A few weeks ago Dr. Roger Nishioka, professor of practical theology at Columbia Theological Seminary, spoke at our synod assembly's fall session on the topic of young adults in the church. He had lots of wonderful, challenging, and insightful things to say, many of which were captured in a series of blogposts posted from theContinue reading “Ministering to < 27.5%”
Category Archives: Liturgy
Trying on Millstones
Yesterday I updated by Facebook status to read, "Chris thinks he ought to get fitted with a millstone." This was in reference to Luke 17:2: It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these littleContinue reading “Trying on Millstones”
When Ministry Paradigms Collide
Two ministry paradigms collided within me yesterday, but I couldn't tell you what the wreckage looked like, because I'm not sure I really understand what happened. Yesterday I attended a seminar on preaching stewardship where we heard from a Lutheran pastor who, from what I can tell, seems to swim in somewhat different church watersContinue reading “When Ministry Paradigms Collide”
Teaching the Bible in Confirmation Class
My congregation uses the wonderful Here We Stand confirmation ministry curriculum from Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Though no curriculum is perfect, I like Here We Stand (HWS) because it is intelligent, engaging, and flexible. I've used it with a large group of kids in a church that made great use of technology and enjoyed the sillinessContinue reading “Teaching the Bible in Confirmation Class”
Freedom of Religion vs. Freedom of Worship
In speeches over the past few months, President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have both used the phrase "freedom of worship," rather than the more common phrase "freedom of religion," found in the First Amendment. Some religious conservatives are raising concerns about what this change in terminology could mean for domestic and foreignContinue reading “Freedom of Religion vs. Freedom of Worship”
The Lutheran Zephyr 