Stories, reflections and perspectives from diverse range of voices across the ELCA.
The pastors today who will stay at one call their entire ministry are rare. In fact, out of my graduating seminary class, only one of my close colleagues is still…
As a young seminarian, I first visited prison as part of my contextual education. I entered the prison doors believing I was on my way to reforming the criminal justice…
Next month, the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly heads to New Orleans, a city that occupies a special place in my heart. Having grown up in a family that moved often, we…
“Take a deep breath. “Really deep. “No, deeper. “Breathe in from your stomach.” My husband, Stephen, looked at me from across the dining room table. Charlotte, our 1-year-old daughter, was…
Series editor’s note: At the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in August, the global dimensions of our self-understanding as “church” will be a major focus. This article helps us go deeper…
Possibly Jesus’ most well-known parable next to the so-called prodigal son was sermon material in many pulpits this past Sunday. It’s often called “the good Samaritan,” though I’m not fond…
“I’m a Lutheran” is a monthly profile featuring ELCA members around the world. The profiles showcase ELCA members in all their diversity, connecting one another through individual faith stories as…
Every year I get to speak with prospective students. These folks aren’t just interested in seminary but have finished the application process and are ready to attend. I want to…
Summer is finally here! Time to unwind, hit the beach, go on vacation or spend a lazy afternoon in a hammock, right? Well maybe summer doesn’t feel quite as leisurely…
I’m at the age now where my parents are giving me family household items. Sometimes it feels like they’re saying, “Here, throw this away for me.” But sometimes they’re gems…
Being a father is a wide-open venture. When my wife and I had each of our two children, we were filled with joy at their arrival and committed to loving…
Hope is a simple four-letter word that packs unbelievable punch in the Christian life. Unfortunately, hope gets disguised beneath plenty of realities that deserve to go by the name of…
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