Essay File: Recent submissions
Now showing items 4021-4040 of 4187
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Leaders in the Lord! What Makes a "Lutheran" Leader?
(1998)For every person who creates a definition for leadership another will refute it. When the topic is put under the “Lutheran” umbrella the focus is clearly centered on the Scriptures. Zarling brings many biblical passages ... -
History of the Madison Institutional Ministries
(1992)Derrick D. Bauer’s essay chronicles the development of the Madison Institutional Ministries (MIMI), a WELS initiative providing spiritual care to hospitalized and institutionalized individuals in Madison, Wisconsin. ... -
Welsmen Ltd. and Welsmen Charities Ltd.
(1989)Andrew P. Bauer’s essay traces the origins, purpose, and development of the Welsmen Ltd and Welsmen Charities Ltd, a lay-led fellowship group rooted in the Milwaukee Federation of Churches. Founded in 1976, the Welsmen ... -
Keeping Kids in the Kingdom
(1999)Summary Mark Zarling’s essay addresses the spiritual challenge of retaining youth in the Christian faith. He begins with a sobering case study of apostasy and urges pastors and teachers to reflect on their own ministry ... -
The Ordained Minister
(0000)John Zarling’s essay critically examines the theological and practical implications of ordination and ministry terminology within WELS. He argues that recent changes—such as ordaining male teachers and broadening the term ... -
Te Deum Laudamus: A Brief History on the Formation and Use of the Liturgy in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
(2008)Noah Bater presents a detailed historical analysis of liturgical development in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), tracing its evolution from early pietistic and rationalistic influences to a more confessional ... -
Northwestern Publishing House's Contribution to the Shaping of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in the Twentieth Century
(1979)Michael Bater traces the historical development and impact of Northwestern Publishing House (NPH) on the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Initially founded in 1876 to generate revenue for Northwestern College, ... -
Francis Schaeffer: How Far From Lutheranism?
(1979)John Zarling’s essay critically examines the theological and practical implications of ordination and ministry terminology within WELS. He argues that recent changes—such as ordaining male teachers and broadening the term ... -
EF 3411 Opus 54 Summary
(2009)This article summarizes all the meetings that preceded the signing of the contract to hire Martin Ott to build the Seminary chapel pipe organ. -
The Great Commission
(1)Thomas Bartz offers a thorough theological and linguistic analysis of the Great Commission, emphasizing its presence across all four Gospels and Acts. He critiques common misunderstandings, especially the interpretation ... -
What's the Difference?
(1987)Summary This 1987 survey-based study compares doctrinal beliefs and practices among Lutheran clergy in Milwaukee County across five synods: ALC, AELC, LCA, LCMS, and WELS. The authors analyze responses to 35 theological ... -
WELS Congregations in Canada: The Work Has Just Begun
(1982)Stuart Zak’s 1982 church history paper surveys the development of Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) congregations in Canada. Despite Canada’s vast geography and growing population, WELS had only nine congregations ... -
The History of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church of Fort Morgan, Colorado
(1988)This historical essay traces the origins, challenges, and blessings of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fort Morgan, Colorado. Founded in 1913 by German and German-Russian immigrants, the congregation experienced doctrinal ... -
Exegesis of John 12:36b-13:17
(1992)Pastor Jim Bartz offers a detailed exegetical study of John 12:36b–13:17, marking the transition from Jesus’ public ministry to his private instruction of the disciples. The paper explores themes of unbelief, divine judgment, ... -
Our India Connection: A Brief History of the Wisconsin Synod's Mission Involvement in India
(1984)Michael Bartsch recounts the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s mission efforts in India, centered around Pastor T. Paul Mitra. The essay traces Mitra’s journey from receiving a New Testament in the late 1960s to his ... -
Maintaining Doctrinal Principles and an Effective Evangelism Outreach
(1988)Michael Bartsch explores how confessional Lutheran congregations can uphold doctrinal integrity while engaging in effective evangelism. Grounded in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, the essay presents four theses: ... -
A History of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Lewiston, Minnesota
(1981)This historical essay traces the founding and development of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lewiston, Minnesota, from its organization in 1866 to its growth through 1981. Mark O. Bartsch explores the congregation’s ... -
The Means of Grace in the Life of our Evangelical Lutheran Congregations
(1993)This essay by Mark F. Bartling critiques contemporary trends in American Lutheranism, particularly the influence of the Church Growth Movement, Evangelicalism, and liturgical innovation. Bartling argues that these shifts ... -
The Future of Confessional Lutheranism in the USA
(1971)Rev. M. F. Bartling’s essay, presented in 1971, examines the future of confessional Lutheranism in the United States amid theological decline and doctrinal compromise. He outlines historical threats to Lutheran orthodoxy ... -
Encouragement to Counsel
(1984)Summary Rev. Larry Zahn encourages pastors to embrace their role as Christian counselors, recognizing that many people seek pastoral help before turning to professional therapists. Drawing from personal experience in ...