Study: EVER-REFORMING: A REFORMATION 500 CROSS-GENERATIONAL STUDY

The North Carolina Synod of the ELCA has developed Ever Reforming to help us focus on the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.  
The study is a collection of lessons from a variety of contributors for small groups, circles, Sunday school, adult forums.

Weekly studies

CHURCH HISTORY
Week 1 A Very, Very Brief History of the Pre-Reformation Christian Church   Mark Ellingsen
Week 2 The Church on October 30, 1517   Mark Ellingsen
Week 3 The Reformation’s Major Figures   Mark Ellingsen
Week 4 Who, What, When, Where, and Why—Reformation Basics   Mark Ellingsen
MARTIN LUTHER
Week 5 Luther the Priest and Pastor    Andrew Weisner
Week 6 Luther the Scholar                   David Ratke
Week 7 Luther the Reformer                David Ratke
Week 8 Luther the Father                    Eric Childers
LUTHER IN THE HOME
Week 9 Vocation of Marriage and Family     Christy Lohr Sapp
Week 10 Who Was Katherine von Bora?     Christy Lohr Sapp
Week 11 Martin and Katie at Home              Christy Lohr Sapp
Week 12 The Establishment of the Home Altar—Parents as Teachers     Christy Lohr Sapp
LUTHERAN THEOLOGY PART I
Week 13 God with Us—A Theology of the Cross                  Russell Makant
Week 14 Death and Life—A Theology of Law and Gospel    Mary Hinkle Shore
Week 15 Saved by Grace—A Theology of Justification by Grace through Faith    Joshua Copeland
Week 16 Simul Justus et Peccator—A Theology of Saints and Sinners    Katherine Shaner
WORSHIP AND LITURGY
Week 17 Liturgy and Why We Do the Things We Do in Worship (The Gathering)    Eric Childers
Week 18 Liturgy and Why We Do the Things We Do in Worship (The Word)           Eric Childers
Week 19 Liturgy and Why We Do the Things We Do in Worship (The Meal)            Eric Childers
Week 20 Liturgy and Why We Do the Things We Do in Worship (The Sending)       Eric Childers
MUSIC AND HYMNODY
Week 21 The Roots of Reformation Music                                   Paul Weber
Week 22 Luther, the Musical Poet of Spiritual Songs                   Paul Weber
Week 23 The Context and Performance of Reformation Hymns  Paul Weber
Week 24 Through the Church the Song Goes On                        Paul Weber
LUTHERAN THEOLOGY PART II
Week 25 The Priesthood of All Believers—A Theology of Vocation   Eric Childers
Week 26 What Does This Mean?—A Theology of Teaching              Clay Schmit
Week 27 There and Here—A Theology of Two Kingdoms                 Sarah Lischer
Week 28 Social Justice and the Church                                             Tim Smith
LUTHERAN ETHICS
Week 29 The Church in Society—A Lutheran Perspective (ELCA Social Statements)   Mindy Makant
Week 30 Genetics, Faith, and Responsibility (ELCA Social Statements)   Mindy Makant
Week 31 The Church and Criminal Justice—Hearing the Cries (ELCA Social Statements)   Mindy Makant
Week 32 Human Sexuality—Gift and Trust (ELCA Social Statements)   Mindy Makant
LUTHERANS IN AMERICA AND THE WORLD
Week 33 A Very Brief History of Lutherans in America    Susan McArver
Week 34 Lutherans and the Roman Catholic Church Today    C. Pierson Shaw
Week 35 The Work and the Reach of the ELCA Today    Leonard Bolick
Week 36 The Legacy of the Reformation    Bill Trexler
NORTH CAROLINA LUTHERANS AND OUR PARTNERS IN MINISTRY
Week 37 Synod Companions—the Costa Rican Synod    Bob Johnson
Week 38 North Carolina Ecumenical Partners     C. Pierson Shaw
Week 39 Lutheran Social Services    Ted Goins
Week 40 Refugees, Immigration, and Lutherans    Ted Goins
TOWARD REFORMATION 1000
Week 41 Toward Reformation 1000…   Wayne Powell
Week 42 Toward Reformation 1000…   Clay Schmit
Week 43 Toward Reformation 1000…   Tim Smith

Week 44 Toward Reformation 1000…   Elizabeth Eaton

To obtain a copy of the study visit https://nclutheran.org/download/ever-reforming-a-reformation-500-cross-generational-study/ 

There is also a colouring book which aligns to each Sunday's study  which is available at http://www.nclutheran.org/events/docs/Ever-Reforming-Coloring-Pages.pdf

Devotion: Who and what is shaping you as a leader?

