Newsletter Articles

ELCA“What We Can All Learn from the ELCA’s Dramatic Decline”
January 12, 2026

“What We Can All Learn from the ELCA’s Dramatic Decline”

Ever since I became a Lutheran pastor I have been fascinated with denominational statistical trends.  I have especially been interested—and concerned—with trends among Lutheran denominations in general and, starting in…
Don Brandt 1
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Anti-RacismDEIAELCAThe Past, Present, and Future of “Bound Conscience”
January 12, 2026

The Past, Present, and Future of “Bound Conscience”

Director's Note: Many thanks to Bob Benne, esteemed NALC theologian and friend of Lutheran CORE, for his review of the history of the whole issue of “Bound Conscience.” The 2022…
Robert Benne 0
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ChurchStoriesIf You Leave the ELCA
January 12, 2026

If You Leave the ELCA

My congregation voted successfully to leave the ELCA in 2023.  Reflecting on the past three years, here are three things I would encourage you to keep in mind if you…
David Charlton 1
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DiscipleshipSeminariansRight Then and There
January 12, 2026

Right Then and There

“I don’t want to offend anyone or lose my friends.” That was the reason one of my church council members gave as to why she holds back from talking to…
Megan Shaffer 0
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Discipleship and MissionNALC Continental Youth Gathering: Forming Young Disciples Across North America
January 12, 2026

NALC Continental Youth Gathering: Forming Young Disciples Across North America

Every two years, youth and their leaders from across the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) will  gather for four days of worship, teaching, and service at the Continental Youth Gathering…
Teresa Peters 0
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March for Life and Y4Life Conference in January!
January 12, 2026

March for Life and Y4Life Conference in January!

The NALC Life Ministries team is once again preparing for the March for Life in Washington D.C. this January, but our plan is a little different. Instead of holding a…
Dennis Di Mauro 0
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DiscipleshipVideo Ministries: “The Jesus Shaped Way” By Bob Rognlien
November 11, 2025

Video Ministries: “The Jesus Shaped Way” By Bob Rognlien

Many thanks to Brian Hughes for his review of “The Jesus Shaped Way” by Bob Rognlien.  Brian is a dual rostered NALC and retired ELCA pastor and vice president of…
Dennis Nelson
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ChurchStoriesGO Into the GAP
November 11, 2025

GO Into the GAP

Once the endless meetings, insulting slurs, character attacks, hurt feelings, and procedural difficulties involved in leaving one ecclesial community and entering another are over, the remaining congregation members are often…
Brett Jenkins
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Global Lutheran Leaders Gather
November 11, 2025

Global Lutheran Leaders Gather

Note from our Executive Director: Many thanks to Paul Borg, LCMS pastor and friend of Lutheran CORE, for his report on the recent gathering of the Global Confessional and Missional…
Paul Borg
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Video Ministries: “The Big Relief” By David Zahl
November 11, 2025

Video Ministries: “The Big Relief” By David Zahl

Many thanks to LCMC pastor Daniel Ostercamp for his video review of “The Big Relief” by David Zahl.  A link to Daniel’s video can be found HERE.  A link to…
Dennis Nelson
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ELCAOrthodox Lutherans on the Frontlines of Advancing the Gospel
November 11, 2025

Orthodox Lutherans on the Frontlines of Advancing the Gospel

Rev. John Lomperis is Director of Education and Development for Petros Network Amidst Lutheranism’s many recent challenges, we must celebrate where faithful Lutherans continue making a great difference for Jesus…
John Lomperis
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ChurchStoriesELCA2009 to 2011: My Congregation’s Disaffiliation Journey
November 11, 2025

2009 to 2011: My Congregation’s Disaffiliation Journey

Back in the fall of 2009, shortly after the ELCA national assembly actions created so much controversy, my congregational members were already leaning toward disaffiliation.  In fact, my co-pastor and…
Don Brandt
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ChurchStoriesELCAWhen the Quiet Part Is Said Out Loud: Our Journey to Disaffiliation from the ELCA
November 11, 2025

When the Quiet Part Is Said Out Loud: Our Journey to Disaffiliation from the ELCA

There were three linchpins that were integral to my departure from the ELCA. The first linchpin, the so-called “Bound Conscience” statements, kept me from leaving the ELCA for over 15…
Larry Becker
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The Hard Work of Honoring the Eighth Commandment
November 11, 2025

The Hard Work of Honoring the Eighth Commandment

The Eighth Commandment: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about…
Chris Johnson
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Believers to Followers: Come and See!
September 15, 2025

Believers to Followers: Come and See!

