Free in Christ: Congregational staffing
“Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). Read how congregations today utilize different forms of ministry. It was a good problem to…
Free in Christ: Individual prayer
“Pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8). Read how two Christians pour out their hearts to God in prayer. A simple way to pray…
Examined and confirmed
If you were confirmed as a youth, what stands out about that day? Excitement? Nervousness? Relief? What about Examination Sunday? More nervousness? Suspense? What would you think of going through…
Free in Christ: Youth confirmation practices
“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD” (Psalm 78:4). Read how congregations are helping equip young adults for lives of faith and love. Family-centered catechism…
Free in Christ: Community outreach
“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). See how congregations reach out with Christ’s love in their communities. “In humility…
Free in Christ: Personal witnessing
Two WELS members share how they “let [their] light shine” (Matthew 5:16) in the world. Lori and Brent Ryan, members at Holy Trinity, New Hope, Minn., use in-home hospitality to…
Free in Christ: Personal Bible study
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Read how these Christians carry out that instruction in their lives. In the days…
Free in Christ: Congregational Bible studies
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly” (Colossians 3:16). Read how two congregations provide different opportunities to study that message. I arrived in Menomonee Falls, Wis., in 2019.…
Practicing Christian freedom
In the first installment of "Free in Christ," you learn how two congregations offer adult Bible classes to their members. The approaches are different, but the goals and outcomes are…