Who and what is shaping you as a leader? is designed for leaders in Christian congregations to reflect on being a leader in the church and Christian organisations....
It is based on:
Follow my example, as i follow the example of Christ 1 Corinthians 11:1

This study is available here

Bible Study: Disciples and other sinners

Disciples and Other Sinners by Ronn Kerr is based on the popular new concept in adult study programs -- powerful stories written in first person from the perspective of real New Testament people.
In Disciples and Other Sinners, each of the thirteen weekly class sessions evolves around a story by a single character in the life of Jesus. Peter. John the Baptist. Mary Magdalene. Mary, Jesus' Mother. Joseph. Pilate. John of Zebedee. Herod Antipas. Caiaphas. Mary of Bethany. Judas. Nicodemus. Levi. In all, thirteen different Gospel characters are described in these Bible-based stories.
Each story is a first-person account by the key character which is Biblically accurate and filled with detail about life in First Century Palestine. Students learn significant details about the individual characters, their motives, and lifestyles, as well as learning how the people lived and worked and worshipped. A primary impact on students is that they come to understand the New Testament figures as real people living in the real world.
Test results on this study proved that older youth and adult students truly enjoyed reading and preparing for classroom sessions. And, they felt the format helped them learn much more about Jesus as well as about the many people around him.
In addition to the stories in the Student Book, the Disciples and Other Sinners course comes with an extensive, loose-leaf, 3-hole punched Leader's Guide with scholarly Biblical background material, leadership suggestions, and creative discussion starters for each story.
Disciples and Other Sinners study is available here

Video Series: Ed's Story

Ed’s Story is a documentary about Pastor Ed Dobson’s recent life of suffering with ALS (or Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2000, and given a short time to live, Ed Dobson wrestles with the issues that suffering brings, like worry, identity, forgiveness, gratitude, and healing. But in the midst of his disease, Ed finds hope. Not the kind of hope that ignores suffering, and not the kind of hope that minimizes or bypasses suffering, but the kind of hope that can only come from acknowledging and engaging honestly with suffering. Ed’s Story is a seven-part short film series that takes an intimate look at Ed’s journey with ALS, and inspires us all to become the kind of people who find hope in the midst of difficult circumstances.

The series includes
IT AIN’T OVER
Become the kind of person who can find hope in the midst of difficult circumstances.
In It Ain’t Over, the first film in the Ed’s Story series, Ed Dobson reminds us that life isn’t over yet and that we don’t have to feel overwhelmed by the struggles we’re facing today. Difficult news can sometimes make us feel like our lives are over. Ed shows us that we don’t know the future, and that things may turn out quite differently from what we expect.

CONSIDER THE BIRDS
Sometimes we worry too much about the future.
Ed stopped making plans more than two weeks out after his ALS diagnosis. Why? Tomorrow is not guaranteed—for any of us. When we worry about tomorrow, we often miss out on the beauty, richness, and fulfillment of today.
Could living for today be what’s best for us, and could it even free us from the worries of tomorrow?

BE THERE
When those close to us suffer, it’s only natural to want to help. But what do you say when someone’s life falls apart and suffering becomes their reality? How can you show you care?
The people who comforted Ed most were the ones who just showed up and didn’t say a word.
Perhaps just being present can bring more comfort, peace, and a sense of God’s presence than words ever could.

MY GARDEN
Many of us find our identity in what we do. But what happens when our career comes to an abrupt end? What happens when that job is no longer there? Are we still ourselves? Does our identity change?
A pastor for many years, Ed struggled to adjust to a life without the pulpit. He eventually discovered there is much more to who we are than what we do. Could it be that change is an opportunity for a renewed sense of purpose?

ASK FORGIVENESS
When Ed was told that his life would be over in a few short years, he found his priorities drastically rearranged. He wanted to mend relationships that may have been broken. He decided that relationships were way more important than who was right and who was wrong.
Ed discovered that forgiveness is an issue that requires humility. He also discovered a transforming experience for all involved. Could the power of forgiveness lead to a better world around us?

GRATEFUL
Many people start each day with a list of things to accomplish. But it’s possible to get caught up in this list; to anticipate how things will go and actually feel entitled to each of our days. As if they are owed to us.
It wasn’t until Ed was forced to slow down that he truly began to see all that he has been given.

HEALING
Tragedy reminds us what little control we have over life; we are always at the mercy of something other than ourselves. As Ed shares, perhaps acknowledging this lack of control is the key to really understanding the notion of healing.