Why is it that a group of unlikely people can spread the Gospel to others, while we, with all our Bible knowledge, struggle to do the same? The disciples had…
Megan Shaffer
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What Your Congregation Can Do to Find Your Next Pastor
September 15, 2025

What Your Congregation Can Do to Find Your Next Pastor

    By now most of you are probably aware of the current clergy supply crisis, and the fact that this shortage is unprecedented in our lifetimes.      Just one factor—among…
Don Brandt
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DEIAELCAD.E. Incurvatus In Sei: Navel Gazing and the Narcissist
September 15, 2025

D.E. Incurvatus In Sei: Navel Gazing and the Narcissist

No man is an island,Entire of itself.Each is a piece of the continent,A part of the main.If a clod be washed away by the sea,Europe is the less.As well as…
Kevin Haug
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Video Ministries: Tools for Worship Planning – Part Two
September 15, 2025

Video Ministries: Tools for Worship Planning – Part Two

Many thanks to NALC pastor Cathy Ammlung for this second in a series of videos intended to provide congregations - especially those with temporary and/or longer-term pastoral vacancies - with…
Cathy Ammlung
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ELCATwenty Years of Faithfulness and Blessing
September 15, 2025

Twenty Years of Faithfulness and Blessing

Note from Lutheran CORE's Executive Director: We thank God for His faithfulness and blessings as we observe the Twentieth Anniversary of Lutheran CORE.  Many thanks to Mark Chavez, first Executive…
Mark Chavez
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DiscipleshipThe Reformed Church is Always…
September 15, 2025

The Reformed Church is Always…

It is 2025—an auspicious year.  We are a quarter way into the 21st century.  The Lutheran Reformation is just beginning to essay its second half millennium, and just as the…
Brett Jenkins
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ELCAWokeLutheran Theological Refutation of the ELCA Social Statement “Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All”
September 15, 2025

Lutheran Theological Refutation of the ELCA Social Statement “Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All”

Editor's note: The Social Statement as amended was approved by the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly 762 to 16. Rather than repeat Pastor Nelson’s comprehensive review of the 2025 ELCA Churchwide…
Paul Flemming
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ELCAThe Five Solas and the ELCA’s Proposed Constitutional Changes: A Call for Faithful Reformation
July 9, 2025

The Five Solas and the ELCA’s Proposed Constitutional Changes: A Call for Faithful Reformation

Rose Luther. Illustration of theology and confession of faith in the atoning sacrifice of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) considers sweeping…
Paul Flemming
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ELCAPagan Christian Faith?
July 9, 2025

Pagan Christian Faith?

At Confirmation Camp the girl had scrawled across her forearm four pagan runes. Most folks would look past these symbols as mere doodling. But the images are pagan prayers every…
Douglas Schoelles
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ChurchStoriesHere We Are, Send Us!
July 9, 2025

Here We Are, Send Us!

The events that put me at the front line of leading our church out of the ELCA began with an unexpected phone call from our founding pastor. Unbeknownst to him,…
Steve Humphrey
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ChurchStoriesSix Years to Unanimous
July 9, 2025

Six Years to Unanimous

Six years. That was the length of time St. John’s Lutheran Church of Nanticoke, PA, went without a called pastor. For six years, this incredibly close-knit group of strong lay…
Megan Shaffer
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ChurchStoriesExit, Stage Right
July 9, 2025

Exit, Stage Right

Editor's Note: The author is writing about the outlandishness of the 1994 draft.  It promoted same sex relationships and masturbation.  And it was released to the press before it was…
Brian Hughes
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ELCAPreview of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly
July 9, 2025

Preview of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly

I was amazed but not surprised over how little information was coming from the ELCA regarding the momentous decisions that will be made by and the potentially momentous changes that…
Dennis Nelson
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Video Ministries: “A Christian Worldview Primer for Twenty-First Century Americans”
July 9, 2025

