Essay File: Recent submissions
Now showing items 3801-3820 of 4187
-
God's Grace at Risen Savior
(1996)Thad Bitter’s essay chronicles the first 20 years of Risen Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, highlighting the congregation’s growth, challenges, and enduring reliance on God’s grace. Founded in ... -
The Teacher Uses Law and Gospel
(1988)Mark Bitter’s essay, presented at the 1988 Central Teachers’ Conference, explores how Christian educators can faithfully apply Law and Gospel in teaching, discipline, and counseling. Drawing on Scripture and personal ... -
St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church of Howard's Grove: 112 Years to Build a Christian Day School
(1978)Mark Bitter’s essay traces the long and complex journey of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Howards Grove, Wisconsin, toward establishing a full-time Christian Day School—an effort that took 112 years from the ... -
Growth out of Conflict: Opening WELS Missions after the Synodical Conference Dissolved
(2010)Kyle Bitter’s research explores how the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) experienced a surge in mission growth following its 1961 break with the Missouri Synod and the dissolution of the Synodical Conference. ... -
St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church of Cudahy, Wisconsin: A Congregation Committed to Christian Education
(1987)Jon Bitter’s essay chronicles the enduring commitment of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cudahy, Wisconsin, to Christian education from its founding in 1893 through the 1980s. The congregation opened its school ... -
Contending for the Truth 3 John and Jude 17-23
(2009)Gregg Bitter’s essay explores the biblical call to contend for the truth, focusing on 3 John and Jude 17–23. He highlights how Christian fellowship, grounded in the truth of God’s Word, is not merely doctrinal agreement ... -
An Overview of the Wisconsin Synod's Steps Towards Confessionalism 1850-1868
(1996)Gregg Bitter’s essay traces the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s gradual movement toward confessional Lutheranism between 1850 and 1868. Beginning with a synod shaped by unionistic mission societies and led by John ... -
The Ecumenical Movement and its Effect on Lutheranism in America
(0000)Donald F. Bitter’s essay offers a comprehensive historical and theological critique of the Ecumenical Movement and its influence on American Lutheranism. He traces the movement’s roots to 18th-century Pietism and 19th-century ... -
WELS Outreach in the Caribbean: On the Island of Antigua and Beyond
(1994)David P. Bitter’s essay documents the history and expansion of WELS mission work in the Caribbean, focusing on St. John’s Lutheran Church in Antigua. Founded in 1973, the congregation has grown through gospel-centered ... -
What Is Ministry???
(1993)Bruce A. Bitter’s essay What Is Ministry? explores the doctrine of the public ministry within Lutheran theology, tracing its biblical foundation, historical development, and theological distinctions. Through nine theses, ... -
Survey of WELS VBS Courses: Past and Future
(1984)Bruce Bitter and Robert Smith present a comprehensive review of Vacation Bible School (VBS) materials used within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), tracing their development from early catechism-based ... -
St. Marcus School: A Metamorphosis
(1986)Paul Birsching’s essay traces the historical evolution of St. Marcus School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from its founding in 1875 to the mid-1980s. Originally serving German immigrant families with a strong cultural and ... -
New Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church: An Example of the Goodness of God!
(1990)David Birsching’s essay chronicles the rich history of New Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sebewaing, Michigan, emphasizing the enduring grace of God through trials and triumphs. Beginning with missionary efforts among ... -
The Changing Role of Women in the LCMS, 1938-1978
(1980)Philip M. Birner’s 1980 essay explores the evolving role of women in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) from 1938 to 1978, focusing on voting rights and ordination. Initially grounded in conservative interpretations ... -
Our Growing Blessing: A Brief History of M.V.L.
(1983)Marcus Birkholz’s essay recounts the founding and early development of Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School (MVL) in New Ulm, Minnesota, from 1977 to 1979. Prompted by the relocation of Martin Luther Academy, local WELS ... -
A Scriptural Analysis of the Self-Esteem Theology of Robert Schuller as to Both its Inherent Dangers and Blessings, if Any
(1985)Mark Birkholz’s essay critically examines the theology of Robert Schuller, particularly his concept of “self-esteem theology” as presented in Self-Esteem: The New Reformation. Delivered at a WELS delegate conference in ... -
The Mankato Controversy
(1972)Marcus L. Birkholz’s paper examines the Mankato controversy, a pivotal episode in the history of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) leading up to its break with the Missouri Synod in 1961. Centered around ... -
Holy Trinity, Grand Rapids, MI: One of Its Kind
(1983)Keith J. Bilitz’s church history paper explores the founding, growth, and challenges of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Wyoming, Michigan—the only WELS congregation in the Grand Rapids area as of 1983. Established in 1963 ... -
The History of Northside Lutheran Ministries
(1996)Jon Bilitz’s essay traces the origins and development of Northside Lutheran Ministries (NLM), a WELS outreach program serving Milwaukee’s inner-city since 1988. Born from the Inner-City Mission Committee’s recognition of ...