For more information and to buy the videos visit http://edsstory.com/

Study Tours relating to the Reformation in Germany

Australian Lutheran College/Lay Ministry Study Tour to Germany
1 July – 14 July 2016
The tour begins and ends in Neuendettelsau, Germany and will run from There will be a maximum of 32 people on the tour so it’s time to act quickly. The tour will visit key historical sites like Wittenberg, Erfurt, Wartburg and Regensburg.
The aims of this tour are:
•    to experience and explore Reformation history and culture;
•    to build deeper relationships and share dialogue with tour participants;
•    to see, hear and experience many key German cities and towns;
•    to gain a clearer understanding of the historical and cultural stories and journeys that have shaped Lutheran history; and
•    to undertake professional development and spiritual growth which will impact your life and work.
Costs of the study tour are not expected to exceed $1900AUD per person. This cost includes accommodation, most meals and the bus for touring. It does not include your air travel to and from Germany, your travel to Neuendettelsau, incidentals and some meals.
For more information contact Tania Nelson

Reformation Tour 
29 March - 16 April 2016
REV Gerald Vanderwert, minister of Donvale Presbyterian Church, Vic, is leading a tour focusing on significant places where the Reformation took place. It is mainly centred on Germany (Luther), Geneva (Calvin) and Zurich (Zwingli).  For more details contact Mr Vanderwert’s 0414 407 404 (Australia) or geraldvanderwert@gmail.com

Reformation Tours 
Reformation Tours offers the following tours
Lutherland Tour
Heroes of the Reformation
Luther 500 Festival
Reformation Fathers Tour
Reformation Heritage Tour
Reformation and Music Tour
Grand Reformation Tour
Lutheran Heritage Tour
Reformation Heritage Trail
Reformation Spring Jubilee Tour
Leisurely Lutherland Tour
Reformation Fall Jubilee Tour
Reformation Celebration Tour
For more details on these tours visit http://reformationtours.com/tours-to-germany/

Video study: FLOW (For the Life Of the World)...Letters to exiles

FLOW is an engaging film series that explores the deeper meaning of Salvation.
Have you ever wondered, “What is my Salvation actually FOR?”
Is it only about personal atonement, about getting to heaven, or something that comes later?
 Is it just to have a “friend in Jesus?”
Evan Koons and his friends – Stephen Grabill, Amy Sherman, Anthony Bradley, Makoto Fujimura, John M. Perkins, Tim Royer and Dwight Gibson – explore a new perspective,”
the BIGGER picture of what it means to be “in the world, not of it. ”
This seven-part film series and companion Field Guide will help you, your friends, church or organization investigate God’s Economy of All Things – OIKONOMIA (a Greek word that has a lot to say about God’s plan for his creation, the world, and us.)
In FLOW we explore how God’s purposes are woven into every area of our lives: family, work, art, charity,education, government, recreation and all creation!
The Bible calls us Strangers and Pilgrims, living in “the now and not yet” of God’s Kingdom Come on earth.
We are also called to be salt and light, to have a transforming presence among our neighbours.
In seven 20-minute-ish episodes, you’ll learn how our lives lived on earth matter in God’s plan for the world.
Anyone familiar with the Christian faith – whether you’re Baptist or Catholic, Orthodox or Presbyterian, madly in love with your church or just about to walk out its doors – will find wonder and hope along this journey. Rediscover our passionate and imaginative callings as agents of God’s grace in every broken place.
You’ll travel a vast terrain in each episode, so you might want to watch the series more than once. There’s much to discover and ponder anew!

For more information visit their web site http://www.letterstotheexiles.com/

Lectionary Preaching resource: The Hardest Question

The Hardest Question is a resource to help preachers gain fresh insights on lectionary texts....

Here  is what The Hardest Questions says about itself

What Is The Hardest Question?

The most difficult question for lectionary preachers and teachers is simply this: What fresh and compelling word of the Lord for my congregation can be found in the lectionary readings of the day? Perhaps you’ve been through Years A, B, and C for more than a few cycles. Or maybe the demands of ministry in the trenches have left you short on both time and inspiration. Whatever the cause of hermeneutical malaise, The Hardest Question is for you.
THQ curator, Russell Rathbun, and the guest bloggers for THQ, have both the eye and the heart for looking at the text in new ways via a pair of weekly blog posts on two of the lectionary texts and a video commentary on those texts in “THQ: Beyond the Blog.”
Because this is a blog, we desire your interaction through the rabbinic question, “How Do You Read?” — your insights and comments could very well become the homiletical boost your peers are seeking. Blog curator, Russell Rathbun has this to say about asking The Hardest Question:

“Questioning the text is important, because the Bible is the witness to the Living Word of God. We are called into relationship with God through Jesus the Christ, The Word. Relationships, at their best, are dynamic, growing, deepening, revelatory, generative and transforming. A primary way we pursue relationship with the Living Word is through the study of scripture, so it must be taken seriously, approached with a robust confidence and a passionate vulnerability.
We ask the text the hardest questions because we can. It does not break, it is not offended, and it does not judge our desire for understanding. The ancient rabbis say that when we study the Bible we release God’s mercy into the world. It is important to question the text, because the world needs as much of God’s mercy as possible.”