Video Ministries: “A Christian Worldview Primer for Twenty-First Century Americans”

Many thanks to Stephen Heath for providing a video summary of his new book, “A Christian Worldview Primer for Twenty-first Century Americans."  A link to Stephen’s video can be found…
Dennis Nelson
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Lament for a Fallen Train Horse
May 8, 2025

Lament for a Fallen Train Horse

Editor’s Note: The image above shows soldiers harvesting and cooking a fallen horse. Brett writes, "While originally written in regards to Western culture generally, the thrust of this poem more particularly…
Brett Jenkins
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DEIAKicking the Can
May 8, 2025

Kicking the Can

The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) finally released their final recommendations to the ELCA Church Council–and to the larger church, particularly in regards to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly…
Kevin Haug
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DiscipleshipSeminariansThe Quandary of Discipleship
May 8, 2025

The Quandary of Discipleship

Editor's Note: Pastor Megan Ann Shaffer is writing for Lutheran CORE for the first time. She is an NALC pastor in Pennsylvania. “Ugh, discipleship is so law-based.” Sadly, I frequently…
Megan Shaffer
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DEIAThe Horse Has Already Left the Barn:
May 8, 2025

The Horse Has Already Left the Barn:

An Analysis of Recommendations 1 and 7 in the Final Report of the ELCA's Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church The past couple years we have written extensively about the…
Dennis Nelson
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ELCAThe ELCA’s Quest for Greater Control
May 8, 2025

The ELCA’s Quest for Greater Control

The Lutheran Congregational Support Network (LCSN) has recently released three more videos which tell of big changes that are on the horizon for the ELCA.     HERE is a link…
Dennis Nelson
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Orthodox Repentance
March 10, 2025

Orthodox Repentance

If your church is following the three year lectionary, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday with 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10.  Officially, the pericope begins, “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be…
Brett Jenkins
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The Implications of Current Religious Trends
March 10, 2025

The Implications of Current Religious Trends

     To use a somewhat dated expression, it’s “hot off the press.” I am referring to the latest Pew Research Center “Religious Landscape Study.”  This is Pew’s third large-scale “Religious…
Don Brandt
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Video Ministries: Captain Comet and the Intergalactic Patrol
March 10, 2025

Video Ministries: Captain Comet and the Intergalactic Patrol

Many thanks to Alan Williams for his video review of his book, “Captain Comet and the Intergalactic Patrol.”  A link to Alan’s review can be found HERE.  A link to…
Dennis Nelson
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Approaching the Throne of Grace With Boldness
March 10, 2025

Approaching the Throne of Grace With Boldness

Every year Lent is a time when we give thanks to God for His great love and amazing grace.  How much we need that love and grace.  Every year on…
Dennis Nelson
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DiscipleshipLeadership: Wisdom and Innocence
January 13, 2025

Leadership: Wisdom and Innocence

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”  (Matthew 10:16) Our Lord gave these instructions to…
John Mohan
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Untrustworthy Faith: Good As Your Word?
January 13, 2025

Untrustworthy Faith: Good As Your Word?

Is your word any good? Like the Old Westerns, “My word is My bond.” We like to think we are people of our word. We make a concerted effort to…
Douglas Schoelles
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Vision Casting for Church Leaders
January 13, 2025

Vision Casting for Church Leaders

Editor’s Note: Click here to register for Lutheran CORE’s next free webinar, Vision Casting for Church Leaders, led by the author. During the night Paul had a vision of a…
Brian Hughes
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March for Life and Y4Life Conference in January!
January 13, 2025

March for Life and Y4Life Conference in January!

The NALC Life Ministries team is once again preparing for the March for Life in Washington D.C. this January, but our plan is a little different. Instead of holding a…
Dennis Di Mauro
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SeminariansYoung TimothyHow Can We Be Sure of Our Salvation?
January 13, 2025

How Can We Be Sure of Our Salvation?

