LCMS Church Planting Manual

- Witness, Mercy, Life Together -
Mission fIeld: USA

A Resource for Church Planting
By Rev. Steven D. Schave
Mission USA field

- Witness, Mercy, Life Together -
Mission FIeld: USA
By
Rev. Steven D. Schave
Copyright © 2016 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

1333 S. Kirkwood Road
St. Louis, MO 63122
888-THE LCMS • lcms.org
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®),
copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Table of
Contents
from the author ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Foreword .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
A Theology of Witness, Mercy and Life Together in Missions ................................................................................... 10

But What is Church?.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
1. Witness: Possession of the Holy Word of God .................................................................................................................................................................13
Excursus: The Apostle Paul as Missionary Preacher................................................................................................................................................14
Life Together: A "Hands-On" God in the Sacraments............................................................................................................................................ 17
2. Life Together: The Holy Sacrament of Baptism ...........................................................................................................................................................18
3. Life Together: The Holy Sacrament of the Altar ..........................................................................................................................................................19
4. Life Together: The Office of the Keys Exercised Publicly ................................................................................................................................. 20
5. Life Together: Consecration or Calling Ministries .....................................................................................................................................................21
6. Witness and Life Together: Prayer, Public Praise and Thanksgiving to God ............................................................................... 24
7. Witness and Life Together: The Holy Possession of the Sacred Cross ................................................................................................. 25
8. Mercy: The Christian Life of Loving Our Neighbor ................................................................................................................................................ 26
Conclusion........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Church Planting ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28

Getting Started ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Pre-planning for Churches Planting Churches ........................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Life Together..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................30
Planning and Support ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................31
Administration........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................46
Worship........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 56
Fellowship .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
Mercy.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................60
Community Development and Caring for the Marginalized ................................................................................................................................ 65
Understanding Your Community ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 68
Serving Your Community ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 71
Pastoral Care in Times of Tragedy: An Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 79
The Church as a Place of Care .................................................................................................................................................................................................................91
Witness............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 92
Outreach ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................96
Training........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 105
Vocation ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 105
Christian Education — Adult and Children .........................................................................................................................................................................106
The Lutheran Church Plants Lutheran Missions .......................................................................................................................................................... 108
Mission FIeld: USA
from the author
I would fIrst like to thank my wife, Deaconess Kim Schave, for her support which has been unwavering
in the midst of any challenge. She also, has given me an example of the fierce determination of the
diaconate in mercy and advocacy for the least of our brothers. I thank my children for being the
greatest kids a father could ask for. I thank my mother who made a career of childcare and even owned
a daycare amidst special needs children, fueling my compassion for the weakest and most marginalized
among us. I thank my father for instructing me on how to be a man of intellect, respect and humble service.
I am forever grateful to all those who helped to plant Christ Lutheran Church, Perry, Ga., and those who
helped to revitalize St. Paul Lutheran Church, Cincinnati, Ohio. I could not have asked for a greater group
of people to serve with in the ministry. I thank my professors at Concordia Theological Seminary,
Ft. Wayne, Ind., for my understanding of mission from the cross.
I dedicate this work to the legacy of the reformer Dr. Martin Luther and the celebration of the 500th
anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Upon his visit to the holy city of Rome, Dr. Luther was
certainly disillusioned by what he discovered there. It was a time in the church when forgiveness was
for sale to support a towering bureaucracy, works righteousness had become enmeshed in the fabric of
the church and gross and scandalous sin was openly occurring even amongst the leaders of the church.
Luther could not remain silent anymore, not only because of the corrupt nature, but also the impact it
was having on the souls that were entrusted to his care.
We speak often in terms of mission, doctrine, church planting and revitalization, but to be sure, these
are all the means for reformation of the Christian Church. Wherever the Word is planted or sustained in a
distinctly Lutheran confession of faith, these are seeds for reformation. And indeed there is no greater
way to honor the legacy of the reformation than to continue it right here in our own Missouri Synod. To
honor Luther’s legacy by purifying the church’s confession and being steadfast in our mission. This can
7
only happen through true reformational leadership which stands on the Word to bring concord among
us. Make no mistake; the reformation was a difficult time in the Church which required sacrifice and
suffering to bring forth the truth of the Gospel. But united in confession, the mission would once again
have the foundation needed to stand the test of time. Sola scriptura (by Scripture alone), Sola fide (by
faith alone), Sola gratia (by grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone):
God grant that through the framework of witness, mercy, life together for Word & Sacrament mission we
might see a reformation of the church that binds us together in these dark and latter days. God grant that
the bride would be adorned and the lamps would be burning when the bridegroom arrives.
Intro-
duction
Mission FIeld: USA
Foreword
T he purpose of this church planting resource
is twofold. First, it aims to provide the theo-
logical underpinnings for doing Lutheran
missions in order to help a core group in developing
their shared identity in what it is to be the Lutheran
the setting. But again, the presupposition is that
mission cannot be separated from the Church, as
God’s Word and Sacraments are central to all
mission work.
Here you will find practical resources for those

Church. Secondly, in the following chapters, it offers
who will endeavor to do mission work in a distinctly
a practical step-by-step approach to go from forming
Lutheran way. The start of a new church can be a
a core group to chartering a new LCMS congregation.
daunting task when one considers that they are
Likewise as a planning aid this resource uses witness,
laying the foundation for a Lutheran church for
mercy and life together as the framework for mission
years to come. However, as this is not simply a
to help organize around these patterns in the life of
program, but an identity, we can naturally answer
the new church.
the questions: how do we know that a church been
Why should the LCMS consider “Witness, Mercy planted, and is it clearly recognizable as the body
and Life Together” as the framework for doing of Christ in this place? The basis of this mission
missions? Certainly from a purely administrative then will be the marks of the church and not simply
perspective, having these new emphases can aid in business metrics.
budgeting, planning and implementing the work
So, too, with revitalization, this is no transforma-
of the Church. Indeed, it makes for a manageable
tion of the church into something that is foreign to
spreadsheet and a clean looking pie chart in present-
its DNA, but rather bringing back to life what once
ing metrics, or for strategic planning. And not only
was. But again, just as with starting a new life, the
would it be a great tool for simplicity sake, but also
thought of revitalizing should seem a daunting task
would help in fine tuning the focus in the midst of
for mere mortals. And yet it is the living and active
a plethora of models and programs and governance
structures — and even missiological constructs.
Word of God that can change chaos, death and decay 9
of church and community, into peace, resurrection
But surely the mission of God is not simply a and life. And this rebirth will again be patterned by
task oriented endeavor; it is both incarnational and witness, mercy and life together. But rather than over
cruciform. At the Trinitarian center of mission is complication, this can be accomplished when we
the Father sending the Son. And upon the Son simplify, unify and testify.
ascending, once completing His salvific work, the
Of course when we deal with categorizations
Spirit descends upon the Church along with the
like witness, mercy and life together, there will
formation of the Body of Christ. The Spirit gathers
be challenges. For example these categories have
the Church, through the preaching of Christ, who
intersections that make it more difficult to fit the
draws us back to the Father. This is the natural
mission work of the church neatly into individual file
embodiment of mission in the Church. And there is
folders. As a matter of fact, in his “Mission from the
no more natural embodiment than witness, mercy
Cross,” Detlev Schulz had previously described
and life together in regards to the life of the Church
the identity of the church in mission by using
and her identity. At the core of any mission work
Martryria/Diakonia/Koinonia, and a fourth
then, is clearly answering the question of, “what is
category, Leitourgia. Indeed one could argue that
Church in relation to God?” A right understanding
worship is in and of itself incorporated into all three
of church (ecclesia) will flow naturally into witness,
of the other elements. But to be sure, worship could
mercy and life together. While at the same time, this
also be its own category, and could easily be included
can have intentionality in how it is accomplished
in the mission framework as such. However, as the
in practice.
three intersecting categories are now widely accepted,
Two key aspects of this mission are church they will be used for the framework for mission.1
planting and revitalization. While the mission work
of planting and revitalization may seem quite dis-
tinct, it can be shown that the patterns of witness,
mercy and life together are present, regardless of 1
Klaus Detlev Schulz, Mission From the Cross (St. Louis: Concordia,
2009), 236–239.
A Theology
of Witness...
Mission FIeld: USA
. . . Mercy and Life
Together in Missions
T he basic theological question to be asked is,
“do we ever see a time in Scripture when the
church is NOT patterned by Witness, Mercy
and Life Together?” Indeed, throughout the Old
Testament, the people of God have a life together:
So, too, the early Christian Church abounds in
witness, mercy and life together. A simple survey
of the words martyria, diaconia and koinonia will
show the evidence of this. The early church is
formed in its fellowship as the one body of Christ.
called by, and set apart by God to dwell in unity. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching
Everything that an individual did affected the whole and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and
community, and in return God purifies His people the prayers. Again, worship and reception of the
of all those things that would divide or cause harm. divine gifts of the sacraments was the focal point of
And their life together was centered on worshipping their life together. And likewise to the location of
God and receiving His gift of forgiveness. Mercy, the nation of Israel, witness and mercy of the early
too, is non-optional, as God commands His people Christian Church were the innate result of this life
to love others and to care for them — including together. The Church was to be a steward of the
those outside the community of believers. Likewise, mysteries and stewards of first article gifts to be
His people are to be a blessing to the nations, a light used in mercy both within the house of God and for
to the world. We often think of mission in the Old those outside the kingdom. And of course witness
Testament as being centripetal or drawing inward, was given, even in the midst of persecution. Not in
with a few references to sent ones such as Jonah. spite of, but often spurned on by their life under the
But there can be no doubt that God’s people were to cross. Life together was strengthened, people were
be a witness to His name, and the resulting witness cared for according to their needs and the Lord
was both good and bad, lifting up or defiling the added to their number day by day those who were
Name of God. being saved. Indeed, when Christ ascended, He
handed down the mantle of proclaiming repentance 11
But from the moment that the likes of Abraham,
and forgiveness, executing the office of the keys and
Noah or Israel arrived at their destinations, they
being merciful as God was merciful. The Church
established an altar and they called on the Name
was to love one another as Christ had loved them
of the Lord, for the whole world to see. Even the
and to take this love into the world, to the very ends
location of the Promised Land bears witness to the
of the earth, starting from heart of the city.
fact that the nations were to be greatly influenced
by the Church. God’s people were meant to be at the
center of commerce, travel and religion … a witness
to the world.
But What Is Church? of sins, on the basis of which they are called
a holy people. Thus the “holy Christian

Then and now, the life of the Church is patterned
church” is synonymous with a Christian and
by witness, mercy and life together. And yet, if
holy people or, as one is also wont to express
we are to start anew or bring to life what once
it, with “holy Christendom,” or “whole Chris-
was, what is at the heart of the matter is, “what is
tendom.” The Old Testament uses the term
church?” in relation to these patterns. What are
“God’s people.” 2
the distinct marks of the Christian Church that
one would expect to find in accord with a Lutheran This of course is reminiscent of Peter’s descrip-
confession of faith? Martin Luther speaks of seven tion of God’s holy people when he speaks of them
marks of the Church that incorporate witness and as living stones:
life together in relation to God, while he includes
yet another natural out-flowing of the church, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
characterized by loving our neighbor (mercy). a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put
In his writing, Church and Ministry III, Luther to shame.”
begins the discussion of what constitutes the So the honor is for you who believe, but for
church in the following way: those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
Well then, setting aside various writings
has become the cornerstone,”
and analyses of the word “church,” we shall
and
this time confine ourselves simply to the
“A stone of stumbling,
Children’s Creed, which says, “I believe in
and a rock of offense.”
one holy Christian church, the communion
They stumble because they disobey the word,
of saints.” Here the creed clearly indicates
as they were destined to do.
what the church is, namely, a communion
But you are a chosen race, a royal priest-
of saints, that is, a crowd assembly of people
hood, a holy nation, a people for his own
who are Christians and holy, which is called
possession, that you may proclaim the excel-
a Christian holy assembly, or church. Yet
12 lencies of him who called you out of darkness
this word “church” is not German and does
into his marvelous light. Once you were not
not convey the sense or meaning that should
a people, but now you are God's people; once
be taken from this article.
you had not received mercy, but now you
In Acts 19 [:39] the town clerk uses the word have received mercy” (1 PETER 2:6-10).
ecclesia for the congregation or the people
Christ, therefore is the cornerstone of any
who had gathered at the market place, saying,
church that is to be planted, and those in the royal
“It shall be settled in the regular assembly.”
priesthood are the stones which make up this
Further, “When he said this, he dismissed
spiritual house. The mortar that seals these stones
the assembly” [vs. 41]. In these and other
together is faith, cemented together in the blood of
passages the ecclesia or church is nothing but
Christ. This holy priesthood, the people of God, is
an assembly of people, though they probably
the Christian holy people that Luther speaks of.
were heathens and not Christians. It is the
same term used by town councilmen for While Luther was able to quickly identify the
their assembly which they summon to the church to be planted as a “Christian holy people,”
city hall. Now there are many peoples in the the question still remains as to how to recognize
world; the Christians, however, are a people these people. Luther himself wrestled with this
with a special call and are therefore called in his writing, Church and Ministry III, where he
not just ecclesia, “church,” or “people,” but poses the question “But how will or how can a poor
sancta catholica cristiana, that is, “a Christian confused person tell where such Christian holy
holy people” who believe in Christ. That is people are to be found in this world?”3 Therefore,
why they are called a Christian people and
have the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies them
2
This description, along with the discussion of the marks of the
Church which follow, may be found in Luther’s treatise, “On the
daily, not only through the forgiveness of sin Councils andthe Church,” in Luther’s Works, Vol. 41: Church and
acquired for them by Christ (as the Antino- Ministry III, ed. Jaroslav Jan Pelikan, Hilton C. Oswald and Helmut
T. Lehmann (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1966), 143–166. Hereafter, AE.
mians foolishly believe), but also through the 3
Martin Luther, Luther’s Works, Vol. 41: Church and Ministry III,
abolition,the purging, and the mortification ed. Jaroslav Jan Pelikan, Hilton C. Oswald and Helmut T. Lehmann
(Minneapolis: Fortress, 1999), 143.
Mission FIeld: USA
as an outline, we will use Luther’s discussion of and 1 Timothy 4 [:5], “Everything is conse-
what the Church is, and how we can identify it, crated by the word of God and prayer.” 4
to assist those who are involved in planting a new
One of the most exciting moments in planting
church by stepping through the marks of the Holy
a church is breaking ground for a new building.
Christian Church. To put a finer point on these
Once the concrete foundation is poured, there is a
marks as they relate to mission, we will also draw
sense of excitement for how the church building will
from “A Theological Statement for Mission in the
unfold. However, Luther aptly points out that the
21st Century” (TSM21). 13
holy Christian people have a foundation that, unlike
a physical structure, is unshakable. Regardless of
1) Witness: Possession of the where this new church begins to meet, whether it
Holy Word of God is a storefront or a funeral home or the like, it is the
Luther begins with the following to identify Word of God which consecrates all that they do.
the church: And so too, it is the Word of God which will create
faith and bring salvation to the lost. As Luther
First, the holy Christian people are recog- mentions, it is not enough, then, to build the church
nized by their possession of the holy word upon an impure foundation. Putting this into the
of God. To be sure, not all have it in equal missionary context, the TSM21 offers this:
measure, as St. Paul says [1 COR. 3:12–14].
Some possess the word in its complete purity, Word of God. The Triune God is a speaking
others do not. Those who have the pure word God. By his spoken word, the Father brought
are called those who “build on the founda- creation into existence (GEN. 1:1–2; PS 33:6;
tion with gold, silver, and precious stones”; JOHN 1:1–3). Christ, who is the eternal Logos,
those who do not have it in its purity are speaks his words, which are “spirit and life”
the ones who “build on the foundation with (JOHN 6:63). The word of Christ’s death and
wood, hay, and straw,” and yet will be saved resurrection — the message of God’s recon-
through fire. More than enough was said ciliation of sinners to himself — is preached.
about this above. This is the principal item, It is this preaching that creates faith since
and the holiest of holy possessions, by reason “faith comes from hearing and hearing
of which the Christian people are called holy; through the word of Christ” (ROM. 10:17). The
for God’s word is holy and sanctifies every- Holy Spirit was breathed out by Jesus to his
thing it touches; it is indeed the very holiness apostles on Easter evening (SEE JOHN 20:22)
of God, Romans 1 [:16], “It is the power of and inspired them to put his word into writ-
God for salvation to everyone who has faith,” ing “so that you may believe that Jesus is the
Christ, the Son of God, and that believing
4
Ibid, p. 149
you may have life in His name” (JOHN 20:31). of the Gospel to heathens for the sake of saving
It is through the prophetic and apostolic souls and outreach?” To reach the lost would Paul
witness to Christ delivered to us in the avoid preaching about the topics of sin, judgment,
Holy Scriptures — the Spirit-inspired and the wrath of God and the scandal of the cross? It
inerrant word of God — that we have access is worth an examination of whether Paul would
to Jesus and life with him (SEE 2 TIM. 3:15 AND condone such missionary approaches to preaching
2 PETER 1:16–21). The Holy Scriptures are to and to examine his own preaching methods. In an
be interpreted in light of their being given effort to be more evangelistic, did Paul avoid topics
by the Triune God. “The exegesis of the Holy that might cause an offense?
14 Scriptures cannot contradict their inspira-
tion.”5 Both interpreter and context stand
under the Holy Scriptures and are, in fact,
Excursus: The Apostle Paul
interpreted by the divine word. The internal
as Missionary Preacher
clarity of Scripture is mediated through the No one will dispute the apostle Paul’s credentials
external clarity of its own words. Far from as a missionary and evangelist; and it’s worth
being an imposition on the Bible, the right noting that Gentiles to whom he preached had a
distinction of the law from the gospel is similar religious and moral worldview to that of
nothing other than the distinction between our culture today. How did Paul reach out to the
“letter” and “Spirit” (SEE 2 COR. 3:1–18). Without Gentiles? Let’s take a quick look.
this distinction, the Holy Scriptures remain
We have transcripts of Paul’s preaching in the
a dark book (see AP IV, 5–6 [Kolb-Wengert,
book of Acts as he speaks in Antioch in Pisidia,
121]; FC SD V, 1–27 [Kolb-Wengert, 581–
Lystra and Athens.
586]).6
✚ At the synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia
But to reach the lost, will it require a change to
(ACTS 13:16-41), Paul tells his Jewish audience
the message of God’s Word in an effort to be more
that Jesus was the promised Savior, that their
evangelistic? Is this approach Biblically based?
leaders wrongfully had Him crucified, that He
We can look to the content and substance of the
rose again and that salvation is found specifi-
preaching of Paul to the Gentiles as described in
cally in Him. He finishes the sermon warning
the New Testament (particularly in Acts and Paul’s
them not to be unbelieving scoffers.
Epistles) for its mission implications. The question
at hand is, “Did Paul change his proclamation ✚ In Lystra (ACTS 14:15-17), the sermon barely
gets started. After Paul heals a crippled man,
5
Oswald Bayer, “Theology as Askesis,” in Gudstankens aktualitet, he tells the Gentiles (who declare Paul and
trans. E. M. Wiberg Pedersen, et. al. (Copenhagen: Forlaget ANIS,
2010), 49. Barnabas to be gods!) to turn from their vain
6
Matthew C. Harrison, “A Theological Statement for Mission in the
21st Century” in Journal of Lutheran Mission (Sept. 2016), 67-68.
things to the living God who has already been does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but
Mission FIeld: USA

providing for their daily needs. glory and honor and peace for everyone who
does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For
✚ In his famous sermon in Athens (ACTS 17:22-31),
God shows no partiality” (ROM. 2:5, 9-11).
Paul declares that their unknown god — the
God they don’t know — is the one true God For outreach to the Gentiles, there is no
who has made all things, and has raised a man compromise to be found, no excusing sins because
(Jesus) from the dead, and that Jesus will judge they are immersed in a pagan culture. This is not
the world in righteousness. an isolated instance: for example, he writes in
Col. 3:5-6, “Put to death therefore what is earthly
Clearly, Paul is not afraid to speak of matters that
in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil
might be met with confusion, skepticism or anger.
desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On
In fact, responses to his preaching show a wide account of these the wrath of God is coming.”
variety of reactions, often producing faith and
Happily, he also makes clear that God shows no
exposing unbelief in the same group of hearers.
partiality when it comes to salvation: “For God has
In Antioch in Pisidia, many want to hear more,
not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation
but others stir up persecution and drive Paul and
through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us
Barnabas away. At Lystra, they barely stop the
so that whether we are awake or asleep we might
Gentiles from making sacrifices to them, and then
live with him. Therefore, encourage one another
the persecutors from Antioch arrive and stone Paul
and build one another up, just as you are doing”
until they think he’s dead. In Athens some want
(1 THESS. 5:9-11).
to hear more, while others mock Paul because he
proclaims the resurrection of Jesus. And again, God offers salvation to all: “For the
wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is
Paul always preaches relevantly. The content of
eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (ROM. 6:23).
his preaching and his epistles shows that he knows
his audience well, carefully applying the Word in When it comes to the Law, Paul the missionary
their context. But he doesn’t design his preaching doesn’t soften the Law into advice that seems
to guarantee a favorable reaction; instead, he obey-able, or suggest that God might not judge 15
proclaims God’s Law and Gospel that they need to Gentiles as harshly. He always makes clear what is
hear, regardless of how they might respond. It is at stake for unrepentant sinners.
his task to preach the Word, but it is the Holy Spirit’s
to convict the hearers and give them faith. The Scandal of the Cross
As Paul is forthright about the Law without com-
Sin, Wrath and Judgment promise, he’s also bold in proclaiming the Gospel
This is never more true than with those controver- that Jesus is the only way of salvation. Because he
sial doctrines we mentioned before. Paul certainly clearly articulates the threat (eternal death), he is
doesn’t shy away from warning of sin and judgment: also insistent on proclaiming the cure:
within his epistles, he refers to sin more than 120
I am under obligation both to Greeks and to
times and the Law at least 130 times.
barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
Nearly as soon as he begins his epistle to the So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also
Romans, he says of unbelievers, “For the wrath of who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed
God is revealed from heaven against all ungod- of the gospel, for it is the power of God for
liness and unrighteousness of men, who by their salvation to everyone who believes, to the
unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the
be known about God is plain to them, because God righteousness of God is revealed from faith for
has shown it to them” (ROM. 1:18-19). He quickly faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live
reinforces that this wrath is equally for the Gentiles by faith” (ROM. 1:14-17).
as well as the Jews:
If there is any doubt that Paul believes that Jesus
“But because of your hard and impenitent is uniquely the Savior, there’s Gal. 1:8-9: “But even
heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you
the day of wrath when God’s righteous judg- a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let
ment will be revealed … There will be tribula- him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I
tion and distress for every human being who
say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel con- personal outreach agenda or one designed to meet
trary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” numerical growth targets, his hearers will benefit
immensely if a pastor allows the Word to speak for
The Reason for Paul’s Approach itself — sin, scandalous cross and all.
The reason for Paul’s preaching is in the very And if the preacher avoids topical sermons of
next verse: “For am I now seeking the approval of sanctification and uses the church year as his guide,
man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If then he can’t avoid Paul’s — more importantly, God’s
I were still trying to please man, I would not be a — supreme subject of the cross, repentance and faith.
servant of Christ” (GAL. 1:10). Paul is there to preach
the Word, to plant the seed; and because it is the Teaching the Faith
Lord’s Word, he leaves the harvest up to Him.
The first mark of the Church — possession of the
In fact, Paul anticipates a poor response: “For Word — is not just about preaching. It is also
Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we about teaching the faith.
preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews
The more one knows about something, the easier
and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called,
it is to talk about it. Long-time cooks can trade
both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and
recipes and secrets for hours, while a gearhead can
the wisdom of God” (1 COR. 1:22-24). Yet, just a few
talk cars in detail. It’s the same with the Christian
verses later, he makes clear again that the cross is
faith: the more people know biblical doctrine, the
central to Christian preaching: “And I, when I came
more likely they are to share it with others. This
to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you
makes instruction, or catechesis, an indispensable
the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.
part of evangelism.
For I decided to know nothing among you except
Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 COR. 2:1-2). Another under-appreciated tool in the evan-
gelist’s toolbox then is Luther’s Small Catechism.
At the same time, he takes pains to make
It’s a fantastically concise explanation of Scripture
sure that if offense is taken, it is because of the
summarized in simple language; yet for many it
Word and not the preacher’s demeanor. When he
16 provides the deepest explanation of Christianity
commands the young pastor Timothy to teach the
that they have ever heard. Though so profound
Word, he also instructs him to be an example in
that pastors still plumb its depths, it’s written simply
speech as well as love and conduct (1 TIM. 4:12). His
with the intent to instruct children — not just for
sermon in Athens (ACTS 17:23-32) is a masterpiece
their own faith, but also so that they can witness
of addressing his hearers’ beliefs so that he may
to it publically. In fact, Luther explains that even a
speak of Christ most relevantly. To the Ephesians,
child can be prepared to give a missionary witness
he notes the importance of “speaking the truth in
by means of catechetical instruction, even in the
love” (EPH. 4:15). In fact, in Ephesus he’s met with
direst of circumstances:
nearly-violent disagreement; yet the town clerk
defuses the crowd by noting that Paul and his com- And finally, I strongly urge that children be
panions “are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers taught the catechism. Should they be taken
of our goddess” (ACTS 19:37). Paul’s disagreement captive in the invasion, they will at least
with their religion is both clear and respectful, and take something of the Christian faith with
his preaching is consistently about man’s sin and them. Who knows what God might be able
God’s grace in Jesus Christ. to accomplish through them. Joseph as a
17-year-old youth was sold into slavery into
Preaching the Word Egypt, but he had God’s word and knew what
(A Simple Preaching of the Word) he believed. And he converted all Egypt. The
It may sound too simple, but much can be learned same is true of Daniel and his companions.7
for missionary preaching from Paul’s exhortation to
As a welcome for church visitors, the Small
“preach the word” (2 TIM. 4:2), as well as his counsel
Catechism is often an appreciated gift. As a tool for
to be “rightly handling the word of truth” (2 TIM. 2:15).
teaching members to evangelize — or for evange-
To preach in like manner is far more than to exam-
ine Paul for logistical principles (e.g., “He went to
7
“Admonition to Prayer against the Turks” in AE 43:239. The
the synagogue first” or “He was aware of his cultural invasion Luther has in mind is that of Muslim armies who invaded
context”), but to apply Law and Gospel properly. Hungary in 1540. As another example to Luther’s point, one might
also remember that the Syrian commander Naaman first heard of
Rather than manipulating the Word to meet a God’s mercy from a kidnapped little girl (2 Kings 5:2).
Mission FIeld: USA
lizing by teaching, the Small Catechism is tough The Gospel — and only the Gospel — is the power of
to beat: it’s a treasure of Christian doctrine in an salvation to all who will believe.
easy-to-learn format.
Running Well
Life Together: A “Hands-On” God
in the Sacraments
Possession of the Word is the first mark of the
It should come as no surprise that after the Word,
Church, and to proclaim the Word of God rightly is
Luther discusses the Sacraments as the marks of the
to do so in its fullness, properly distinguishing Law
church. However, in today’s society, one of the
and Gospel and even presenting those teachings 17
greatest barriers to the Gospel is the idea of a God
that are offensive to sinful ears. As we’ve seen
who is hands-on with His creation. To be sure, it is
above, Paul didn’t change his message or theology
evident in Scripture that God’s hand was there as He
to reach lost Gentiles. He does say in 1 Cor. 9:22,
formed Adam from the wet ground like a potter
“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the
working with clay. So too, God knitted us together in
weak. I have become all things to all people, that
our mother’s womb as well. But to many, there is a
by all means I might save some.” But this doesn’t
feeling that God is no longer present with His
mean he changed the message: learning the sins
creation, and so we must mystically transport
and fears of his hearers, he spoke the Word of God
ourselves to Him. At the same time, most of
appropriately but fully to their situation. (For in-
post-modern society is skeptical of the earthly and
stance, examine the entire discussion of 1 Cor. 8-10
the absolute, including the church. To the post-mod-
where Paul is willing to forego meat because of the
ern world, spirituality requires an escape from the
weakness of others, yet applies pointed Law and
“real” world. Therefore, the idea of something
Gospel to their concern.)
earthly made sacred, within a church environment
A missionary preacher who is pressured to follow no less, is looked upon with great skepticism.
a preaching technique that obscures Law and Gospel
However, the next identifications of the church
can take to heart Paul’s words to the Galatians: “You
from Luther are just that — the Sacraments or
were running well. Who hindered you from obeying
sacred things. Physical things that are set aside,
the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls
and when combined with the Word of God, have
you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have
the power to give forgiveness. So too, Luther then
confidence in the Lord that you will take no other
speaks of identifiers as men being called into a
view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the
divinely instituted office who in turn administer
penalty, whoever he is” (GAL. 5:7-10). Those who wish
these Sacraments and who exercise the office of the
to plant or revitalize a church must ensure that the
keys on behalf of the church. And so what was once
Word of God is kept in its purity and put their faith
taken for granted, as in Luther’s writings, now
in its power to build and sustain faith. And why not?
requires much catechesis on the part of a church may know that the church, or the holy Chris-
planter reaching out to the lost. tian people, must surely be present.8
The foundation of the church is the Word of The Word of God teaches us that everything
God, so when reaching the lost it must begin with needed for our salvation was won for us upon the
that Word which is preached and taught as cross. There is nothing more that we are to do to
recorded in the Scriptures. This is indeed the Word save ourselves. However, God in His mercy has
of God and not men (2 PETER 1:20), and so too, the given us a way to be connected to that miracle that
Bible is more than an ancient book. It has real occurred on the cross. We then have a way to
operative power to change the lives of those who receive the benefits of what Christ did for us by
hear it proclaimed through the new church plant giving us faith in the forgiveness of sins. Again, it is
or revitalized one. God’s Word created the heavens God’s Word that has the power to create faith, but
and the earth, and whenever His promises or so too, when added to something earthly like water
curses were attached to something physical, it was it has the power to do what is promised. In baptism,
connected to the operative power of the Word. this is namely the promise of rebirth and renewal
in the Holy Spirit (TITUS 3:5).
Therefore it must be taught that God, who wishes
all men to be saved, uses lowly things as the means We live and die in the waters of baptism. We see
of His grace. If this is denied, then the incarnation God’s promises attached to the waters in the Flood,
will be a stumbling block. God humbled himself to the Exodus and the Jordan River in which Naaman
become a man and to take on our flesh to save us. To was cleansed and Jesus was baptized. In the case of
deny the means of grace is to deny the two natures of the Flood and the Exodus, God drowns and God
Christ — the cosmic collision of heaven and earth. saves by using water. So too, in baptism God drowns
God promised to send the seed of Eve to win our our old Adam to bring the new man to life. It is
salvation, God added his promise to that rainbow this death and life that a newly planted church
first seen by Noah, God made a covenant through brings to the lost.
circumcision, and God brought salvation from death
Baptism is critical to planting a church because
at the Passover when His promise was attached to
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew:
18 the blood of a lamb on a door. God has always been
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
and will always be a hands-on God bringing
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
salvation to His creation through His creation. So
Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe
too, God works through the humble stuff of His
all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am
creation, as it is not only for the wealthy and the
with you always, to the end of the age." (MATT.
powerful that He brings salvation, but even more so
28:19-20). Therefore, if a church plant has any
as Mary the mother of Christ proclaims, even the
question as to how they are to make disciples, they
lowly will be exalted to the highest heavens.
need look no further than baptism and teaching.
2) Life Together: The Holy The TSM21 brings to light the fact that
Sacrament of Baptism baptism then is more than an initiation to a
particular church:
Luther’s second identification of the church is
as follows: Baptism. Baptism is far more than a rite
of initiation. While it is a line of demarca-
Second, God’s people or the Christian holy tion between unbelief and faith and hence
people are recognized by the holy sacrament not optional for mission, it is more than an
of baptism, wherever it is taught, believed, entry point into the Christian life. Dr. C. F.
and administered correctly according to W. Walther wrote, “Let us never forget that
Christ’s ordinance. That too is a public sign through Holy Baptism we have all joined
and a precious, holy possession by which the mission society which God Himself
God’s people are sanctified. It is the holy has established.” 9 Baptism is best thought
bath of regeneration through the Holy Spirit of as present tense, hence, “I am baptized”
[TITUS 3:5], in which we bathe and with which and not “I was baptized.” 10 Luther notes,
we are washed of sin and death by the Holy
Spirit, as in the innocent holy blood of the 8
Martin Luther, Luther’s Works, Vol. 41: Church and Ministry III, 151.
Lamb of God. Wherever you see this sign you 9
Walther, “The Mission Society,” 24.
10
Thus Christians live in our baptism through confession and absolu-
“I am baptized, and through my baptism same time an act out of love for the neighbor who
Mission FIeld: USA