Building a Midrashic Community
The Hardest Question is intended to be much more than a blog that asks tough questions of the Bible text and allows the Bible text to ask tough questions of us. THQ is also envisioned as a unique kind of Christian community, a community not unlike that which is found in Jewish midrash. That being the case it is expected that all those who participate in this community would relish the idea that the promise of THQ can only be fulfilled if…

• We welcome more than one view to be offered.
• We welcome the ingenuity of explanations and expositions of The Hardest Question.
• We welcome both bloggers and readers to understand a text in light of their own experiences
• We welcome the notion that rivalry = excellence.
• We welcome an awareness that through midrash the text continues to be created.

Visit the hardest question here

Three keys for sharing your faith....short study

Jerry Kosberg from the South East District has developed a short study on the three keys for sharing your faith
Leaders guide and participants guide available.

Something to think about: GO or MAKE DISCIPLES??

When you hear the words from Matthew 28:18-20
28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

What is your main response?
Is it to Go or is it to MAKE DISCIPLES?

I have been preparing for this week's sermon and it dawned on me that some commentators have highlighted something I had never seriously considered...

Jesus main instruction to the disciples (and therefore us) is to make disciples. In fact one commentator highlights that the go should be more like....as you go about your life....something which the God's Word translation picks up for verse 19 So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations: Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

How does that influence how we do ministry?
How does that influence your congregation?

Congregational life orientated Bible Studies prepared by Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia

The Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philedpelphia has prepared 3 bible studies that may help congregations;

Developing a congregational vision includes:
Prayer
Celebrating history
Follow up and reflect
Looking ahead
Action
a more detailed outline of developing a congregational vision can be found at www.ltsp.edu/congregations/2001-2002/vision.pdf

The Apostle Paul and discerning God's will in the church:
The aim of this study is:
It is hoped that this study may provide an additional resource for the ELCA in Region 7 as it
continues to deliberate over important issues in its ongoing life, a life that is lived forward in the
hope of resurrection while it responds in trust to the God revealed in the crucified Christ. As Paul put it in 1 Corinthians 13:12: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
http://www.ltsp.edu/layed/study_guides/heen_paul.pdf

Rediscovering God's mission
The aim of this study is:
This study is designed to help you think anew what the “mission of God” means to you and your
congregation. We are really talking about a life-long commitment of every believer to "missionhood” in the of Jesus Christ.
http://www.ltsp.edu/congregations/2003-2004/gods_mission.pdf

Book: When choice matters

Why are we recommending an ethics book?

What has it to do with mission?

Well many people are looking for answers about life, how to live???

Many ethics books simply tell us what to do!!!

This book written by the Lutheran pastor and academic Dr Mark Worthing, focusses not so much on the issues but rather helps us explore and understand the framework and foundation for making decisions as Christians.

It is an easy to read book, ideal for small groups, people wanting to explore decision making as a Christian and desiring to find a gracious God in the midst of difficult decisions.

Chapters include:
What is ethics
What is Christian ethics?
Major ethical systems
Ethics of Jesus
Role of the bible in Christian ethics
Ethics and the Christian community
Law and Gospel
Christian Liberty
Sin
Sanctification and Good works
Christianity and culture
Ethics of Vocation and work
Money Money Money
Marriage and sexuality
Decision making and the will of God
Resources for Christian decision making
coping with controversy

plus bonus material

Book(s): The Lutheran Handbooks

The Lutheran Handbook
These books are not constitutions or by laws but easy to read books abou God and living the Christian life

The essential field guide for all things Lutheran. For anyone hiking the trails of life's adventures and challenges — will want to pack this handy illustrated field guide to Lutheran theology and culture. This enjoyable, easy-to-read, reliable, all-in-one collection helps you understand the essential information about our theology, culture and Lutheran way of life. Organized by Church Stuff, Everyday Stuff and Bible Stuff with how-to's like "How to Forgive Someone" and lists like "The Top-10 Bible Villains." Encapsulates essential principles of the Christian life, making many of the complexities of our religious tradition accessible for contemporary seekers.

What the publisher says: "This is a fun book that affirms that Lutherans can (and must!) continue to laugh at themselves! It takes God very seriously but helps the reader to 'lighten-up!' It reminds me of the quote, 'Laughter is another way of crossing ourselves!' From the picture of Luther on the cover (is this his confirmation photo?) to the final pages of 'tongue in check' humor, these pages are a great mix of what life is all about — hurts and hoorays, Good Fridays and Easters, life and death, praying and playing!