Many thanks to Dr. Mark Mattes of Grand View University, Des Moines, Iowa, for the video recordings of the lectures he recently gave on how we can be sure of…
Dennis Nelson
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ELCAReconsiderations: More Than “Simply Editorial”
January 13, 2025

Reconsiderations: More Than “Simply Editorial”

The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly passed two resolutions that called for reconsideration of the 2009 social statement, “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.” Reconsideration #1: A review of specific text references that…
Dennis Nelson
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Accountability
January 13, 2025

Accountability

In my last article I detailed a way you could tell that “Progressive Christianity” was in fact an alternative to Christianity, namely that it held different things sacrosanct and considered…
Brett Jenkins
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ELCANo Way to Slow Down
January 13, 2025

No Way to Slow Down

This January marks the end of my term as President of Lutheran CORE.  I have been on the board of CORE since 2019.  In that time, my own congregation held…
David Charlton
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CRLCDEIAELCAELCA Focus
January 13, 2025

ELCA Focus

Please check out the new page on our website, “ELCA Focus,” which brings together in one place a large number of resources and articles regarding the ELCA.  It is intended…
Dennis Nelson
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Video Ministries – Review of “The Coddling of the American Mind”
January 13, 2025

Video Ministries – Review of “The Coddling of the American Mind”

Many thanks to LCMC pastor Daniel Ostercamp for his video review of the book, “The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a…
Dennis Nelson
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Free Webinar on Church Conflict
November 14, 2024

Free Webinar on Church Conflict

At the church in southern California where I served as pastor for forty years we had a large Christian day school that went from preschool to eighth grade.  The Christmas…
Dennis Nelson
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CRLCDEIAIs Even Greater Conflict on the Horizon?
November 14, 2024

Is Even Greater Conflict on the Horizon?

Structural and governance changes will most certainly come about from the work of the ELCA’s Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church.  An all-encompassing redefinition of mission and ministry will most…
Dennis Nelson
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Video Ministry – “Understanding Evil From a Christian Perspective”
November 14, 2024

Video Ministry – “Understanding Evil From a Christian Perspective”

Many thanks to Ken Coughlan for giving us a video review of his recent book, “Understanding Evil from a Christian Perspective.”  Ken is a Christian apologist and religion teacher at…
Dennis Nelson
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WokeWho Is Like the Lord Our God?
November 14, 2024

Who Is Like the Lord Our God?

As a friendly commenter noted, my last article needed some serious editing. It is never good for me to find myself writing too close to a deadline; the result is…
Brett Jenkins
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The Existential Crisis Facing So Many Congregations
November 14, 2024

The Existential Crisis Facing So Many Congregations

Pastor Don Brandt The Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC), on its website, lists the average worship attendance of each of their 818 U.S. congregations.  This data represents a…
Don Brandt
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ChurchStoriesEscaping Egypt: Undeserved Loyalty
November 14, 2024

Escaping Egypt: Undeserved Loyalty

Editor’s Note: Lutheran CORE is collecting and possibly publishing stories from our readers and congregations about the process they followed when they tried to exit the ELCA — successfully or…
Brian Hughes
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SeminariansFree Webinar – “Planning as a Paradigm Shift”  
September 12, 2024

Free Webinar – “Planning as a Paradigm Shift”  

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 – 11 AM EDT In addition to alerting people to ways in which the ELCA is going further and further off the rails, we of Lutheran CORE…
Dennis Nelson
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Video Ministries-September 2024
September 12, 2024

Video Ministries-September 2024

“RESIDENT ALIENS: LIFE IN THE CHRISTIAN COLONY” A video book review by Douglas Schoelles   Many thanks to Douglas Schoelles, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana…
Dennis Nelson
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SeminariansWokeWoke? Awake; the Sacred’s Changing
September 12, 2024

Woke? Awake; the Sacred’s Changing

Although the appellation “woke”—used by Ricky Gervais to the Hollywood establishment at the Oscars as “insider” language just a few years ago—is eschewed by progressives now that cultural conservatives have…
Brett Jenkins
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Young TimothyA Father’s Wise Instruction
September 12, 2024

A Father’s Wise Instruction

Do you worry if your children will be wise when they go off to live in this corrupted world? Have you given them the foundation they need?  Jesus said our world…
Douglas Schoelles
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CRLCWhat Are They Actually Accomplishing?
September 12, 2024

What Are They Actually Accomplishing?

