. Jesus shows His disciples His hands side, from which blood and water flowed, saying “Peace be with you.” He presents the wounds which turn our fear to gladness and which restore us to the Father. Jesus breathes on His disciples and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:23). His breath, His words are Spirit and life. They raise up our dry, dead bones and give us new and everlasting life (Ezek. 37:1–14). Christ now gives His ministers to speak His forgiving, Spirit-filled words to the penitent in His stead. Our Lord continues to come to His people, presenting His wounds to us in the Sacraments of water and blood. He bids us to touch His side at His table, to receive His risen body and blood in true faith, that believing we may have life in His name. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

John 12:12–19 Color: Red Old Testament: Zechariah 9:9–12 Psalm: Psalm 31:9–16; antiphon: v. 5 Psalm: Psalm 118:19–29; antiphon: v. 26 Epistle: Philippians 2:5–11 Gospel: Matthew 26:1—27:66 Gospel: Matthew 27:11–54 Introit: Psalm 22:1, 7–8, 11; antiphon: vv. 19, 21 Gradual: Psalm 73:23b–24, 1 Tract: Psalm 22:1, 4–5 The Cross and Passion of Our Lord Are the Hour of His Glory   “Behold, your King is coming to you . . . humble and mounted on a donkey” (Zech. 9:9–12; Mt. 21:1–9). Our Lord rides in this humble fashion because He is entering Jerusalem to humble Himself even to the point of death on a cross (Phil. 2:5–11). His kingly crown will not be made of gold but of thorns, the sign of sin's curse. For His royal reign is displayed in bearing this curse for His people, saving us from our enemies by sacrificing His own life. The sinless One takes the place of the sinner so that the sinner can be freed and bear the name “Barabbas,” “son of the Father” (Matthew 26 and 27). It is at the name of this exalted Savior, Jesus, that we bow in humble faith. With the centurion who declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Mt. 27:54), we are also given to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:11). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Attorney Kurth Brashear doesn't shy away from addressing the challenging governance issues facing the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod today. Drawing from his extensive experience in both church leadership and legal practice, he offers a candid assessment of how the church's governance structures sometimes hinder rather than help our shared mission.• Developing a heart for church mission comes from understanding that God wants all people to be saved• The "clearinghouse concept" facilitates sharing of synodical resolutions across districts to improve communication• Prior approval process lacks transparency, leading to mistrust and uncertainty within church leadership• Many church leaders fear speaking openly about opportunities for improvement due to potential repercussions• Term limits for synodical officers would remind us that no one is irreplaceable in God's mission• Current electoral system gives equal weight to congregations regardless of size, creating representation imbalances• Commissioned ministers' voices need greater recognition in church governance and decision-making• Primary focus should remain on the 98% we agree on rather than the 2% where we differ• Healthy organizations handle difficult conversations well rather than avoiding themThe Balance of GrayGod, doubt, and proof walk into a podcast... it goes better than you'd expect!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston sit down to recap key takeaways from their two-part conversation with Pastor Erik Janke of May River Lutheran Church. From Martin Luther's original teachings to the three major Lutheran denominations in the U.S., they explore the key doctrines, worship practices, and theological distinctives that shape the Lutheran tradition today.

✝ Good Friday – John, The Gospel Writer John 19:25–37 | Behold the Lamb of God, Pierced for Us On this most solemn day, we behold Christ crucified—our Savior lifted high upon the cross. In John 19:25–37, the Gospel writer gives us a deeply personal and eyewitness account of Jesus' final moments. John stood at the foot of the cross. He saw the blood and water flow. He heard Christ's final words and watched Him breathe His last. “John, The Gospel Writer” draws us into that moment—not as distant readers, but as those who have been called to witness and believe. Through John's eyes, we see the fulfillment of Scripture, the depth of Christ's love, and the beginning of the Church's life flowing from His pierced side.

✝ Good Friday – John, The Gospel Writer John 19:25–37 | Behold the Lamb of God, Pierced for Us On this most solemn day, we behold Christ crucified—our Savior lifted high upon the cross. In John 19:25–37, the Gospel writer gives us a deeply personal and eyewitness account of Jesus' final moments. John stood at the foot of the cross. He saw the blood and water flow. He heard Christ's final words and watched Him breathe His last. “John, The Gospel Writer” draws us into that moment—not as distant readers, but as those who have been called to witness and believe. Through John's eyes, we see the fulfillment of Scripture, the depth of Christ's love, and the beginning of the Church's life flowing from His pierced side.

Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the services of the Triduum during Holy Week, the origins of these services, what makes Tenebrae a unique service among the others, and the beautiful Responsories used in the Medieval church during these Tenebrae services. Listen to the Responsories by Carlo Gesualdo on YouTube. This episode originally aired on April 5, 2023.  As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Joab watches David mourn over Absalom's continued absence, even as David takes no action. Joab takes matters into his own hands by sending a wise woman with a wise story to David in order to call the king to make a decision concerning Absalom. In response, David brings Absalom back to Jerusalem, but Absalom does not come into the king's presence. This continued passivity on David's part leads Absalom to act out in violence and begin to plot against his father.  Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and chaplain for the International Center in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 14:1-33.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Tim and Jack welcome back Nick Graff, a former Marine Corps sergeant and special forces member, to discuss the aftermath of Seminex and its implications for the modern Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.• The aftermath of Seminex resulted in a more confessionally unified LCMS while also creating a spirit of disunity• Contemporary debates about worship styles often conflate adiaphora (non-essential matters) with doctrine• "Liturgical pietism" can potentially make the liturgy, rather than Christ, the focus of worship• Political identities increasingly supersede baptismal identities in church conflicts• American politics have become more tribal, affecting how Christians relate to one another• "Backdoor ecumenicism" allows non-Lutheran theological concepts to enter through political associations• The church tends to focus on power struggles rather than creating hospitable spaces for sinners• "Sinners belong in church" remains a foundational Lutheran principle• Only Christ—not human efforts to enforce conformity—can bring order to a fallen worldSupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Color: Purple Old Testament: Genesis 22:1–14 Psalm: Psalm 43; antiphon: v. 5 Epistle: Hebrews 9:11–15 Gospel: John 8:42–59 Gospel: John 8:46–59 Introit: Psalm 43:3–5; antiphon: vv. 1–2a Gradual: Psalm 143:9a, 10a; 18:48a, c Tract: Psalm 129:1–4 Jesus Is Our Redemption   In the temple Jesus said, “If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” (John 8:51). For Jesus came to taste death for us—to drink the cup of suffering to the dregs in order that we might be released from its power. Clinging to His life-giving words, we are delivered from death's sting and its eternal judgment. Christ is our High Priest, who entered the Most Holy Place and with His own blood obtained everlasting redemption for His people (Heb. 9:11–15). He is the One who was before Abraham was, and yet is his descendant. He is the promised Son who carries the wood up the mountain for the sacrifice, who is bound and laid upon the altar of the cross. He is the ram who is offered in our place, who is willingly caught in the thicket of our sin, and who wears the crown of thorns upon His head (Gen. 22:1–14). Though Jesus is dishonored by the sons of the devil, He is vindicated by the Father through the cross. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod faces significant challenges based on the latest Pew Research Center findings, with declining prayer frequency, weekly worship attendance, and scripture reading. Tim and Jack offer candid insights into the demographic shifts and spiritual trends affecting LCMS congregations nationwide.• LCMS demographics show an aging trend with only 19% of households having children, down from 28% a decade ago• Lutherans maintain strong marriage rates with 69% of members married compared to 50% nationwide• Weekly worship attendance has dropped from 47% to 34%, significantly below the national average• Only 27% of LCMS members read scripture weekly, while 55% seldom or never engage with the Bible• Members reporting regular spiritual peace has plummeted from 63% to 43%, with those reporting no peace doubling• The church body is becoming more politically homogeneous with 66% identifying as Republican• Strategic recommendations include prioritizing young family outreach, developing leadership pathways, emphasizing spiritual disciplines, and maintaining gospel-centered messagingWe must engage the community by offering Christ's peace in a troubled world, building bridges between our traditions and today's needs, and creating spaces for genuine spiritual growth in an increasingly anxious society.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

“Not This Man, But Barabbas!”

“Not This Man, But Barabbas!”

There is Only One Good Son