God, who cannot lie, has bound himself might otherwise eat and drink to their spiritual
in a covenant with me.” 11 Baptism is the harm. As stated in the TSM21:
Triune God’s gift whereby he demonstrates
Lord’s Supper. Hermann Sasse described
his mercy by bestowing on us a new birth
the sacrament of the altar as “the church’s
(SEE JOHN 3: 3–6; 1 PETER 1:3–5; TITUS 3:4–7). Bap-
heartbeat.” 14 In this sacrament, Christ gives
tized into his own name (MATT. 28:18–20), we
his body and blood under bread and wine
have God’s own pledge and witness that we
for us Christians to eat and to drink. It is
belong to him through the forgiveness of sins
his testament in which he bestows the fruits
(SEE ACTS 2:38–39) and are heirs according to the
of his saving sacrifice on the cross: His body
promise (ROM. 6:1– 11; GAL. 3:26–29; COL. 2:12–14).
given into death and his blood shed for the
Therefore, Baptism will not be withheld from
forgiveness of our sins. Luther underscores
infants or from new converts to the faith.
the forgiveness of sins in the Small Cate-
Since it is by Baptism that we are joined to
chism as he engages in a threefold repetition
the body of Christ (SEE 1 COR. 12:12–13), this sac-
of the words “given for you” and “shed for
rament is foundational for our life together.12
the forgiveness of sins.” These words show
us that the sacrament of the altar is the
3) Life Together: The Holy testament of God’s sure mercy for sinners.
Sacrament of the Altar When we come to eat and drink Christ’s body
Luther’s third identification of the church is and blood, we come as beggars to the feast of
as follows: heaven. In this sacrament, we are not access-
ing Christ by liturgical mimesis;15 rather we
Third, God’s people, or Christian holy people, are proclaiming the Lord’s death until he
are recognized by the holy sacrament of the comes (SEE 1 COR. 11:26). Eating and drinking
altar, wherever it is rightly administered, in the Lord’s Supper do not create life to-
believed, and received, according to Christ’s gether (koinonia) but confess and express
institution. This too is a public sign and a this unity we have in the proclamation
precious, holy possession left behind by Christ of Christ’s death. Life together (koinonia)
by which his people are sanctified so that they in confessing him is always Christ’s work
19
also exercise themselves in faith and openly and Christ’s gift by his word. Hence the
confess that they are Christian, just as they do practice of closed Communion is a neces-
with the word and with baptism.13 sary corollary of the doctrine of the Lord’s
Supper.16 Bringing contradiction in
Jesus makes it very clear that in the Lord’s
teaching or life in the Holy Communion
Supper we receive not only bread and wine, but
also His very Body and Blood (MATT. 26:26-28; LUKE 14
Hermann Sasse, We Confess the Sacraments, trans. Norman Nagel
22:19-20). He did not come to give us new laws to (Saint Louis: Concordia, 1985), 151.
follow, but invites us to “take and eat” and to “take 15

Mimesis means “imitation, mimicry.”
and drink” that we might be able to touch and to 16
The Missouri Synod has used different nomenclature to express the
idea of closed Communion at various times in her history. Different
taste our salvation and to have assurance of the terms have been used to describe the same doctrine and practice. The
forgiveness of sins won for us on the cross. terms “closed Communion,” “close Communion” and “close(d) Commu-
nion” are equivalent terms. Article VI of the Missouri Synod’s Constitu-
Administering the sacrament has great implica- tion states as a condition of membership in the Synod, “Renunciation
of unionism and syncretism of every description.” Article VI:b provides
tions for those in a church planting scenario. It is the additional clarification by defining unionism and syncretism as “Taking
means by which the newly established congregation part in the services and sacramental rites of heterodox congrega-
tions or of congregations of mixed confession.” The practice of closed
is brought together as the Body of Christ, and at the Communion then precludes receiving Communion at churches that
hold heterodox positions. The Missouri Synod has adopted Dr. C. F. W.
tion. By God’s grace we daily return to our baptism as we crucify the Walther’s Church and the Office of the Ministry as its official position in
old man in confession of sin and rise in accord with the new man in 2001 (Res. 7-17A). In Thesis VIII of Walther’s Church and the Office of
holy absolution (the forgiveness of sins). This gift therefore keeps the the Ministry, Walther writes, “Here the saying of Augustine holds: ‘Be-
objective nature of God’s grace ever before us so that we do not fall lieve and you have eaten.’ As I said before: To receive the Sacrament is
into relying on our experience or emotion. For these reasons we also a mark of confession and doctrine. Therefore, whoever does not regard
strive to retain individual confession and absolution in the church. as true the doctrine of the church in which he intends to attend the
Sacrament cannot partake of the Sacrament in that church with a clear
11
Martin Luther, Luther’s Works, Vol. 35: Word and Sacrament I, eds. conscience.” (Download Walther’s Thesis VIII at http://goo.gl/gKqIOq.)
Jaroslav Jan Pelikan, Hilton Oswald, Helmut Lehmann (Philadelphia: Werner Elert, Eucharist and Church Fellowship in the First Four
Fortress, 1999), 36. Centuries, trans. Norman Nagel (Saint Louis: Concordia, 1966), 76. “By
12
Harrison, “A Theological Statement for Mission in the 21st ‘closed Communion’ reference is to the restricting of participation to
Century,” 68. full members of the congregation.” Participation in Holy Communion is
directly connected to church fellowship. See also CTCR, Admission to
13
Luther, Luther’s Works, Vol. 41: Church and Ministry III, 152. the Lord’s Supper (1999), lcms.org/Document.fdoc?src=lcm&id=411.
fails to give witness to Christ and what he As Luther says, the office of the keys is both
gives us in and with his body and blood.17 Scriptural and divinely instituted (MATT. 16:19 AND
JOHN 20). Indeed Christ says: “And I tell you, you are
Therefore, those who are new to this church
Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and
must be properly instructed in what it is that they
the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will
are receiving. It must also be taught that they bring
give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and
each others’ burdens and joys to the altar in
whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in
communion with those who they are in fellowship
heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be
with. It is a chance to bring this newly planted
loosed in heaven” (MATT. 16:18-19).
church together in solidarity in the most intimate
setting of sharing the table of the Lord. Thereby Christ Himself founded the church on
the confession of Peter and the institution of the
office of the keys. These words of Jesus give to
4) Life Together: The Office of the Peter and to the Church the keys, which is the
Keys Exercised Publicly power to forgive sins or bind sins. Like Baptism
Luther’s fourth identification of the church is and the Lords’ Supper, we see a human action
as follows: [whatever Peter binds/looses] with a Divine
promise [also done in Heaven].
Fourth, God’s people or holy Christians are
recognized by the office of the keys exercised Even in its infant stages, a newly planted
publicly.18 That is, as Christ decrees in church should understand that it has received the
Matthew 18 [:15–20], if a Christian sins, gift that Jesus presented to the entire Holy
he should be reproved; and if he does not Christian church of all times and of all places. In a
mend his ways, he should be bound in his postmodern era, this may be a stumbling block for
sin and cast out. If he does mend his ways, non-Christians. The words of forgiveness will
he should be absolved. That is the office of the appear to be merely the words of a man. But again
keys. Now the use of the keys is twofold, public in John 20:19-33 we see that it is Christ’s action
and private. There are some people with con- that is taking place and not merely that of a pastor.
20 sciences so tender and despairing that even Here we see a picture of the church. Christ is
if they have not been publicly condemned, physically present and yet He goes through a door.
they cannot find comfort until they have He gives peace to His disciples and shows them the
been individually absolved by the pastor. On signs of His crucifixion. All these things we see in
the other hand, there are also some who are the church, including the office of the keys. The
so obdurate that they neither recant in their Father sends the Son, the Son sends the apostles,
heart and want their sins forgiven individu- and as John says, we see the Son when we see the
ally by the pastor, nor desist from their sins. Father. Apostles are representatives of Christ in the
Therefore the keys must be used differently, Gospel mandates given to them. This is Christolog-
publicly and privately. Now where you see ical in that within the church, Christ gives life to the
sins forgiven or reproved in some persons, church. Jesus ordains the disciples by breathing on
be it publicly or privately, you may know them and saying “receive the Holy Spirit” for this
that God’s people are there. If God’s people work they are to do. He then gives them power to
are not there, the keys are not there either; loose/bind sins.
and if the keys are not present for Christ,
God’s people are not present. Christ be- It should be taught in a mission church that it
queathed them as a public sign and a holy can forgive sins based on the incarnation whereby
possession, whereby the Holy Spirit again the divine was joined with humanity. In Mark 2, a
sanctifies the fallen sinners redeemed by paralytic is healed, and his sins are forgiven. In
Christ’s death, and whereby the Christians verse 10 Jesus tells the Pharisees that to show He
confess that they are a holy people in this has authority to forgive, He also heals. The Pharisees
world under Christ.19 said that only God can forgive sins, and people still
feel this way today. They might think the pastor is
puffed up because only the Son of man can forgive
Harrison, “A Theological Statement for Mission in the 21st Century,”
17
sins on earth. However, Christ is God joined to a
68-69.
man, and all authority in Heaven has come down
18
Luther had previously discussed this subject at length in his trea-
tise The Keys (1530). LW 40, 325–377.
to earth and is administered through the Office of
the Public Ministry on behalf of the church.
19
Luther, Luther’s Works, Vol. 41: Church and Ministry III, 153.
Absolution then becomes a powerful witness to If the view of the Church is an assembly of
Mission FIeld: USA

non-Christians that Christ is still working forgive- believers gathered around the Word proclaimed and
ness of sins through His Church. the Sacraments administered, then it is logical to
assume that someone must proclaim that Word and
TSM21 connects this to the preaching office in
administer the Sacraments. Pieper speaks directly
this way:
to the extreme situation of church planting in an
Preaching is not limited to the sermon but area where there are no Christians when he says:
is also individualized in the absolution
Where there are no Christian congregations,
where God’s servant is entrusted to speak
as in a pagan country, there can be no
words that forgive sins now (see John 20:
public ministry, no service in the name of a
21–23; SC V, 15–29 [Tappert, 349–351])20.
congregation. But as soon as the missionary
The absolu¬tion is eschatological, that is, it
activity has borne fruit and a congregation
brings the verdict of the last day into time
has come into existence, the public ministry
as Christ says, “I forgive you your sins.” The
can be established. After showing that a spe-
absolution leaves no room for doubt for it is
cial call is necessary to make one a teacher
God’s own word of promise to be trusted in
among Christians, Luther continues: “This is
life and death.21
the call to a public office among Christians.
But if one landed among people who are no
5) Life Together: Consecration Christians, one might do as did the Apos-
or Calling Ministers tles and not wait for a call; for there [where
there are no Christians] the public office of
Luther’s fifth identification of the church is
preaching does not exist, and one might say:
as follows:
Here there are no Christians, I will preach
Fifth, the church is recognized externally by and instruct them in Christianity. And if
the fact that it consecrates or calls ministers, a group formed, chose and called me to be
or has offices that it is to administer. There their bishop, I would have a call.”
must be bishops, pastors, or preachers, who (St. L. III:723)23
publicly and privately give, administer, and 21
So even in the most extreme case, the public
use the aforementioned four things or holy
office of preaching is appropriate. Notice there is no
possessions in behalf of and in the name
mention of a specific number of Christians before
of the church, or rather by reason of their
this preaching and instruction is to begin. Pieper
institution by Christ, as St. Paul states in
also shows the difference between individuals
Ephesians 4 [:8], “He received gifts among
within the priesthood of all believers and the office
men …” — his gifts were that some should be
of the public ministry:
apostles, some prophets, some evangelists,
some teachers and governors, etc. The people It is not a human, but a divine command
as a whole cannot do these things, but must that Christians perform the works of their
entrust or have them entrusted to one person. spiritual priesthood; accordingly, preach
Otherwise, what would happen if everyone the Gospel not merely in their homes, but
wanted to speak or administer, and no one also in their intercourse with their brethren
wanted to give way to the other? It must be and with the world. Likewise it is not merely
entrusted to one person, and he alone should a human, but a divine regulation that
be allowed to preach, to baptize, to absolve, Christians who live at one place fellowship
and to administer the sacraments. The others with one another, form a congregation, and
should be content with this arrangement and appoint men equipped with the necessary
agree to it. Wherever you see this done, be teaching ability to preach God’s Word in
assured that God’s people, the holy Christian the name of the congregation both publicly
people, are present.22 (in the public assembly) and privately (to
individual Christians).24
20
This is included under Baptism originally; see Kolb-Wengert,
360–362.
21
Harrison, “A Theological Statement for Mission in the 21st 23
Pieper, F. 1999, c1950, c1951, c1953. Christian Dogmatics (elec-
Century,” 68. tronic ed.). Concordia: St. Louis.
22
Luther, Luther’s Works, Vol. 41: Church and Ministry III, 154. 24
Ibid.
Therefore, even if Christians proclaim the Gospel a living hope” (1 PETER 1:3), that is, to those who
in their homes with a small group, they are still by are baptized into Jesus’ death. He describes us
divine institution, commanded to appoint someone as “living stones” that are built up as a “spir-
with the needed abilities to teach and preach and to itual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer
administer the Sacraments. So too, Augsburg spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through
Confession Article V speaks of the institution for the Jesus Christ” (1 PETER 2:5). This priesthood is
public ministry, if we wish others to obtain faith: holy, that is, it is cut off from the uncleanness
of sin and set apart to live by faith in Jesus
“So that we may obtain this faith, the minis-
Christ. Notice that the New Testament does not
22 try of teaching the Gospel and administering
speak of us as individual priests, each going
the Sacraments was instituted. Through the
his or her own way and doing the work of a
Word and Sacraments, as through instru-
priest for ourselves. Rather the New Testament
ments, the Holy Spirit is given (JOHN 20:22). He
speaks of our lives lived within a company of
works faith, when and where it pleases God
priests, a priesthood.
(JOHN 3:8), in those who hear the good news
that God justifies those who believe that they The priesthood offers spiritual sacrifices. These
are received into grace for Christ’s sake, this are not sacrifices that atone for sin.26 Jesus did that
happens not through our own merits, but for once and for all on the cross (SEE HEB. 7:27). The
Christ’s sake” (AC V: 1-3). sacrifices that we offer are spiritual sacrifices, the
sacrifice of a broken heart and contrite spirit (SEE
Walther also speaks of the church being bound
PS. 51:17). This is the life of repentance: Daily dying to
to this office when he says, “The ministry is not an
sin and living in the newness of Christ’s forgiveness.
arbitrary office but one whose establishment has
In other words, the whole life of the believer is one
been commanded to the church and to which the
of sacrifice. This is the point that Paul makes in
church is ordinarily bound till the end of time.”25 He
Rom. 12:1 where he writes,
speaks of the office of the public ministry having the
power of spiritual judgment, as well. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the
mercies of God, to present your bodies as a
The TSM21 offers this connection between
living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,
the Priesthood of Believers and the Office of
Holy Ministry: 26
Prayer is an important sacrifice and must not be confused with the
means of grace. Prayer is a confession of faith which recognizes that
Priesthood of the baptized. The apostle Peter God’s “ good and gracious will is done even without our prayer,” as
Luther makes clear in the Small Catechism. Prayer does not seek to
writes to those who have been “born again to control or manipulate God. Prayer does not engage in superstition
that goes beyond what the Lord has promised in his word. Prayer
is the expression of the justified sinner who humbles himself before
25
Walther, C. 1999, c1987. Church and ministry: Witness of the God’s almighty hand — and by the Spirit’s work through word and
Evangelical Lutheran Church on the question of the church and the sacrament — is led to rely upon Christ alone while praying as the
ministry. Tranlsation of: Die Stimme unserer Kirche in der Frage Lord prayed in Gethsemane, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be
von Kirche und Amt. (electronic ed.). Concordia: St. Louis, p. 191. done.” See CTCR, Theology and Practice of Prayer (2011), 18–20.
which is your spiritual worship. Do not be Office and offices. There is one office that
Mission FIeld: USA

conformed to this world, but be transformed Christ has instituted for the proclamation of
by the renewal of your mind, that by testing his word and the giving out of his sacraments.
you may discern what is the will of God, This is the Office of the Holy Ministry (SEE JOHN
what is good and acceptable and perfect.” 20:21–23; AC V, XIV, XXVII). Through the call of
the church, the Lord places qualified men into
Everybody in the ancient world knew that
this office (SEE 1 COR. 14:33–38; 1 TIM. 2:8–14). The
sacrifices were dead, not living. Jerusalem’s temple
men who serve in this office are to be properly
resembled a slaughterhouse more than a church.
trained and capable (SEE 1 TIM. 3:1–7; 2 TIM. 2:1–7;
The priest, smattered with blood, looked more like a
4:1–5; TITUS 1:5–9) of the task of being stewards
butcher than a clergyman. Paul’s words must have
of the mysteries of God (SEE 1 COR. 4:1–2). The
jarred his original readers for he writes of a living
church may not be without this office for it
sacrifice. We present our bodies as living sacrifices
is to this office that Christ has entrusted the
for we have died to sin in Baptism and now live in
preaching of his word and the administration
Christ’s resurrection (SEE ROM. 6:1–11).
of his sacraments.29 No one puts himself into
This priestly life is our vocation, our calling. We this office, nor does the church have the right
live it out in our daily callings in the congregation, in to refashion the office into something other
civic community (citizenship), the family and the than what the Lord has instituted, or to put
place of work. Here we who have received mercy men into the office without being called and
from the Father show forth that mercy in our ordained (see AC XIV). The church does live
dealings with others, and it is here that we bear in freedom to create offices that assist those
witness to Christ by “proclaiming the excellencies who are placed in the one divinely-mandated
of him who called us out of darkness into his office of the ministry of word and sacrament.
marvelous light” (1 PETER 2:9). These helping offices (auxiliary offices) would
include deacons, deaconesses, evangelists,
Going about our daily vocation as baptized schoolteachers, catechists, cantors, parish
members of Christ’s royal priesthood, we testify to nurses, workers of mercy, and the like.30 These
Christ, speaking his saving word, the same word we are valuable offices of service to the body of
regularly hear in preaching and the same word we
23
Christ and the world, but they are not to be
read for ourselves in Holy Scripture (e.g., through confused with the Office of the Holy Ministry
personal and family devotions).27 The content of our itself. The Office of the Holy Ministry might be
witness is always Christ, crucified and raised from said to be the office of faith as Christ instituted
the dead for all. In so doing, we are inviting others it so that faith might be created in the hearts
into the same life we have received from Father, Son of those who hear the preaching of Christ
and Holy Spirit, the only real life there is: that given crucified. Helping or auxiliary offices are the
in word and sacrament. Baptized believers will often offices of love for through these callings the
be found urging others, believers and unbelievers
alike, to “come and see” (JOHN 1:39) what Christ has rendered unnecessary or expendable. See Schulz, Mission from the
Cross, 239–247, and § 17 herein.
done for them and for all.28 29
Thus the AC calls this “the office of preaching” (das Predigamt AC V 1).
27
Schulz, Mission from the Cross, 242–243, reminds us that “Luther
30
The Office of the Holy Ministry, or the office of preaching and
emphasizes that every Christian has the right and obligation to pass teaching, is founded on the apostles and prophets of Scripture and
on and witness God’s Word in his personal sphere of life. In fact, is seen within such scriptural offices identified by the names bishop/
Luther may at times even use the term ‘preach’ (predigen) for this overseer (episkopos), elder (presbyteros), and shepherd (poimenos).
act, implying that the incumbents of the priesthood of all believers This preaching office includes within it not only the work of “pastor”
are actually given a certain task to proclaim the Gospel wherever they as Lutherans now identify it most commonly, but also evangelist
may be. The context of this private preaching does not stand in con- andteacher (Eph. 4:11). In LCMS tradition an office of teacher, in
flict with the pastoral ministry of preaching and administration of distinction from the pastoral office, has been auxiliary in nature,
the Sacraments publicly affirmed through the proper rite of vocation working under and assisting the one who has overall responsibility
(rite vocatus).” for preaching and teaching. In other parts of the world, a particular
office of evangelist aids the church’s ministry in a similar fashion in
28
Harrison, “A Theological Statement for Mission in the 21st the particular work of outreach, church planting, and mission devel-
Century,” 69-70. Oftentimes, it is precisely this testimony from the opment, especiallywhere few ordained pastors are available. So also,
priesthood of the baptized that plants the seeds for the church in the office of catechist has developed in churches for the particular
contexts where the church has not yet been established, where or- work of instructing new believers. Thus, there is one overarching
dained pastors or missionaries are not present, or where the church preaching office (see AC V), but it is inclusive of certain respon-
is persecuted. The word does not return empty (Is. 55:11) and faith sibilities that may be shared with others in offices that appear in
can and does take root and grow through the word when and where various times and places in the church. And, in addition, there may
it pleases the Holy Spirit, whether the gospel is spoken by laity or be other helping offices established which fall only marginally within
clergy. Thus the faith did not disappear when missionaries were the scope of the work of the preaching office or are even completely
forced from China and pastors were jailed. Even as Lutherans rejoice distinct from it (e.g., a church musician or a parish nurse or an ad-
in that truth, we also recognize that the witness of the laity does not ministrator of a food program). See also CTCR, The Ministry: Offices,
mean the office of the pastor (or ordained missionary) is thereby Procedures, Nomenclature (1981).
love of Christ is extolled in word and deed as God is acting upon us through his Word and
his mercy is extended to those in need. Sacraments. In return, we repeat back to God what
he has said to us; we plead for his mercy and then
Those whom Christ through his church has
apply His words and means of His grace.
placed in the Office of the Holy Ministry do
not lord it over the priesthood of the baptized, Our theology of faith and salvation being a gift
but they stand among the baptized, as one of from God, by His grace alone, are clearly evident in
them, holding an office of service, seeking only our practice of worship. The theology and the
to give out the Lord’s gifts as he intended practice cannot be separated; in other words, having
(1 COR. 4:1–2).31 a worship service that is Christ-centered and
grace-centered is a direct reflection of our beliefs.
Our prayers and songs, Luther says, should be
6) Witness and Life Together: intelligible, they should teach that which we believe.
Prayer, Public Praise and
Thanksgiving to God The theology of worship can also be found in the
Luther’s sixth identification of the church is words of Jesus himself. He warns of the extremes in
as follows: worship that do not reflect correct theology. On the
one hand, he warns us not to simply “go through the
Sixth, the holy Christian people are exter- motions” of ceremonial rites when he quotes Isaiah
nally recognized by prayer, public praise, in Matt. 15:8-9, “These people honor me with their
and thanksgiving to God. Where you see and lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship
hear the Lord’s Prayer prayed and taught; or me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught
psalms or other spiritual songs sung, in accor- by men.”
dance with the word of God and the true faith;
also the creed, the Ten Commandments, and On the other hand, he warns us not to cause
the catechism used in public, you may rest as- people to sin, which will happen if those in the
sured that a holy Christian people of God are ministry simply manipulate the emotions of their
present. For prayer, too, is one of the precious congregations to pull them inwardly rather than
holy possessions whereby everything is sanc- toward Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus says
24 in John 4:23-24: “But the hour is coming, and is
tified, as St. Paul says [1 TIM. 4:5]. The psalms
too are nothing but prayers in which we now here, when the true worshipers will worship
praise, thank, and glorify God. The creed and the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is
the Ten Commandments are also God’s word seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit,
and belong to the holy possession, whereby the and those who worship him must worship in spirit
Holy Spirit sanctifies the holy people of Christ. and in truth.”
However, we are now speaking of prayers and Therefore, any mission church preparing to
songs which are intelligible and from which worship together or church in renewal should
we can learn and by means of which we can carefully consider the theology of worship and
mend our ways. The clamor of monks and Christ’s command to worship in spirit and in truth.
nuns and priests is not prayer, nor is it praise The TSM21 also addresses this matter:
to God; for they do not understand it, nor do
they learn anything from it; they do it like a Worship: koinonia, freedom, catholicity
donkey, only for the sake of the belly and not and the limits of love. Questions of liturgi-
at all in quest of any reform or sanctification cal diversity and uniformity need to be set
or of the will of God.32 within the context of the distinction between
faith and love. Faith is freed by the gospel
Here Luther is speaking of the various elements from all works of self-justification, but faith
of public worship in which we pray, praise and give is not freed from the gospel or the means that
thanks to God. He also speaks against prayer and Christ has instituted to bestow the gospel
worship becoming nothing more than clamoring for (the pure preaching of this good news and
the sake of our own bellies rather than to receive the the right administration of the sacraments
gifts of God. Indeed we believe that worship is God’s according to the divine word; see AC VII).
action upon us, and in turn, comes our response. Preaching and sacraments require form, and
this form is catholic rather than sectarian
31
Harrison, “A Theological Statement for Mission in the 21st Centu-
ry,” 70. or self-invented. Lutherans gratefully
32
Luther, Luther’s Works, Vol. 41: Church and Ministry III, 164. inherited the Western liturgical tradition
filtered through the sieve of justification by Seventh, the holy Christian people are
Mission FIeld: USA