An Analysis of the Work Of the ELCA's Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church As promised, we continue to monitor the work of the ELCA’s Commission for a Renewed Lutheran…
Dennis Nelson
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SeminariansAddressing The Clergy Supply Crisis
September 12, 2024

Addressing The Clergy Supply Crisis

Given the increasing shortage of ordained pastors available for call, now is the time when many churches will need to take the initiative to enlist one or two (or three)…
Don Brandt
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ELCAChristian Marxist Antisemitism
July 11, 2024

Christian Marxist Antisemitism

Most people would call me a “conservative” Lutheran, although I would prefer to be called orthodox or traditional. Nevertheless, I will accept the label. Therefore, as a conservative Lutheran, it…
David Charlton
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Ghosting Faith?
July 11, 2024

Ghosting Faith?

Ever been ghosted? Ever have someone with whom you were connected not call you back? Ever have someone stand you up? Most of us have been ghosted some time. Cutting…
Douglas Schoelles
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A Different Approach to Pro-life Ministry
July 11, 2024

A Different Approach to Pro-life Ministry

As a pastor, I sometimes have the opportunity to take on unexpected ministries outside of the church.  Such was the case when I was invited to become the Executive Director…
Patrick Darnell
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Discipleship and MissionCity Mission: A Catalyst for Becoming a Missionary Disciple
July 11, 2024

City Mission: A Catalyst for Becoming a Missionary Disciple

“… if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the…
K. Craig Moorman
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Anti-RacismCRTDEIAOther CommunicationsHow DEIA, Anti-Racism and CRT Are Becoming the New Gospel in the ELCA
July 11, 2024

How DEIA, Anti-Racism and CRT Are Becoming the New Gospel in the ELCA

How DEIA, Anti-Racism and CRT Are Becoming the New Gospel in the ELCA Any meaningful discussion of these modern-day heresies absolutely must begin and end with scripture.  DEIA (Diversity, Equity,…
Larry Becker
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ELCAThe ELCA Shows Its Values Through Whom It Features
July 11, 2024

The ELCA Shows Its Values Through Whom It Features

There is an old adage that says, “You show your values through what and whom you feature.”  That certainly is true of the ELCA. Again this past June, in observance…
Dennis Nelson
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Video Ministries-July 2024
July 11, 2024

Video Ministries-July 2024

Be sure to check out the two new videos on our You Tube channel.  A link to our You Tube channel can be found here.  Both of these videos are…
Dennis Nelson
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WokeOrthodox Reading Is Pastoral Reading
July 11, 2024

Orthodox Reading Is Pastoral Reading

“What’s all this ‘Father’ stuff about in the Lord’s Prayer?  Why should we call God ‘Father,’ anyway?” she intoned petulantly, fixing me with a stare that clearly thought no reasonable…
Brett Jenkins
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“Journey to Forgiveness: 21 Milestones to Freedom”
May 9, 2024

“Journey to Forgiveness: 21 Milestones to Freedom”

Many thanks to David Peterson, pastor of Apostles Lutheran Church in Chesapeake, Virginia (LCMC), for giving us a video review of his first book, “Journey to Forgiveness: 21 Milestones to…
Dennis Nelson
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The Ministry Challenges We Face in 2024
May 9, 2024

The Ministry Challenges We Face in 2024

Consider the contrasting good news and not-so-good news ministry challenges that are confronting many of our congregations in 2024: Good News: Many local churches have now been blessed by the…
Don Brandt
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Bringing Children to Jesus
May 9, 2024

Bringing Children to Jesus

In Matthew 19: 14 Jesus told His disciples, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom…
Dennis Nelson
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Anti-RacismCRTDEIARacism, Power, and Prejudice
May 9, 2024

Racism, Power, and Prejudice

Almost 30 years ago, I had my first introduction to the tactics of postmodern argumentation.  A professor at Texas Lutheran made the statement that he could not be racist because…
Kevin Haug
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Book Review: “Tenderness” by Eve Tushnet
May 9, 2024

Book Review: “Tenderness” by Eve Tushnet

Note from Executive Director Dennis D. Nelson: Many thanks to a friend of Lutheran CORE for giving us a review of Eve Tushnet’s book, “Tenderness: A Gay Christian’s Guide to…
A. Nestenprest
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WokeWords Fail Me: Questioning the Newspeak of My “Progressive” Education
May 9, 2024

