Essay File: Recent submissions
Now showing items 4001-4020 of 4187
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Franz Johannes Kilian
(1978)James Becker’s biographical essay on Pastor Franz Johannes Kilian traces the life and ministry of a quiet but faithful servant of the Gospel. Born in Bremen, Germany in 1828, Kilian immigrated to America in 1853 and initially ... -
Scouting: Are Our Objections Still Valid?
(1986)In this 1986 essay, Pastor Bruce H. Becker examines the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s (WELS) longstanding objections to Scouting, particularly the Boy Scouts of America, in light of updated materials and evolving ... -
Praising His Grace: The History of the Wisconsin Synod in Japan, 1957-1982, Book I (1543-1957)
(1982)Book I of Praising His Grace traces the early history of Christianity in Japan and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s (WELS) initial mission efforts from 1952 to 1957. The authors outline Japan’s complex religious ... -
What Does Almah Mean?
(1970)William F. Beck’s essay “What Does Almah Mean?” presents a comprehensive linguistic, exegetical, and theological defense of the traditional Christian interpretation of Isaiah 7:14, asserting that the Hebrew word almah means ... -
To Whose Glory? An Analysis of the Relationship between the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and the Church of the Lutheran Confession 1938-1982
(1982)John A. Beck’s essay offers a detailed historical and theological analysis of the division between the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and the Church of the Lutheran Confession (CLC). Tracing events from 1938 ... -
NWC Accreditation: Giving In or Moving Up?
(1984)John A. Beck’s essay examines the decade-long process (1974–1984) by which Northwestern College (NWC) in Watertown, Wisconsin, pursued accreditation through the North Central Association (NCA). The paper explores the ... -
The Closing of Martin Luther Preparatory School
(1995)Paul Baur’s essay documents the events leading to the 1993 decision by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) to close Martin Luther Preparatory School (MLPS) in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. The paper traces eight ... -
The Early Activity of the Wisconsin Lutheran Synod in Alaska, with Special Emphasis on the Southeastern Region
(1981)Martin Baur’s essay traces the early mission efforts of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) in Alaska, focusing on the development of congregational work in the southeastern region. Beginning with exploratory ... -
A Symbolic Guide of Zebaoth Evangelical Lutheran Church
(1992)Dan Baumler’s essay presents a detailed symbolic guide to Zebaoth Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, highlighting its unmatched richness in Christian iconography within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). ... -
Where is the Font?
(2001)Summary In this essay, Mark Zarling explores the theological, pastoral, and personal significance of Holy Baptism, using the baptismal font as a symbol of God’s grace. He urges pastors to reflect on the font’s place in ... -
The Doctrinal Situation of Three Merging Churches
(1985)John Baumgart’s essay critically examines the doctrinal landscape of three liberal Lutheran church bodies—the Lutheran Church in America (LCA), the American Lutheran Church (ALC), and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran ... -
The Ethnological Impact of the German-Russian Immigrant on the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
(1980)Mark Zarling’s essay explores how German-Russian immigrants influenced the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), particularly in liturgical customs, education, doctrinal practices, and daily life. These immigrants, ... -
The Prayer of a Penitent Person: An Exegesis of Psalm 51
(1994)Jon A. Baumann’s essay offers a rich exegetical and pastoral exploration of Psalm 51, presenting it as a model prayer of repentance. Through detailed analysis of the Hebrew text, Baumann highlights David’s plea for mercy, ... -
Stand in Awe of Justification
(1983)Summary Mark Zarling’s essay presents justification as the central doctrine of Christianity—the “diamond” of divine revelation. He distinguishes between objective justification (God’s declaration of forgiveness for all ... -
Which Method of Biblical Exposition Is More Loving?
(1993)John C. Baumann’s essay critically compares the historical-critical and historical-grammatical methods of biblical exposition, arguing that the latter is more faithful and loving in its approach to Scripture. Baumann defines ... -
Shepherding the Sunday School
(0000)Summary Mark Zarling’s essay encourages pastors to take an active, loving role in their congregation’s Sunday school ministry. He identifies declining enrollment and morale as symptoms of deeper issues—lack of vision, ... -
The Chippewa Indian Missions of Northern Michigan (1840-1869)
(1982)John Baumann’s essay offers a detailed historical account of Lutheran mission efforts among the Chippewa Indians in northern Michigan from 1840 to 1869. Focusing on key figures such as Friedrich Schmid, Wilhelm Loehe, ... -
EF 3337 The Intersynodical Controversy through the Eyes of Rev. H. Paul Bauer
(2007)Jonathan Bauer’s essay offers a personal lens on the Intersynodical Controversy between the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), as experienced by his grandfather, Rev. ... -
Look At Sunday School Through The Lord's Eyes
(1999)Summary In this keynote address, Mark Zarling urges congregations to view Sunday School not through human limitations but through the eyes of the Lord. He traces its historical roots—from social reform and revivalism to ... -
Teacher Burnout: Are You a Candidate?
(1983)Gerhard C. Bauer’s essay, presented at the Minnesota District Teachers’ Conference in 1983, explores the causes and remedies of teacher burnout, particularly among Christian educators. Bauer emphasizes that burnout stems ...