President’s message: Standing on the truth
Pontius Pilate asked the famous question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). Pilate wasn’t looking for an answer; he was stating his view that there really is...
President’s message: Peace on earth—but what kind?
The year was 1914. World War I had thrown the continent of Europe into a conflict that would last for four years and kill or wound more than 25 million people. ...
President’s message: Thankful—even now?
The apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome for the second time. His first arrest had ended in his acquittal and release from prison. The second time would end di...
President’s message: More than dollars and numbers
Fall is the time of year when most congregations begin to discuss and plan their budgets for the coming year. Ministry plans are developed, and then those plans...
President’s message: A time for trust
When do you find it easiest to place your trust in God and to remember his promises? Wouldn’t you agree that it’s easiest to place your trust in God’s car...
President’s message: Future unknown, future certain
Earlier this year, I was asked to make a presentation on the topic, “What will the Wisconsin Synod look like one hundred years from now?” It was a daunting ...
President’s message: God’s work does not stop
Last spring, the United States and countries around the world responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in unprecedented ways. In most states, many businesses were for...
President’s message: A lesson to be learned
As I write this in April, our world is in the midst of what most would agree is an unprecedented crisis. The COVID-19 virus has had serious effects on almost ev...
President’s message: Having the right tools
I’ve done a lot of remodeling and woodworking projects over the years. Most of what I’ve done has been self-taught, and my lack of expertise means that proj...
President’s message: What kind of leaders?
Six billion, 450 million. That’s not the world’s population. That’s how many results you get if you Google the word leadership. What exactly does it take ...
President’s message: What’s love got to do with it?
From time to time I receive questions about why our synod puts a particular doctrine into practice the way we do. I had such a question recently about closed (o...
President’s message: Whose finest hour?
Mark G. Schroeder In June 1940, fear and despair gripped the people of Great Britain as the Nazi German armies rolled across northern Europe, conquering Belgium...
President’s message: Safe in the power of God
Mark G. Schroeder It’s easy to forget that gospel ministry—and even living as a confessing disciple of Jesus Christ—can be risky. Recent political unrest ...
Focus on what is ahead
Mark G. Schroeder People who are near-sighted can see clearly what is right in front of their eyes. But when objects are farther away, they get blurry and out o...
Looking for perfection
Mark G. Schroeder How would you describe the perfect congregation? Would the perfect congregation be one in which every sermon is clear, interesting, practical,...
Bringing Back Some Memories
Mark G. Schroeder Twelve years ago, I was first given the privilege of serving as your synod president. And now, after serving three terms, you have given ...
No contradiction at all
Mark G. Schroeder Apparent contradictions—with the emphasis on the word apparent. Apparent contradictions happen when two true statements appear to contra...
More about the divine call
The news usually comes in an announcement after worship. Your pastor or one of the teachers in your school has received a divine call to serve in another p...
A few words about the divine call
What does it mean when your pastor or teacher receives a call to serve somewhere else? How is it that they were chosen to receive a call? If a call ...
An unexpected mission field
Mark G. Schroeder Every congregation has them. Every member in our congregations knows them. They may be out of sight, but in Christian congregations, they...
In defense of millennials
Mark G. Schroeder “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4). There is no doubt that every “older ge...
No time for silence
Mark G. Schroeder “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13). David knew. He knew that his life began not ...
Hindsight shows God’s blessings
Mark G. Schroeder Twenty-five years ago, in the spring of 1994, our synod was facing a time of uncertainty and divided opinions. Eight months earlier at the ...
Not just an emotion
It was their wedding day. The bride and groom stood in front of me, looks of excitement, nervousness, and happiness on their face. It was time for the weddin...