Challenged churches
All churches face challenges. Defining the biggest challenge can help congregations determine what can be done to meet it. “Are we a challenged church?” One...
Statistical report shows “post-COVID sorting” in WELS
Each year, WELS collects data from all congregations and schools. That data is compiled in a statistical report—hundreds of pages containing information for e...
Lutheran leadership: Not just authority
What comes to mind when you think of church leadership? Many of us think about our pastor or council member or school principal. Generally, when the Bible speak...
WELS statistical report: Part of wise stewardship
Perhaps you have someone who manages your life savings—a financial planner or retirement consultant. You have given the manager authority to decide how your m...
Being Christ’s witnesses
As Americans become less interested in church, showing our neighbors sincere love and genuine friendship can offer opportunities to share the gospel. The Americ...
An eternal-life perspective
Easter changes the way we look at our time here on earth. Jonathan R. Hein Picture a timeline ten feet long, perhaps drawn on a large whiteboard. On one end is ...
Meeting the needs of others
How have you or your congregation been letting your light shine during the pandemic? Let us know. Send it to [email protected] or upload it to forwardinch...
Ambassadors: Help them see Jesus : Part 9
Responding to the know-it-all Jonathan R. Hein The poet Stanislaw Jerzy Lec once wrote, “The only fool bigger than the person who knows it all is the pe...