What others say:
R Stout an amazon customer: You have no idea how excited I've been about this book. It's a thing of pure beauty. It is history, geography, sociology, practicality, theology, and -- perhaps most importantly -- great oozing masses of offbeat humor. It is hands-down the best single piece of popular religious writing and armchair theology that I've seen. Funny, intelligent, down-to-earth, comically illustrated, and irreverent. It's everything you need to see what good, orthodox, traditional Christianity is all about. (And it's a good tool for defense against extremist nutjobs!) It's set up in the same format as the ever-famous Worst Case Scenario guides. From chapters on camparative religion, a family tree of Christian denominations, and anatomical drawings of a proper Crucifixion, to a history of the Church, Medieval life, and good orthodox Christian theology, this book is perfect for people who know nothing of religion, perfect for Christians of any stripe, and perfect for life-long Lutherans.
My home parish bought 100 of them and sold out immediately. My work parish just ordered 25 and we've already pre-sold several. Did I mention there's a section on HOW TO AVOID BEING BURNED AT THE STAKE? Also tips on what to request if you can't avoid being burned at the stake. I kid you not. Another list includes ways to cast the Devil out from your presence. #6 is "break wind," and is noted as one of Luther's favorites. Also included:
How to Stay Alert During a Boring Church Service
Five Grossest Bible Stories
Five Weirdest Old Testament Laws
How to Perform a Crucifixion
How to Reform the Church History's
Six Most Notorious Heretics
Three Most Rebellious Things Jesus Did
Five Funniest Stories in the Bible
I've highlighted the humor, but this handbook is no satire. It is a serious, joyous, and thoroughly Christian document meant to educate, entertain, and deepen one's relationship with God and Christ's Church. It also includes guides on how to appreciate liturgy, how to deepen your experience of a worship service, how to find famous stories in the Bible, how to understand miracles, how to approach Scripture, how to live as a Christian in your everyday life... Honestly, this book is simply priceless. By all means, buy it, and pick a few copies up for your friends and loved ones.



The Lutheran Handbook on Marriage
In this book you will find:

The Lutheran Model for Marriage and Its Biblical Forerunners
The Five Stages of the Luther/von Bora Marriage
Katharina von Bora's Herring Barrel Escape from the Convent
Five Noteworthy Things Martin Luther Said about Marriage
Portrait of Martin and Katie
Five Faithful Couples in the Bible
Five Unfaithful Couples in the Bible
The Five Most Interesting Things Paul Said about Marriage
The Three Most Interesting Things the Song of Solomon Says Dating & Courtship
Ten Rules for the First Date
The Top Ten Attributes to Look for in a Spouse
How to Probe for Your Prospective Spouse's True Religious Views
The Five Most Effective Ways to Pop the Question The Wedding
Anatomy of a Lutheran Wedding
How to Plan a Lutheran Wedding
How to Select Your Maid of Honor or Best Man
How to Make Mutually Satisfactory Decisions about the Wedding
The Five Most Overused Wedding Bible Readings
Five Fresh Bible Wedding Readings
The Five Most Overused Wedding Hymns
Five Fresh Wedding Hymns
How to Light the Unity Candle without Setting the Bride's Hair on Fire
How to Respond When the Groomsman or Bridesmaid Faints
Five Common Wedding Ceremony Emergencies and How to Handle Them The First Year
How to Train Your Spouse
How to Merge Household Possessions
How to Merge Household Finances
How to Share a Car
How to Maintain Your Own Friendships
The Five Most Important Things to Remember When Choosing Your First Home
How to Decorate a Lutheran Home
How to Choose a Church Home Together
How to Establish a Routine of Daily Devotions
How to Keep Christ at the Center of a Marriage
How to Negotiate Where You Go for the Holidays
How to Prevent In-Law Encroachment
How to Prepare for an In-Law Visit
How to Respond to an In-Law's Nosy Question
Seven Common Moments in Which You Should Think before You Speak
How to Identify an Ill Spouse
Four Biblical Passages to Quote When You Call Your Spouse by an Old Flame's Name
How to Make Your Marriage a Springboard for Ministry
How to Use Your Spiritual Gifts in Your Marriage
How to Forge a Strong Second Marriage
How to Parent Your Spouse's Children Early Years
How to Manage a Household Calendar
How to Start and Maintain Your Own Holiday Traditions
How to Choose Your Child's Godparents
How to Get Your Family to Church on Sunday Morning
How to Pack a Diaper Bag for Worship
The Top Five Criteria for Evaluating the Church Nursery before Putting Your Kids in There
How to Handle Your Child's Non-Lutheran Friendships
How to Adopt a Child
How to Enjoy a Successful Marriage without Children Middle Years
How to Survive the Seven-Year Itch
How to Date Your Spouse and Keep Things Spicy
How to Balance Work, Home, and Church
How to Preserve Your Marriage through Your Kids' Adolescent Years
Ten Tips for Surviving the "Sandwich Generation" Years
How to Handle a Career Change
How to Recognize a Midlife Crisis
How to Maintain Your Marriage as You and Your Spouse Change Later Years
Ten Effective Ways to Dislodge Your Adult Children from Your Home
How to Survive after Your Kids Leave Home
How to Spoil Your Grandchildren Rotten
How to Grandparent Other Peoples' Kids
How to Survive Your Spouse?s Retirement
How to Retire without Ruining Your Marriage
Seven Rewarding Ways to Spend Time after Retirement
How to Support Your Spouse through a Serious Illness
How to Honor Your Spouse?s Memory
How to Plan Your Own Funeral
How to Leave a Legacy Money, Sex, & Other Fractious Issues
How to Navigate an Interdenominational or Interfaith Marriage
How to Get Your Spouse to Accompany You to Church
How to Plan Your Lutheran Vacation
How to Resolve Marital Conflict
Common Marriage "Stressors" and How to Manage Them as a Team
How to Talk to Your Spouse about Money
How to Write a Will (to Prevent a Posthumous Fight over Your Assets)
How to Write Living Wills Together
How to Plan for Retirement
How to Talk to Your Spouse about Sex
The Top Five Ways to Strengthen Marital Communication The Top Ten In-Law Issues and How to Deal with Them
How to Be Gracious to Your Spouse?s Friends Even When You Don't Really Like Them
How to Avoid Being Triangulated by the Kids
How to Decide Who Does What around the House
How to Share the TV Remote Control

