Newsletter Articles

Considering Congregational Transitions: From Lay Ministers to “Pastors-in-Training”
November 12, 2026

Considering Congregational Transitions: From Lay Ministers to “Pastors-in-Training”

Lutheran CORE’s Congregational Lay-leadership Initiative (CLI) has been designed and launched to help congregations “raise-up” from among their active members one or more lay ministers willing to accept a public…
Don Brandt 0
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My First Steps Into Ordained Ministry
November 12, 2026

My First Steps Into Ordained Ministry

Greenhorn, Rookie, Novice, Newcomer, Wet-Behind-The-Ears, Newbie, and last but not least… Pastor! On July 18th I was ordained at my home congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church, in Jeromesville, Ohio and on…
Ethan Zimmerman 1
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From Fear to Faith: Loving Our Muslim Neighbors as Christ Commanded
November 12, 2026

From Fear to Faith: Loving Our Muslim Neighbors as Christ Commanded

In an earlier article, I wrote about restoring Christian teaching within the home, a responsibility Martin Luther emphasized in his Small Catechism. Parents are called not only to teach their…
Paul Flemming 0
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DiscipleshipDefining Following Jesus (Part One)
November 12, 2026

Defining Following Jesus (Part One)

This is the first article in a series that explores Lutheran CORE’s development of renewal resources that fit within a Lutheran context. We being by defining discipleship. This past September,…
John Mohan 2
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ELCAMore Evidence That the End Result Is Pre-Determined: An Analysis of the ELCA’S “Learn and Discern” Series
November 12, 2026

More Evidence That the End Result Is Pre-Determined: An Analysis of the ELCA’S “Learn and Discern” Series

HERE is a link to a series of five podcasts which the ELCA describes as “an educational tool . . . as we journey together through the reconsideration of the…
Dennis Nelson 12
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ChurchStoriesELCAYour Father’s Place on the Mother Road is No More
November 12, 2026

Your Father’s Place on the Mother Road is No More

156 years of continuous Word and Sacrament ministry came to an abrupt end on September 13, 2026. That’s the day of the final Sunday liturgy at First and Santa Cruz…
Keith Forni 0
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Clergy Connect: Resource for Congregations Looking for a Pastor or Other Staff Member
November 12, 2026

Clergy Connect: Resource for Congregations Looking for a Pastor or Other Staff Member

HERE is a link to the Clergy Connect page on our website.  That is a resource for congregations looking for a pastor or other staff member.  If we can be…
Dennis Nelson 0
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Various Prayer Offices and Resources
September 14, 2026

Various Prayer Offices and Resources

A Video Conversation between Cathy Ammlung and Ethan Zimmerman Many thanks to two frequent contributors to Lutheran CORE for this conversation regarding how the daily prayer offices can provide an…
Dennis Nelson
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DiscipleshipWhen Faith Stays at Church: Recovering Luther’s Vision for the Christian Home
September 14, 2026

When Faith Stays at Church: Recovering Luther’s Vision for the Christian Home

I have been reflecting recently on my own upbringing and, in doing so, have come to an uncomfortable realization. My parents were faithful Christians. We attended church regularly. We prayed…
Paul Flemming
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ELCAThe Tradition of Biblical Theology
September 14, 2026

The Tradition of Biblical Theology

In my last article for Lutheran CORE I reflected on the fact that the animating principle of the Lutheran Reformation was ad fontes—back to the sources of Christian faith.  I…
Brett Jenkins
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ELCAResources for ELCA Leaders and Members
September 14, 2026

Resources for ELCA Leaders and Members

HUMAN SEXUALITY One of our ministry goals as Lutheran CORE is to provide resources for those who want to learn more about and/or want to inform their congregations about what…
Dennis Nelson
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Discipleship“A Significant Charitable Giving Opportunity: Benefiting Your Church or Charity Now, in 2026”
September 14, 2026

“A Significant Charitable Giving Opportunity: Benefiting Your Church or Charity Now, in 2026”

No doubt you’ve heard that the median age of the U.S. population keeps going up.  It is currently estimated to be 39.  And yet the median age of those who…
Don Brandt
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DiscipleshipThank You and a Warm Welcome
September 14, 2026

Thank You and a Warm Welcome

One of the greatest joys that I have experienced while serving as Executive Director of Lutheran CORE has been working with a wonderful Board of Directors.  Over the years many…
Dennis Nelson
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Toolkit for Worship Planning – Part Four – Contemporary Worship
September 14, 2026

Toolkit for Worship Planning – Part Four – Contemporary Worship

Many thanks to NALC pastor Cathy Ammlung for this fifth in a series of videos intended to provide congregations - especially those with temporary or longer-term pastoral vacancies - with…
Dennis Nelson
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Prophecies of Isaiah for Mamas and Littles
September 14, 2026

Prophecies of Isaiah for Mamas and Littles

Last month we featured a video by James and Hanna FitzGerald, in which they told about Hanna’s new book, which provides Advent devotionals for young children and their mothers.  HERE…
Dennis Nelson
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Pastoral Transitions: It’s About Planning Ahead
July 13, 2026

Pastoral Transitions: It’s About Planning Ahead

Since the median age of serving Protestant pastors is now estimated to be sixty, this means that fifty percent of pastors will most likely be retiring in the next five…
Don Brandt
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DiscipleshipWhat Would It Take for You to Believe?
July 13, 2026

What Would It Take for You to Believe?

