Lutheran Witness: February 2025

The February issue of The Lutheran Witness is all about smaller congregations — that is, the vast majority of congregations across our Synod.

From the President: A Kingdom Not of This World

From the Editor: The Small Congregation

Features:

Where We Stand: A look at data on LCMS congregational attendance

‘Where Two or Three Are Gathered’: Large or small, what makes a church is the same everywhere — Matthew Richard

Three Starting Questions for Smaller Congregations: How is God using your congregation as it already is? — Mark Wood

A Synod of Smaller Congregations: Congregational size in the history of the LCMS — Lawrence R. Rast Jr.

All Christians, Chosen Priests: The priesthood of all believers can help smaller congregations thrive — Ken Schurb

Smaller Congregations: The Challenges and Blessings: God is working good through the challenges we face — Stacey Eising

Bivocational Ministry: A holy burden, from St. Paul’s day to our own — Troy Neujahr

Healthy Youth Ministry, Regardless of Numbers — Julianna Shults

Departments:

Snippets: News from around the LCMS and the world

Walking Together: A congregational spotlight on Messiah Lutheran in La Crescent, Minn.

Worship: ‘In Whom We Have Redemption’: The Forgiveness of Sins in the Divine Service

Life in the Church Year: Candlemas: Candles, Crepes and Compline

Formula of Concord Reading Plan: February — Free Will

Searching Scripture: Opening the Old Testament: The Prophet Like Moses