faith alone and honor it as our heritage (AC externally recognized by the holy possession
XXIV [Kolb–Wengert, 68–72]). Lutherans of the sacred cross. They must endure every
make a distinction between what Christ has misfortune and persecution, all kinds of
mandated and what his word prohibits. In trials and evil from the devil, the world, and
between the two are “adiaphora,” or “middle the flesh (as the Lord’s Prayer indicates)
things,” which are neither commanded nor by inward sadness, timidity, fear, outward
forbidden by God. The middle category of poverty, contempt, illness, and weakness,
adiaphora does not mean that these matters in order to become like their head, Christ.
are how they confess the truth of the gospel And the only reason they must suffer is that
and sacraments. In times when a clear con- they steadfastly adhere to Christ and God’s
fession is called for, the Formula of Concord word, enduring this for the sake of Christ,
reminds us, matters of adiaphora may cease Matthew 5 [:11], “Blessed are you when men
to be adiaphora (see FC SD X, 10 [Kolb-Wen- persecute you on my account.” They must
gert, 637]). Ludwig Adolph Petri notes that be pious, quiet, obedient, and prepared to
mission “must abstain from establishing serve the government and everybody with
confessions, accepting new customs in the life and goods, doing no one any harm. No
divine service, uniting separated confessions people on earth have to endure such bitter
and the like. As soon as mission begins to do hate; they must be accounted worse than
something like that, it is manifestly in the Jews, heathen, and Turks. In summary, they
wrong, for none of those tasks is charged or must be called heretics, knaves, and devils,
relegated to mission.”33 This is to say that the most pernicious people on earth, to the
matters of liturgical practice are not best left point where those who hang, drown, murder,
to the individual but should reflect our con- torture, banish, and plague them to death
fessional consensus so that both the freedom are rendering God a service. No one has com-
of faith and the love for brothers and sisters passion on them; they are given myrrh and
is maintained.34 Love is always given to gall to drink when they thirst. And all of this
patience and deference to the weakness of the is done not because they are adulterers, mur- 25
fellow believer (SEE ROM 14), but it may never derers, thieves, or rogues, but because they
be used as an excuse to compromise the truth want to have none but Christ, and no other
of our confession. Liturgical diversity within God. Wherever you see or hear this, you may
the larger catholic context will be guided by know that the holy Christian church is there,
the need to maintain unity in both faith and as Christ says in Matt. 5 [:11–12], “Blessed
love (see FC SD X, 9 [Kolb-Wengert, 637]).35 are you when men revile you and utter all
kinds of evil against you on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great
7) Witness and Life Together: in heaven.” This too is a holy possession
The Holy Possession of the whereby the Holy Spirit not only sanctifies
Sacred Cross his people, but also blesses them.36
Luther’s seventh identification of the church is
as follows: Those who endeavor to reach the lost with the
pure Gospel can expect a spiritual battle. From the
inside, it may mean conflict, setback or discourage-
33
Ludwig Adolph Petri, Mission and the Church: A letter to a friend ment. From the outside, it may mean the contempt
(Die Mission und die Kirche: Schreiben an einen Freund), trans. David
Buchs (Fort Wayne: Concordia Theological Seminary Press, 2012).
of an increasingly hostile culture, legislation which
threatens the conscience or perhaps even violent
34
This is not to deny the necessity of liturgical change as the church
enters new settings. An obvious example of necessary change is the persecution. Beyond flesh and blood, it certainly
use of vernacular language for worship. That may also entail some means spiritual warfare and satanic attack (EPH. 6:12).
change of terminology itself where words or concepts are completely
alien. However, the concern of this section is that liturgical change The evil one will do everything he can to disrupt or
not take place in a way that is contrary to the Lutheran confession divert what a church plant is attempting, or attack
of faith — a confession that rightly stands in the western creedal
tradition. Thus, liturgical change, where it occurs, is always to take whatever revitalization is taking place. However,
place in a collaborative manner or a way that is catholic in nature. these and other trials and misfortunes can be
In such a way not only are the concerns and needs of a local church
considered, but so also the needs of the wider contemporary church, blessings. James thus begins his epistle not telling
and, even the church of the past has a hearing. Christians just to endure trials, but to rejoice in
35
Harrison, “A Theological Statement for Mission in the 21st Century,”
70-71. 36
Luther, Luther’s Works, Vol. 41: Church and Ministry III, 164-165.
them! “Count it all joy, my brothers,” he writes, yet no matter how small or big the cross, it
“when you meet trials of various kinds, for you serves the same purpose: A witness (martyria)
know that the testing of your faith produces to the world and, as Formula of Concordia XI
steadfastness” (JAMES 1:2-3). It is in the cross that confesses, “to conform us into the image of the
God has chosen to reveal Himself to us as the One image of the crucified Son of God.” It should
who suffers for our sins; and it is now bearing that not surprise us, the Lord’s people, that his holy
cross in suffering that teaches us reliance on God church takes on the appearance of the crucified
and trust in His mercy. Furthermore, it is in the Son of God. In fact, it is a great honor and joy
Means of Grace that the Lord accompanies us and that the Lord conforms us into his image. This
refines our faith in time of trouble. Despite bearing is why St. Paul says in Romans 8, “I know all
the cross, in what better position can a newly-plant- things work for good.” The life of the church is
ed or recently revitalized congregation be, than to cruciform in shape. The apt words of Her-
be utterly dependent on the grace that God has mann Sasse ring true: “All that we think and
brought to us through Jesus Christ? Rather than do in the church has to be cleansed by the
rely on their own abilities and strength to succeed, theology of the cross if we are to escape the
they can be made strong in their weakness as God perils of a theology of glory.”37 The theology
visits them with His gifts and uses them to fulfill of the cross will forever be a litmus test of the
His will. Their faith will be made ever stronger as genuineness of Witness, Mercy, Life Together
they become more reliant on God’s strength and in our midst.38
not their own. Because they bear the cross, they are
not far from it; and so they can lay all of their
burdens at its foot because Jesus has borne them
8) Mercy: The Christian Life of
on their behalf.
Loving Our Neighbor
Luther’s final identification of the church is
The TSM21 gives a helpful understanding of as follows:
the theology of the cross in mission in this way:
In addition to these seven principal parts,
Theology of the cross. The “theology of the there are other outward signs that identify the
26 cross” (SEE 1 COR. 1:18–2:5) stands in sharp Christian church, namely, those signs whereby
contrast to the prevailing theology — the the Holy Spirit sanctifies us according to the
“theology of glory.” The theology of the cross second table of Moses; when he assists us in
shows God at work under opposites, giving sincerely honoring our father and mother,
life through death, showing mercy in wrath, and conversely, when he helps them to raise
making himself known in his hiddenness, their children in a Christian way and to lead
and manifesting strength in weakness. The honorable lives; when we faithfully serve our
theologian of glory attempts to access God by princes and lords and are obedient and subject
way of various ladders: moralism, rational- to them, and conversely, when they love their
ism or mysticism. The theologian of the cross subjects and protect and guard them; also
confesses God condescending to humanity in when we bear no one a grudge, entertain no
the weakness of the baby of Bethlehem and anger, hatred, envy, or vengefulness toward
the man of Calvary. The theologian of glory our neighbors, but gladly forgive them,
would judge a church successful on the basis lend to them, help them, and counsel them;
of how well it accomplishes certain goals de- when we are not lewd, not drunkards, not
fined by the tenants of this world. The theolo- proud, arrogant, overbearing, but chaste,
gian of the cross recognizes that the church is self-controlled, sober, friendly, kind, gentle,
hidden under suffering and defeat. and humble; when we do not steal, rob, are
Christ’s church faces many enemies from not usurious, greedy, do not overcharge, but
within and without. She bears the mark of are mild, kind, content, charitable; when
the holy cross, not as an identifier for its we are not false, mendacious, perjurers, but
own sake, but as a consequence of bearing truthful, trustworthy, and do whatever else
witness to and proclaiming the gospel of is taught in these commandments — all of
Jesus Christ. The church in every place bears
the Holy Cross to some degree. The church 37
Hermann Sasse, We Confess Jesus Christ, trans. Norman Nagel
(Saint Louis: Concordia, 1984), 52.
in some places bears what appears to be a
smaller cross than the church in other places,
38
ry,” 72-73.
which St. Paul teaches abundantly in more the broader community of Christians and
Mission FIeld: USA

than one place.39 to those outside the church (GAL. 6:10). The
church can no more ignore the physical
In other words, the eighth mark is mercy or
needs of people than Christ could have
loving one’s neighbor. To speak of mercy in action,
refused to perform healings or persons can
he points to the last seven of the Ten Command-
be separated into body and soul in this life.
ments as they are lived out in Christians’ lives.
Thus, the early church heartily and vigorously
These signs identify that these holy Christian
continued Jesus’ ministry of healing and
people are indeed sanctified by the Holy Spirit,
care for the needy (ACTS 6; 2 COR. 8–9). This
for they are living in their God-given callings as
witness, through mercy accompanying the
outlined in the second table of Moses. Their faith
gospel, has been a missiological force of the
is evident in their works.
church in its great periods of advancement,
Luther adds this eighth sign in addition or especially in times of desperate need and
separately because, unlike the previous seven, mercy persecution. The care for the widows (ACTS 6)
is not a unique mark of the Christian Church alone. and Paul’s collection for Jerusalem (2 COR. 8-9)
One can find Hindus and Muslims who honor their are the great prototypical models for mercy for
parents and avoid drunkenness, for instance. the church for all time. We care for people in
However, only in the Christian Church does mercy need, not with any ulterior motive, nor even
spring from the grace of Jesus Christ. in order to proclaim the gospel. We proclaim
the gospel and care for the needy because that’s
Planting a church can consume time and energy, who Christ is, and that is who we are as the
but neither may be done at the expense of other church in this world (JOHN 14; ACTS 4:12).40
offices. As Luther points out, working in the Church
is not the only holy thing in our lives. The callings of
spouse, parent, citizen and neighbor are also holy Conclusion
offices, and in each of them we bear a witness that How do you know when a church has been planted?
will impact the world around us. In fact, it is in the Using Luther’s seven marks of identifying the
everyday lives of those engaged in church planting Church, we are able to see a very clear picture of
that they will find some of the greatest opportunities what a Lutheran church is when it is planted.
27
for evangelism.
However, the simplest way to answer the
A perfect complement to reaching out with the question of how to identify God’s holy Christian
Gospel is reaching out through acts of mercy; and people is that Christ is there working through His
as James says most pointedly in his epistle, faith Church; and Christ is where His Word and
without works is dead (JAMES 2:17-18). Many relation-
ships are built through sharing the love of Christ Sacraments are, and these marks are what makes
with those who are in need. Therefore, a new- it the Holy Christian Church. Luther’s marks can be
ly-formed church or a church that is re-engaging can used as guideposts of what makes a Lutheran
build a fellowship among their community by church. Christ is working through pastors and the
serving them through human care projects as Christ priesthood of all believers in their respective callings.
serves His Church: as Christians respond to God Indeed, Christ is here, hands-on on this earth,
with praise to Him, they also respond to Him with bringing hope and salvation to a lost and con-
love for their neighbor. We’ll address this in detail as demned world. Even though they may be small, it
we discuss mercy as an emphasis in church planting. is as much in a newly planted church as any other
The TSM21 speaks to the mercy and vocation that all the power of heaven rests at their disposal
as such: to bring eternal life to the world around them.
Mercy as sacred vocation. The church is Given the marks and patterns of the Holy
Christ’s body, and as such, she continues Christian church, we can move on to how to go
his life of mercy as a witness to the love of about planting Lutheran churches that are framed
God for body and soul. The church has a by Witness, Mercy and Life Together.
corporate life of mercy toward those within
the orthodox fellowship of believers, toward
40
39
Luther, Luther’s Works, Vol. 41: Church and Ministry III, 166. ry,” 65.
Church
Planting
Mission FIeld: USA
Getting Started
O n a global scale, the US is one of the largest
mission fields in the world in terms of un-
churched populations. And a truly effective
way to reach those outside the Church is through
church planting. In the first 100 years of the LCMS,
presence as well, and can work alongside the Synod
who can help to support this work. One of the
strongest means for planting a church, however, is
when a congregation plants a daughter congregation
and is willing to help with the planning and initial
we planted a new church every week, including startup process. In any case, it is important that the
outreach to new people groups. It is true that as a district is involved early on to ensure that the church
church body we are not always where the people plant fits in with the overall district level plans. So,
are — especially as we see a massive shift toward too, the district will be an important resource in
urbanization. Likewise, we do not always reflect establishing a new church. Gaining support from
the diversity of our new American neighborhoods the local circuit will also be very important and an
around our Lutheran churches. We are also aging encouragement to the mission.
faster in comparison to the population. But this
initiative to plant new churches is not about insti-
tutional preservation. We need to plant churches,
Pre-Planning for Churches
because it is who we are as a church body, and it is
Planting Churches
what we have been called to do, as faithful stewards Serious discussions must take place if a congregation
of God’s Word and Sacraments, to reach the lost. considers becoming the mother of a daughter con-
gregation. The costs must be counted and sacrifices
It may seem an odd way to look at it, but when will need to be made for the sake of the Gospel. A
we consider revitalization within our Synod, church good first step is to gather information about the
planting plays a prominent role, as it has the capa- vicinity that is being considered. Are there already
bility to bring renewed vigor to other churches and members of the mother church or potential mem-
circuits and districts who wish to participate. In and bers who live in the area? Can the district supply
of itself, church planting is a means of revitalization
29
demographic information to better understand
at the macro level. The Word of God alone can the community? Where will you look for a mission
revitalize the church, and as we saw above, where developer? Will you seek out a specially trained
the Word is planted there is the church! [IS. 55:10-11] seminary candidate working through the district
God bless the sowing of His seed and He alone will and Synod? Will you be willing to support the new
reap the harvest. God bless The Lutheran Church— mission plant until they are chartered? Will you place
Missouri Synod as we endeavor in this mission. them under the umbrella of your administrative
But before a core group of people is gathered to support until they become self-sufficient? Will you
take on this endeavor, it will be helpful to have some continue to provide them with the needed support
pre-planning already in order. Of course there are even after they have been formed as a new congre-
many ways in which the process of church planting gation? These are commitments that need to be
may begin, or a combination of ways. For example a made by the congregation and leadership of a mother
group of people in a community may be interested congregation before venturing out in planting a
in seeing an LCMS church established, while at the new church. But if the commitment is there, then
same time a church or circuit have identified this as the first step in the process is to develop the Life
a possible location. A church might also recognize Together of a new church.
an unreached people group within their community
and are interested in a new mission. A district may
develop a new mission where there is no LCMS
life
together
Planning and Support What are some things to consider in assessing a
Mission FIeld: USA

mission developer:
Mission Developer ✚ Is he called and ordained for this work, to be a
Life Together in its simplest form is that of shepherd Word and Sacrament missionary?
and flock. There can be no shepherd without a ✚ Does he have the theological integrity that will
flock, nor a flock without a shepherd as Jesus de- be needed to plant a distinctly Lutheran church?
scribed the lost sheep of Israel — as those without
a shepherd. The shepherd of course is called to ✚ Does he have the theological capacity to defend
watch over and protect the flock and lay down his and confess the Lutheran confession of faith
life. And as Jesus calls upon Peter, Peter is to feed in potentially hostile environments to the
Christ’s sheep. The pastoral office then is one of Christian faith, is he willing to bear the marks
servitude. A servant who is specially trained in the of the cross?
care and equipping of the priesthood of all believers,
✚ Is this a man of prayer and devotion who will
and has been called to be the steward of the mys-
sustain his own family in the midst of the cross
teries entrusted to him by God. Ministry then is
they will bear together?
to wash feet, to serve and not be served, meaning
there should be no struggles for power, but rather ✚ Is this person marked by his love and empathy
there should be an understanding of the authority for others and has a desire to serve in mercy in
in which God has given His servants in their a variety of settings?
vocations. The pastoral office then has the great
burden of exercising the office of the keys on behalf ✚ Is he personable and willing to make
of the congregation while having its own ecclesial contacts with potential members or
accountability as well. The pastor is duty bound to community leaders?
be an intercessor and to bear the spiritual burdens ✚ Can he adapt quickly and not be afraid to learn
of those in his care. The congregation as the body from failures?
of Christ will in return bear witness and show
mercy to their neighbors in their various vocations ✚ Is he a self-starter and go-getter who does not
as forgiven baptized believers. And so too, they will need a great deal of hand holding?
31
support the pastor also in the administration of ✚ Is he good at budgeting his time wisely and
the earthly affairs of organizing and forming this balancing his schedule for both family and
newly planted church. The mission developer then church vocation?
is called to be a missionary in the true sense of the
word, to be about the Gospel. He is to seek out ✚ Can he be both task oriented for the job at
the lost, and bind up the injured, he is to be about hand while also being people oriented, which
planting the seed and working the soil. must come first?
So then, the mission developer needs to have ✚ Does he have a clear understanding and joy for
an aptitude for the unique role of shepherding a the work that he will embark on?
newly planted church perhaps in an area that is a
✚ Does he have enough basic knowledge of
clean slate in regards to the Lutheran confession of
administration and planning for starting an
faith. It should be noted that church planting may
organization and chartering a congregation —
not be for everyone and it does take a unique skill
which may include basic grunt work?
set and characteristics.
✚ Does he work well with others even in the midst
of differences and can he resolve conflicts?
✚ Is he not afraid to get his hands dirty in the

The mission developer then is called muck and mire of sinful lives when reaching
to be a missionary in the true sense of the lost or to roll up his sleeves to serve in
his community?
the word, to be about the Gospel. He
is to seek out the lost, and bind up the
injured, he is to be about planting the
seed and working the soil.
LIFE TOGETHER
32
SCRIPTURE
“God is faithful, by whom you

were called into the fellowship of
his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
1 COR. 1:9
Mission FIeld: USA
“This fellowship consists in this, that all the spiritual possessions
of Christ and his saints are shared with and become the common property
of him who receives this sacrament … So also in our natural body, as St. Paul says
in 1 Cor. 12[:25-26], where he gives this sacrament a spiritual explanation, “The
members have [the same] care for one another; if one member suffers, all suffer
together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” This is obvious: if anyone’s
foot hurts him, yes, even the little toe, the eye at once looks at it, the fingers grasp
it, the face puckers, the whole body bends over to it, and all are concerned with
this small member; again, once it is cared for all the other members are benefited.”
Martin Luther. “The Blessed Sacrament of the Holy and True Body of Christ and the Brotherhoods.” AE 35.51.
33
aSPECTS
Worship
Unity in Doctrine and Practice
Church Fellowship
Koinonia Project
Day Schools
Universities
Seminarians
Youth
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s
household and go to the land I will show you … and all peoples on earth will be blessed
through you. So Abram left, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was
seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot,
all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and
they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there” (from Genesis 12).
B
lessings to all the members of Mount Calvary! As you know, Christ Lutheran
Church has begun to worship regularly together. We are still in the process of
reaching into our community, but it is also important for our core group to
become a community that worships together … because that is church. Everyone was
very excited about our first service, and I think for many of us, it felt like “mission
accomplished.” But in reality, the mission has just begun and God is calling us to step
out of our “comfort zones”. Abram had many reasons to not leave home when God
called him. He was settled, his friends and family were there, his livelihood was there
and surely he thought he was too old to be qualified for such a mission. There were
great risks involved and even more sacrifice.
Maybe you have considered being a part of the new mission to Church County but
didn’t want to leave Mount Calvary. Maybe you have thought it would be a risk to come
to a smaller church without all of the activities/groups of a larger one. Or maybe you
think you are unqualified to run for an office or be involved with a board. Or maybe
there would have to be a sacrifice because something is just different at the mission
church. But brothers and sisters, what if there was no Abram and Sarai from whom our
Savior would descend? If there is no risk taken, no stepping out in faith, no sacrifice,
someone to be the first to lead the way … then there is no Israel, and all the peoples
will not be blessed.
This is the simple truth, but I know we are not motivated by the law — by what we do.
So let me share the good news. The good news is that God’s will will be done. Despite
our fears and feelings of inadequacies, God’s plan of salvation cannot be stopped. God
Himself stepped out of the comforts of Heaven, to serve, to sacrifice, to suffer, to die,
to rise again. Nothing could stop our Savior from carrying out His mission - even His
journey to the cross. And Christ would step out of the comfort zone of heaven into
34 our greatest places of fear — rejection, suffering, death and even hell — and He would
conquer them all! Now I don’t know where your comfort zone ends — maybe stepping
out to do a community survey, maybe being in a different place to worship, maybe
taking the lead to get things done, to spearhead a group or activity. But what I do
know is that there is no need to fear. Even if Christ Lutheran doesn’t have it all — it has
Christ. And there God has promised to give us the forgiveness of sins, the power of his
Word and the fellowship of the Body of Christ. And I do know that this may be a once
in a lifetime opportunity in Church County to take a leap of faith that will be a blessing
to people for generations to come for you and to be blessed in your own faith-building
journey as you walk the path of Abram and Sarai.
So I simply ask you to prayerfully consider how God may be leading you out of your
comfort zone to blaze a new trail. And together we will begin a journey of faith to
lead God’s people to His promised land!
– BULLETIN INSERT ENCOURAGING “SHORT TERM MISSIONARIES” –
Core Group Recruitment be interested, but are nervous about leaving their
comfort zone to embark on a new mission. You
It will be important to form a core group of people
may wish to consider a bulletin insert encouraging
who are committed to helping plant the church.
them to step out like Abraham and Sarah when
Some people may wish to join the new congrega-
they were called by God to a new place (and be
tion while others would like to give their talents
sure to offer specific ways in which they can serve).
and abilities to get things started. But regardless,
the most obvious place to look for people would
be from a mother congregation. Some folks may
Mission FIeld: USA
DECLARATION OF INTENT
TO JOIN NEW MISSION
I herewith indicate to the pastor and members of _________________Lutheran Church
of ______________________ my intention of joining the new Missouri Synod Lutheran
Mission in ____________________________________________.
Since this mission is as yet unorganized, I cannot ask for an official transfer. However, since
I do plan to participate actively in the worship, fellowship, educational and stewardship
programs of this mission, I therefore ask that my present congregation regard this as an
application for transfer of my membership to this mission, and the transfer of my spiritual
care and responsibilities to this mission.
I understand that the official transfer will become effective on the date of the organization
of the new mission.
(Signed) ________________________________________________________________
(Signed) ________________________________________________________________
(Address) _______________________________________________________________
Also included in this transfer request are the following members of our household:
_________________________________ _________________________________
_________________________________ _________________________________
_________________________________ _________________________________
35
– INTENT FORM FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN COMMITTING TO THE NEW MISSION –
TO ANYONE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING

WITH THE CHURCH MISSION IN ANY WAY!
Please come join us for an organizational meeting as we begin to

form our core group. The meeting will be held from 1-3 p.m. on
Sunday, Sept. 18. The first step is to meet and develop a plan for
this new mission. If you are interested in this process, but are un-
able to attend then you can pick up an informational packet from
Vicar James. If you wish to become a part of this worshipping
community (in any way - even if it is temporary) then please let
Vicar James be aware of this so he can get an idea of the size of the
core group. This information needs to be reported to the district
by Oct.1. Thank you for prayerfully considering being a part of
Christ’s Commission!
– BULLETIN BLURB FOR RECRUITING –

You may also be pleasantly surprised to find out To reach them, it is best to make a personal contact
that there are people in the area who have Luther- if possible, but you can also make announcements
an backgrounds, are not connected to a Lutheran of your initial meetings through your local media
church and are interested in planting a new Lu- outlets. It is a blessing to gather people from
theran congregation. As a matter of fact, they may different backgrounds, but once you have recruited
have been waiting for quite a while for just such an a diverse group it will be important to unify them
opportunity. These may be inactive members from and develop them into a family of believers who
other churches, new residents or simply people are at the heart of this mission.
raised in the Lutheran church but had fallen away.
Seek out any Lutheran affiliated organizations to
help identify these potential core group members.
36
– NEWSPAPER
AD FOR IN
ITIAL CORE
GROUP ME
ETING –
MEETING –
PLANNING
RST PUBLIC
ING THE FI
R ARTI CL E PUBLICIZ
– NEWSPAPE
Core Group Development Therefore at least three key meetings should
Mission FIeld: USA

One of the great fears for a church starting out is take place to prepare for the chartering of a new
that they will fail to gain members, which ultimately congregation, in mission to your community. It is
means they will be bankrupted and this will end probably best to keep these meetings between one
the mission before it begins. But in actuality, it is and two hours and should have a focus on both
disunity that is the greatest danger to a new con- church fellowship and pastoral care. Agenda items
gregation. So, from the very beginning, it is crucial to be included in the first meeting would be a de-
that the core group of people starting the mission votion from the Word of God that speaks to God’s
church would be on the same page. This means mission in the world, prayer and hymnody, getting
theologically, the values that the group holds and to know each other, a study on what is church and
the direction to be taken must have unity. If working how do we know when it exists in this place, sharing
with your district, you may be required to state information regarding your community and
clearly what is your mission statement, the vision mission, develop a shared statement of mission/
for the future, the values that will guide you and values/direction, include action items and assign-
what are your objectives to ensure the mission is ments, close with prayer/benediction/a hymn,
accomplished according to God’s will. But a mission spend time in fellowship at the conclusion. This
developer must also realize that through this process organizational meeting would most likely be held
of forming, norming, storming, performing as a with the initial core group, to lay the ground work,
group, there will be some who you counted on who before announcing to the community that there
will leave the group and others who you least expect- will be a formational meeting for those interested
ed that will be fully invested in your mission. But in the church that is being formed.
again, unity is key to the life of a new congregation.
37
Example meeting agenda for 2. First things first -What is Church?

core group meeting #1 a. The creed clearly indicates what the Church
is, namely, a communion of saints, that is,
Meeting 1 Sample outline: a crowd
The Birth of a Church
1. God’s Mission 3. Team building warmup [Show that more can be
a. Who are we? Why do we exist? Where do done together than as individuals]
we want to go and how will we get there? a. 1 Peter 2
38 b. Devotion — Impossible births b. The Living Stone and a chosen people
i. What things come to mind when you c. As you come to him, the living Stone —
think of birth? rejected by men but chosen by God and pre-
ii. Adam and Eve / Abraham and Sarah / cious to him — you also, like living stones,
the Virgin Mary are being built into a spiritual house to be a
iii. Jesus on the Cross — the church borne holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices
from birth fluids of a pierced side acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
iv. The many births that can come from
this mission 4. How can you tell where these Christian holy
c. The purpose of this meeting people are found?
i. To identify why this mission will exist a. Luther’s seven marks
ii. To categorize the values that will drive
our decision making 5. Some definitions to get us started
iii. To develop a plan and strategy for plant-
a. Values
ing a new church
i. A value is an enduring belief that a
iv. To discover what will make us unique in
specific behavior or outcome is personally
reaching our mission field
or socially or congregationally preferable
d. Planting a church to an opposite or converse behavior
i. Martin Luther wrote a document or outcome.
called ON THE COUNCILS AND ii. What are the values to which the congre-
THE CHURCH giving a definition gation holds firmly and which make the
of the church congregation what it is?
ii. In this document Luther identifies seven iii. If you changed the values of a congrega-
ways to recognize the church and also an tion, you would effectively change
outward sign of the church the congregation.
iv. What are the core values of the
congregation?
b. Biblical Christological values e. Key issues / goals
Mission FIeld: USA

i. Sacrificial /Faithful / Joy Filled /Tunnel i. A key issue is a primary focus
Vision for the Mission / Unity / Love ii. A goal is a description of a preferred,
and Mercy / From conception to grave — future condition addressing a key issue
they are souls that Christ died for that contributes to an effective pursuit of
c. Mission statement the Mission.
i. A congregation must have a clear picture f. Vision
of the reason for its existence. A mission i. One paragraph describing the preferred
statement is a clear, concise statement future of the Mission congregation
(25 words or less) of the unique reason ii. Vision is the ability to imagine different
or purpose for the existence and efforts of and better conditions and ways to
a congregation. achieve them
d. Uniqueness iii. A vision is a lofty, long-term goal
i. What is truly unique about our ministry iv. Can explain it for 30 seconds, 3 minutes,
that God-willing will be blessed with 30 minutes, 3 hours
success? 6. Other information needed
1. Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Scripture a. Plan to reach the lost
Alone, Christ Alone b. Demographics
2. An incarnational and not mystical c. Leadership plan
relationship with God d. Stewardship plan
3. Down to earth people in need of e. Proposed budget
God’s mercy and who share that f. First public worship date
mercy with others and build
relationships 7. Next Steps
4. Assurance of salvation which is a. Worship preparations
outside ourselves b. Site surveys
5. Pastoral — every person is a soul that c. Children’s ministry
Christ died for and not a number d. Social ministry 39
6. Powerful messages where God’s e. Evangelism
Word is brought to life and salva- f. Charter / Leadership
tion is proclaimed g. Land acquisition
h. Temporary meeting places
i. Set a meeting date
Meeting 2 Sample Agenda: Developing the Roadmap
– CHURCH MISSION - DEC. 11 MEETING –

Developing the Roadmap
Opening Devotion − “Humble Beginnings” 2:00-2:15 p.m.

Voting on a Name − Putting a Name to the Faces 2:15-2:45 p.m.
Organizing Committees – Planning for Success 2:45-3:15 p.m.
Setting a First Public Worship Date – It’s a Birthday! 3:15-3:30 p.m.
Next Steps – Action Items and Forming the Bond 3:30-4:00 p.m.
– EXAMPLE MEETING AGENDA FOR CORE GROUP MEETING #2 –

Meeting 3 Sample Agenda: Making an Action Plan
– A CHURCH MISSION OUTREACH –

Christ Lutheran Church
JAN. 8 MEETING - MAKING AN ACTION PLAN
Opening Comments – “The Light Pointing to Christ” 2:00-2:15 p.m.

