Learn more about our Forward in Christ magazine authors by viewing their photo, reading their bio and check out their latest posts. To see all posts by an author, click on their name.
James Pope brings a variety of experiences to his ministry at Forward in Christ, including serving parishes in Wisconsin and Florida; teaching history, theology, and staff ministry courses at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn.; serving as the “Light for our path” columnist for FIC from 2014–2019; and answering theological questions submitted to the WELS website from 2014–2021.
Latest posts by James F. Pope (see all)
- A memorable Trinity Sunday sermon - 2023/05/31
- Appreciating the clouds - 2023/04/30
- One little word - 2023/03/31
Managing editor at Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Julie Wietzke has served as managing editor of Forward in Christ magazine since 2006. Since she began working at WELS Communication Services in 1995, she has written hundreds (thousands?) of articles for the synod. Her favorite part of the job: getting to talk to WELS members around the world about their faith and then being able to share their stories with Forward in Christ readers. She also enjoys turning a flicker of an idea into an article or a series in the magazine and finding the right authors to tell the story
Latest posts by Julie Wietzke (see all)
- My Christian life: Leading as a Christian in the business world - 2023/03/31
- Confessions of faith: Four generations - 2022/11/27
- Confessions of faith: Caroline and Lawrence McCatty - 2022/02/24
Staff Writer at Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Nicole Balza finds her greatest joy as a writer to be . . . editing the work of other writers. Helping an author take her writing to the next level is a thrill. Preserving an author’s voice but improving his final product is a balancing act, but it’s one that she relishes. Nicole began working for WELS Communication Services in 1999. Writing, editing, serving as the host of a bi-weekly newsmagazine—there’s plenty of variety and never time to be bored. Plus, she has a front-row seat to the synod’s neatest ministry stories. Nicole also manages Forward in Christ magazine’s parenting column, Parent conversations, and the magazine’s website. She and her husband, Rob, live in Germantown, Wis., with their three children.
Find more articles authored by her.
Find more articles authored by her.
Latest posts by Nicole Balza (see all)
- Christian Worship Lectionary March 2023 - 2023/03/02
- The future is now - 2022/07/18
- November 2021 - 2021/10/12
Stephanie Boeckman is a member at Our Savior, Grafton, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Stephanie Boeckman (see all)
- My Christian life: Fulfilling physical and spiritual needs - 2023/02/27
- WELS podcasts: Casting Nets - 2023/01/30
- Confessions of faith: Boggs family - 2022/12/27
Marketing coordinator at WELS Communication Services
Ann Jahns and her husband, Thad, are members of Victory of the Lamb, Franklin, Wisconsin. They have three 20-something sons.
Find more articles authored by her.
Find more articles authored by her.
Latest posts by Ann Jahns (see all)
- Confessions of faith: Nick and Lacey Wagner - 2023/04/30
- My Christian life: Premature twins defy medical odds - 2022/12/27
- My Christian life: When vocation and ministry collide - 2022/09/30
Staff writer at WELS
Amanda Klemp is the Editorial Projects Manager for WELS Communication Services. A lifelong WELS member, Amanda feels very blessed to use her professional skills to serve WELS ministries. She resides in Iowa, working remotely, with her husband, three children, and two dogs.
Latest posts by Amanda Klemp (see all)
- Confessions of faith: Alicia Heintz - 2022/09/30
- My Christian life: Born deaf to a hearing family - 2022/01/30
- Confessions of faith: Dale Anne Mondy - 2021/09/23
Seminary consultant at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
Samuel C. Degner is Professor of Evangelism and New Testament at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. He, his wife, and three children attend Christ Alone in Thiensville, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Samuel Degner (see all)
- Give to Caesar and to God - 2021/01/19
- I just had an epiphany! - 2019/12/07
- Ambassadors: Help them see Jesus : Part 10 - 2019/08/01
Designer at Designworks
Carianne Ciriacks has served as designer for Forward in Christ magazine since 1999.
Latest posts by Carianne Ciriacks (see all)