Category Archives: ELCA

The Bible: God’s Word in Conversation with God’s People

The Bible is the Word of God. Sure. I agree with that. It’s in the constitutions of my denomination (ELCA) and its individual congregations: The canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word of God. Inspired … Continue reading

Posted in Bible, Christianity, ELCA, Faith, Lutheran Theology, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Unexpected Pastor Goes to Camp

What does hope look like? For me last week it looked like 70-some young people, from 8 years old through high school age, singing crazy camp songs, laughing, learning, and listening to camp stories, swimming and zip-lining and sitting in … Continue reading

Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, ELCA, Faith, Lutheran, Pastors | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Death With Dignity? (The question of Physician Assisted Suicide)

“Agnes” had lived long enough. The disease ravaging her lungs had downsized her once vigorous lifestyle. She couldn’t spend her days “out visiting.” Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren had to come to her now.  Not too long ago, just getting out … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, ELCA, End of Life, Lutheran Theology, Psalm 139 | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Keeping Score Church-Style

Today is the deadline for submitting my Congregational Report to the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America).  I will dutifully count the number of baptisms, new members, confirmations, and so on that occurred in 2011.  I will report income, expenses, … Continue reading

Posted in Church, ELCA, Pastors | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments