+ Wilhelm Loehe, Pastor and Theologian +
2 January AD 1872
Christened Johann Konrad Wilhelm Löhe, he established a reputation already as a young pastor for being “too” theologically conservative and “too” politically progressive. This led to his being moved to at least twelve positions until he received his own parish in Neuendettelsau, Bavaria in 1837. Beginning his career with difficulty, he accomplished much from such a small place. Even though he had aspirations of a more prominent position in a major city, church and government officials never allowed that to pass.
The Catholic king of Bavaria was de facto leader of the Lutheran Church. His main desire was to keep the churches from becoming places of political unrest. Thus arose strict restrictions, such as an assembly. . . Read All
Nicaraguan church work students examined in lead-up to ordination, consecrations
NICARAGUA – October 23 marked the second-last set of interviews in Nicaragua for ten vicars (candidates for pastoral ministry) and 17 deaconess-candidates, in the lead-up to their ordinations and consecrations for full-time ministry.
Each student was examined individually by Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) and Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua (ILSN) leaders. The interview questions focused on areas of academic knowledge including understanding of the pastoral ministry and diaconal work, the Lutheran liturgy, preaching and teaching, stewardship, and mission work, among other subjects.
Throughout December and early January, the final set of interviews will …
Called to Serve
by Iris Barta
As God’s people, God chooses to work through us in the world and in the Church. His Word says: “Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul?” (Deuteronomy 10:12).
The word “serve” often has negative connotations. It is not our human nature to serve others. It has the implication of someone else being our master, …
The Diaconate in the Ancient Church
In The Diaconate of the Ancient and Medieval Church, eminent Wittenberg law professor Caspar Ziegler (1621–90) provides contemporary church workers and students of history with a detailed description of how Christians have shown mercy to a lost and dying world from apostolic times to the Reformation. Ziegler’s detailed study engages at least 500 primary sources to illustrate expertly the life of the Church as recorded and discussed by interpreters of canon law. His research explains the underlying tradition of the Lutheran Confessions and helps answer why and how particular practices and offices developed and changed from the early church through the Reformation era. Indeed, by showing differences between Western and Eastern traditions, Ziegler points out medieval problems that helped . . . Read All
Convention votes to provide for diaconal service on boards, commissions, and committees
VANCOUVER – Delegates to Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) National Convention in Vancouver voted Saturday to bring members of the diaconate onto synod’s boards, commissions, and committees.
LCC’s bylaws identify deacons as members of Synod, along with pastors and congregations. They further identify deacons not as laypeople but rather as rostered workers, along with pastors. Up to this point, however, the language of LCC’s bylaws have only made allowance for pastors and laypeople to serve on synodical boards, commissions, and committees, effectively leaving deacons ineligible to serve in these capacities.
To rectify that situation, …
The Diaconate of the Ancient & Medieval Church
Yesterday, I received my copy of a new book from Concordia Publishing House, The Diaconate of the Ancient & Medieval Church by Caspar Ziegler. The book was translated by Richard Dinda with a Forward by Matthew C. Harrison. The editors were Charles P. Schaum and Albert B. Collver. The book provides a detailed history of deacons and deaconesses in the Church. It is an invaluable read if you are interested in this topic.
From the book jacket:
Caspar Ziegler details how Christians have shown mercy to a lost and dying world from apostolic times to the Reformation.
Ziegler’s detailed study engages at least 500 primary sources to illustrate expertly the life of the Church as recorded and discussed by interpreters . . . Read All
Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua (ILSN) celebrates the graduation of 29 new church workers
NICARAGUA – On January 25, the Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua (ILSN) celebrated the graduation of 29 new church workers from the Seminario Teologico Reforma Luterana in Chinendega. In total, 17 deaconesses and 12 pastoral students received their diplomas.
The deaconesses will now begin a one-year apprenticeship teaching with the ILSN’s Children’s Education Program. The pastoral students will enter their one-year vicarage, following which they will be ordained and receive their first calls.
“It is with great joy we celebrate the graduation of these new church workers in Central America,” said Rev. …
+ Wilhelm Loehe, Pastor and Theologian +
2 January AD 1872
Christened Johann Konrad Wilhelm Löhe, he established a reputation already as a young pastor for being “too” theologically conservative and “too” politically progressive. This led to his being moved to at least twelve positions until he received his own parish in Neuendettelsau, Bavaria in 1837. Beginning his career with difficulty, he accomplished much from such a small place. Even though he had aspirations of a more prominent position in a major city, church and government officials never allowed that to pass.
The Catholic king of Bavaria was de facto. . . Read All leader of the Lutheran Church. His main desire was to keep the churches from becoming places of political unrest. Thus arose strict restrictions, such as an assembly
Spring 2013 Calls, Vicarage and Deaconess Internship Assignments
Calls and assignments for pastors, deaconesses, and vicars, from Call Day, May 1, 2013, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.