Profile Sheets – “Getting to Know You” 2:15-2:45 p.m.
Getting Up to Date – “Reviewing our Progress” 2:45-3:00 p.m.
Committee Breakouts – “Action Planning” 3:00-3:45 p.m.
Next Steps – Action Items and Forming the Bond 3:45-4:00 p.m.
– EXAMPLE MEETING AGENDA FOR CORE GROUP MEETING #3 –
A Word on Stewardship resurrection of Jesus Christ. As such, the Gospel of

for the Core Group God always Shows Our Savior (SOS).
40 New Testament Stewardship So, for example, all the Ten Commandments are
Faithfully Giving a First-Fruits Proportion of Law, they show us how sinful we are. But they also
Your Income for the Work of Christ’s Church serve two other functions. For unbelievers, the Law
BY REV. HEATH R. CURTIS helps curb outward sin: if there is a law against
stealing and a strong punishment for it, then there
Introduction will be less stealing. For believers in Christ, the
When we speak about stewardship we often say Law also serves as a guide to how to live a life of
that it deals with how we use our time, talents and thanksgiving for the wonderful gift of eternal life
treasure in respect to God’s Church. And that is in Christ Jesus.
true as far as it goes. But catchy phrases usually The following information from God’s Word
don’t make good theology. When Lutherans think about the stewardship of our finances is Law in
about stewardship we should think in Lutheran, this third sense. In the New Testament, God has
biblical categories: Law & Gospel; Vocation; and given us believers in Christ certain commands
Sanctification. about how to use our finances for the work of the
Church. This is our guide for how to respond to
Law & Gospel God in thanksgiving for his gifts to us. But even
The foundation of understanding the Bible and this Law will always accuse us and show us our
its teachings is the distinction between God’s Law sin. So as you read through this information, if you
and God’s Gospel. The Law of God is the way He are convicted that you have not been faithful with
wants us to live, His commandments, principles, your finances in thought, word, or deed, then know
injunctions or whatever else you want to call them. that this is God’s Law at work. He is calling you to
As such, the Law of God always Shows Our Sin repentance. So repent and trust in the Lord Jesus
(SOS) because we can never perfectly keep God’s who died for all sins — including our sins of greed
Law. The Gospel is the Good News that though we and miserliness. You are forgiven in Christ and as
can never earn God’s favor with our works, merit the forgiven child of God, you can lead a new and
or worthiness, God has provided salvation for us more faithful life in the power of Christ’s Gospel.
free of charge in the incarnation, life, death and
Stewardship & Vocation never perfect in this life, but that is all the more
Mission FIeld: USA

Christian stewardship begins with the under- reason why we must actually strive to live a faithful
standing that all we have is God’s and that “we (toward God) and loving (toward our neighbor)
brought nothing into the world, and we cannot Christian life. Thinking about sanctification
take anything out of the world” (1 TIM. 6:7). Since all through the lens of vocation makes this a much
we have is God’s, we should use it for his purposes. more concrete task. My sanctification is not trying
God’s purpose for us in our lives is expressed in the to get more holy — it’s trying to get to church more
various vocations, or callings, that we have. often and be more supportive of the ministry; it’s
making time to actually raise my children and
A great treasure of the Lutheran Reformation plan for their future by making sacrifices now; it’s
is the rediscovery of the holy callings given to each allowing room in my life to give alms to my needy
Christian. In Luther’s day, it was taught that the neighbor and being present for my neighbor in
surest way to enter heaven was to leave the world time of need.
and join a monastery. But Luther saw this as actually
running away from the holy callings (in Latin: Tithing in the Old Testament
vocations) that God has given us to play in the
The word tithing comes from the Old English
home, the church and society at large. Each one of
word for tenth. To tithe means to give one-tenth of
these vocations makes a claim upon us. Luther laid
one’s income, or 10 percent. In the Old Testament,
out the biblical commands for our various vocations
God commanded that the Israelites tithe for the
in the Table of Duties in the Small Catechism —
support of the Temple, its priests and Levites, and
and specifically the command for all Christians
the sacrifices:
when it comes to stewardship:
“Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed
What Hearers Owe Their Pastor
of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the
“In the same way, the Lord commanded that Lord's; it is holy to the Lord” (LEV. 27:30).
those who proclaim the gospel should get
their living by the gospel” (1 COR. 9:14). “To the Levites I have given every tithe in
Israel for an inheritance, in return for their
“Let the one who is taught the word share all service that they do, their service in the tent 41
good things with the one who teaches. Do not of meeting” (NUM. 18:21).
be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever
one sows, that will he also reap” (GAL. 6:6-7). Everyone in Israel was to tithe, even the
Levites whose income came from the tithes of
Our vocation as Christian, and as member of a the other Israelites:
particular Christian congregation where we receive
the Word of God and His Sacraments makes a claim “And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
on us: on our presence on Sunday morning and on “Moreover, you shall speak and say to the
our support for the work of the Gospel. Likewise, Levites, ‘When you take from the people of
our callings in the home make a claim on us: again Israel the tithe that I have given you from
for presence and support. So, for example, a father them for your inheritance, then you shall
uses his income to feed, clothe and protect his chil- present a contribution from it to the Lord, a
dren; a mother must be present with her children to tithe of the tithe” (NUM. 18:25-26).
actually be a mother to them. In society at large our Thus tithing was a part of the Old Testament
vocations are varied, but they all boil down to being law for Israel (along with the entire law for the
a good neighbor no matter where we are: we work, nation, including the dietary laws which stated
we have friends, we visit the local bar, we help those that one should not eat pork, shellfish, etc.). As
in need. In each place, we are to love our neighbor such, God promised to bless Israel’s faithfulness
as we love ourselves. That means being a faithful to this and all other Old Testament laws:
friend and worker, a kind and generous neighbor,
etc. Once again: this role places a claim on our “ Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that
presence and our support. there may be food in my house. And thereby
put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I
As the post-communion collect has it, we hope will not open the windows of heaven for you
to grow in “faith toward God and fervent love and pour down for you a blessing until there
toward one another.” This growth in the Christian is no more need” (MAL. 3:10).
life is called sanctification. Our sanctification is
False Teachings on Tithing us financially if we tithe or do any other good work,
Too often many Christians now make a jump from is to make God beholden to us and to deny the
the Old Testament law to our current situation cross of Christ. All things being equal, of course a
under the New Testament. These folks say that life lived in accordance with God’s commands is
1) tithing is still a command of God upon us who more blessed that a life lived in disobedience. If we
share in the New Testament and 2) if you do tithe, are faithful, God will of course bless us — but we
God will bless you financially and if you don’t tithe, must realize that God will bless us in the shade of
God will punish you financially. the cross. Johann Gerhard put it this way:
Both of these statements are in error in subtle In the same way along with the eternal
yet significant ways. promises in the New Testament there are also
given corporal and temporal promises which
First, the tithing commanded by God in the must be understood with the exception of
Old Testament law applied to the state of affairs the cross. “There is no one who has left house
before the founding of the New Testament with the or brothers or sisters or mother or father or
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Just as Christians children or lands for My sake and for the
are today not under any obligation to circumcise Gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold
their sons, or to abstain from pork and shellfish, now in this time, houses and brothers and
so the Old Testament laws regarding tithing do sisters and mothers and children and lands,
not apply directly to today’s Christians. St. Paul with persecutions, and in the age to come
writes, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by eternal life” (MARK 10:29–30). “Godliness holds
what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious promise for the present life and also for
festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. the life to come” (1 TIM. 4:8). “He that would
These are a shadow of the things that were to come; love life and see good days, let him keep his
the substance, however, is Christ” (COL. 2:16-17). tongue from evil and his lips from speaking
Christ is the fulfillment and therefore the end of guile” (1 PET. 3:10). “Now who is there to harm
the Old Testament law. you if you are zealous for what is right?”
(Verse 13). (Theological Commonplaces,
42 Second, Christ tells us that our life in this world
Law & Gospel, forthcoming from Concordia
will be difficult. We are to take up our cross and
Publishing House).
follow Jesus. To say that God will necessarily bless
New Testament Stewardship 10 percent, a tithe. If God set this number down for
Mission FIeld: USA

So where does that leave us today with how we are his people of old, this seems like the obvious place
to support God’s work in the Church? To find these to start with our giving. This is how tithing applies
principles we need to look to the New Testament indirectly to Christians under the New Testament.
and how we are told to fulfill the law of love in Indeed, God in the New Testament does command
regard to financing the Church. that we give generously to support the work of the
Church. And in the Old Testament God commanded
St. Paul says the following to the that his people give 10 percent of their income for
Corinthian Christians: the support of the Temple. Thus, it seems fair to say
that generosity begins at 10 percent.
“On the first day of every week, each of you is
to put something aside and store it up, as he
A Parallel: The Sabbath in the Old
may prosper” (1 COR. 16:2).
and New Testaments
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly We might approach our answer to this question
will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows by asking whether or not we have to keep the
bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each Third Commandment — which reads in full from
one must give as he has decided in his heart, Ex. 20:8-11:
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for
God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
to make all grace abound to you, so that Six days you shall labor, and do all your
having all sufficiency in all things at all work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the
times, you may abound in every good work” Lord your God. On it you shall not do any
(2 COR. 9:6-8). work, you, or your son, or your daughter,
your male servant, or your female servant,
So in the New Testament we are to give: or your livestock, or the sojourner who is
1) Voluntarily and Cheerfully. Giving must be within your gates. For in six days the Lord
done voluntarily, not under compulsion and made heaven and earth, the sea, and all
cheerfully, not grudgingly. that is in them, and rested the seventh day. 43
Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day
2) First Fruits. Giving should be from the first and made it holy.”
fruits of our labor. Our giving is what we do
on the first day of the week before our other So, do we have to keep this commandment?
expenses come due. Should we cease from all labor on Saturday as the
people of the Old Testament did? Of course not!
3) Proportionally. Giving is to be proportional, That was one of the Old Testament prophecies of
as each one of you may prosper. Giving is not Christ — and since Christ has fulfilled the Sabbath
to be an arbitrarily set dollar amount each rest by resting in the tomb on Holy Saturday, we
week, but rather is to be in accordance with are free from the Old Testament Sabbath regula-
how one has prospered each week. Thus, each tions. Thus Paul writes, “Let no one pass judgment
of us should determine to set aside a certain on you in questions of food and drink, or with
proportion (percentage) of our income for the regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.
Church each week. We’ll get back to what that These are a shadow of the things to come, but the
percentage should be below. substance belongs to Christ” (COL. 2:16-17).
4) Faithfully. We do have the promise that And yet, there the Third Commandment stands
God will give us what we need for this body in our Small Catechism: Remember the Sabbath
and life. Therefore, we should give in faith, Day to keep it holy! What’s going on here? Well, look
trusting that God will provide for all our at Luther’s explanation of the Third Commandment:
needs — though not necessarily our wants! “What does this mean? We should fear and love
God so that we do not despise preaching and His
So, in the New Testament proportional giving
Word, but gladly hear and learn it.” So the form of
is also commanded. We are to give each week in
the commandment, the letter of the law, has passed
accordance with how we have prospered. What size
away as a shadow: but the spirit still remains. We are
should this proportion be? The New Testament
to honor God by our worship, by gladly receiving His
does not lay down any set number. We saw in that in
Word and Sacraments in His Church.
the Old Testament the percentage was set down at
So it is with tithing. The New Testament nowhere Planning Your Giving
lists the precise regulations about giving this tithe Here is some practical advice on how to determine
and that tithe to the Levites and the Temple and what you should be contributing to the work of
so on. Those precise regulations were to point us the Church.
to Christ: who represents the fullness of humanity
though He is one Man, just as the tithe represented 1. Receive God’s gifts. If you have not been
the fullness of the income of the people of Israel faithfully attending worship to hear God’s
though it was only 10 percent thereof. We are in no Word, receive his forgiveness, and partake of
way bound to these precise legal regulations of Old His body and blood for the eternal benefit of
Testament Israel. your soul, then by all means repent and come
receive the gifts of our Lord Jesus! God does
And yet, just as the fulfilling of the Sabbath not want your money — He wants you, all
Day doesn’t mean that going to the Lord’s House of you.
for worship once a week is obsolete — so also the
New Testament does not make faithful financial 2. Pray. Go to the throne of grace and ask for
stewardship obsolete. Rather, the New Testament strength to follow the Lord faithfully.
is full of admonitions on this point: “On the first
3. Consider what the Church does. The Church
day of every week, each of you is to put something
is called to spread the Good News about Jesus
aside and store it up, as he may prosper” (1 COR. 16:2).;
Christ by preaching the Gospel to all who will
“But as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech,
hear it and administering the Sacraments to
in knowledge, in all earnestness and in our love
the faithful. You are a part of God’s Church on
for you — see that you excel in this act of grace
earth. This is your mission and the mission is
also” (2 COR. 8:7).; “The point is this: whoever sows
for the life of the world — that for which Jesus
sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows
laid down his life and took it up again. The
bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must
Church cannot complete its mission unless
give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly
all members of the Church, those who have
or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
benefited from the Church’s mission, faithfully
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so
44 support the Church.
that having all sufficiency in all things at all times,
you may abound in every good work” (2 COR. 9:6-8). 4. Examine yourself. Consider the commands
of God from the New Testament about sup-
So, just as the Old Testament’s once a week
porting the work of the Church and examine
worship became the benchmark for New Testament
your own giving. Are you: a) giving of your
worship, so also the Old Testament’s tithe becomes
first fruits — that is, does your offering come
the benchmark for New Testament stewardship. Not
out of your pay check first, not just what’s left
in the way of inflexible, minute regulations — but
over; b) giving voluntarily and cheerfully;
in the way of pattern and fulfillment. If in the New
c) giving proportionally; d) relying on God’s
Testament we are called to give proportionally (as
promise to provide for you? If not, then
each one may prosper), weekly (on the first day) and
repent and trust in God’s provision.
generously — then surely the Old Testament tithe
is the floor level of Christian giving, not the ceiling.
As our worship in the New Testament is a greater
fulfillment of the Old Testament Sabbath, so also our
New Testament stewardship is called to be an even
greater sacrificial fulfillment of the Old Testament
tithing regulations.
5. Decide on your proportion. Now you are More Law & Gospel
Mission FIeld: USA

ready to consider what proportion of your So that is God’s Law on supporting the Church:
income you can give faithfully, proportion- support it faithfully from your first fruits, do it
ally and cheerfully. As I mentioned above a voluntarily and cheerfully and do it proportionally.
good place to start is 10 percent. That is what Does that convict you? Does this Law show your
my family gives and it makes for easy math: sin? I know it convicts me. I have certainly not
just move the decimal point and that’s your been as cheerful or faithful a giver as I should be.
offering for the week. But if you can’t give 10 That is the bad news of our sinfulness against
percent voluntarily and cheerfully, then pick God’s Law. But the good news of the Gospel of
another proportion: 7 percent, 5 percent, Jesus Christ is that we are forgiven by Christ’s
even 1 percent. But just follow the guidelines work on the cross. God loves us and has made us
from Scripture and faithfully give a voluntary His children in Baptism. He feeds us with his very
first fruits proportion of your income. body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins. We
are His and no one can snatch us out of His hands.
45
Administration A Planning Guide to Chartering

a New Congregation based on
For the sake of good order, it is important to plan Witness/Mercy/Life Together
wisely from conception to reality of how the new STAGE ONE:
church will be formed and become enmeshed in Developing your Life Together
the community. This will take organization and the (Months 1-3)
unavoidable administration needs of the church.
Of course this is according to the will of God and STAGE TWO:
according to His timeframe, but it will be helpful Outreach through Witness and
to develop a timeline with what needs to be done, Mercy / Incorporation and chartering
and by whom, to incorporate and charter a new (Months 4-6)
LCMS congregation.
STAGE THREE:
An example of how this can be broken into Preparing for the charter service
phases is as follows: (Months 7-9)
STAGE FOUR:
Planting roots
(1st year after chartering)
46
To charter a church is to
establish and administer
a new congregation as a
member of the LCMS.
– CHURCH COUNTY MISSION –
CHURCH PLANNING COMMITTEE SIGN UP NEXT STEPS
ADMINISTRATION WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN:
Name Phone E-mail Community Temporary First Service Christian Outreach & Public Assimilation Organizational Constitution/ Finance Group Worship Bible Study Fellowship/
Needs Facilities Search & Worship Education Relations Structure Bylaws Outreach/
Needs Needs Development Human Care
– EXAMPLE COMMITTEE SIGN UP SHEET –
Mission FIeld: USA

47
Example Plan for the Birth of a New Church

Stage One: Developing Your Life Together
Life Together (Months 1-3)
__ Start a bible study and worship service with
the core group, focus on Lutheran identity,
witness and outreach. Be in prayer for God’s
Witness will to be done and encourage others to pray.
__ Study the demographics of the community. Use __ Identify materials for Lutheran education and
demographic tools, but also see for yourself, training. This would include adult information,
including the existing churches. children’s resources, VBS and evangelism
__ Choose your church colors. materials most appropriate for outreach.
__ Work with a professional graphic artist to design __ Develop an overall strategy and direction for
a logo, website and social media presence. planting the church with the first core group
meeting and then the second public meeting.
__ Choose a Bible text that represents who you
are, to be used with your logo. __ Set the date for the charter service.
__ Design and print letterhead, envelopes and __ Develop a timeline that extends from the present
business cards. to three months past the charter service.
__ Design and print a church brochure. __ Secure a church phone number.
__ Choose a name for the new church. __ Obtain a post office box for the new church.
__ Make contact with and build relationships __ Develop preliminary constitution and bylaws.
with those interested in the new church. __ Recruit a financial secretary to handle church
48 __ Send out a newsletter (weekly/monthly) to all finances honestly and professionally.
interested people within the community. __ Recruit a bookkeeper.
__ Hold a public informational meeting, for people __ Open a church checking account (once incor-
outside of the mother congregation, who might porated and chartered).
be interested in the new church plant.
__ Secure a temporary worship location.
__ Identify more permanent worship location

Mercy possibilities.
__ Conduct individual and institution interviews __ Provide activities for children during core
to identify needs and assets in the community. group meetings.
__ Form groups centered around outreach and hu- __ Ensure that the mission developer, along with
man care needs identified within the community. family, are well cared for.
__ Have regular social events to build fellowship

among your core group and invite newcomers.
Mission FIeld: USA
Stage Two: Outreach through Mercy
Witness and Mercy / Incorporation
and Chartering (Months 4-6) __ Conduct surveys and interviews among commu-
nity members. Also touch base with the mayor,
religion editors of newspapers, school adminis-
trators, police, chamber of commerce, radio/tv
Witness stations, healthcare providers, other clergy.
__ Design an outreach plan and train others to __ Develop a mercy plan that is asset based
witness in their everyday vocations and special and goes beyond giving aid and lifts others
outreach events. out of poverty.
__ Host monthly gatherings for everyone interested __ Mobilize groups centered around outreach
in the new church and encourage the core and human care needs identified within
group to bring their friends. the community.
__ Continue to nurture relationships with those
who have expressed an interest in the new
church or with those who have lapsed from Life Together
the faith.
__ Communicate closely with those who are
__ Sponsor special outreach events every two supporting the new church, ask for specific
to three months prior to the birth of the prayer needs.
new church.
__ Recruit core group leaders.
__ Buy sandwich or yard signs and have them
professionally painted. __ Recruit and train a leader for children’s ministry.
__ Create a large outdoor banner that is __ Meet regularly with core group leaders for plan-
professionally done. ning purposes and assessing results/challenges.
49
__ Design the worship space to best communicate __ Provide ongoing support to existing outreach
Christ in a liturgical fashion. and administrative groups.
__ Design and print a “Welcome/Communion __ Begin worship with the core group (midweek/
Card” for the worship service that helps identify Sunday?) as well as having an adult informa-
visitors and why they have come, while also tion refresher course.
explaining Communion practices.
__ Estimate the cost for projected start-up needs.
__ Regularly promote the new church through
__ Make a budget for the new church for the
radio/TV/Internet and be sure to register with
first year.
search engines.
__ Raise the funds needed to meet the budget,
__ Do direct mail outreach into the community.
especially the outreach and start-up expenses.
__ Place a display ad in the most effective
__ Plan for the needs of the charter service.
newspaper, consider the Yellow Pages if
they are used in your area. __ Provide activities for children during core
group meetings.
__ Saturate the community with fliers/posters/
door hangers. __ Ensure that the mission developer, along with
family, are well cared for.
__ Have regular social events to build fellowship

among your core group and invite newcomers.
Before Charter Sunday __ Hold special business meeting six to eight weeks
(see LCMS Treasurer’s Manual with before Charter Sunday to vote on the following:
Incorporation and Charter Steps: ✚ Adopt articles of incorporation, a constitution
lcms.org/resources/ctmanual) and bylaws.
__ Request district’s affirmation for congregation ✚ Elect a church council and officers.
to organize.
✚ Authorize the council to make application for
__ Appoint temporary officers. reception into the Synod and district.
__ Obtain Employer Identification Number ✚ Authorize the officers to incorporate.
(EIN). Complete IRS form SS-4 and either
(a) mail or fax it to the IRS and wait for them ✚ Adopt a motion stating that the resolutions
to send you your EIN, or (b) call the IRS and acted on at the business meeting becomes
obtain your EIN immediately and mail them effective on the date of organization.
the form with the EIN. __ Request copy of the Congregational Treasurer’s
__ Open bank account. Manual and the Personnel Manual from district.
__ Determine preliminary insurance needs. __ Obtain district approval of constitution

and bylaws.
__ Obtain church seal, if one is desired.
__ Select a Charter Sunday where those wishing
__ Make preliminary contact with Concordia Plans. to become members sign the constitution.
50
Mission FIeld: USA
Stage Three: Preparing for the __ Recruit and train greeters.
Charter Service (Months 7-9)
__ Recruit and train trustees.
__ The children’s ministry leader recruits and

Witness trains the nursery leader.
__ Select worship music that contains the proper __ Recruit and train evangelism committee
distinction between Law and Gospel. members if one is desired. Remembering that
witness opportunities exist for everyone and
__ Select an organist or keyboard player or not a single committee.
designate a person to control the CD player.
__ Pray for your core group before the first public
__ Acquire an adequate sound system. worship service.
__ Acquire an adequate CD player / organ. __ Assign tasks to all who are interested in helping.
__ Create an Order of Service bulletin/ __ Carefully screen and select at least two reliable
worship folder for the charter service individuals to serve as counters for the
and those thereafter. weekly offerings.
__ Have ushers collect Welcome/Communion __ Help establish and maintain communication
Cards at each service. between those using the facility and the Trustees.
__ Design and distribute a Visitors Brochure as __ The lead trustee thoroughly inspects the rented
visitors enter the church or in the pew racks. facility and grounds after each worship service.
__ Staff an Information/Welcome Table __ The trustees ensure the building is set up
with greeters. properly before the worship service.
__ Arrange for a photographer at the charter service. __ Ensure the portability of those items needed
__ Hold a practice charter service two weeks before on Sunday morning. 51
the scheduled first publicized worship service. __ Obtain a safe and secure storage site for
__ Arrange for name tags to be worn by core portable items.
group members and visitors, if desirable. __ Ensure all needed equipment and supplies
are on hand before the trial-run public
worship service.
Mercy __ Select a name for your children’s ministry if
__ Mobilize groups centered around outreach you wish to communicate this separately.
and human care needs identified within __ Recruit Sunday school teachers and
the community. Nursery workers.
__ Ensure that follow-ups are being done with __ Establish written policies for nursery workers
those who are served/involved in mercy work. and parents.
__ Ensure caring and safe policies are designed for

the nursery and that they are being followed.
Life Together
__ Nursery director recruits and trains
__ Communicate prayer needs for this phase to nursery workers.
your core group and those praying for the
new church. __ Select the appropriate room for the nursery.
__ Communicate your direction and your __ Outfit the nursery (portable items).
ministry plan.
__ Train Sunday school teachers.
__ Recruit and train a worship committee.
__ Ensure nursery workers and Sunday School
__ Recruit and train ushers. teachers are in their rooms at least 15 minutes
before the service/Sunday school hour begins.
__ Make signs for the nursery and Sunday Permanent Committees
school rooms. ✚ Church Council

__ Encourage the pastor before the first public • President, Vice President, Treasurer,
worship service. Secretary Worship
• Music
Example of committees, programs ✚ Elders
and structure for the core group:
✚ Trustees
Temporary Committees
✚ Finance
✚ Community needs
• Counters
✚ Temporary facilities search • Financial secretary
• Treasurer
✚ First service and worship needs
✚ Greeters
✚ Christian education needs
✚ Ushers
✚ Outreach and public relations
✚ Christian Education
✚ Administration
• Adults
• Organizational structure
• Children’s ministry
• Constitution/bylaws development
• Sunday school
• Finance
• Nursery
✚ Assimilation
✚ Stewardship
✚ Outreach
✚ Human care
52 ✚ Assimilation — pre-assimilation — set up and
take down, ownership without compromise
✚ Fellowship
• Sunday morning coffee/donuts
• Fundraisers (sauerkraut supper,
spaghetti dinner, etc.)
• Family fun nights
Mission FIeld: USA
Stage Four: Planting Roots After Charter Sunday
(1st year after chartering) (see LCMS Treasurer’s Manual with
Incorporation and Charter Steps:
lcms.org/resources/ctmanual)
__ Create ministry growth / Progress reports
as needed for oversight and grants __ Replace temporary officers with
permanent officers.
__ Current year budget process
__ Send report of organization to the Synod’s
__ Develop strategic plan and budgets
department of statistics.
for coming years (3-5 years)
__ Install the church council.
__ Develop and mission and ministry plan
for the future (3-5 years) __ Obtain state identification number.
__ Land / Facility acquisition __ File for incorporation.
__ Celebrate what God has done each year __ Prepare a budget.

and plan for the coming year …
__ Begin the process of calling a pastor.
__ Become familiar with district quarterly report.
__ Check again on all appropriate insurance and

bonding including liability for pastor.
CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

53

is on the move!
On May 20, Christ Lutheran will be moving to its first dedicated facility 1234 Main St. in the
downtown. We will be moving into our office, classrooms and youth room by mid-June. We are
very excited about the opportunity to have our own facilities throughout the week and the ability
to be more active in our community. We will now have space for meetings, Bible studies, youth
activities, family fun nights and community activities.
You can help! We will be purchasing chairs for $20 each. With each purchase of two chairs,
Thrivent will purchase a third one.
We would also welcome donations of the following

items in new or good used condition:
• Fax machine / Projector • (12) Preschool chairs
• (2) Matching sofas/loveseats • Conference room table
• Wood end tables • (6) bean bag chairs (Youth)
• (2) Preschool tables • Bulletin and white boards
Would you prayerfully consider

buying a seat for a sinner/saint?
I would like to help in God’s mission at

Christ Lutheran with the purchase of chairs.
NAME: __________________________________________________
NUMBER OF CHAIRS: _______________________________________
IN MEMORY/HONOR OF: _____________________________________
– EXAMPLE REQUEST FOR CHAIRS –

Example Special Business Charter Sunday
Meeting Agenda: ✚ June 18th at the fairground
Preparing to Charter and a ✚ Worship from 2-3 p.m.