Words Fail Me: Questioning the Newspeak of My “Progressive” Education

In my office hangs my ordination certificate.  Across it is emblazoned the name of the ordaining body, the body whose confessional commitments I pledged to uphold on the day I…
Brett Jenkins
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Anti-RacismCRTDEIAAn Incoming DEIA Disaster
March 5, 2024

An Incoming DEIA Disaster

Recently, the ELCA posted the results of a DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) Audit1 which was authorized by the Churchwide Assembly.  The audit laid out its findings and made…
Kevin Haug
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Operation Reconquista: Responses to Critical Questions
March 5, 2024

Operation Reconquista: Responses to Critical Questions

Editor’s Note: Pr. Haug wrote a positive article on this topic in January (click here). Last newsletter I hinted that I would write a follow up article about OperationReconquista and…
Kevin Haug
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When Does Life Begin?
March 5, 2024

When Does Life Begin?

Editor's Note: by M. Roy Schwarz, M.D. The American Heritage Dictionary, 2nd College Edition defines "life" as "the property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from the dead or inanimate…
M. Roy Schwarz
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Contented Faith
March 5, 2024

Contented Faith

When I was dating my wife Debra, I was so excited about being with her. I was eager to talk with her, be with her, and go off on adventures…
Douglas Schoelles
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Hope for De-churched Lutherans
March 5, 2024

Hope for De-churched Lutherans

In my previous two articles, I talked about the dilemma facing De-churched Lutherans.  Some cannot find an orthodox Lutheran parish in their area.  Some have been made to feel unwelcome…
David Charlton
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Reflections on Mission
March 5, 2024

Reflections on Mission

Editor’s Note: Jacob Moorman is a member of River’s Edge Ministries, which regularly hosts and leads mission work locally in Maryland, through City Mission, and annually in other states through…
Jacob Moorman
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Anti-RacismCRTDEIAA Warning of What is Coming
March 5, 2024

A Warning of What is Coming

Many thanks to Kevin Haug for his very insightful article about the DEIA audit which the ELCA recently commissioned a law firm to do of its governing documents.  I hate…
Dennis Nelson
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ELCAThankful for the Opportunity to Share
March 5, 2024

Thankful for the Opportunity to Share

I am very grateful for the recent invitation to have a zoom conversation with the director and associate director of the ELCA’s Reconsiderations process.  This is the task force that…
Dennis Nelson
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… and Now Many of Them Are Just Lost
March 5, 2024

… and Now Many of Them Are Just Lost

Just over a year ago Christine and I found ourselves in Florence, South Carolina.  Nice place just off I-95, we found a fixer-upper on the little lake in town.  Pro…
Brian Hughes
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Operation Reconquista: An Affirmative Response
January 11, 2024

Operation Reconquista: An Affirmative Response

Can mainline denominations be reconquered from theological liberalism?  A group named Operation Reconquista has emerged to attempt such a thing, and they are offering tactics on just how to proceed.…
Kevin Haug
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ELCAIs This What You Want?
January 11, 2024

Is This What You Want?

We all remember with horror the ways in which traditional views on such matters as human sexuality were rejected and belittled at the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering.  Here is a…
Dennis Nelson
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Resentful Faith
January 11, 2024

Resentful Faith

While visiting another Lutheran church in the area as the gathered worshipped the LORD through the prayers and praised God through the songs, across the pews I saw a man,…
Douglas Schoelles
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REST, INC., Part 2
January 11, 2024

REST, INC., Part 2

Finding Rest in (and for) a Restless World Dear Friends—                                                                                                     When did so many of the mainline denominations begin to go adrift and lose their way? Why? How? What happened?…
K. Craig Moorman
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Aging and End-of-Life Decisions
January 11, 2024

Aging and End-of-Life Decisions

“Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and will bear, I will carry and will save.”  Isaiah 46:4…
Alden Towberman
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Video Ministry – January 2024
January 11, 2024

Video Ministry – January 2024

“PASTORAL HELMANSHIP: A PASTOR’S GUIDE TO CHURCH ADMINISTRATION” Many thanks to Aaron Heilman for this review.  Aaron is Worship Leader for Pointe of Hope Church in Blue Springs, Missouri (LCMS). …
Dennis Nelson
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Considering the Challenge of Transitioning from Clergy-Led to Lay-Led Congregational Ministries
January 11, 2024

Considering the Challenge of Transitioning from Clergy-Led to Lay-Led Congregational Ministries

This article is written especially for smaller congregations that are either 1) already experiencing a pastoral vacancy, or 2) know that their solo pastor will be retiring within the next…
Don Brandt
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March for Life and Y4Life Conference in January!
January 11, 2024

March for Life and Y4Life Conference in January!