The Lutheran Handbook for Pastors

This book contains:

Call Stuff
How to Know if You're Called to Be a Pastor
Luther's Call to Ministry
Seven Critical Pieces of Pastoral Advice Luther Gave
Luther's Five Biggest Pastoral Dilemmas and How He Handled Them
How to Avoid Becoming the Pastor You Swore You'd Never Be and Become the Pastor You Always Wanted to Be
How to Manage Your Relationship with the Bishop
Five Important Ways the Lutheran Confessions Define Pastoral Ministry
Seven Things Luther and the Reformers Said about Ministry
How to Know When It's Time to Find a New Call
Seven Things to Keep in Mind When You Interview For a New Call
What to Do When You Find Out You're the Wrong Person for the Call You're In
How to Retire from Ministry Gracefully Administrative Stuff
Five Tips on Hiring the Right Personnel to Make a Great Ministry Team
Thirty Subjects You Should Never Ask about in an Interview for New Staff
How to Empower Your Staff to Do Good Work
Five Things Senior Pastors Can Do to Endear Themselves to Their Staff
How to Run a Staff Meeting
How to Fire Someone When You Really Have to
How to Get the Best Out of the Church Administrative Assistant
How to Relate Effectively to a Senior Colleague
How to Relate Effectively to a Junior Colleague
Five Common Pitfalls Solo Pastors Fall into and How to Avoid Them
Ten Tips for Building Effective Pastoral Relationships in a Congregation
Four Unlikely Leaders in the Bible and What You Can Learn from Them
How to Release Your Congregation's Ability to Develop a Vision for Ministry
How to Delegate
How to Enable Your Congregation to Live as the Priesthood of all Believers
How to Participate in a Committee Meeting without Having to Be in Charge
How to Take Charge of a Committee Meeting When it Gets Off Track
How to Support and Empower Your Church Council without Becoming a Dictator or a Wallflower
How to Survive an Annual Meeting
Ten Things about Parish Ministry They Didn't Teach You in Seminary
How to Read a Congregational Financial Statement (and Why it's Important)
How to Manage Your Calendar
How to Carve Out Time for Sermon Preparation
How to Lead a Retreat Pastoral Stuff
How To Follow Jesus As Your Pastoral Model
How And When To Respond To A Request For Pastoral Care
How To Make An Effective Hospital Visit
How To Make An Effective Home Visit
How To Make An Effective Shut-in and Care-Facility Visit
Ten Things You Should Never Say to a Parishioner
How To Use The Grapevine To Support Your Ministry
How To Identify A Church Alligator
How To Avoid Getting Triangulated
How To Manage Habitual Office Drop-In Visitors So You Can Get Your Work Done
How To Remain Calm In A Crisis Situation
How To Mentally Prepare For A Funeral
Seven Preachers In The Bible and What Made Them Great
How To Preach A Prophetic Word Without Getting Fired
Three Clean Ice-Breaker Jokes For Use With Church Crowds
How To Preach A Stewardship Sermon Without Sounding Like You're Begging for a Raise
How To Create A Climate of Care, Love, and Openness In Your Congregation
How To Conduct Yourself at an Ecumenical Worship Service
How to Deal With Disgruntled Transfers From Other Churches
How To Drink Coffee
How To Accept Cookies and Other Goodies Without Gaining Weight
How To Listen To The Same Story For The 100th Time And Feign Interest
How To Respond When You Forget A Parishioner's Name
Five Ways To Handle The Tacky Gifts Parishioners Give You Worship Stuff
Ten Things You Should Never Say during Worship
How to Welcome Visitors
How to Ad-Lib a Prayer, Blessing, or Benediction
How to Use Your Family Members as Sermon Illustrations without Alienating Them or Boring the Congregation
How to Preach without Notes
How to Wing a Sermon When You Forget Your Notes at Home
How to Use Pronouns and Verbs in a Sermon
Eight Common Hand Gestures to Use with Your Sermon
Ten Uses for Old Sermon Manuscripts
How to Recover When You Lose Your Place or Forget...
How to Recruit Worship Assistants Discreetly When Someone Doesn't Show Up
How to Handle a Ringing Cell Phone during Worship
How to Handle Loudspeaker Feedback
How to Recover from an Open-Mike Gaffe
How to Respond to a Shrieking Child Incident
Five Common Wedding Faux Pas and How to Avoid Them
How to Survive an Anxious Wedding Party Personal Stuff
How to Recover from Christmas and Easter Overload
How to Stay Fit
How to Maintain Your Personal Devotional Life
How to Keep Up on Current Trends in Theology, Even When You're Busy
How to Maintain a Social Life as a Single Pastor
How to Keep Both Your Job and Your Family
Five Ways to Help Your Marriage Thrive Despite the Demands of the Job
How to Avoid Answering Personal Questions
How to Get Out of a Traffic Ticket
The Pros and Cons of Wearing a Clergy Shirt