Direction for the Future ✚ Celebration from 3-5 p.m.
Who is Christ Lutheran? ✚ Free food, fun and fellowship
✚ Kid’s playground
The Mission
✚ Catered food
Christ Lutheran Church is a worshipping commu-
nity gathered around God’s gifts to His people in ✚ Music
Word and Sacrament; reaching out to a growing
community through education and a sharing of Events leading up to Charter Sunday
the Good News of Jesus Christ; loving, welcoming, ✚ May 13th / June 3rd – Community surveys
caring and providing a safe haven open to all souls and invitations
while remaining true and constant to God’s Word.
✚ Surveys address felt needs in community and
prayer requests
The Vision
✚ Drawing for gift certificate and online survey
The vision of the Mission Church is to become
a thriving congregation within our community ✚ 500 streets to cover!
reaching out to the Church County area. We will ✚ This is our first impression and a chance to invite
have an established worship facility, will continue as many folks as we can to celebrate with us
to grow and when necessary, plant a daughter con-
gregation. We will be a congregation marked by its Fundraiser
unity, faithfulness to God, education and fellow-
May 24th Spaghetti dinner: Mount Calvary
ship, loyalty to our confession of faith and love and
Lutheran Church will be sponsoring a Spaghetti
outreach within our community.
dinner fundraising event to help support the start
54 of their daughter congregation, Christ Lutheran
The Values
Church in Church County. The dinner will be held
✚ Christ-Centered in the fellowship hall of Mount Calvary from 5-7
✚ Faithfulness to God’s Word p.m. or there will be take-out. The prices will be $5
for takeout, $5 for adults eating in and $2.50 for
✚ Loyalty to the church and our confession
children eating in with a maximum family charge
of faith
of $20. There will be entertainment for kids and
✚ Sacrificial love and mercy adults as well as door prizes. Please join us for this
✚ Caring, sharing and bearing each exciting event to prepare for the birth of a new
other’s burdens Christian congregation in Church County.
✚ Being a witness to Christ and salvation by
Facilities
grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone.
✚ New Office
✚ Unity in all things
✚ Land acquisition – Bear Branch property?
Vote on the following: ✚ Transition – office and worship space
a) Adopt articles of incorporation, a constitution ✚ If we outgrow the chapel
and bylaws.
✚ Probably won’t be as attractive/comfortable
b) Authorize the council to make application for ✚ Need to know by June 18th to make
reception into the Synod and district. an announcement
c) Authorize the officers to incorporate. ✚ New worship times?
d) Adopt a motion stating that the resolutions acted ✚ Temporary office
on at the business meeting becomes effective on
the date of organization.
Mission FIeld: USA
Charter
– of –
Church County, MO
We the members of Christ Lutheran Church of Church County, MO having been
commissioned by God through Baptism to be His Church, and having been gathered
together by Him in this place, do gladly and willingly affix our signatures to this
document, thereby officially organizing ourselves as a Christian congregation in
this community. At this time we also wish to reiterate our part in God’s mission
such that we will be a worshipping community gathered around God’s gifts to
His people in Word and Sacrament; reaching out to a growing community
through education and a sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ; loving,
welcoming, caring and providing a safe haven open to all souls while remaining
true and constant to God’s Word. By God’s Grace we will be marked by our 55
Christ-centeredness; our faithfulness to God’s Word; our loyalty to the Church
and our confession of faith; our sacrificial love and mercy, our caring, sharing and
bearing each other’s burdens; our being a witness to Christ and salvation by grace
alone, faith alone, Scripture alone; and our unity in all things. Therefore, being
mindful of who we are and our purpose in this world, we hereby affix our signatures
with the prayer that God would guide, direct, and bless our life and work together.
This Lord’s Day, June 18
– EXAMPLE CHARTER DOCUMENT –

Worship The Word of God made fLesh . . .

fIlling our senses.
What are the things that should be considered in And so the sounds that are heard are different,
the Life Together of a newly planted church when it the words that are spoken and sung are not the
comes to worship? Some basic questions to ask are: flowery words of modern day man, these words are
is it simple enough for a new church, can we do it indeed ancient, as they were spoken by an eternal
with excellence and will it join us together with the God through the prophets and now His Son which
Lutheran Church at large? Your public worship, in are given to us in the scriptures … this service
many ways will, for possibly generations to come, is framed within the holy words of God which
identify to the community what is Lutheran? And surround us in His holiness. And so we cry out for
while it is important to know your community, mercy with David, we rejoice at the announcement
having a Lutheran identity may cause culture shock of Jesus’ birth with Mary and we sing for joy with
for new participants. But taken to its very roots, Simeon when we first cast our eyes on Jesus.
this is wor•ship (wər-shəp): “In the Old Testament
translates the Hebrew word meaning ‘to bow down, Why so much singing? For the very practical
prostrate oneself,’ a posture indicating reverence and reason that music allows the words to ring through
homage given to a lord, whether human or divine.”41 in our minds, whether it is a young child or a very
elderly person who is losing their memory … they
The Lutheran style of worship may be unfamiliar are able to recount God’s Word much easier and it
to those in your community … if it is then they becomes the fabric of their Christian life. Singing
might even wonder if they have stepped back in praises day in night through the Word and in
time, or if this is a cult or at the very least think it hymns that are faithful expressions of that Word.
is a Catholic service. To be sure we are not a cult,
as a matter of fact the Lutheran church, through Not only this, but because we believe that being
the Reformation, laid the foundation in the 16th in the presence of God is the reality of Heaven on
century for all other protestant churches that earth — we are truly singing with angels and arch-
would be formed worldwide. And for this Martin angels. And so our very movements and sights that
56 Luther was ranked as the 3rd most influential we see reflect the fact that we have come to the
person/event of the 2nd millennium by Time/Life. throne where we will find the holy of holies here
As for its catholicity, indeed the roots of our before us in Christ. We gather together with all of
worship service goes all the way back to the early the heavenly hosts, the one true church throughout
church, as this is how the Christian church has the world and all those who have died in the faith
worshipped since before the United States even before us. Our fellowship then is not based on
existed … kings and queens, servants and peasants, demographics or culture or style but on a timeless
modern day businessmen and everyday people faith: what we believe, teach and confess then is
alike have worshipped in such a way for centuries. what unites us together in one faith in Christ.
Why have a shock? Why cross cultural, why timeless,

why the unity in worship?
So why keep on doing it, you might wonder? Why
the culture shock? Why not change things up to fit Very simply because this is not our service to
modern America’s culture? Very simply because God, but instead this is God’s service to us. From
the time that you will spend here is different: it is beginning to end, we are detached from the world
not only cross cultural but it is counter cultural. It’s and united with God as we walk through the life of
different than going to the store, it’s different than Christ who reaches down to us. Christ, who is God
going to work or school, it’s different than going to in the flesh, is still through a very earthy, real and
see a show … it is time that is separate from every tangible way filling our senses with His healing,
other part of your week, in a place that is set apart cleansing and forgiveness. We come then to be
and made holy by an eternal God. From the moment connected to the death and resurrection of Christ
that we call on God’s name we find ourselves on not only spiritually but in a real and physical way,
sacred ground in the very presence of our majestic powered by the Holy Spirit through the creating
Triune God. Every sight, sound and movement is a Word of God, we receive the forgiveness of sins
reflection of what is happening in worship. won for us on the cross as it fills our ears, washes
over our bodies and as we taste and see that the
Paul J. Achtemeier, Harper’s Bible Dictionary (San Francisco:
41 Lord is good.
Harper & Row, 1985), 1143.
This is why it is a culture shock, because we Saints will leave this place with God’s peace. It is
Mission FIeld: USA

step out of the world to be touched by Christ. The the shock to the system of the forgiveness of sin
high and mighty of the church stood shocked when and life everlasting. This is the shock we come to
they saw a sinful woman shame herself by lowering receive every Sunday.
herself at the feet of Jesus and with her unbound
hair wiped her tears of repentance and joy on his When to Begin Worshipping
feet. That is what we witness in worship, humbled As you will note from Luther’s seven marks of the
sinners, who kneel down at the feet of Christ to be church, even as a core group, this is a worshipping
touched by Him and to be set free. That is what community. As the Lutheran Confessions state,
the shock of the cross was all about. It was the the church from its beginning is an assembly of
appearance of humiliation, scandal, utter defeat, saints, in which the Gospel is rightly taught and
but when the stone shook the earth as it was the Sacraments are rightly administered (ACVII).
rolled away from the entrance of the tomb it was So worship can begin immediately among the
the shock of the resurrection. What we witnessed group forming the church. However, it would be
on the cross was victory, it was glory, it was the wise before fully publicizing your worship services,
greatest picture of the depth of God’s love, it was that you have worked out all of the details for
freedom, life and salvation. having the Divine Service and how you will rightly
Worshipping at a Lutheran church, we cannot administer the Sacraments, as well. Therefore, the
guarantee that people will be charmed, or enter- charter service may be the best opportunity to have
tained, or motivated or experience an emotional your first truly public worship that you plan for.
rush, but worshipping in truth and spirit, sinners
will be set free, will be set apart, will be made holy.
Why cross cultural, why

timeless, why the unity in
worship?
Very simply because this is not our

Worshipping at a Lutheran church, we cannot
guarantee that people will be charmed, or entertained,
or motivated or experience an emotional rush, but
57
worshipping in truth and spirit, sinners will be set
service to God, but instead this is God’s free, will be set apart, will be made holy. Saints will
service to us. From beginning to end, we are leave this place with God’s peace. It is the shock to
detached from the world and united with the system of the forgiveness of sin and life
God as we walk through the life of Christ everlasting. This is the shock we come to receive every
who reaches down to us. Christ, who is God
in the flesh, is still through a very earthy, real
Sunday.
The Culture
and tangible way filling our senses with His
healing, cleansing and forgiveness. We come Shock of
then to be connected to the death and
resurrection of Worship
Christ not only
wor•ship (wər-shəp) The OT translates the Hebrew wordspiritually
meaning but in a down, prostrate oneself,’ a posture indicating reverence and homage
‘to bow
real and physical
way, powered
by the Holy Spirit
through the
Greetings from your friends Why ha e a shoc ?
creating Word
he Wor o o ma e
at Christ Lutheran Church, we are so of God, we receive
So whythekeep on doing it, you might flesh… filling our senses.
very grateful that you have chosen to forgiveness of sins won for us on the
worship with us today. The Lutheran wonder cross
Why as the
it fillsculture
our ears,shock
washesWhy
over our nd so the sounds that are heard are
bodies and as we taste and see that the Lord different, the words that are spoken and sung are
style of worship may be unfamiliar to not change things up to fit modern
is good. not the flowery words of modern day man, these
you … if it is, you might wonder if merica’s culture Very simply words are indeed ancient, as they were spoken by
you have stepped back in time or at This is why it is a culture shock, an eternal God through the prophets and now His
because because
the time
we that youofwill
step out spendto be
the world Son which are given to us in the scriptures this
the very least think it is a oman touched by it
Christ. service is framed within the holy words of God
Catholic service. here is different is notThe highcross
only and mighty of
which surround us in His holiness. nd so we cry
the church stood shocked when they saw a
cultural sinful
but itwoman
is counter out for mercy with avid, we rejoice at the
The Lutheran shame cultural. It’s
herself by lowering
announcement of Jesus’ birth with ary and we
church, through the differentherself
thanat the feet of Jesus and with her sing for joy with Simeon when we first cast our
unbound hair wiped her tears of repentance eyes on Jesus.
Reformation, laid going toand
thejoystore,
on his feet. That is what we witness $)63$)$06/5: PERRY/KATHLEEN
the foundation in in worship,
it’s different than humbled sinners, who kneel Why so much singing For the very practical reason
-65)&3"/.*44*0/ LUTHERAN MISSION
the th century for down at the feet of Christ to be touched by that music allows the words to ring through in our
going toHim
work
and to be set free. That is what the minds, whether it is a young child or a very elderly “If this man were a prophet, he
all other protestant churches that shock $ISJTU-VUIFSBO$IVSDI
person who is losing their memory they are able would have known who and what
or school, it’sof the cross was all about. It was the sort of woman this is who is
would be formed worldwide. And appearance of humiliation, scandal, utter to recount God’s .BJO4USFFU
Word much easier and it
differentdefeat,
thanbut when the stone shook the earth becomes the fabric of their Christian life. Singing touching him, for she is a
for this Martin Luther was ranked as $JUZ
praises day in night 4UBUF;*1
through the Word and in sinner” (Luke 7:36.)
the 3rd most influential person/event going toassee
it was rolled away
a show it isfrom thethat
time entrance
is of the hymns that are faithful expressions of that Word.
tomb it was the shock of the resurrection.
of the 2nd millennium by Time/Life. separateWhat
fromweevery otheronpart
witnessed of your
the cross was victory, 1IPOF
ot only this, but because we believe that being in
As for it’s catholicity, indeed the &NBJMBEESFTT
week, initawas glory,
place it was
that the greatest
is set apart andpicture of the the presence of God is the reality of Heaven on
roots of our worship service goes all depth of God’s love, it was freedom, life and earth we are truly singing with angels and
the way back to the early church, as made holy by an eternal God. From
salvation. archangels. nd so our very movements and sights
that we see reflect the fact that we have come to
this is how the Christian church has the moment that we call on God’s the throne where we will find the holy of holies
worshipped since before the United name we find ourselves on sacred here before us in Christ. We gather together with
States even existed … kings and all of the heavenly hosts, the one true church
ground in the very presence of our throughout the world and all those who have died
queens, servants and peasants, mod- in the faith before us. ur fellowship then is not
ern day businessmen and everyday majestic Triune God. very sight, based on demographics or culture or style but on a
people alike have worshipped in sound and movement is a reflection of timeless faith what we believe, teach and confess
then is what unites us together in one faith in
such a way for centuries. what is happening in worship. Christ.
– EXAMPLE OF A WORSHIP TRI-FOLD –

Fellowship joy is my joy, and your burden is my burden. Note

also that while youth activities and other groups
An important part of church planting is simply to for special interests are wholesome, rather than
foster fellowship among the core group and then only segmenting the group, it is worthwhile to
the new congregation. This is the Body of Christ, host multi-generational events that represent the
in this place, and it is helpful to simply get to know fullness of the Body of Christ. It is amazing how
each other. It is important to find the space and quickly your group will become like family that
the time that you might intentionally have op- loves one another when you have integrated activ-
portunity to bond with one another. As the group ities. Even volunteer work will not seem a chore
forms into a congregation, indeed as they are when the bond is there, because all that will matter
shoulder to shoulder at the communion rail, they is that you are doing it together.
will share in each other’s joys and burdens: your

Friday Fun Night!
58 Come and join us for food, fellowship and fun as we enjoy
GAME NIGHT and a potluck meal at the Country Clubhouse
in Church County. Bring a dish, a deck of cards or a family
game and your family and the FUN will follow!
DIRECTIONS:
Add directions to your church.
churchemailaddress.org
… speaking the truth in love (Eph. 4:15.)
– EXAMPLE FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITY FLIER –

Assimilation It is a careful balance of fellowship without
Mission FIeld: USA

Assimilation of new people is also an important part compromise. Once people have joined the church
of this fellowship. One of the great aspects of church through transfer or profession of faith, it will be
planting is that people can jump in right away, get helpful to get to know them, give them oppor-
involved and feel like they are a part of building tunities to use their gifts and talents and to have
the new church. For example, if worshipping or current directories available to help them learn
social activities require set up and take down, you who other members are. You may also wish to
can encourage visitors right away to participate. Of share with the congregation information on new
course the most important aspect of this fellowship members to help them get to know your latest
is to bring people into the life of the church. This additions to the church. Be cautious, though, not
will require teaching the confession of faith to those to give the impression that you are happy that they
outside of our church fellowship. They may be new have joined just so they can volunteer and give, or
to our ways of doing things, but once taught why give the impression that their daily vocations are
we do what we do, so often they will fall in love with any less sacred than church volunteerism.
how our doctrine is interwoven into our practices.
Because of our beliefs about the Lord’s Supper, our
communion practices may also be new to visitors,
but with gentle catechesis they will see the great
importance we place upon the Sacraments.
– PROFILE SHEET –
A Church Mission Outreach
LAST NAME ____________________________________ FIRST NAME __________________________________

59
ADDRESS __________________________________________________________________________________
CITY _________________________________________________ STATE______________ ZIP_______________

PHONE __________________ EMAIL ____________________________________________________________
Hobbies:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Educational Background:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Employment Background:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Church Volunteer/Work Experience:

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
I am passionate about:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
– EXAMPLE OF AN INTAKE FORM TO HELP WITH ASSIMILATION –

mercy
Mission FIeld: USA
A s stated in the introduction, mercy or human
care will be an integral part of the life of a
new church. Just as God cares for us as a
whole person of mind, body, and soul: so, too, the
Church cares for others with this same compassion.
191] Therefore God also rightly calls all those
murderers who do not afford counsel and
help in distress and danger of body and life,
and will pass a most terrible sentence upon
them in the last day, as Christ Himself has
Indeed it is difficult to step over one who is lying announced when He shall say, Matt. 25:42f :
on the ground physically starving, as you are trying I was an hungered, and ye gave Me no meat; I
to tell them that Jesus loves them. Indeed their was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink; I was a
spiritual starvation is the primary concern, but we stranger, and ye took Me not in; naked, and ye
cannot ignore the physical care of a person either, clothed Me not; sick and in prison, and ye vis-
as we are more than just spiritual beings. And as ited Me not. That is: You would have suffered
James says, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed Me and Mine to die of hunger, thirst, and cold,
and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to would have suffered the wild beasts to tear us
them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without to pieces, or left us to rot in prison or perish in
giving them the things needed for the body, what distress. What else is that but to reproach them
good is that?” (JAMES 2:15-16). 192] as murderers and bloodhounds? For al-
though you have not actually done all this, you
Martin Luther goes so far as to say that we have
have nevertheless, so far as you were concerned,
broken the Fifth Commandment when we do not
suffered him to pine and perish in misfortune.
come to the aid of others, even our enemies:
It is just as if I saw someone navigating and
189] Secondly, under this commandment not
laboring in deep water [and struggling against
only he is guilty who does evil to his neighbor,
adverse winds] or one fallen into fire, and
but he also who can do him good, prevent,
could extend to him the hand to pull him out
resist evil, defend and save him, so that no
and save him, and yet refused to do it. What
61
bodily harm or hurt happen to him, and yet
else would I appear, even in the eyes of the
does not do it. 190] If, therefore, you send
world, than as a murderer and a criminal?
away one that is naked when you could clothe
him, you have caused him to freeze to death; if 193] Therefore it is God’s ultimate purpose
you see one suffer hunger and do not give him that we suffer harm to befall no man, but
food, you have caused him to starve. So also, show him all good and love; 194] and, as
if you see any one innocently sentenced to we have said, it is specially directed toward
death or in like distress, and do not save him, those who are our enemies. For to do good
although you know ways and means to do so, to our friends is but an ordinary heathen
you have killed him. And it will not avail you virtue, as Christ says Matt. 5:46. (“The Fifth
to make the pretext that you did not afford Commandment, Large Catechism.” In Book
any help, counsel, or aid thereto, for you have of Concord, ed. Paul T. McCain. St. Louis:
withheld your love from him and deprived Concordia, 2007.)
him of the benefit whereby his life would have
been saved.
MERCY
62
Of course, this is seen in the proper distinction of the most concern for showing mercy — to the poor
God’s Law and Gospel. We are convicted by God’s and marginalized outside the church. Sometimes
good and holy Law when we break His command with good intentions not to cause harm to those
to love our neighbor, but guilt or fear is not what in need, but more often concerned that we might
motivates us to do so. Indeed we have received show mercy to those undeserving. Indeed even
God’s mercy in His Son, and not only are we filled Luther referred to those drifters who came to the
with this mercy through God’s means of grace, but cities to take advantage of others’ generosity, as
it is overflowing. In our baptismal identity, it is so the Squire Filth (Martin Luther, Luther’s Works,
engrained in us to show mercy that we must ask, vol. 21. St. Louis: Concordia, 2007, 117), because
“when did we clothe you?” Showing mercy, for us, they were not truly in need, but were deceiving the
is as natural as a heart that beats and lungs that pious who genuinely cared about the poor among
breathe. As St. Paul tells the Galatians, especially them. So how do we balance between charity and
to those in the household of faith, we are to show generosity that helps and does not hurt? The
mercy (GAL. 6:10), which then ripples out into our following is a whitepaper on a new look at mercy
communities. But this is typically where we have that does just that.
Mission FIeld: USA
SCRIPTURE
“For even the son of Man came not to

be served but to serve, and to give
his life as a ransom for many.”
MARK 10:45
63
SCRIPTURE
“For who is the greater, one who

reclines at table or one who serves? Is not the
one who reclines at table? But I am among
you as the one who serves.”
LUKE 22:27
SCRIPTURE
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets,

the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
to equip the saints for the work of ministry
for building up the body of Christ.”
EPH. 4:11
64
aSPECTS
Care for those in the body of Christ. Jesus in the gospels.

Galatians 6. 1 Corinthians 12
Care for those outside the body.

Jesus in the gospels, Galatians 6 “good to all.”
Cooperation in externals.
Confession in left hand kingdom issues.

Mission FIeld: USA
Community Development and 1. UNDERSTANDING MERCY
Caring for the Marginalized When we sit at the table and look into the bloodshot
In Matthew 25 when Christ describes the final eyes of a broken, addicted homeless person and he
judgment in which the Son of Man will come gives that toothless smile — although he is written
with His angels to separate people as a shepherd off by society — we don’t see some poor waif that
separates the sheep from the goats, Jesus points we will lean down to help as if we are king. No,
out that those who are of His Kingdom are in fact Jesus says as you have done to the least, you have
those who cared for others in need. We understand done to Him. So instead of seeing a beggar, we see
this is a matter of faith, a baptismal identity — in that homeless person, Christ our King! This 65
Christ is King and those of His Kingdom show is the honored guest at my table. These misfits
mercy. This mercy is centered on the cross, in and outcasts are those who would sit at the table
which the Bread from Heaven is broken and given of Jesus. The very Kingdom belongs not to the
for the forgiveness of sins as true Food that gives mighty, who merely think they are the chosen ones,
salvation. Notice too in Matthew 25, that those but sinners forgiven by grace through faith, chosen
in Christ’s Kingdom are completely unaware in Holy Baptism. And so, too, when you feed or
that they clothed, visited and fed the King in this clothe those who have been marginalized by society,
earthly life. That is until the King tells them that you care for them as Christ did, in mind, body and
as they did it to the least of these brothers, they soul. You give more than temporary aid to the
did it to Him. This is important if we are to con- body. You are showing that someone cares and you
sider ourselves to be the hands and feet of Jesus. are giving eternal hope in Christ.
When showing mercy, it is easy to see ourselves
as the king who helps those who are inferior to 2. UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE, DIGNITY
us or to look down on those people with a sense AND FREEDOM OF MERCY
of superiority because we have our lives more in Of course one can question if someone is truly in
order. And yet, when we understand our place need or is simply using the church’s charity.
in the Kingdom, we quickly understand that we Indeed, the church must be wise in not enabling
are citizens only because the King was willing to an unhealthy dependence. But it also should
suffer and die in order to give over His Kingdom understand that God does not wait until someone
as an inheritance. Indeed, we are poor miserable is worthy of His mercy — something for which we
beggars. We are those people unworthy of such should all be very thankful. To be sure, if someone
riches. And now as recipients of this undeserved asks for your shirt, you are called to give your coat
mercy and love, we too distribute it freely as well. as well. Why? Mercy is always connected to the
church’s ministry of Word and Sacraments. It is
a part of our life together as the Body of Christ.
And no program, secular or otherwise, can be
transformative in the lives of sinners as are the seekers. It requires jobs. This seems to be an
means of God’s grace. As Lutherans, we under- elusive task despite the best efforts of governments,
stand the inherent value of every human life — a economists and developers alike. But could the
person who is so valued by God that He sent His church play a role as an economic catalyst in the
Son into the World to save him or her. No matter creation of jobs? Is this not the intent of giving
how the world might view a person, we understand people dignity? They might not only receive help
that the least will be first and that we are created but they can become productive citizens in their
in the image of the Creator. This is the basis for the communities. Some areas of our cities will be
dignity that should be afforded to all people. And overlooked by business development due to crime
that dignity includes the fact that each person has and infrastructure. But could the church assist
the capacity to serve his or her God given purpose with small business capitalization? Could the
as citizens of communities in vocation. Just as church assist with not only helping someone to be
conversion leads to freedom, mercy should not a first-time home buyer, but perhaps becoming a
result in any form of compulsion or detrimental first time business owner, employing those who
relationship of dependency. If need be, the church live in the community? Indeed, this would require
should fight for and be advocates for the marginal- the assistance of specialists in the world of business
ized so they too can make contributions. For those and finance, but the LCMS could create a task force
who suffer from addiction, mental illness or a cycle to develop entrepreneurial training from a Christian
of abuse or crippling disability, this may seem like an perspective that is anchored by our local altars.
uphill battle. But it is one that we are called to fight.
Some congregations have already been respon-
sible for job creation, unintentionally. For example,
3. UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF THE
LCMS IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT congregations might house a local child care center
that employs staff or run a church related mercy
What then is the role of the church in the commu- operation that requires employees. Likewise, a
nity development of our cities? Should we insulate church, through a separate nonprofit organization,
ourselves from the world around us and simply pray can own businesses that allow for on-the-job
that our decaying neighborhoods will improve? Or training of starter jobs that will eventually help
66 are we called to the vocation of actively involved someone to become gainfully employed in an
corporate citizens? Indeed, many of our churches ongoing career. We have seen how Lutheran
in the city are playing active roles at the center of Housing Support has offered turnkey solutions to
neighborhood renewal. The church can be afforded housing in our inner cities and our Gospel Seeds
the opportunity to help in both the planning ministry has identified the needs in which a church
and the implementation of revitalization. Local can assist. There is no better time than now to find
governments, agencies, corporations and churches creative solutions for the LCMS to play a role in
can work collaboratively to develop both a quality the development of business districts in overlooked
of life plan and a theory of change to see the plan communities. Key to this will be small business
implemented. The church can assist with imple- loans and developing business plans for viable
mentation in a wide variety of ways to build up enterprises that will attract consumers from beyond
the necessary infrastructure of a community. This the confines of a community’s neighborhood. Again,
can include housing, blight improvements, crime the church needs to be involved if lives are to be
safety, job training, education, food ministry, cold truly changed physically and spiritually. The LCMS
shelters and the like. Of course, the church deals can assist in the incubation of small businesses
best individually through an ongoing relationship that breathe life into dying cities. This is a clarion
with someone. call for fresh new thinking and creative alliances
With this approach we can effect changes to with positive forces in the community to serve our
develop stable home lives, reentry into society, neighbors in love, for the sake of the Gospel and
first-time home ownership or vocational training. the salvation of the lost.
But to have a full renaissance in our struggling
communities, it will take more than just job
4. THE NEW FACE OF MERCY goes beyond the urban mission trip to offer aid,
Mission FIeld: USA

When we think of mercy, we typically think of which again is vital, but it is not the complete view
those who have been called to care for the helpless of mercy. Picture the retired executive who wishes
in the midst of crisis, which demands emergency to end his days in a life of significance by serving
intervention. And no doubt Christ has called us to at the soup kitchen only to see the poverty needle
care for the least of these brothers in need, until remain steady. Picture the unemployed homeless
the end of days, to save lives. person at the receiving end of the soup kitchen
who is just looking for a chance to get back on his
However, we now know that our help also can or her feet. Picture the father who has to step away
have unintended consequences that are ultimately as his children are handed the Christmas toys that
harmful when dealing with chronic poverty. This he couldn’t provide for them. Is this the picture of
is what Robert Lupton, author of Toxic Charity, freedom and dignity of mercy that God desires?
describes as a progression of one-way giving. The
progression goes as such: one time = appreciation, Now picture when young professionals and
two times = anticipation, three times = expectation, retired corporate executives use their God-given
four times = entitlement, five times = dependency. vocations to work together with those in need to
This is not the result that anyone desires and it move them from aid to enterprise, through wealth
does not result in the dignity and freedom that generation and job creation. When poor and rich
everyone wishes to have. Much like the Hippocratic live side by side to improve and develop communi-
Oath for health care professionals, Lupton has ties. When the person in need is seen as the solu-
crafted an oath for those who desire to help: tion to the community’s development problems
or human care needs. Every person has capacity,
“1. I will never do for others what they can designed in the image of God, irrespective of abil-
do for themselves. ities. This is the new face of mercy. It is not only
one helping another, but everyone working in part-
2. I will limit one-way giving to crises and
nership and collaboration. The new face of mercy
seek always to find ways for legitimate
is a sea of diverse faces in community, loving their
exchange.
neighbors and caring for them in body and soul.
3. I will empower by hiring, lending and This is seen in something as simple as two aging 67
investing, and offer gifts sparingly as residents living together in a retirement commu-
incentives to reinforce achievements. nity — perhaps one is the eyes for the other and in
return one might be the legs — two Christians knit-
4. I will put the interests of the poor above ted together to be one body. Of course this is the
my own (or organization) self-interest understanding of communion in that we are made
even when it means setting aside my to be the one Body of Christ in community. True
own agenda. mercy will always have its genesis at the altar of
5. I will listen carefully for spoken and the church, where Christ is brought to all who are
unspoken needs (knowing that many in need. And from this mercy received — that gives
clues will be hidden). forgiveness, life and salvation — will be an out-
pouring of love and charity that offers dignity and
6. Above all, to the best of my ability, freedom to those in need. The new face of mercy
I will do no harm.” 42 addresses the hunger and thirst of body and soul
This radically alters the face of mercy when by working together in koinonia (our life together
we think of mercy not only in terms of aid and as the Church). Pastors, deaconesses, doctors, nurs-
betterment, but also of helping to find ways to es, social workers, young and old, blue and white
develop communities and individuals of all ages collar, rich and poor alike — the table of duties in
and backgrounds, regardless of abilities. Mercy Godly vocation — this is the face of mercy.
then incorporates not only the social and health
care spectrum of the laity, but also young profes-
sionals and retired corporate executives. And this
42
Robert D. Lupton, Toxic Charity (New York: HarperCollins,
2011), 127.
Understanding your community The conversations or interviews focus on the
community’s critical, unmet or underserved human

So now that we have a healthy understanding of
care needs. These needs might be:
what mercy looks like, the first step in showing mer-
cy to your neighbor is getting to know them. What ✚ Insufficient day care openings;
are the existing assets in your community, what are
the gaps that the church can help to fill, how do you ✚ After school tutoring for academically at-risk
work together to help others to help themselves? students at the nearby neighborhood
The “Planting Gospel Seeds While Serving Human public school;
Needs” Community Outreach Process is an excellent ✚ Latch key after school care;
resource to help church plants to understand their
communities and how to serve them in love. The ✚ A food and clothing pantry for the unemployed
reference to planting the Gospel refers to what or underemployed living near the church, etc.;
ultimately will happen after cultivating the soil and ✚ Critically needed support groups, i.e., parenting,
building relationships with neighbors and leaders in recently widowed, unemployed, recently
the community. The following is information about divorced, single parenting, etc.; and
this program for outreach.
✚ A congregation-based health center and Parish
The immediate and sustaining goal of the “Plant- Nurse ministry.
ing Gospel Seeds While Serving Human Needs”
initiative is to assist Pastors and their congregational There is no end to what a congregation can
leaders in gaining hands-on experience conversing do when it seeks to model Christ’s compassionate
with their neighbors, beginning with those who mercy motivated by the Holy Spirit who “Calls us
reside near the congregation’s geographical location. by the Gospel” (Luther’s Explanation of the Third
These experiences develop trained leaders who can Article of the Apostle’s Creed).
use these skills in other geographical areas as the
congregation expands its mission outreach.
68
Hands-on Agency Interview Training Ease of the interview -- caller does
Mission FIeld: USA