The NALC Life Ministries team is once again preparing for the March for Life in Washington D.C. this January, but our plan is a little different. Instead of holding a life conference,…
Dennis Di Mauro
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Book Review: Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?
January 11, 2024

Book Review: Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?

Editor's Note: Full title of the book is Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage: 21Conversations from a Historically Christian View. Also, Spencer Wentland is a former ELCA missionary. Introduction and…
Spencer Wentland
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ELCAMissionMission Under Accompaniment
November 15, 2023

Mission Under Accompaniment

Director's Note: Spencer Wentland is uniquely qualified to write this article analyzing the ELCA’s concept of global mission as accompaniment rather than evangelism – as responding to requests for help…
Spencer Wentland
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Should We Put a Loved One Out of Her Misery?
November 15, 2023

Should We Put a Loved One Out of Her Misery?

Imagine a scenario where a loved one is suffering from an incurable condition and unimaginable pain.  And yet, antiquated laws have prevented her from finding peace once and for all.…
Dennis Di Mauro
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Rest, Inc.
November 15, 2023

Rest, Inc.

Part 1: A Gift of Restoration, Resilience, and Prophetic Perspective Dear Friends— We were in the middle of our first vacation ‘Out West’, somewhere between Colorado Springs, CO, and Yellowstone…
K. Craig Moorman
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Ingrate Faith
November 15, 2023

Ingrate Faith

“You’re welcome.” Joy comes from saying those words to someone who recognizes and thanks you for an act of service or kindness. When you perform such gracious acts to express…
Douglas Schoelles
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DiscipleshipELCAYou Can’t Have God’s Kin-dom Without God’s Kingdom
November 15, 2023

You Can’t Have God’s Kin-dom Without God’s Kingdom

With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? –Mark 4:30 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall…
Kevin Haug
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Churches Without Pastors
November 15, 2023

Churches Without Pastors

In the September CORE Voice, I reflected on my time as the pastor of a mission congregation.  My question was whether the Lutheran Church is prepared for a time when…
David Charlton
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ChurchStoriesIn Faith
November 15, 2023

In Faith

“We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have…
Franklin Gore
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Discipleship and MissionTraining Disciple-Makers
November 15, 2023

Training Disciple-Makers

“...take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan…” Joshua 4:3 We wish God’s blessings upon Dean Rostad, president, and the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute.  This is the third…
Dean Rostad
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ELCAOnce You Know the Makeup, You Know the Outcome – Part Two
November 15, 2023

Once You Know the Makeup, You Know the Outcome – Part Two

In the September 2023 issue of CORE Voice I gave an analysis of the expected outcome from the ELCA’s Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church.  After reading the biographical paragraphs…
Dennis Nelson
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ResourcesSeminariansOn Christian Nationalism
September 14, 2023

On Christian Nationalism

Santino Burrola recorded a video and posted it to TikTok.  He was fired from his job at a grocery store for the offense.  What did he do wrong?  Inappropriately filming…
Kevin Haug
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ResourcesSeminariansChurches Without Property
September 14, 2023

Churches Without Property

In 1998, I moved with my wife and my 3 year old son to Pembroke Pines, Florida.  I was sent there to start a new congregation in an area of…
David Charlton
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ResourcesSeminariansYoung TimothyPrevailing Against the Gates
September 14, 2023

Prevailing Against the Gates

“Alderaan? I'm not going to Alderaan. I've got to get home. It's late. I'm in for it as it is.” Name that movie.  Name that scene.  Anyone with even a…
Brian Hughes
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About Congregational Singing
September 14, 2023

About Congregational Singing

I recently attended a traditional worship service where the emotional and spiritual highlight for me was the opening and closing hymns.  This was not because the sermon message was subpar…
Don Brandt
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ELCASeminariansOnce You Know the Makeup, You Know the Outcome
September 14, 2023

Once You Know the Makeup, You Know the Outcome

If there ever will be a time when that old adage will be proven true, it will be with the ELCA’s thirty-five-member Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church. This commission…
Dennis Nelson
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SeminariansYoung TimothySevered Foot Faith?
September 14, 2023

Severed Foot Faith?