Spiritual Growth Project: Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

SPIRITUAL GROWTH PROJECT

The ongoing mission of the WELS Spiritual Growth Task Force is to assist God’s people of the WELS in identifying issues which are symptoms of a need for Spiritual Growth and then to assist them in addressing these issues through the use and application of God’s Word.

Objectives
• Help God’s people see and understand our ongoing need for spiritual growth.
• Help God’s people take ownership of these ongoing needs for spiritual growth.
• Help God’s people develop processes and strategies which apply God’s Word to these issues.
• Assist and encourage God’s people to implement these strategies and processes in their individual lives of service.

Available from this page are 20 studies including:
A-1 A Personal Relationship with Jesus
A-2 The Mission of the Church
A-3 Spiritually Healthy Families
A-4 Universal Priesthood and Public Ministry
B-1 Flexibility in Ministry Methods
B-2 Opportunities for Member Ministry
B-3 Serving in an Atmosphere of Permission Giving and Trust
B-4 Ministry Empowerment
B-5 Male Leadership
B-6 Women's spiritual gifts
C-1 Personal Spiritual Growth -Called Workers.
C-2 Ministry Attitudes
C-3 Mutual Encouragement and Respect
C-4 Ministry Appraisal
C-5 Relevant Preaching and Teaching
C-6 Interpersonal and Management Skills
D-1 Students' Spiritual and Academic Growth
D-2 Spiritual Character development of Future Called Workers
D-3 Teaching Flexibility in Minstry Methods
D-4 Unity and Respect Among Different Forms of Ministry

Details of running a spiritual growth retreat, other tools and papers
Why not take a look at http://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?2601&collectionID=1139&t=16345

Mission in context: Transformation, reconciliation, empowerment a LWF document

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF now has 140 member churches in 78 countries all over the world representing 66.2 million Christians.

The Lutheran World Federation Department for Mission and Development works together with member churches of LWF to create, maintain and develop ministries that integrate proclamation, service and advocacy for justice. Church leaders and workers, both clergy and lay, are trained through LWF sponsorship. About 450 ongoing mission, communication and development projects and programs worldwide are carried out annually for the benefit of churches and communities.

They have produced the document - "Mission in context: Transformation, Reconciliation, Empowerment - An LWF Contribution to the Understanding and Practice of Mission."
This 62-page publication aims at stimulating a self-analysis and reaffirmation of mission in context among the LWF member churches and other bodies.
The LWF Mission document is available in English, French, German and Spanish.

To download the full content of the LWF mission document please follow the links below:

Full LWF Mission document (low resolution – PDF, 1.754 MB)

Preface and Introduction (PDF, 313 KB)
Section 1 - Contexts of Mission (PDF, 341 KB)
Section 2 - Theology of Mission (PDF, 642 KB)
Section 3 - Practice of Mission (PDF, 438 KB)
Conclusion (PDF, 142 KB)

Missional Bible Studies from the Center for US missions

The Center provides Missional Bible studies to help people dig into God's Word and hear God's call to be in mission. Scripturally based and doctrinally sound, they are also designed to be engaging, calling the saints to radical discipleship and sometimes challenging the status quo. The Bible studies offered on this page are changed periodically. They are free for use within your congregation when printed with the included copyright information. You can open and print the Adobe document, or save it to your computer. The Center is in the process of creating additional Missional Bible studies. New studies will be available on this page for a time, then they will be moved to the extensive offering of resources available without additional cost to those who purchase a Center for U.S. Missions/CoachNet membership ($60 per year). More information on the membership available soon.