These community conversations (interviews) take
not initiate a spiritual conversation
place, first of all, with key social service, educational, We call these conversations very low-key,
health, governmental or other helping agencies non-threatening interviews for both the interview-
serving the congregation’s community: er and interviewee. The key factor in the ease of
the interview is that the caller does not initiate a
✚ the nearest elementary school;
spiritual conversation unless requested or when
✚ a day care center; it becomes evident that the potential interviewee
is in a stressful situation and the caller may ask:
✚ a clinic serving low-income clients; “Would you like us to pray with you?”
✚ a city community re-development liaison Otherwise the conversation focuses on the
staff; and interviewee’s assessment of community needs. This
✚ any and all agencies serving the community contact, at their door, respectfully and sensitively
who know about gaps in the delivery of social, made, initiates a potential relationship upon which
educational or health services and who may all opportunities to share the Gospel are based.
even want to partner with the congregation in
closing these gaps. Lending congregational leadership
to the community -- building
Staff persons from the “Planting Gospel Seeds the relationship
While Serving Human Needs” initiative accompany In order to build on this initial contact, and build
the Pastor and congregational members on these a relationship that may lead to opportunities to
visits and initiate the conversation as contacts are share the Gospel, the callers might focus on possible
converted into real connections and working rela- follow-up opportunities as interest is noted about a
tionships with these agencies. particular neighborhood or community need.
The local congregational committee planning The caller might ask: “If we find that a lot of the
the “Planting Gospel Seeds While Serving Human neighbors are concerned about this issue/need, can
Needs” event, schedule the appointment prior to we call on you to help move this identified need to
69
the four-day, on-site training. some possible solutions?” The congregation, in this
case, is empowering the neighborhood/community
Hands-on training going door-to-door! to join forces in addressing critical needs. Some
Residential Interviews parish consultants cite this kind of transaction as
Another key community conversation is with lending congregational leadership to the community.
the congregation’s neighbors — those living
These initial relationship-building conversations
down the block and around the corner from the
are also known as CULTIVATION or PRE-EVAN-
church or where a new congregational start is
GELISM in the language of mission outreach, that
being considered.
is, reaching out beyond the membership core.
Within a four-hour, Saturday morning workshop
in the normal four-day, on-site training, pastor and Modeling Jesus‘ own practice of fIrst
congregational members (workshop participants) inquiring about critical needs
role play making door-to-door calls on residents The interviewers simply identify themselves (hand
right around from their church. out a church brochure, their calling card), state
Then, teams of two (LUKE 10:1: “After this the the reason for their call, “Our congregation (down
Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on the block) is seeking to try and serve the human
ahead of him, two by two, into every town and care needs of the community — social, educational,
place where he himself was about to go.”) — team- health needs, etc. — and we are wondering if you
ing an extrovert, willing to knock on the door and would be willing to share with us what, in your
start the conversation with another member who opinion, are some of the critical, unmet or under-
takes notes and joins in the conversation after it’s served needs in this neighborhood and communi-
been initiated — are sent out to put into practice ty?” This approach models Jesus’ own practice
the workshop role playing! of first asking what He could do for the people
He met, what needs were pressing in on them
(MARK 10:51: “What do you want me to do for you?”;
MATT. 20:32:“And stopping, Jesus called them and Loneliness and a surprising disconnectedness is
said, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’”) prevalent in many of the neighborhoods surrounding
our congregations, and many seem to sense that
Those searching — one in 10 — will share name
something is missing in their lives. Significant
and telephone!
contacts and close relationships — fertile ground
We have found that overwhelmingly, folks are for planting Gospel seeds.
willing, even excited, to share with us, the callers,
This is an initiative that helps congregations
their opinions about the gaps in the delivery of hu-
grow numerically, not only through the prospects
man services in their neighborhood and commu-
identified in the door-to-door residential interviews
nity! They often express a desire to address these
and then followed up on, but also as a congregation
gaps, maybe even in a congregation/neighborhood
identifies critical community needs and develops
partnership that breaks the isolation of neighbors,
a program, perhaps, with the help of an LCMS
one from the other.
World Relief and Human Care Domestic Grant, to
The callers are trained to identify when it meet the identified needs, further strengthening
might be appropriate to ask for their name and the relationship.
telephone number.
In the process of serving — even discussing —
These residents, willing to share their name and critical, unmet or underserved human care needs
telephone number with the callers, the interviewers in a specific congregation’s community, significant
at their door, are those who are searching and contacts are made. Significant, sustained contacts
may be open to a follow-up spiritual visit from the made in the process of serving human care needs
pastor or other congregational spiritual leader(s). can foster close relationships.
At the very least, one in 10 of those we interview is
Significant contacts and close relationships are
a prospect, that is, a resident seeking to be part of
fertile grown for planting Gospel seeds; therefore,
a caring, supportive Christian community.
let’s get to work “Planting Gospel Seeds While
Serving Human Needs.”
70
Mission FIeld: USA
71
Serving your community with the community, in service together, working
through our various vocations. As this work is
Please note again that mercy begins at the altar,
an essential part of ministry, it is highly recom-
pulpit and fonts of our congregations. It is only
mended that it is an essential part of the life of the
through our Word and Sacrament ministry that
church. So too, having someone dedicated to coor-
people are truly transformed, in that which is more
dinating these efforts is a great asset. The vocation
than skin deep. But outreach through mercy does
of deaconess allows for a theologically trained
give access to people that you may not otherwise
church worker who can direct the work of mercy
meet. Just going through the interview process
both in and outside the church. She also would
with community leaders allows a new pastor and
provide diaconal care to women and children in
congregation to not only meet people, but to show
conjunction with the pastor’s spiritual care.
they care. Make no mistake, a community will
gauge much of who you are, based on how they But again, this is not for the faint of heart,
see you care for the least. When a pastor serves in mercy can be gritty and challenging — and yet
a community’s hospitals, hospice centers, nursing greatly rewarding. Again, when working with the
homes, prisons and shelters it speaks much to marginalized, something to consider when you are
the Lutheran theology of the cross. We are well welcoming people in: they just may take you up on
equipped in how to address the issues of suffering, it. This may be people who you can see and smell
death and dying. Not just in human care needs their sin on them … that notorious sinner from the
that stem from natural disaster or community decay, neighborhood may just grace your church doors.
but in the muck and mire of human lives that It is essential for the church to know there are no
have been wracked by sin. Helping to rebuild and those people, no unlovables, no untouchables, only
restore in communities, giving opportunity to help those whom Christ has suffered and died for. Only
rebuild lives. To bring from out of chaos, death and honored guests at His table.
decay … peace, life, resurrection. In partnership
Here is a sample devotion to help in It is the love that is shown to you — by God.
teaching this: Yes, make no mistake, you are Job who comes into
this world and will leave it with nothing to offer
“Loving the Unlovable of the World”
God, you are the leper covered in sins that rots
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without your flesh, you are the sinful woman of the city
wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let who has no business in the house of a holy man —
us consider how to stir up one another to love and let alone who dares to touch the Holy One of God,
good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is you Lazarus are the beggar at the gate groveling
the habit of some, but encouraging one another, for mercy. But this rich man, Jesus Christ, this
and all the more as you see the Day drawing Good Samaritan … He looks down upon you and
near” (HEB. 10:23-25). has compassion that overflows from the very
depths of His being, His love for you courses in
Love AND good deeds … I’ve worked in some His veins, and He pours Himself out until there is
of the worst shanty towns in the Deep South. I’ve nothing left, to fill you up.
worked in one of the toughest neighborhoods in
the inner city. I’ve helped in mercy around the Did you hear what I said? For a wretched
world and at one of the worst natural disasters in sinner like me … a lowlife, filthy, scum of the earth
history in a third world country. I have spent many … God so loved the world that He gave His one
a day recently in Ferguson to help care for all who and only Son, to fulfill the law, to sacrifice, to suffer
have been affected by the recent unrest. And I’d and to bleed. And when I least deserved it, prayed,
like to think I spurred a good many people to more “Father forgive.” In this greatest of good deeds, He
than a few good deeds. Soup kitchens, community dies on a cross, for me, to save me. What foolish
centers, disaster relief, neighborhood renewal, love is this, on the cross? Dear God what have done
reconciliation … good deeds of feeding the hungry, — for me? You heal me of my wounds, you cleanse
clothing the naked, building homes for the homeless me of all that is unclean and corrupts, you feed me
… we do our good deeds and spur one another on. at your table with forgiveness/life/salvation, you
clothe me in your righteousness, you give me my
But what of love? What of love? Because I am heavenly home. And this grace, this undeserved
72 here to tell you there are some pretty wretched folks love, it transforms us, it spurs us towards love
out there. The unlovable of our society … those we and good deeds. For when we see the refuse of the
may serve who are scam artists, thugs, criminals, world, we see the apple of God’s eye. When the
lowlifes, the refuse of the world. Love? We may lowly wretch sits at our table, we see the honored
serve them, but like Job’s friends, we first want to guest that we are humbled to serve and wash their
know why mercy should be shown to someone who feet. For as Christ says, as it is done to the least it
is getting what they deserve. Like the Pharisee, who is done to Him, our King. And so in the least we
sees the sinful woman of the city entering the house see a royal! We see one who is crowned with God’s
and thinks her filthy sin may rub off and tarnish mercy, we see one with value beyond compare. So
their holiness. Or worse, if an unclean leper came to let us hold fast the confession of our hope without
temple, can you imagine? We may serve them with wavering … let us consider how to stir up one
good deeds, but like the rich man who passed by the another to love and good works … let us encourage
beggar Lazarus at his gate each day, we look down one another … and all the more, all the more, as
our nose at this homeless wretch who is beneath we see the Day of Christ’s return drawing near. In
us — let the dogs tend to his wounds. Perhaps, we Jesus’ name. Amen.
will have our Good Samaritan moment, but love the
unlovable? Yes, when Jesus says as you have done
it to the least we have done it to Him, we are the
great, they are the least, and we humble ourselves
to let them sit at our table, to be served by us. But is
God actually telling us to love them as ourselves and
to spur one another to do likewise? What sort of
foolish love is this?
Mission FIeld: USA
CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, CHURCH COUNTY
– Community Needs Survey –
NAME: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________
What needs do you think our community has? How can our church help fill these needs?
(Pre-K programs, elderly help, playground, soup kitchen, etc.)
Is there anything we can pray about for you?
Do you have a church home?

NAME: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________
What needs do you think our community has? How can our church help fill these needs? 73

NAME: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________
What needs do you think our community has? How can our church help fill these needs?

Here is a sample Mercy Care/Human Care Procedure Guidelines:1
St. Paul Lutheran Church PHASE TWO

Deaconess Sara Smith, director of Human Care If it seems that financial assistance would not
St. Paul Lutheran Church serves her neighbors in enable self-destructive behavior, more information
love. As we receive the mercy of Christ, we share is collected to determine if and how we may assist.
that mercy with others. Our mercy care goes out I either do this verification myself, or refer to Mad-
to the community in the name of Christ, caring for isonville Education and Assistance Center (MEAC)
our neighbors in body and soul. for the verification process and to further assess
the need. MEAC is a local agency that assists with
We assist with basic needs in times of crisis, basic needs. St. Paul has developed a working re-
being careful that our assistance doesn’t enable lationship with MEAC, and in many instances we
poor choices or unhealthy dependency. Basic needs partner with them to assist people.
include rent/mortgage, utilities, food and trans-
portation. Sometimes we assist with other requests, The following information is gathered. I gather
such as car repair, medication, storage unit, etc., this information in conversation, keeping necessary
depending on the circumstances. All matters notes. If MEAC is verifying, a form is completed
are confidential. and faxed to me.
✚ Total number of people in household along

ASSESSMENT with their ages and education.
We limit our assistance to our geographical area, ✚ List of all household income and sources of
namely the church’s zip code and three adjoining the income.
zip codes. It’s a very rare case that a non-member
✚ List of all bills and expenses.
outside this area will receive financial assistance
from St. Paul, due to limited funds. Those who aren’t ✚ Criminal record (if any).
74 in this area are advised to call a church closer to
their home. ✚ Copy of photo ID.
✚ Copy of the bill for which request is

PHASE ONE being made.
I don’t use a written application form. I prefer
✚ Copy of the lease if the request is for rent.
to ask questions in a caring conversation, during
which I take notes. I keep a file (confidential) on We want to see a budget that works. Ideally,
everyone I assist that includes the following infor- our financial assistance should be a bridge to get
mation: Name, address, phone number, names and through a financial crisis and back on track. For
ages of children and others living in household. In instance, in a household with a tight budget, if the
our initial discussion I ask the following: car breaks down and money has to be spent on re-
pair, suddenly there’s no money for the utility bill.
What led to this need/Why are you in
The decision to assist in that situation is easy.
financial crisis at this time?
However, if there just isn’t enough income to
Why did you choose to come to St. Paul
cover the basic expenses, counseling on lowering
for this assistance?
bills and/or improving employment is necessary.
Should you receive assistance, how will We may also provide financial assistance, depending
you maintain after? on the need. Careful consideration of these situ-
ations is critical, because our assistance cannot
This can be a phone conversation, but is better
continue month after month.
in person.
If it appears there is sufficient income to cover
expenses and there doesn’t seem to be a reason
for the financial crisis, money is likely being
spent irresponsibly. Then we hesitate to assist.
1
Used with permission.
Mission FIeld: USA
VERIFICATION AND ASSISTANCE deadline to avoid the disconnection. If the amount
that I am able to pay is less than the amount
FOOD needed to avoid disconnection, I don’t pay until
St. Paul does not have a food pantry. We donate food this difference has been met, since the goal is to
to the local food pantry at MEAC. I handle requests keep the service on. For instance, if $550 needs to
for food by referring to MEAC’s pantry and also be paid to keep service connected and I’m going to
informing people of the free meals available in our pay $200, it will be the last $200. The difference
community (MEAC has a weekly dinner and two of $350 will need to be paid before I can pay (or at
other churches offer lunches a few times a week). least I need to know which agency/church is also
assisting, so I can contact them and verify). I pay
I rarely give a supermarket gift card, since there’s the utility company directly.
no way to be sure that it will be spent on food (and
not on alcohol, cigarettes, etc.). In emergency situa- TRANSPORTATION
tions, I would rather purchase food for a family.
I keep tickets for bus fare in my office. These are
I never give cash. given to neighbors needing to get to doctor appoint-
ments, job interviews or for transportation to a new
RENT job prior to receiving the first paycheck. As long as
a neighbor isn’t asking for too many, I don’t require
I typically only assist with rent if payments are
verification to get a couple bus tickets. However, in
delinquent and late fees and notices are involved.
the case of new employment in which two to three
I make a copy of the lease/rental agreement,
weeks’ worth of tickets would be given, I need to see
being sure there is current contact information
something that verifies employment or contact the
for the landlord. Payment will be made directly to
employer (with permission).
the landlord, so at this point I need to verify the
lease and landlord information. I keep a list of the I occasionally put gas in a neighbor’s car to help
landlords in the community known to me and to
75
them get to work or an important appointment.
MEAC. If this landlord is not on that list, I access I meet them at the gas station and pay for a few
the county auditor’s website to get the name of gallons of gas.
the owner of the property. If it doesn’t match the
landlord’s name, I attempt to contact the owner to BIRTH CERTIFICATES/IDENTIFICATION
verify that the name I’ve been given is the rental
I will pay for someone to obtain a copy of their
agent of his property. If I can’t make that contact,
birth certificate (or their children’s). I will also
I proceed with caution, especially if the check is to
pay for a state picture ID, either meeting them at
be made out to the landlord’s name rather than a
the BMV or giving them a money order made out
rental agency’s name.
to the BMV in the amount needed (I contact the
Once verified, I contact the landlord to notify BMV first to find out exact amount and to whom it
him that I am considering assisting one of his should be payable.)
tenants, giving him the tenant’s name. I ask if
he will accept partial payment and let him know TRANSIENTS
of my discussion with the tenant and when they St. Paul frequently receives requests from transients,
expect to be paying the remainder. I rarely pay people passing through the city and requesting
an entire month’s rent, and in a lot of cases more money for gas, food or automobile repair. It’s diffi-
than one month’s rent is owed. I deliver or mail the cult to verify these requests and I suspect that in a
check directly to the landlord. lot of these cases the story is not entirely true. They
are almost always wanting cash. I never give cash.
UTILITIES These requests usually end with me putting gas in
I assist with utility bills that are past due. I con- their car to get them on their way. I take a copy of
sider paying enough to bring the balance down their driver’s license for my records and have them
to a manageable amount. If there is a disconnect follow me to the gas station. It’s important in these
notice, I need to contact the utility company to cases that the recipient of our assistance under-
determine how much needs to be paid and the stands that this is from our church and from the
mercy we receive in Christ. When I suspect that churches who assist, to be sure that someone isn’t
they have knocked on the door of the church to getting the same assistance month after month,
get some quick cash, I want to be sure they know but from different churches. I also directly contact
what they are receiving from us — the love and the other churches when necessary (always with
mercy of Christ. permission from the neighbor whose case we will
be discussing).
AGENCIES AND OTHER CHURCHES On difficult cases requiring ongoing work to
I work with Madisonville Education and Assis- resolve issues relating to the financial crisis, I work
tance Center (MEAC), which is a local agency that with the social worker at MEAC, after first getting
assists with basic needs. They will interview, assess permission from the neighbor to discuss the details
the need and verify the information of anyone I with the social worker.
refer to them, participating in the assistance when MEAC will refer neighbors to St. Paul when
necessary and if they have the funds. They also they don’t have the funds to meet the financial
work with several other churches in our community. need. They will also refer neighbors to us who are
When the amount of money needed is too large in need of spiritual counseling.
for any one church or agency to get the neighbor
through the crisis, we can work together. It also
helps to have a central agency in contact with the
76
REFERRING TO AGENCIES DENYING A REQUEST
Mission FIeld: USA

Oftentimes, someone will come to the church with When it’s necessary to deny a neighbor’s request
a need that can be best met by an existing agency for financial assistance, I make the reasons
in the area. I keep an active list of the community clear, explaining that our policy is to only assist
agencies in the area and their contact information. financially if 1) we have the funds, 2) they have a
crisis situation (having spent too much money on
This is very useful when the physical need is too
Christmas presents doesn’t count), and 3) it can
great for us to handle alone. Referring to an agency
be a bridge to stability. I assure them that St. Paul
doesn’t mean that we are no longer assisting our
does indeed care and, of course, invite them to our
neighbor. My help is often still needed in
Divine Service and upcoming events.
the process of contacting and applying with the
agency, as well as counseling during the process.
It is often vital for someone to have an advocate MERCY CARE FUND
who can help them through the often complicated
Mercy care at St. Paul is funded by donations from
process of getting on their feet.
congregation members. As the director of Human
Our list of agencies include the Care, I disperses these funds at my discretion.
following categories: The pastor and the elders have access to the
dispersal records.
✚ Emergency shelters
✚ Homeless resources PROCLAIMING CHRIST

✚ Mental health services Assisting with these basic needs provides opportu-
nities for me to share the Gospel of Christ with our
✚ Substance abuse resources
neighbors who are suffering. When it is necessary
✚ Legal resources or appropriate I introduce those I’m helping to the
Pastor or consult with the Pastor or Elders over
✚ Soup kitchens and food assistance difficult situations.
✚ Clothing assistance Our mercy care always points to Christ. Our
77
✚ Rent, utility and financial assistance neighbors learn that St. Paul Lutheran Church
is a loving, caring place proclaiming the Good
✚ Furniture assistance News of Jesus Christ, inviting them in for care of
body and soul.
✚ Employment resources
✚ Medical assistance
✚ Birth certificates and IDs
✚ Payee services
✚ Senior and disabled subsidized housing
✚ Low income permanent housing
✚ Veteran services
Church Planting and SPM skills in counseling and/or pastoral care. It
should be noted that due to the nature of

At first glance, Specialized Pastoral Ministry — a
SPM with the bulk of the ministry in plu-
ministry of mercy with the Office of National
ralistic contexts, many specialized pastoral
Mission — would seem not to have much to offer
ministers have become subject matter experts
a newly planted church. However, there are three
in reaching out to ethnically diverse cultures
areas that could provide support and an avenue
and religions as well as nones, should that be
into the community:
a direction the new church wants to explore.
1. Specialized pastoral ministers include those
3. For the most part, fire and police chaplains
ordained and commissioned men and women
are parish pastors who — with the support
who have received additional training to
of their congregation — volunteer their time
serve as pastoral counselors, institutional
to serve local police or fire departments. The
chaplains and emergency services chaplains
LCMS SPM Office will offer guidance to the
(police and fire) as well as clinical pastoral
pastor who wants to investigate this avenue
educators. Should the need arise due to stress
into community outreach. Specific courses
or significant loss or any other traumatic
have been identified that will provide the
experience(s) that it would be helpful to talk
foundation to provide high quality pastoral
with an LCMS colleague who has special
care to police and fire fighters, their families,
training in pastoral care and/or counseling,
as well as to victims of disaster and violence.
their contact information is readily available
through the SPM Office at 888-THE LCMS Contact Information:
or infocenter@lcms.org. Rev. Joel Hempel
Interim Director, Specialized Pastoral Ministry
2. These same skilled ministers can be a con-
888-THE LCMS
tracted to provide formal or informal ongoing
training in pastoral care for those church
planting ministers who want to enhance their
78
Pastoral Care in Times of Tragedy: An Introduction
Mission FIeld: USA

Rev. Ross Edward Johnson, Director, LCMS Disaster Response | Ross.Johnson@lcms.org
C hristianity has a long and active history of

helping in times of tragedy. For example,
Martin Luther and Johannes Bugenhagen
are known for their merciful and compassionate
work while they comforted the sick and dying
Another significant factor was the increased
influence of the United States government’s social
welfare system. When the government began to
do social work, the Church at large slowly handed
over their works of mercy and compassion to the
during the plague of 1527. Another example, of government. The government began to provide aid
great mercy work was C.F.W. Walther, who under to the needy, relief during catastrophic disasters and
his guidance led The Lutheran Church—Missouri tragedy, and to take responsibility for abandoned
Synod (LCMS) in opening numerous orphanages or displaced children. Regrettably, this led to the
for children without hope. However, by-and-large, decline of congregational mercy work; some clergy
human care was not properly emphasized in the thought that mercy work involved only helping out
last half of the 20th century within confessional its church’s members or perhaps only entailed
Lutheran congregations. the pastor leading the congregation in Word
and Sacrament.
The Social Gospel Movement, which rose to
prominence following World War I, de-emphasized By the 21st century, LCMS churches had declined
salvation by faith alone in Christ and instead em- in their role of mercy work throughout the world.
phasized ethics. The Social Gospel’s focus was not Mercy work in times of tragedy within the LCMS
on preaching and receiving the Sacraments, but meant sending checks to organizations like Lutheran
rather social activism that improved the quality of World Relief (LWR) or the Evangelical Lutheran
life of the community. Unfortunately in their effort Church in America’s (ELCA) relief organization
to disassociate themselves from this bad theology, known as Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). This
many Lutheran pastors “threw the baby out with form of mercy work, although not inherently wrong,
the bathwater” and inadvertently removed them- distanced churches from actual care. An awareness 79
selves from works of mercy and compassion in grew that a vital aspect of congregational life had
times of tragedy. been lost, and some began to wonder: how had
congregations in the LCMS gone from, on the one Mercy Operations and understood the need to
hand, reaching out to the sick and dying during Lu- reach out to the sick, downtrodden and afflicted
ther’s time and helping the orphaned and widowed with the Gospel and material needs. These men,
during Walther’s to, on the other hand, writing and others, revolutionized the way mercy work
checks and sending them to other organizations? within the LCMS is understood today.
When did LCMS congregations lose sight of the
80 However, there is still much to be done. In a
intrinsic nature of their role of mercy and compas-
world full of terrorist acts, distress, natural disas-
sion? How did the LCMS overlook words in Scrip-
ters, death, hunger and despair, pastors have the
ture such as, “By this we know love, that he laid
opportunity to bring Christ’s Gospel coupled with
down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our
mercy and compassion to a hurting world. This
lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's
essay will address these issues by laying a founda-
goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his
tion for mercy work, addressing specific issues that
heart against him, how does God's love abide in
come from tragedy and by giving pastors the tools
him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk
they need in order to provide pastoral care in times
but in deed and in truth” (1 JOHN 3:16-18)?
of tragedy.
Needless to say, the LCMS’ understanding of
mercy, compassion and good works needed an
overhaul, and a renaissance has begun. Matthew
New Testament Illustrations
C. Harrison, former executive director of Lutheran
of Care for Body and Soul
World Relief and Human Care (WRHC), raised Christian mercy work was neither an invention of
awareness of congregational mercy work by the Early Church nor an invention of the Lutheran
writing on topics such as mercy work in the Early Reformation. Mercy work originated in the New
Church; by reprinting essays that our Lutheran Testament. Mercy was especially modeled in the
forefathers and the Early Church Fathers wrote life of Christ. Jesus’ incarnation to suffer alongside
that help lay a historical and theological founda- all of humanity exemplified mercy and compas-
tion; and by showing pastors that Lutherans have sion. In His earthly ministry Jesus was constantly
always cared for both spiritual and human need. concerned about broken humanity’s body and
His work was largely inspired by his experiences soul. Throughout Jesus’ Galilean ministry, he
following the terrorist attacks of September 11, walked alongside the people preaching the Gospel
2001, revealing the need for greater mercy work and healing the sick. Harrison emphasizes Jesus’
at the congregational level. Likewise, John Fale compassion, stating, “Mercy makes something
traveled the world as LCMS associate director for happen. For Jesus splanchnizomai, the verb form
of splachnon, is always ‘compassion giving birth
to action.’ ”43 Jesus’ compassion for His people was crisis. Mark Seifrid explains that Paul regards the
Mission FIeld: USA

an example to all Christians of a gut-wrenching collection for Jerusalem “not merely as service to
concern that drove Him to take action and help relieve need (although it does do precisely that)
those whom He encountered in need. A perfect but, more fundamentally, to bring about common
example of this is when Christ fed the 4,000 thanksgiving to God and interchange among the
(MARK 8:1-9). Because the crowd had been so en- churches.”44 Paul also commends the Macedonians
amored and engrossed with Jesus’ teaching, they “for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of
brought nothing to eat; but in His compassion, joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a
Christ met their physical needs as He had their wealth and generosity on their part” (2 COR 8:2). He
spiritual needs. “I have compassion on the crowd, points to them as an example of Christian generos-
because they have been with me now three days ity, love and charity for those in the midst of severe
and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away persecution and tragedy.
hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way”
The Epistle of St. James also instructs Christians
(MARK 8:2-3). So what did Christ do? Did He contin-
how to treat one another. James 2:8 exhorts, “If you
ue to preach to them? No. He met their physical
really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,
needs by providing for them enough food that,
‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are
“they ate and were satisfied” (8:8).
doing well.” James thus sums up the Old Testament
Saint Paul’s ministry also serves as an example law into a phrase of love toward one’s neighbor. If
of caring for people in every need and bearing the one is to be a Christian and bear Christ’s name, he
burdens of others (GAL. 6:2). Paul provides a model must be Christ-like in his love for others.
for congregational compassion for its members and
In one of the most controversial passages of
the unchurched community around them. Paul
Scripture, James writes, “What good is it, my broth-
encouraged the Galatians, “Let us not grow weary
ers, if someone says he has faith but does not have
of doing good … So then, as we have opportunity,
works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister
let us do good to everyone, and especially to those
is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one
who are of the household of faith” (GAL. 6:9–10).
of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and
Paul not only exhorts others to give and serve; he
filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the 81
spent years of his life gathering funds in Mace-
body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it
donia and Corinth for the poor in Jerusalem, and
does not have works, is dead” (JAMES 2:14–17). David
then delivering that aid to help them during their
43
Matthew C. Harrison. Christ Have Mercy: How to Put Your Faith 44
Mark A. Seifrid. The Second Letter to the Corinthians (Grand Rapids,
in Action (St. Louis: Concordia, 2008), 41. Mich.: Eerdmans, 2014), 317.
Scaer explains that these verses address the very Generous aid and care for the poor was a
practical problem that the “deference to the rich and common theme in the Early Church Fathers such
the criminal ignoring of the poor contradicted God’s as Cyprian, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian and
generous attitude to all men in Christ.”45 It is not Augustine. In fact some Church Fathers, exemplified
possible to be Christ-like and intentionally ignore by Cyprian, emphasized charity to the point that
82 the destitute, especially if they are in the family of they viewed it as an essential part of the Christian
faith. Although helping the poor and destitute does faith, “Cyprian develops alms into a formal means of
not gain one salvation, charity and love are fruits of grace … representing alms as a spectacle which the
the Christian life and the natural outgrowth of being Christian offers to God.”47 Individual Christians and
a follower of Christ (EPH. 2:10). the Church corporately distributed charity. In A.D.
250 the church in Rome alone paid for 100 clergy
and 1,500 additional people who were in need.48
The Church’s History of
Ministry to the Needy The Early Church used deacons, deaconesses
Christian care for humanity in crisis occurred from and widows to oversee the work of aiding the sick,
the very first days after the ascension of Christ disabled and poor. Before modern medicine, severe
and during the apostolic era. The Church grew illness was much more prevalent and people lived
significantly when the unbelieving community with both excruciating pain and debilitating health.
witnessed Christian love in action as the Gospel The Church was aware of their community’s needs,
was proclaimed and churches planted. Historian as Tertullian said, “True charity, disburses more
Adolf Von Harnack explains that, when the good money in the streets than your religion in temples.”49
works of the Christians were made public, “people Hence, Christian sacrificial giving extended to both
glorified the Christians’ God, and, convinced by the the Church, to take care of the Christian poor, and to
very facts, confessed the Christians alone were truly the unchurched living in tragic situations.
pious and religious.”46 In both the Early Church Another area of concern for the Early Church
and during the Reformation, Christians took care Fathers was the treatment of the working poor.
of the poor, slaves, prisoners, and those affected by
the plague. 47
Ibid., 76. Although Cyprian was correct in emphasizing charity and
its benefits, charity is not viewed as a sacrament in the traditional
sense. Article XIII:4 of the Apology to the Augsburg confession says,
45
David P. Scaer. James the Apostle of Faith: A Primary Christologi- “Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and absolution (which is a sacrament of
cal Epistle for the Persecuted Church (St. Louis: Concordia, 1983), 89. Repentance) are truly Sacraments.”
46
Ross Edward Johnson. Mercy in Action: Essays on Mercy, Human 48
Ibid., 78.
Care and Disaster Response (St. Louis: The Lutheran Church—Mis-
souri Synod, 2015), 89. 49
Ibid., 81.
Slavery was common, and many of the Roman parts of Europe were struck by the plague. Some
Mission FIeld: USA

