Pastors. Teachers. Staff ministers. These people serve in the public ministry in our synod.

Our issue this month shares more about the public ministry, including what it means to be called. It also explains the special privilege called workers have of proclaiming the forgiveness of sins publicly to believers during worship.

How congregations use pastors, teachers, and staff ministers in ministry varies from church to church. See how different forms of ministry work in several congregations in this month’s “Free in Christ” article.

Our cover story this month shows a young Ukrainian man’s journey into public ministry and how he discovered God’s faithfulness in his life during good times and bad.

Finally, you’ll meet the newest WELS called workers, graduates from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., and Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., who received their assignments into the public ministry this past May.

- Julie Wietzke, managing editor