CURRENT STUDIES

"Female and Fertile: Reproductive Capacity in the Local Congregation" by Mike Ruhl.

Scriptures describe the church as the ‘body of Christ’ (Romans 12; I Corinthians 12) – a living organism. Living things reproduce, institutions generally don’t. This study looks at scriptural descriptions of the church, explores the repercussions of the Bible’s portrayal of the church as female, and encourages application to your local congregation.
Leader's Guide: Female and Fertile

Participant Handout: Female and Fertile

"God's Mission to the City" by Tom Eggold.

This study looks at various Scripture selections to emphasize the heart of God connected to the welfare and ministry of the church in the city. It also acquaints the class with the realities of urbanization, immigration and economic and cultural interdependence. The bottom line: How can the Christian community effectively respond to the mission field of the city?
Leaders Guide: God's Mission to the City

Participant Handout: God's Mission to the City

"Grace Upon Grace" by Glenn Lucas. The foundational scripture passage is John 1:16, "From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace." This study focuses upon God’s grace in the life of the participant. Through the study of God’s word the participant realizes that salvation in Jesus Christ flows fully out of God’s grace. Additionally, participants are invited to reflect upon and share times of grace experienced in their lives.
Leader's Guide: Grace Upon Grace

Participant Handout: Grace Upon Grace

Optional PowerPoint Presentation: Grace Upon Grace

Web site: ELCA evangelism

The theme of this web site from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America is

You Shall Be My Witnesses... Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the world

The site offers resources and information for:

• individuals (you are my witnesses in your families, neighbourhoods, jobs, schools and to the end of the earth)
• leaders (you are my witnesses in your meetings, planning, training and mentoring and to the end of the earth)
• congregations (you are my witnesses in your worship, neighbourhoods, communities and to the end of the earth)
• synods (you are my wintesses in your councils, committees, campuses, offices and to the end of the earth).

There are assessment tools for:

• communication
• hospitality
• evangelism
• prayer
• spiritiual gifts
• yonger generations

Well worth exploring at http://www.elca.org/evangelism/

Our Church in Mission from Lutheran Church of Australia's

This 3 page document outlines how the Lutheran Church of Australia (including New Zealand) sees it self in mission. It covers:
What the bible teaches about mission
That mission is both local and global
Local emphasis
Global emphasis

It concludes with the following:
The mission of the church is God’s mission. Sent out by the command of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the people of God participate in God’s ‘plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in Christ' (Ephesians 1:10)

Why not have a look at the page:
http://www.lca.org.au/resources/bfm/ourchurch0310.pdf

Outreach Discipleship group study

This resource is intended to help congregations learn what a disciple of Jesus is, what kind of leader we follow and how to best do outreach to “all nations.” The study is divided into five sessions. Each session uses Scripture references, Luther's small catechism and personal anecdotes. Sessions are designed to promote discussion, introspective journaling, and ultimately, knowledge in forming Outreach Action Teams.

Main objectives of the study:

• Recognize that all Christians have been called to be disciples, making disciples.
• Acknowledge that, as Christians, we have been commanded to be Gospel Blasters
  and Power Shapers.
• Apply Romans 1:16 and catechism sections on Baptism and the Third Article
  to the understanding of God’s active role in our lives.
• Identify the meaning of a disciple.
• Acknowledge and give praise for our great disciple leader, Jesus, and His work in our lives.
• Apply Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 10:33, John 8:31, John 15:8, Romans 6:4, John 15:16, John 15:3 and the Third Article to our understanding of Outreach Discipleship.
• Recognize that congregations in conflict can do ministry, but it is more difficult.
• Acknowledge that we are called to be both church members and Christian disciples.
• Acknowledge that the past has a big impact on the present, especially if we are not aware of unresolved conflict.
• Recognize that we are witnesses.
• Acknowledge that we want to be positive witnesses.
• Acknowledge that it is time to make a commitment.

To obtain a free pdf copy of the group study Outreach Discipleship go to:
http://www.lcms.org/graphics/assets/media/World%20Mission/OutreachDiscipleship-Study.pdf

Bible Studies

Light on the Lessons
is a lectionary based bible study, that assists people in exploring the bible verses that are read in church each Sunday.
Produced by Lutheran Bible Ministries
These are available free of charge

available at www.bibleministries.org