slaves were indentured servants and prisoners of estimates indicate that as much as one-third of
war. John Nordling, in his Philemon commentary, the total European population died. In 1597 the
explains that the treatment and quality of life for plague decimated a German town named Unna. In
slaves varied from being treated as family by some the month of July alone, Lutheran Pastor Philipp
slave owners to repeated beatings by others.50 Nicolai buried 300 congregation members, and
Harnack documents five areas where Christians over 1,000 people died.54 Critical to Lutheran spiri-
influenced the secular culture toward a more tual care was to minister to the sick and dying, de-
compassionate treatment of slaves. spite the possibility of clergy dying from infection.55
In the midst of this devastating catastrophe, Pastor
1. Slaves who converted to Christianity were con-
Nicolai found his comfort in the cross, Scripture,
sidered full brothers and sisters in the faith.
the Divine Service and hymnody. During the worst
2. Slaves were allowed to have membership in parts of the plague Pastor Nicolai wrote the book
the highest offices of the church as clergy Freudenspiegel (Mirror of Joy). He also wrote what
and bishops. would later be known as the queen and king of
the Lutheran chorales, “Wake, Awake, for Night
3. In a moral sense, Christians taught that is Flying” and, “O Morning Star, How Fair and
female slaves should be treated the same as Bright.”56 With the introduction of congregational
free females and were not to be treated as singing during the Lutheran Reformation, hymnody
sexual objects to be exploited. Sexual abuse became one of the primary ways for Christians to
of females was not allowed or permitted by articulate the joys of the cross and the hope of heav-
the church. en to come, even in the direst of circumstances.
4. Masters and mistresses were strictly charged The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has a
to treat their slaves humanely and slaves long tradition of congregational mercy work and hu-
were taught to respect them. man care from its very inception. There is little ques-
5. Christians would often buy the freedom of tion that C.F.W. Walther, the first president of The
Christian slaves, especially those enslaved by Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, was a staunch
abusive masters.51 defender of the office of the holy ministry, one who 83
held that the primary work of the pastor is to preach
Life in the Early Church era was harsh; there the Word of God and to administer the sacraments.
were no substantial government social welfare nets However, the boundaries of pastoral work are not
to help the sick, dying and destitute. However, the confined to preaching and consecrating. Walther
Church rose up to aid the ill, nurture the dying and wrote, “Although a preacher above all has con-
to sustain the disabled. Deacons and deaconesses cern for the spiritual needs of the members of his
oversaw the mercy work to these people and the congregation, concern for the physical well-being,
widows were charged with prayers for the poor. particularly the needs of the poor, the sick, widows,
During the first few centuries of the Early Church orphans, the infirm, the destitute, the aged, etc., are
there were very few large church buildings. Church within the scope of the duties of his office.”57 Hence,
structures were rather humble and the majority of pastors who encourage their congregations to show
the tithes and offerings were designated as poor- mercy to their members and their communities in
funds.52 The Early Church focused on aiding both times of tragedy are well within their role as pastor.
Christians and non-Christians. The primary use of
the congregation’s offering was distributed to the John Frederick Buenger, a young pastoral candi-
Christian poor, sick or disabled. However, Christians date, traveled with Walther from Saxony, Germany,
also generously gave to the non-Christian poor in and settled in Missouri. Pastor Buenger, who initially
the streets.53 served as a parish pastor, experienced enormous
personal tragedies including the death of his wife
Such mercy work was not confined to the Early
Church. In the late 1590’s, Germany and many
54
Ibid., 135–36.
See John G. Nordling. Philemon. Concordia Commentary (St.

50
55
For further reading on pastoral care in times of the plague, consid-
Louis: Concordia, 2004). er reading Martin Luther. “Whether One May Flee from the Deadly
Plague” in Luther’s Works, Vol, 43, Devotional Writings. (St. Louis:
51
Johnson, 85–87. Concordia, 1968).
52
Ibid., 81. 56
Ibid., 137.
53
Ibid., 81. 57
Ibid., 229.
and five children.58 Working closely with Walther, trouble, humans assume the worst of God and be-
Buenger oversaw the formation of Lutheran hospi- lieve that He doesn’t care. People believe they have
tals in St. Louis and a large orphanage in the nearby the right to demand that God explain His actions
city of Des Peres. F. Dean Lueking explains, “John to us. Instead, we should trust in His love even if we
Frederick Buenger’s 35 years of pastoral ministry don’t understand what is happening to us or around
… left a profound influence upon the benevolence us. It is because of God’s love that He is at work
ministry of the young Synod. His work in founding redeeming and saving people from themselves. This
the Lutheran Hospital and the Lutheran Orphanage love is clearly evident in God sending his Son to
set a pattern in theory and practice of social ministry die on the cross to pay for our sin so that one day
that continued long after his death.”59 all those who die in the one true Christian faith
will be rescued from this world of tragedy and live
During the first 100 years of the LCMS’s history,
in the perfection of Heaven.
mercy ministry exploded. “By 1928 there were
72 Lutheran hospitals, orphanages, child welfare In times of tragedy, instead of trying to spec-
societies, homes for the aged and institution ulate about God’s nature or demanding God to
missions.”60 In 1950, the Board of Social Welfare do our will, the proper response is repentance. In
was established to help organize the 2,500 people Luke 13 Pilate slaughters the pious. It was an evil
who were serving in Lutheran Social Ministries to action against undeserving people. In response,
approximately 100,000 people annually.61 By the Jesus told the people to repent: “Unless you repent,
1960’s each district of the LCMS had a board or you will all likewise perish” (LUKE 13:3). He did not
commission for social welfare and 70 percent of justify the event, explain God’s nature or discuss
the LCMS congregations had mercy committees.62 why evil happens. He spoke instead of repentance.
Repentance is humbling and moves one from being
If the fledgling renaissance of mercy work in
self-centered to trusting in God’s goodness and
Lutheran churches is to continue, faithful pastors
mercy. It turns a sinner from pride to reliance on the
are well-positioned to foster works of charity while
Almighty and all-loving God who does not always
preventing a departure into a graceless social gospel.
give explanations except “I Am Who I Am” (EX. 3:14)
With instruments at their disposal every day, they
and “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither
84 are prepared to provide spiritual care even to those
are your ways my ways” (IS. 55:8) or as St. Paul ex-
who suffer horrific disasters.
plains, “Will what is molded say to its molder, ‘Why
have you made me like this?’ ” (ROM. 9:20).
Helping Christians to Lutheran pastoral care can help explain to others
Understand God’s Love: why suffering and tragedy happens. Suffering and
Answering the Why Question tragedy are a result of sin and the fall. God explicitly
Contrary to what popular culture says, people are warned Adam and Eve not to disobey His law.
not spiritually good or deserving of God’s favor in However, they chose to disobey God. Sin and bro-
and of themselves. The Bible consistently teaches kenness entered the world. As soon as humanity
that we are sinners even after conversion (ROMANS 7). fell into sin, our loving God promised redemption
The Bible says, “for all have sinned and fall short (GEN. 3:15). From the time of the fall until the final
of the glory of God” (ROM. 3:23) and that “the wages day of this world there will be tragedy, suffering
of sin is death” (ROM. 6:23). We confess in the Divine and sin. However, God is actively rescuing this
Service that we justly deserve God’s “present and world from sin, death and the devil in ways that
eternal punishment.”63 are not always realized.
There will always be aspects of our all-knowing, As we offer pastoral care to those hurting and
all-powerful, and all-loving God that humans confused, it is always best to focus on having faith
will never understand. Unfortunately, in times of in what is revealed to us about God; that He loves
us, that He died for all of humanity and that He
58
F. Dean Lueking. A Century of Caring: The Welfare Ministry
Among Missouri Synod Lutherans 1868–1968 (St. Louis: Board of
continually rescues us from brokenness and sin. It is
Social Ministry The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, 1968), 2. not beneficial to meditate on the hiddeness of God,
59
Ibid., 5. which will never be understood, which questions
60
Ibid., 45. God and what He is doing behind the scenes of
61
Ibid., 70. our lives and this world. He does not promise all
62
Ibid., 74.
the answers. Everything that is necessary to know
63
Lutheran Service Book (St. Louis: Concordia, 2006), 184.
Mission FIeld: USA
about God and salvation is clearly revealed in Shepherding to the Cross:
the Scriptures. The Theology of the Cross
It is always important to remind those suffering Shepherding with the theology of the cross ensures
that when bad is happening, it is not necessarily that the ministry provided is Christocentric.
directly related to a particular sin that they have When a pastor’s focus is on the cross, it allows
committed. However, it is always because we live Christ to increase and the person to decrease
in a sinful and broken world (GENESIS 2-3). In this (JOHN 3:30). Times of tragedy break down the false 85
world our bodies betray us and we get sick and walls of pride that people build up. Many times
die, or others betray us and cause problems and people falsely comfort themselves with their own
misfortune. Often we go through personal agony achievements, intelligence and self-sufficiency.
because of the sinful choices that we ourselves Being diagnosed with terminal cancer, having an
make (PSALM 51). At times there are spiritual attacks uninsured house flood or the sudden loss of a loved
by the devil and his demons who like to harass one is shocking and humbling: it is a reminder of
people and cause misery and misfortune (JOB). what Job learned, that “The Lord gave, and the
Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the
When offering spiritual care, it is important Lord” (JOB 1:21). When this world strips away all
to remind people that God often allows amazing that this life has to offer, the Christian is left with
things to come out of tragic situations. Joseph’s two choices: he can struggle alone or he can turn
sufferings led to good for many (GEN. 50:15–21), to his Lord and Savior as his refuge in the midst of
and Job was eventually blessed after his time of this life’s storms.
tragedy (JOB 42:10). However, it is also important
to maintain that there is no promise that believers Martin Luther famously explained, “A theologian
will always directly see or understand the good of the cross says what a thing is, whereas a theolo-
that comes out of particular trials and tribula- gian of glory calls the bad good and the good bad.”64
tions. In times of tragedy it is important to trust In times of tragedy a faithful pastor has a clear
in God’s nature: that He is a loving and caring opportunity to explain sin and its consequences to
heavenly Father who is watching over His people. people who have denied the sting of sin and death.
He is at work with mercy. God’s mercy revealed to Pastors proclaim the tragedy of the broken reality
humanity is clearest in the person of Jesus Christ, in which we live. The pastor can then guide his
the constant assurance that we are reconciled to listener into the only true comfort, namely Christ
our Heavenly Father and that there is nothing and the resurrection. Theologians of glory will try to
that can separate us from the love of God which is
found in Christ Jesus (ROM. 8:38–39). 64
Gerhard O. Forde. On Being a Theologian of the Cross: Reflections
on Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation, 1518 (Grand Rapids, Mich.:
Eerdmans, 1997), x.
candy-coat the sting of sin with shallow spirituality they have a promise that the troubles of this world
like, “if you just have enough faith, this will turn out are only temporary.
ok.” A theologian of the cross says, “I can see how
“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and
difficult this is. This is completely normal. But,
lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be
take hope, Christ suffers with you. He knows the
sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
pain that you are going through,” and he continues
When a woman is giving birth, she has sor-
to point the person to Christ.
row because her hour has come, but when she
Theologians of glory seek to affirm their mem- has delivered the baby, she no longer remem-
bers with their own optimism and positivity; but bers the anguish, for joy that a human being
despite the last few decades of mega-churches’ has been born into the world. So also you have
practical theology of optimism and self-worth, sorrow now, but I will see you again, and
the bigger issue is a deteriorating sense of self- your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take
worth. Christian self-worth is only found in what your joy from you” (JOHN 16:20–22).
Jesus did on the cross. Popular Neo-Evangelical
For the one that lives outside of the one true
Christian books are written about achieving your
Christian faith, this life’s sorrows are his best life.
best potential or about how to live victoriously.
His future will be utter destruction. But for the one
But a theologian of the cross points forward to
who believes in Christ, this world will not compare
the resurrection, heaven and the best life to come.
to what God has prepared for him in the future
Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures
(ROM. 8:18). Despite the catastrophes suffered in this
on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where
world, the greatest tragedy that could happen is
thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves
still to die outside of the one true Christian faith.
treasures in heaven” (MATT. 6:19–20).
It is thus ideal that congregational mercy be con-
A theologian of the cross brings comfort by nected to the Gospel message whenever possible
reminding the person how compassionate Jesus so that spiritual healing can happen while earthly
was in his suffering in this world — compassionate needs are being met.
for sinful humanity. Jesus was lied about, lied to,
86 betrayed, hungry, beaten and killed so that He could
suffer in our stead — and so that we could be forgiv-
Pastoral Visitation in Times
en. Pastors can lead those suffering to take comfort
of Crisis: Being Present in
in the fact that they live in the shadow of Jesus’
the Community
cross, and any goodness that they have comes from Christ’s presence after His resurrection demon-
a righteousness that has been imputed to them from strates the power He has to console and comfort
God. They can take comfort that they are God’s the needy. Christ’s powerful presence is the para-
perfect children because Christ took all of their sin digm for our ministry of mercy, which can dispel
and shame and then God gave them all of Christ’s the darkness of fear and uncertainty of the future
perfection, active obedience and righteousness. (JOHN 20:19–20). It was the power of Christ’s pres-
ence that moved His disciples from the tragedy
The theology of the cross can be understood by of death to the triumph of life. That same power
someone who has lost everything due to tragedy, is realized today in the ministry of the Church
because tragedy breaks a sinner from self-reliance. through those who stand in His stead to transcend
A theologian of glory resists confession of sin but the critical events that affect people’s lives. Our
the theologian of the cross confesses, “I am a poor Lutheran response is a clear testimony of the
miserable sinner.” The Lutheran confession of sin Gospel, not just in deed, but also in word — the
is devoid of positive thinking, wisdom, optimism word of Christ’s forgiveness and eternal love.65
or personal strength. The boasting of the theologian
of the cross is only found in his status as a new The call and vocation of the pastor is to bring
creation in Christ. Saint Paul wrote, “I have been peace through God’s Word to the brokenhearted.
crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, God’s peace is more than a passing allusion to
but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live Jesus or His love. Rather pastoral comfort is
in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who given when the pastor takes time to comfort the
loved me and gave himself for me” (GAL. 2:20). disheartened in the brokenness of this life (sin)
When Christians feel as if they are going 65

Part of this section can be found in: Ross Edward Johnson and
Michael W. Meyer, editors. Mercy in Action: A Guide for Pastors in
“through the valley of the shadow of death” (PS. 23:4), the Midst of Disaster (St. Louis: The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod, 2014), 18.
and share God’s mercy through His Son (Gospel), receive and extol them. We build one another up
Mission FIeld: USA

the Christian’s ultimate hope (heaven). Pastoral as we speak to one another in psalms, hymns and
comfort can happen in the pastor’s office or off the spiritual songs.”66 In the Divine Service, God comes
church property. However, the model of ministry to man and blesses him with His gifts through the
that is shown to us through Christ is one of a pastor who is called to be in the stead of Christ. In
shepherd that is out and about walking among his the midst of tragic events, broken humanity needs
people (MATT. 4:18). God’s blessing more than ever. Nowhere are people
closer to the presence of God than when they are
When the pastor is visiting his members and
in the Divine Service where Christ is bodily present
people in the community, he can help them as they
with a special promise to bless and forgive.
are trying to survive the effects of a disaster. In
the confusion of the world’s tragedies, one’s mind Tragic events — including the death of a loved
or even friends can give horrible advice that often one, a grave medical diagnosis or a catastrophic
leads to spiritual disillusionment. natural disaster — peel back the façade that covers
this broken world. Tragedy allows people to see the
Additionally, sometimes before a tragedy strikes,
destructiveness of a fallen world and sin’s conse-
genuine Christians hold on to pop-psychology,
quences. Yet, despite brokenness, Christ invites His
false beliefs and false promises about God and His
people, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy
nature. Through patience, visitation, kindness and
laden, and I will give you rest” (MATT. 11:28). In the
teaching, faithful pastors have the opportunity to
Divine Service, God comes to man and blesses him
comfort and correct God’s people, who are being led
so that humanity can have spiritual rest in Him. As
astray by the tragedies of the world, with His Word.
the service begins with a confession of sin, people
understand their need for forgiveness and then
The Role of Worship as Comfort receive grace of God. The pastor, who stands in
the stead of Christ and in front of His sheep, is a
One of the simplest and most eloquent explanations
powerful comfort and reminder of God’s presence
of Christian worship was written by Norman Nagel
in the midst of the storms of this world. There is
in the preface of the hymnal, Lutheran Worship,
nothing sweeter than to hear the love, grace and
“Our Lord speaks and we listen … The rhythm of 87
mercy of God spoken into one’s ears. The absolution
our worship is from him to us, and then from us
is the declaration of God’s forgiveness, a gift of God’s
back to him. He gives his gifts, and together we
66
Lutheran Worship. (St. Louis: Concordia, 1982), 6.
peace and a reminder that He is with His people Through Lutheran hymnody members sing theo-
despite the catastrophe they may be experiencing. logically rich songs that bring hope and consolation.
Since these hymns are based on scriptural truths
After the Muslim terrorist attacks in the United
they bring spiritual comfort. Hymnody is a beautiful
States on Sept. 11, 2001, which killed and injured
and powerful way to express deep scriptural truths
thousands, American church attendance swelled
in a memorable way to Christians of all ages. It
for a few months. People flocked to hear God’s
allows Christians to rejoice after receiving the body
Word preached to them. In times of tragedy, pastors
and blood of Christ with a song of praise; and can
are called to clearly preach the Law, even if death
help remind them of scriptural truth such as, “noth-
and destruction may be all around them, even if
ing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling.”67
they are surrounded by caskets. In a crisis, the laity
need to understand the cause of the brokenness of At the close of the Divine Service, the entire
this world from God’s perspective; nothing should congregation is reminded once more that they are
be taken for granted. If the hearers do not under- blessed and at peace with God. The last words that
stand the spiritual significance and the causes of sin the congregation hears are pure grace, “The Lord
and destruction, they will have a weakened sense of bless thee and keep thee, the Lord make His face
the comfort that the Gospel gives and they will place shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee. The
little hope in the resurrection. Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give
thee peace.”68 Once again the believer is a passive
Nowhere on earth are we closer to God than
recipient and the Lord is the One who blesses and
when we stand or kneel before the altar and receive
proclaims His love. The Christian simply receives
the body and blood of Christ given for the ongoing
and responds, “Amen.” The Lutheran worship
forgiveness of our sins. When Christians receive the
service allows the believer to be comforted in the
body and blood of Christ, they are connected to
confidence that he is loved by his Lord despite his
Christ (1 COR. 10:16–17). They are connected to Him
own sin and despite what is happing in his life
despite the chaos of this world. Communion is a
around him.
powerful comfort in a world that provides very little
hope or consolation. The Lord’s Supper is where
88 God is actively giving grace, mercy and forgiveness;
and the parishioner is passively receiving blessing,
strength, forgiveness and encouragement from 67
The Lutheran Hymnal. (St. Louis: Concordia, 1941), Hymn 376.
God Himself. 68
Ibid.,31.
Mission FIeld: USA
Conclusion pastor are able to be positioned to help in every need
of this body and life (5th and 7th commandments).
In a world full of tragedy, disasters, suffering and
All the more, they are able to provide spiritual
pain, Lutheran pastors have an arsenal of spiritual
comfort only the Gospel can give.
weapons to combat the world, the devil and bad
theology. Pastors have the Bible, the Confessions, the
Catechism, the Creeds, hymnody and much more. Select Bibliography for
These instruments are as much for use in times of Further Reading
disaster as on an ordinary Sunday. As people suffer Johnson, Ross Edward, editor. Mercy in Action:
89
the tragic loss of their home, health, job, family, Essays on Mercy, Human Care and Disaster
children or anything else, they can be comforted Response. St. Louis: The Lutheran Church—
by pastors who point them to Christ through good Missouri Synod, 2015.
and biblical spiritual care. Although a theology of
mercy may seem like common sense to many faithful Harrison, Matthew C. Christ Have Mercy: How to
pastors, pastoral care in times of tragedy is often Put Your Faith in Action. St Louis: Concordia, 2008.
neglected. A theology of mercy in action that takes
Lindberg, Carter. Beyond Charity, Reformation
place in the community is not as prevalent as it was
Initiatives for the Poor. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993.
in the life of Christ, in the lives of the apostles or in
the era of the Early Church Fathers, yet this is slowly Lueking, F. Dean, A Century of Caring: The Wel-
changing. Once again, pastors and congregations are fare Ministry Among Missouri Synod Lutherans
looking into ways that they can serve their commu- 1868–1968, St. Louis: Board of Social Ministry of
nity. In times of tragedy, the fragile veil of American The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, 1968.
self-reliance and optimism is peeled back and a
Lutheran pastor is well-equipped to minister with Scharlemann, Martin H., The Church’s Social
the theology of the cross to the hurting of this world. Responsibilities, St. Louis: Concordia, 1971.
Only through the Scriptures and Lutheran Confes- Uhlhorn, Johann. Christian Charity. New York:
sions is he faithfully able to minister to the needs of Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1883.
his flock which takes them to the cross of Christ to
be comforted by Him. By being present and active
in one’s community, the Lutheran congregation and
90
Mission FIeld: USA
91
The Church as a Place of Care and spiritual care. A church planter is a missionary
who spends a great deal of time reaching the lost,
Indeed the church is a place of care from the
but it is important to not get so caught up that he
moment a visitor walks in the door to worship
neglects his own flock, beginning with his family.
or to seek help for a physical need. The church is
So too, the congregation must ensure that their
welcoming to all, accessible to all and caring to all.
pastor and family are well cared for, in order that
This care, of course, as Scripture says, begins with
their shepherd might be joyful in his work. Care in
the household of faith. Therefore the shepherd of
the church is centered in God’s Word and Sacrament
the flock cannot neglect the needs of the church
in which Christ feeds us and cares for us in both
any more than he can turn away those in need who
body and soul.
are outside the church. He has a primary respon-
sibility to care for the flock in both their physical
witness
Mission FIeld: USA
T o be sure, the word witness, or martyria in
Greek, from which we derive the word martyr,
speaks to the seriousness of this pattern in
the life of the Church. Indeed all those who are
confirmed in the Lutheran church are asked to vow
it will forever identify you in your community and
the message it conveys. What does it say when you
are the only church in the area named Christ, for
example? Church architecture, liturgical art, the
very sights and smells and sounds of the church all
their very lives for the sake of the Gospel rather speak something to your common beliefs. In this
than to turn away from their confession. Witness section we will address the need for a corporate
certainly is most emphasized in the church’s procla- witness, but so too, as individual believers in every
mation of the Gospel and the testimony of believers, day vocations.
but also in more subtle ways. For example, the
name of your church plant bears theological weight,
93
wITnESS
94
SCRIPTURE
“For there are three that testify:

the Spirit and the water and the blood:
and these three agree.”
1 JOHN 5:7-8
Mission FIeld: USA
SCRIPTURE
“And you shall put into the ark the testimony that
I shall give you … There I will meet with you, and from
above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are
on the ark of the testimony. I will speak with you about all that
I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.”
EX. 25:16, 22
95
SCRIPTURE
“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer
and on the third day rise from the dead, and that
repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in
his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
You are witnesses of these things.”
LUKE 24:46-48
aSPECTS
Proclamation/Preaching
Vocational Witness
Mission/Church Planting
Apologetics
96
Outreach great opportunities to meet your neighbors and

introduce yourselves. Whether you are canvassing
On the grand scale, it may seem most mundane,
a neighborhood to invite them to a church VBS
but part of the church’s initial witness is simply
or hosting a table at the fair or have visitors in
to introduce yourself to the community. As said
worship, it is helpful to keep a contact list to follow
earlier, conversations with community leaders
up as soon as possible.
and outreach through mercy are excellent ways to
become embedded in your surroundings and to It may also be possible for the pastor to help
develop relationships. And likewise there is an op- with devotions whether it is at a nursing home, or
portunity to invite the community to come to you, as a volunteer hospital/hospice chaplain or in a
to receive the gifts that God provides in the Divine prison ministry as ways to reach out with the Word
Service. The first step in this is to get the word out of God to others. So too, the missionary pastor could
that there is a new church forming. Again, it is write for the local paper in the religion section
adiaphora, but having a set of standard colors used or may be asked to speak at events regarding the
for multimedia, a graphical representation for the work the church is doing. The point being, the
church or logo, building a website and social media more opportunity the church has to engage the
pages: all are first article gifts that help to make community in the Word the better. The missionary
your congregation recognizable to the public and pastor should also try to identify friends and family
helpful to getting your message out. and church members who are no longer attending
a church to give them an invitation to study and
So too, involvement in activities such as parades
worship at the new church plant.
with a biblical themed float, community yard sales
with proceeds going to help those in need, having
a booth at a community block party: these are
Mission FIeld: USA
– EXAMPLE AD TO INTRODUCE YOUR CHURCH PLANT –
97
Please join us at our new location at

St. Paul’s Elementary School
Sunday school: 9:30 a.m.
Worship: 11:00 a.m.
PHONE: 123-456-7890 | EMAIL ADDRESS
– A SAMPLE YARD SIGN –

– A SAMPLE AD FOR INVITING PEOPLE TO WORSHIP –
98
CHRIST LUTHERAN CHRIST LUTHERAN CHRIST LUTHERAN
CHURCH CHURCH CHURCH
Are you looking Are you looking Are you looking

for a church that for a church that for a church that
you can call your you can call your you can call your
spiritual home? spiritual home? spiritual home?
A place where even though everything A place where even though everything A place where even though everything
around you is changing, the promises of God around you is changing, the promises of God around you is changing, the promises of God
are the same today, yesterday and tomorrow are the same today, yesterday and tomorrow are the same today, yesterday and tomorrow
An assurance of your salvation which is a An assurance of your salvation which is a An assurance of your salvation which is a
precious gift that comes from God Himself precious gift that comes from God Himself precious gift that comes from God Himself
A life shaped by Christ, who’s death on the A life shaped by Christ, who’s death on the A life shaped by Christ, who’s death on the
cross turned the ordinary into the cross turned the ordinary into the cross turned the ordinary into the
extraordinary extraordinary extraordinary
Worshipping God where His Word comes Worshipping God where His Word comes Worshipping God where His Word comes
to life as we retrace the footsteps of Christ to life as we retrace the footsteps of Christ to life as we retrace the footsteps of Christ
- the Word made flesh for our salvation - the Word made flesh for our salvation - the Word made flesh for our salvation
If you are looking for a place where you If you are looking for a place where you If you are looking for a place where you
are cared for as a person that Christ died are cared for as a person that Christ died are cared for as a person that Christ died
for and not just a number … where you for and not just a number … where you for and not just a number … where you
can be a real person, with flaws and can be a real person, with flaws and can be a real person, with flaws and
imperfections, and yet can come to God to imperfections, and yet can come to God to imperfections, and yet can come to God to
receive forgiveness and peace ... then please receive forgiveness and peace ... then please receive forgiveness and peace ... then please
join us!!! join us!!! join us!!!
“Rather, speaking the

Instead, speaking the truth
truth in
in love,
love, we
we will
are “Rather, speaking the
truth in
in love, we
we will
are “Rather,
speaking the truth in
in love, we will
are
to
in grow up ingrow
all things every
upway
intointo him
Him, who
who is is
the to
in grow up ingrow
all things every
upway
intointo him
Him, who
who is isthe to
in grow up ingrow
all things every
upway
intointo himwho
Him, whois isthe
the head,
Head, thatinto Christ” (Eph.
is Christ. ph. 4:15). the head,
is Christ. ph. 4:15). the head,
is Christ. ph. 4:15).
– VISITORS CARDS FOR PLACES LIKE THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE –

Some Considerations for ficult to gain access, door to door evangelism was
Mission FIeld: USA

Methods for Outreach used for outreach by only 22 percent of the con-
gregations after they had chartered. Small groups
The following are some of the statistics from a
gathering together and outreach events were still
church planting study done in 2015 by Lifeway
prevalent especially those that serve a purpose in
Research, in which the LCMS was a participant
caring for the neighbor. Social media is also on the
among other denominations. In a digital age, it is
rise as would be expected as it gives instant access
not surprising that publicity and outreach involves
for communication and developing awareness.
much more of an online presence than in the past.
In addition to this, as it becomes increasingly dif-
99
What participating church planters identified as their
TOP 3 FORMS OF PUBLICITY

