In our cover story this month, Rob Guenther shares a concern as he looks at his congregation’s Confirmation Wall: Too many of those confirmands are no longer in church. He offers encouragement to all of us, as Christ’s church, to look for ways to connect today’s youth to the Prince of peace, the people in the pews, and the purpose of the parish. Read "Real connections for today's youth." 

Finding belonging in Christ’s church can offer individuals a new purpose—to share what they discovered with others. Just ask Tony and Sarah Carmody, who, after learning about Jesus’ love and forgiveness and the certainty of heaven, can’t stop inviting people to their church. Or Steve Gerling, who, after struggling with spiritual questions during his youth, found answers in the Bible and is now in Senegal to proclaim that message of salvation to those who have never heard the gospel.  

Finally, Holger Weiss, a pastor and seminary professor for our sister synod in Germany, shares a personal story to remind us all—young and old—of the importance of holding on to Bible truths.  Read "Believing Bible truth."

- Julie Wietzke, managing editor