Choices, choices and AdChoices. Our hyper-consumer culture overwhelms us with all the choices we can make to please our whims. For all the hyper-individually focused advertising that is pushed at…
Douglas Schoelles
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Young TimothyPockets of Hope
July 18, 2023

Pockets of Hope

When I think of Baltimore, I often think of my early childhood home with a large magnolia tree in the front yard and a tall, hemlock pine in the back,…
Teresa Dubyoski
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ChurchStoriesELCA Moves In and Takes Over
July 18, 2023

ELCA Moves In and Takes Over

In my Summer Letter from the Director I told in great detail the disturbing story of how Bishop Yehiel Curry of the ELCA’s Metropolitan Chicago Synod threatened, intimidated, bullied, and…
Dennis Nelson
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Video Ministry – July 2023
July 18, 2023

Video Ministry – July 2023

Here is a link to our You Tube channel.  In the top row you will find both our Video Book Reviews as well as our CORE Convictions Videos on various…
Dennis Nelson
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SeminariansYoung Timothy“Here Am I. Send Me!”
July 18, 2023

“Here Am I. Send Me!”

Of all the voices in the world calling you to be this or do that with your life, how will you discern God’s call? While God calls persons into full…
Jeff Morlock
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ELCASeminariansThe Creeds Don’t “Sparkle”
July 18, 2023

The Creeds Don’t “Sparkle”

Note from our Executive Director: Many thanks to Kevin Haug, ELCA pastor in Texas, for his article about the Sparkle creed.  This so-called "creed" has received a lot of attention…
Kevin Haug
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SeminariansCaring Christian Faith Communities: Needed Now More Than Ever
July 18, 2023

Caring Christian Faith Communities: Needed Now More Than Ever

As Americans we are living in a time of increasing emotional despair.  And this crisis presents the Body of Christ with tremendous challenges as local churches consider how they might…
Don Brandt
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Daily Devotion Options
July 18, 2023

Daily Devotion Options

Editor’s Note:  Rev. Dr. Douglas Schoelles joined the board of Lutheran CORE earlier this year.  Rev. Jeffray Greene has been writing devotions for us for a long time. We are…
Kim Smith
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SeminariansYoung TimothyDead Faith
July 18, 2023

Dead Faith

Don’t play with dead fish! Mom said don’t bring it home thinking we’ll eat it! A dead fish is useless and worthless. What are we to do with dead faith?…
Douglas Schoelles
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Book Promotion: The Power of Healthy Leadership
July 18, 2023

Book Promotion: The Power of Healthy Leadership

Leadership is not a title, a performance, or mere occupation. It is a sacred relationship creating ripple effects, for both good and bad. This book is about stewardship leaders, who…
James Hoefer
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City Mission 2023
May 15, 2023

City Mission 2023

Our prayers are with Pastor Craig Moorman and all those who are providing leadership for and participating in City Mission 2023, a multi-generational, multi-denominational outreach effort into the inner city…
Dennis Nelson
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Video Ministry – May 2023
May 15, 2023

Video Ministry – May 2023

Here is a link to our You Tube channel.  In the top row you will find both our Video Book Reviews as well as our CORE Convictions Videos on various…
Dennis Nelson
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Congregational Lay Leadership Initiative
May 15, 2023

Congregational Lay Leadership Initiative

We are very grateful for all of the ways in which retired NALC pastor Don Brandt enhances the ministry of Lutheran CORE.  He has an article in every issue of…
Dennis Nelson
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The Clergy Shortage: Some Historical Perspective
May 15, 2023

The Clergy Shortage: Some Historical Perspective

Perhaps my perspective is somewhat distorted by being one among so many retired or retiring Boomer pastors.  After all, the Boomer generation has been accused—often justifiably—of having an inflated view…
Don Brandt
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Web Map
May 15, 2023

Web Map

Whenever I fly into an airport I have never been in before, I am always very grateful for all the signs that greet me as soon as I step off…
Dennis Nelson
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