Top 3 Forms of Publicity 3
59% use social media

Word of mouth, personal relationships 93%
Social media 59%
Internet communication 53%
Mailers 21%
Door hangers or flyers 18%
Newspaper or other print ads 12%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Q: “What were the top 3 forms of publicity most frequently used to communicate news of a new church in the community? (Select up to
three)”
Less than 1% say radio or television ads,

mailers to specific demographic groups, or
telephone campaigns were their most
successful form of publicity
100
Q: “What was the most successful form of publicity that attracted the most newcomers to your church? (Please select
one)”
A Word on Using Social Media behind an online persona that is not characteristic
It is true that we live in a tech savvy generation, of the congregation that is being represented. In all
but of course the church is more than pixels, video things, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ.
clips or soundbites. The church is cruciform and Therefore an online presence should have the
incarnational, an actual living breathing body goal of establishing connections via the concrete
of Christ made up and flesh and blood, baptized and tangible Word and Sacrament ministry of
and redeemed, human beings. Nothing then can the church. Social media can therefore be used as
replace human interaction. That said, using online a catechetical tool or a means of invitation, and it
tools can be a very effective communication tool can be helpful in building up the life together of
or means of outreach in that it is informative. the church.
Caution should be taken of course not to hide
Mission FIeld: USA
5
REGULAR ELECTRONIC
COMMUNICATION (YEARS 1-5)
Regular Electronic Communication (Yrs 1-5) 6
Facebook 86%
Email newsletters 55%
Online sermons 43%
86% Group text messages

Twitter 42%
41%
101
communicate Instagram 22%

through Blog 21%
Facebook 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Q: “Which of the following (if any) electronic communication was regularly used for communication within your
new church work during the first 5 years? (Select all that apply)”
YouTube 19%
18%
Podcasts 18%
Contact Management
10%
System
communicate
Google+/Google Chat
through (Meeting)
7%
podcasts 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Google+/Google Chat
(Meeting)
7%
5%
communicate
Remote meetings (e.g.
Skype, GotoMeeting,
FaceTime Webex)
Facilitate online interaction
5%
DURING worship services

4%
through Live stream worship
remote gatherings (e.g. Virtual
church)
3%
meetings 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
4%
LinkedIn 3%
Tumblr 1%
are not
Snapchat 1%
102 using Pinterest 1%
electronic Vine 0%
communication Other 8%
in the first five None of these 4%
years 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
10
On average, more than 4 in 10 attendees are completely

unchurched or unchurched for many years
Previously completely unchurched 18%
Unchurched for many years 24%

Previously part of other existing
43%
churches
Children born to people who attend
9%
your church
Other church background 6%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Q: “Among the people who have attended this new church work since it began, please estimate the percentage from each of the following
church backgrounds. (If no one belongs to a particular group in your church, please mark 0%. Total percentages should add to 100%.”
Mission FIeld: USA
11
60% of
100%
80%
congregations are 60%

60%
intentionally
seeking to reach a 40% 35%
cross-cultural or
20%
multi-ethnic group 5%
of people from the 0%
very beginning Yes No Not sure

Q: “From the beginning, the church intentionally sought to reach a cross-cultural or multi-ethnic group of
people.”
12
27%
100%
80%
66%
intentionally 60%
encourage the 103

development of a 40%
27%
culture that
connects with a
20%
7%
particular ethnic 0%
population Yes No Not sure

Q: “From the beginning, the church intentionally encouraged the development of a culture that connected with a
particular ethnic population.”
13
33%
emphasize racial
8%
Yes
33%
reconciliation as a No
primary part of
the church’s 59% Not
vision and sure
practices
Q: “From the beginning, the church emphasized racial reconciliation as a primary part of the church’s vision and
practices.”
14
Launch and Post-launch
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Outreach Activity 15
Door-to-door evangelism
100%
80% 68%
60%
40%
104 22%
20% 9%
2%
0%
Used only for Continued to be Not used Not sure

launch of new used after launch
church work of new church
work
Q: “For each of the following outreach activities, please indicate if it was used by the church start, either when launching the new church
work or continued to be used after the launch. (Select one response for each activity)”
A Word on Evangelism Calls communities, canvassing a neighborhood for

There are a few things to consider when planning introductions, witnessing and invitations to the
to make evangelism calls. First, who should make new church would be more receptive than others.
them? The pastor, of course, should be engaged A simple outline for an evangelism call includes
in following up on visitors, but it is also helpful to an introduction to get to know each other better, a
have others who this is not considered just part presentation of the Law and the Gospel in which
of their job. That said, it is best to have two to Luther’s Small Catechism is key, and then a clos-
three people who also do visitations or canvas a ing of the visit and time to answer questions. This
neighborhood. It is helpful that they have some should be a time to witness and to show love to our
training in making these calls. It is also helpful neighbor apart from any undue pressure as the Holy
to try to make an appointment first with visitors, Spirit will work through the Word as He pleases.
as many people considered an unscheduled visit
to be an obtrusion and a social faux pas. In some
Training Vocation
Mission FIeld: USA

Even lifelong Lutherans would do well to participate Every person has various vocations in which
in a Lutheran education class which equips them to they may have contact with others. We know
witness the faith in the context of starting a new family members, other Christians, those outside
church. Instruction classes and Bible classes are a the church, those of other faiths. So, too, we are
great way to bring people together in the Word and citizens, parents, neighbors, co-workers, teachers/
to study the basics of the Lutheran faith. So, too, students, etc. These are relationships that God
it will be important to equip the newly starting has given to us to foster in genuine love and care.
congregation to be prepared to give a witness in There will be times when we are with people who
their everyday lives. Regardless of our various are suffering, dying, questioning, going astray.
vocations, we all have opportunities to “make a And in these moments we have an opportunity to
defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the proclaim the Law and the Gospel as it applies to
hope that is in you,” and ought always be prepared each circumstance. Again, the Small Catechism
as Peter exhorts us in 1 Peter 3:15. Therefore the is the language of faith that equips and prepares
Small Catechism is truly the evangelist’s toolkit. It us to make our confession. Through a relational
prepares us to defend the faith, to confess what we approach to witnessing that provides practical re-
believe and so do the work of an evangelist. sources for people to use as they speak of Jesus to
others in the context of their everyday lives. Every
One His Witness the LCMS evangelism program,
will make use of current technologies for reference,
training and witnessing resources, so that it can
be delivered to the people who will be using it at
little cost.
105
– A SAMPLE INVITATION TO LEARN THE BASICS OF THE LUTHERAN FAITH –

Christian Education -- a solid foundation from the beginning. So, too,
Adult and Children Lutheran education through a parochial school

is an opportunity to teach the faith and to bring
Indeed, continual study of the Word of God and
families into the church. Any opportunity to teach
our Lutheran Confessions are vital not only to
the faith should be explored. Once the congrega-
our own spiritual well-being, but also to hone
tion is catechized and is prepared to charter, this
our ability to witness to others. The importance
is a wonderful chance to hold a charter service to
of Christian education will be vital to the health
announce the formation of this new born church
of the congregation and to family devotions and
as a witness to the community.
testifying to others. It will be important to have
It’s a Birthday
Celebration!
JUNE 18 from 2-5 p.m.
at the National Fairgrounds – A SAMPLE INVITATION TO THE CHARTER SERVICE FOR THE PUBLIC –
106 Please join us for this momentous occasion. Your daughter congre-
gation will be having its charter service next Sunday and you are all
invited to celebrate with us. Our service will be from 2-3 p.m. in the
Faith Conference Center at the National Fairgrounds in St. Louis.
The service will be followed by activities for the whole family from
3-5 p.m. in Heritage Hall. There will be free food, fun and fellowship CHRIST LUTHERAN CHRIST LUTHERAN
including Christian music, an indoor children’s playground for all CHURCH CHURCH
ages and trackless train rides. We will have peach cobbler, ice cream
and birthday cake. Bring dad to come and relax. What better day to
celebrate the birth of a daughter with our Father in Heaven!
Are you looking Are you looking
There will be a charter document for all of our charter members to for a church that for a church that
sign, but also a document for all of the friends of the new church to
sign also at this historic event. Please join us as our friends in
you can call your you can call your
celebration of your vision and mission coming to fruition! spiritual home? spiritual home?
A place where even though everything A place where even though everything
We invite everyone to come to sing, worship and around you is changing, the promises of God around you is changing, the promises of God
have some fun with your brothers and sisters are the same today, yesterday and tomorrow are the same today, yesterday and tomorrow
at Christ Lutheran Church. An assurance of your salvation which is a An assurance of your salvation which is a
precious gift that comes from God Himself precious gift that comes from God Himself
A life shaped by Christ, who’s death on the A life shaped by Christ, who’s death on the
cross turned the ordinary into the cross turned the ordinary into the
extraordinary extraordinary
Worshipping God where His Word comes Worshipping God where His Word comes
to life as we retrace the footsteps of Christ to life as we retrace the footsteps of Christ
- the Word made flesh for our salvation - the Word made flesh for our salvation
If you are looking for a place where you If you are looking for a place where you
– A SAMPLE INVITATION TO THE CHARTER are cared for as a person that Christ died are cared for as a person that Christ died
SERVICE FOR THE MOTHER CONGREGATION – for and not just a number … where you for and not just a number … where you
can be a real person, with flaws and can be a real person, with flaws and
imperfections, and yet can come to God to imperfections, and yet can come to God to
receive forgiveness and peace ... then please receive forgiveness and peace ... then please
join us!!! join us!!!
“Rather, speakingthe
Instead, speaking thetruth
truthininlove,
love,
wewe are
will “Rather, speakingthe
Instead, speaking thetruth
truthinin love,
love, wewewillare
to
in grow up in
all things every
grow up way
into into
Him,himwhowho is
is the to
in grow up in
all things every
grow up way
into into
Him,himwhowho is
is the
the head,
Head, thatinto Christ”ph.
is Christ. (Eph. 4:15). the head,
Head, thatinto Christ”ph.
is Christ. (Eph. 4:15).
– VISITORS CARDS FOR PLACES LIKE THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE –

Mission FIeld: USA
Community Survey Sign-Up

• June 18 is Christ Lutheran’s Charter Sunday and Birthday Celebration
• It will be held at the National Fairgrounds (2-5 p.m.)
• TO PREPARE FOR THIS EVENT WE NEED YOUR HELP.
WHAT: Hand deliver a Community Survey and Charter Sunday

Celebration Invitation. We want to personally invite over
6000 households in the Church County area.
WHEN: May 13 and June 3, 9:00 a.m. each day
WHERE: Meet at the new Christ Lutheran Office 1234 Main St.
WHY: This is our first impression on the community. We want to show them
we care and are serious about addressing the community needs.
HOW: All you have to do is ask some simple questions and give them an
invitation to the celebration.
107
THE QUESTIONS ARE:
(1) What needs do you think our community has?

(2) How can our church help fill these needs?
(3) Is there anything we can pray about for you?

(You will bring prayer requests back with you so they can be prayed about on Sunday.)
(4) Do you have a church home?
Contact Vicar James (Church Office: 123-456-7890) if you have any questions.
HELP, PLEASE. WE WILL NEED 200+ PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS COMMUNITY OUTREACH.
– COMMUNITY SURVEY SIGN-UP –

The lutheran church plants reality, distinct means it is set apart from some-
lutheran missions thing else, nothing foreign in nature, nothing

imported or alien, the very thing that one would
In the special edition of the “Journal of Lutheran
expect. Even in secular organizations, they have a
Mission,” April 2015, is a translation of Friedrich
DNA that is embedded into their culture, they go
Wilhelm Hopf ’s essay, “The Lutheran Church
to great lengths to ensure high standards and while
Plants Lutheran Missions.” While this document
slightly unique to their locality, the experience is
is written through the lens of foreign mission, is
similar and clearly recognizable, bound by that
there something to be gleaned for church planting
which is foundational to their values. All this is to
in mission field USA? And by using this premise of
say, distinct means to be who you are, that which
“The Lutheran Church Plants Lutheran Missions,”
identifies you. As Hopf therefore rightly points
it begs the question, “Can we be about domestic
out, Lutheran mission, “since the holy apostle Peter’s
mission while at the same time maintaining a
Pentecost sermon, has been about the conversion
Lutheran identity?” Is it cause for concern when
of people separated from Christ, whom the Lord
we say Lutheran mission or planting distinctly
Himself adds to His fold…” And he goes on to say
Lutheran churches, as this might hamper us? Even
“For mission is nothing but the one church of God
the words church and Christian are often taboo
in motion, the actualization of the one universal,
in the vocabulary of those who hope to start new
catholic church. Wherever mission enters in, the
ministries as they have negative connotations to
barriers that separate nation from nation fall down.”
the unbeliever or unchurched.69
Not merely exclusive, but bridging location and time
To be sure, to say distinct, gives the connotation as the communion of saints, in the una sancta.
of exclusivity or a narrowing of options. But in
This is not to say that the central unifying
69
Friedrich Wilhelm Hopf, “ The Lutheran Church Plants Luther- focus of Lutheran mission should be the person
an Missions” in Journal of Lutheran Mission Special Issue (April of Martin Luther, but as Hopf says, “The person
2015), trans. Rachel Mumme with Matthew C. Harrison. blogs.lcms.
org/2015/journal-of-lutheran-mission-april2015 you can forget, but the teaching you must confess.”
108
And indeed from the name of a new church plant must be safeguarded,” as we see already in
Mission FIeld: USA

to the accoutrements that hang on the sanctuary the New Testament. These are the mission
wall, while they might be adiaphora, these things methods to which Lutheran mission is bound,
confess, and are informed by this Lutheran teach- to the exclusion of any other means, in a
ing. The importance of identifying something as closed communion. And this is what it is to be
Lutheran, Hopf contends, and is seen by Luther’s a confessing church. Just as the office of the
reluctant use of his name, is that it is a “badge for keys requires both keys to be turned for them
those who recognized and confessed the redis- to be efficacious, so too if a confession only
covered, pure Gospel in connection with Luther’s says we believe without ever saying we reject
testimony … Thus this designation, as used in the or even we condemn then it is no longer a
name of a church or congregation, can and may not confessing church that we speak of, but rather
be misused as a demarcation of a particular church a conversing church who is simply part of
alongside others within the whole of Christendom the conversation. In this case there is no true
on earth.” In an age of relativism this can easily be unity in that which binds us together, but
lost in translation. The Lutheran church is distinct, only a superficial peace among us, agreeing
not as one of many, but “in, with and under the poor to disagree. Therefore Hopf urges the Lutheran
form of the church of this confession, the one holy, church “not to tolerate or even recognize
Christian and apostolic church can truly be found ‘another Gospel.’”
and grasped in faith.”
And there is no Pollyannaish understanding of
So it is that from generation to generation, the what this will mean for the church. The language
faith has been passed down: doctrine, practice, that Hopf uses is that of a war between mission
mission methods. This would seem to be the fatal and world … a difficult battle against corruption,
flaw of a pop Christianity, that is ever new and novel: guarding oneself and not being united with those
it can stake no claim to the one Church catholic, who practice false doctrine, division for the sake
nothing that is timeless and universal, or even that of the truth belonging to the cruciform figure of
which was handed down from the apostles. Just the church. The enemy in this war is real, and as
thinking logically, if it has not been passed down we know it is not an adversary of flesh and blood,
from the New Testament Church then where is its but we wrestle against the cosmic powers over 109
catholicity? Neither novelty nor target segmen- this present darkness. So it is that Hopf reminds
tation of particular people or interest groups will us that the devil will not rest in causing preachers
form full biblical unity. Hopf also warns against to corrupt the message, and that there is a deadly
heresies and reductions of the truth of salvation, as danger for preacher and congregation alike of
they “rent asunder the confidence of faith”: placing somehow adapting the Word of the Lord to them-
souls in peril, because false teaching leads away selves and of changing and corrupting it. This is
from the one true faith. Lutheran mission, Hopf not simply something theoretical or hypothetical
contends, knows of “no way of salvation outside of or even academic, we speak much of making disci-
the deeds of Christ in Word and Sacrament. And ples and discipleship, and this is where it takes its
we can only be certain of and happy in these deeds form in the life of the church in the world.
of Christ where the purity of the means of grace is
It causes us to question as a church militant,
intact. For us a participation in the leaven of false
what will be the cost if we make church out to be
teaching would amount to a denial of Christ and
nothing more than a loving safe comfort zone that
contempt for his means of grace.” Therefore the
is focused on the needs of the individual seeker?
ministry of saving the lost is found in that which
If we cannot get people to commit to more than
has been “mandated, according to the command
coming for a cookout and hear a Bible story, how
and promise of Christ. Christ’s deeds done through
will we get them to commit to learning the faith
Word and Sacrament need no addition on the part
in enough depth to confess it? Or ask them for
of zealous enthusiastic people.”
their vow to die for their beliefs when persecution
So too, Hopf says of Lutheran mission comes? In these dark and latter days, we need
methods, “Only one single condition must fierce and bold confessors. We rightly have an em-
be fulfilled under all circumstances and in phasis regarding discipleship as it relates to loving
every case: the preaching of the Word and the our neighbor and telling others about Jesus, but
administration of the Sacraments may not this is no shallow undertaking.
be adulterated; their purity and integrity
Because what happens when these very same oriented to the real marks of the true church
disciples are sent to lions? And not only will the of Jesus Christ.”
mission lose its footing apart from true martyria,
This unity can be found, while avoiding
our voice is no longer taken seriously if we cannot
legalism, as stated in Article III of the LCMS
seriously engage the world with intellectual integrity
constitution in regards to the objectives of being
beyond simple personal feelings or relational
synod: “6. Aid congregations by providing a variety
touch points. With no need to pit head knowledge
of resources and opportunities for recognizing,
vs heart knowledge in a false dichotomy of mission
promoting, expressing, conserving and defend-
objectives. To be sure, mission must bring heart,
ing their confessional unity in the true faith; 7.
soul, mind and body into the fray and the truth of
Encourage congregations to strive for uniformity in
God’s Word is what is at stake. This will truly
church practice, but also to develop an appreciation
require disciples who are battle hardened for an
of a variety of responsible practices and customs
apocalyptic mission in which they will face the
which are in harmony with our common profession
dragon and the very forces of darkness that are hell
of faith.”
bent to consume this world. This is not just a fight
for denominational traditions, or clinging on to When the individual churches abandon this
some means of institutional preservation, this is a and all go their own way, the church at large “loses
passing down of the Lutheran confession of faith her self-understanding. She then becomes a trend,
with reckless abandon regardless of the cost. a group or a ‘family’ among many others standing
closer or further from her within worldwide Chris-
And so, too, the lines are fast becoming blurred
tianity.”70 The discussion of the essay then turns to
as to what delineates one confession from another.
specific foreign missions in which the confession
In the days of the reformation, it was clear, the
is given to the nations. Hopf makes the case for a
boundaries for being of a certain communion were
very organic understanding of church, mission,
what was taught, believed and confessed. The
pastorate and laity — all of one living embodiment.
concept of church shopping based on something
Mission is through church and church is in mission,
other than the belief that is held by a church body
church believes and so she speaks, church receives
would have been quite a foreign concept. What
110 and so she gives, church has been nursed on what
Hopf refers to as the:
she then provides as milk, church has been shown
“confessional status of a congregation — the mercy and so in turn is merciful, church is nurtured
catechism in the instruction of the youth, and so she nurtures.
the order of the Divine Service, of the liturgy
One Lord, one faith, one baptism — one head
and of the worship of the church (Gottes-
with one body. Church dogma then is a corporate
dienstordnung) according to the Agenda, the
source of life rather than left to individual endeav-
hymnal, the ordination vow and the promise
ors, the idea of a non-denominational church no
of the pastor at his installation — all that
more than an assertion. Indeed as quoted, for a
receives its spiritual power through God’s
church to say it does not belong to any confession
efficacious Word of salvation at work in it.
is either out of ignorance or they are blinded by
But this status also has validity at the same
pride, believing they can “soar on wings above the
time and creates for itself in legal church
entire historical formation of the church and her
orders appropriate earthly vessels for its
doctrine.”71 (see p. 20 of the Journal)
divine content.”
And as such, just as our physical bodies are
What makes a church body distinct then is that
designed for order rather than chaos, with the
it has the same formulated confession in doctrine
understanding that our hands and feet and eyes
and practice: meaning uniformity, and yes even
and ears all serve specific purposes, so, too, there
obedience. There is thus a need for church authority
is office and vocation to give order in the body of
that is:
Christ. God’s mission most certainly involves the
“bound to the confession and to its functions laity in both the administrative dimension and the
that have no other foundation than the care spiritual as well. Mercy and witness and outreach
of souls. ‘Lutheran churches’ are for us con- all take place through individual vocations as it
gregations (Gemeinden), and church bodies does also corporately.
who are ordered and are being governed
in this sense, whose lives are exclusively
70
Ibid., 14.
71
Ibid., 20.
Mission FIeld: USA
But mission is not simply parachuting people right to forsake the position of the church while
into a mission field to convert souls, and then head- claiming to do the work of the church.
ing back to base. As Hopf points out rather than
Hopf explains that we are thusly compelled to
awakening a few or many souls, “souls should be led
formulate a self-understanding of what it means
on to more. Congregations should be gathered and 111
to be distinctly Lutheran. This should occur in
led. And then it is decisively important for the newly
that our interpretation of Scripture becomes the
converted Christians and congregations in these
“foundation of Christian existence,” a “valid guide
places to give them pastors of the purest doctrine
for life in the church of Jesus Christ,” which results
and wisest practice to care for souls.” This helps us
in only Lutheran mission. But Hopf rightly points
to see the mission dynamic of the priesthood of all
out the dangers of wearing down in the battle, to
believers and the office of the public ministry, the
see mission as a neutral territory to take refuge in,
importance of theologically trained clergy and well
in which we “flee into mission on the new frontier
catechized evangelists.
to form young Lutheran churches.” Churches not
And again it is not just systematic theology built on the “soil of old Lutheran Christianity,” but
that we speak of, indeed, “The unbeliever will be as a means to start that which is not Lutheran, and
awakened and wish to become a part of Christen- are based on “ecclesiastical goals or personal egos.”73
dom.” This includes sacraments rightly adminis-
There is no way around it then, that Lutheran
tered, which are not just theological abstracts in
mission can only be carried out by a Lutheran
a vacuum, they are part and parcel to a baptismal
church, bound by said confession. The core group,
identity. Mission then brings “the pure confession
the newly charted congregation, the pastor, the
of Jesus Christ and with it the glorious treasures of
church administration — all are bound to the
our church to poor unbelievers, be they Gentiles or
same confession or else they should be rightfully
Jews. The church of God and her mission abide in
critiqued, compelled not just by regulation, but by
the entire Word (JOHN 8:31; 12:48). The sacraments
unity of Spirit. Again, agreeing to disagree about
are not outward signs of grace for the mission,
new mission impulses, in endless discussions that
rather are essential means of grace.”72 There are
never bring consensus from an inner unity of faith,
no unauthorized services and spurious worship in
a unity that is presented in outward fellowship of
which either an individual or congregation has the
the Divine Service, will lead only to a peace that is
skin deep.
72
Ibid., 21. 73
Ibid., 22.
And make no mistake, disunity paralyzes But before we dig in our heels or jump into our
mission. As Hopf gravely warns, “A crack in the foxholes thinking this discussion is simply about
unity of believing and confessing in the sending maintaining pure doctrine, not so fast. This entire
church becomes something that threatens to kill discussion has been about confession, which inher-
Lutheran mission.” Let there be no doubt, the ently means we confess. It may not appear to have
strength of mission will weaken, disappear, and been treated in as much depth, or it was simply
become paralyzed, for as Hopf says, “The work of assumed, but Lutheran churches doing Lutheran
mission is a work that truly founds the church and missions, is about doing nevertheless. Hopf speaks
cannot be done without clear distinction between just as strongly to the duties of a steward being
right doctrine and false doctrine.”74 trustworthy and faithful in their duty to execute
the wishes of the master who entrusted you to carry
Lutheran mission must borne out of a church
this out. Jesus really did say baptize, teach, feed,
”acting under the same authority and living under
give drink, find, clothe, wash, heal, visit, tell, etc. —
the same promise.” Missionaries in their ordination
we cannot just claim a pristine doctrine of election,
vows take on the divinely instituted Office of the
but ignore the fact that faith comes from hearing.
Public Ministry and the mission mandate into
We are in the end times in which the whole world
which they have been called.75
is groaning. “Woe to every Lutheran church who
It is a fine balance then for newly planted church- so misunderstands her confessional bond, as if she
es to live within their freedom of ceremonies and should and may introvertedly eke out her meager
human orders while at the same time losing nothing existence in seclusion, protect her stock and leave
of the old faith, meaning that which has been passed the parts of Christianity polluted or ruled by false
down. There must be a distinction between “truth doctrine to their own resources.”78
and error, pure teaching and heretical teaching.”
There is no room for non-confrontation anymore,
And as stated earlier this means not importing that
living in comfort and false peace! Christ is coming, a
which is foreign to our faith thereby replacing the
war is happening and the church militant must bear
old confession with a new one. There are certainly
arms and get into the fight! Lutheran mission leads
distinctives in Lutheran worship, our theology of
to Lutheran churches, so there is a responsibility to
112 the cross, properly distinguishing between Law and
preserve unity with all rightly believing Lutheran
Gospel when applying the Bible, a right understand-
churches on earth, “but just as much responsibility
ing of Divine Service, and a proper reverence when
to the testimony of the biblical truth of salvation
we come into God’s presence.76
and its consequences beyond all borders and
Contexts will change, but our confession boundaries of painful divisions in the church.”
cannot be compromised to be more appealing to Now more than ever we are to heed the call to
the masses. A Lutheran missionary is one who is preach the pure Gospel starting at home and to
not only instructed in the church’s confession, but the very ends of the earth.79
is also “faithfully and diligently brought up into
it” and they must “finally be pledged to it (which
puts the capstone in place).”77 A church can of
course claim to confess the Lutheran faith and yet
be only nominally Lutheran in their attempts to
reach the lost, but as Hopf rightly drives home the
point, there is a responsibility of the stewards of
the mysteries of God. Not for the maintaining of a
denomination, but that the very church they will
plant will define church in that place distinct from
all others.
74
Ibid., 25.
75
Ibid.
76
Ibid., 27. 78
Ibid., 28.
77
Ibid. 79
Ibid.
113
Mission FIeld: USA

114
! LCMSMissionFieldUSA | lcms.org/churchplanting | 888-THE LCMS

LCMS Church Planting Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

LCMS Church Planting Manual

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

LCMS Church Planting Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

- Witness, Mercy, Life Together -

Mission fIeld: USA

Mission USA field

Copyright © 2016 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

A Theology of Witness, Mercy and Life Together in Missions ................................................................................... 10

Here you will find practical resources for those

a holy people. Thus the “holy Christian

Mission FIeld: USA

Mission FIeld: USA

follow, but invites us to “take and eat” and to “take 15

Mission FIeld: USA

Mission FIeld: USA

Mission FIeld: USA

Mission FIeld: USA

Mission FIeld: USA

✚ Is he not afraid to get his hands dirty in the

“God is faithful, by whom you

– BULLETIN INSERT ENCOURAGING “SHORT TERM MISSIONARIES” –

I herewith indicate to the pastor and members of _________________Lutheran Church

of ______________________ my intention of joining the new Missouri Synod Lutheran

– INTENT FORM FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN COMMITTING TO THE NEW MISSION –

TO ANYONE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING

Please come join us for an organizational meeting as we begin to

– BULLETIN BLURB FOR RECRUITING –

Mission FIeld: USA

Example meeting agenda for 2. First things first -What is Church?

Mission FIeld: USA

Meeting 2 Sample Agenda: Developing the Roadmap

– CHURCH MISSION - DEC. 11 MEETING –

Opening Devotion − “Humble Beginnings” 2:00-2:15 p.m.

– EXAMPLE MEETING AGENDA FOR CORE GROUP MEETING #2 –

Meeting 3 Sample Agenda: Making an Action Plan

– A CHURCH MISSION OUTREACH –

Opening Comments – “The Light Pointing to Christ” 2:00-2:15 p.m.

– EXAMPLE MEETING AGENDA FOR CORE GROUP MEETING #3 –

A Word on Stewardship resurrection of Jesus Christ. As such, the Gospel of

Mission FIeld: USA

Mission FIeld: USA

Mission FIeld: USA

Administration A Planning Guide to Chartering

– EXAMPLE COMMITTEE SIGN UP SHEET –

Mission FIeld: USA

Example Plan for the Birth of a New Church

__ Design and print a church brochure. __ Secure a church phone number.

__ Identify more permanent worship location

__ Have regular social events to build fellowship

__ Have regular social events to build fellowship

__ Determine preliminary insurance needs. __ Obtain district approval of constitution

__ The children’s ministry leader recruits and

__ Ensure caring and safe policies are designed for

school rooms. ✚ Church Council

__ Land / Facility acquisition __ File for incorporation.

__ Celebrate what God has done each year __ Prepare a budget.

__ Become familiar with district quarterly report.

__ Check again on all appropriate insurance and

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Christ Lutheran Church

We would also welcome donations of the following

Would you prayerfully consider

I would like to help in God’s mission at

Design and print a church brochure. Secure a church phone number.

Determine preliminary insurance needs. Obtain district approval of constitution

Land / Facility acquisition File for incorporation.

Celebrate what God has done each year Prepare a budget.

LAST NAME __ FIRST NAME

CITY _________________________________ STATE ZIP_