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, the Netherlands, and eventually…
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 in Ethiopia caused some frightening moments…
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 of…
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, and holds your attention for 20…
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 me that privilege again. I thought it would be…
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 contradict each other, but in the end, there is no contradiction at all. Here are some examples: God…
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 place. That announcement comes as the result of…
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 is divine (from God), why do they get to choose whether to accept or return a call? How…
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 should never be out of mind. “They” are members of…