A question you don’t hear every day, but that is what popped into my thoughts after reading John 20:19-31. We must take a step back to understand Thomas’ reaction. Thomas…
Steve Humphrey
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DiscipleshipSwimming Against the Current
July 13, 2026

Swimming Against the Current

He is at it again.’ Every time I hear this phrase, I cringe. Since arriving at my parish, I have heard my congregants comment on the social media antics of…
Megan Shaffer
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Law and Gospel in Everyday Life: Why the Christian Life is Not Meant to Be Exhausting
July 13, 2026

Law and Gospel in Everyday Life: Why the Christian Life is Not Meant to Be Exhausting

I appreciated Jeffray Greene's devotion on Mark 13:37 and found much wisdom in his call for Christians to live intentionally and remain spiritually alert. His reminder that our faith is…
Paul Flemming
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ELCAAn Obvious Attempt at Damage Control:
July 13, 2026

An Obvious Attempt at Damage Control:

AN ANALYSIS OF THE STUDY GUIDE FOR THE RECONSIDERATION OF THE HUMAN SEXUALITY SOCIAL STATEMENT   by Dennis D. Nelson The task force that is reconsidering the 2009 ELCA social…
Dennis Nelson
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ELCAWhy Is the ELCA So Negative? An Analysis of ELCA Worship Resources for the Semiquincentennial
July 13, 2026

Why Is the ELCA So Negative? An Analysis of ELCA Worship Resources for the Semiquincentennial

The ELCA developed worship resources for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  As expected, right from the start, the ELCA made this observance into something…
Dennis Nelson
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Video Ministries—July 2026
July 13, 2026

Video Ministries—July 2026

Many thanks to AALC pastor James Hoefer and NALC pastor Cathy Ammlung for providing the latest videos for our You Tube Channel.    A link to our YouTube channel, which contains…
Dennis Nelson
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When “Justice” Replaces Christ: A Lutheran Response to Modern Social Theology
May 11, 2026

When “Justice” Replaces Christ: A Lutheran Response to Modern Social Theology

Jeffray Greene’s recent devotional on Mark 12:1 was thoughtful and helpful. It reminded me that everything we have belongs to God and that we are called to be faithful stewards.…
Paul Flemming
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MissionSeminariansThe Lord’s Inheritance
May 11, 2026

The Lord’s Inheritance

If you are at all plugged into what is going on outside of Lutheran circles, you have undoubtedly seen news related to the surge of thirty-five and under young people…
Brett Jenkins
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ELCAWhat’s Next With The ELCA?
May 11, 2026

What’s Next With The ELCA?

One thing we can know for sure – no matter how far the ELCA goes, it will not stay there.  It will only get worse.  HERE is a link to…
Dennis Nelson
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DiscipleshipVideo Ministries – May 2026
May 11, 2026

Video Ministries – May 2026

“Your Devotional Journey Through Scripture: A Daily Discipleship Resource” by Pastor Don Brandt Many thanks to Doug Schoelles, NALC pastor and member of the board of Lutheran CORE, for his…
Dennis Nelson
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A New Milestone in the Clergy-Supply Crisis
May 11, 2026

A New Milestone in the Clergy-Supply Crisis

We have reached a new milestone when it comes to the median age of currently-serving Protestant pastors.  It is now sixty.  (I deliberately spelled out “sixty” in case any of…
Don Brandt
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Reviving Monica
March 11, 2026

Reviving Monica

In his article in the February issue of First Things, “The Rise and Fall of Gay Activism,” Scott Yenor details the various waves of the gay liberation movement that, beginning…
Brett Jenkins
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If Yesterday …
March 11, 2026

If Yesterday …

…was the last time in the Pulpit,The last time serving Holy Communion,The last time preaching the love of Christ,Then I am humbled to have beenCalled to serve Your People, Lord.I…
Kevin McNamara
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DiscipleshipMoving Beyond the Lull
March 11, 2026

Moving Beyond the Lull

In Ten Years?  Who is going to be sitting in the pews in ten years’ time?  Ryan Burge, a Baptist pastor and professor, does statistical analysis about religion in America.1…
Douglas Schoelles
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“Facing What Might Be Your Congregation’s Upcoming Existential Crisis”
March 11, 2026

“Facing What Might Be Your Congregation’s Upcoming Existential Crisis”

While I have written about the clergy shortage in the past, my concern continues to grow for churches who are, or soon will be, dealing with a pastoral vacancy.  Keep…
Don Brandt
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Greasing the Skids?
March 11, 2026

Greasing the Skids?

In our January and February 2022 publications I wrote a two-part article which explored the question of how the LGBTQ+ agenda and community were able to be so successful in…
Dennis Nelson
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DiscipleshipStudentsOnline Confirmation: A Faithful Way to Form Young Disciples
March 11, 2026

Online Confirmation: A Faithful Way to Form Young Disciples

One of the joyful and fruitful youth ministry efforts the NALC has developed in recent years is our Online Confirmation Program. What began as a practical response to a real…
Teresa Peters
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Love1
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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DiscipleshipBelievers 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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MissionReflections 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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Discipleship… 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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