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The Lutheran Church‐Missouri Synod in the United States has a significant, extensive, and winsome history of work with migrant communities. This work includes various parachurch organizations designed for resourcing, social care, and evangelistic witness, aligning with the synodical mission of "Witness, Mercy, and Life Together." Nevertheless, migrant influence on worship practices within LC‐MS congregations can be very minimal. There are a few examples of congregations that have achieved a kind of acculturation or juxtaposition of migrant and local worship practices, and even fewer that are cultivating a kind of inculturation of worship rituals and practices. Using the framework of inculturation and intercultural hermeneutics, this article will seek to highlight the opportunities of congregations within the LC‐MS to cultivate a new sense of worship and community. This new sense of communal worship recognizes the migrant not just as welcome guest but as full participant in "Witness, Mercy, and Life Together," sharing the stewardship and leadership of rituals, practices, songs, and other ceremonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

19th century Lutherans in the United States confronted the presence of slavery not only as a social condition but as a theological challenge. Immigrants who formed Lutheran churches and gathered into synods also had to choose alliances among the Lutheran groups already present. Most traditional histories of this process of denominational formation focus on the confessional standpoints of the various groups, but underneath and hovering over these discussions of theology and doctrine were positions on antislavery movements and the coming of the Civil War. These social realities affected the theological formation of Lutheranism in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roots of public administration are in the fields of management, political science, and the law. The law is underrepresented in the literature and is not as well understood by nonlawyer practitioners, yet it increasingly enables, constrains, and prescribes government action. In 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on a case involving whether a government grant awarded on secular criteria must be provided to a qualified church. This article contributes to the field's understanding of the interplay of law and administration by examining the constitutional issues in the case and their implications for public administration. By considering how this dispute was framed and the ways in which the court approached its resolution, public officials can better understand the issues in similar cases; anticipate potential disputes; and (re)design policies that will serve their communities, remain within constitutional limits, and reduce the likelihood of litigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roots of American Protestant youth ministry go back to the nineteenth century. But the social and demographic shifts of the "baby boom" generation in the decades after World War II caused extensive and enduring changes in its practice and theory. Lutherans were as involved in these changes as any Protestant group; and they corresponded to an era Mark Noll dubbed the "Lutheran second coming to America," re-entering the public religious square, drawing from and contributing to mainline conversations. What work exists on Lutheran youth ministry in this period highlights its involvement with social activism. This, however, is only one of the dominant trends. Through a recovery of the voices of Lutheran youth ministry theory in this era, three prominent themes emerge: social progressivism, psychological methods and theories, and evangelical-pietistic concerns. These themes signal more than the characteristics of a discrete episode: a cursory survey suggests that they persist, although not uniformly across the denominational landscape, as significant impulses of American Lutheranism today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the author shares her experiences of teaching Islam in the Religion Department at California Lutheran University (CLU), an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), located in California. Topics discussed include, historical background of CLU, personal experience of the author in teaching Islam inside and outside the classroom, and critical discussion on teaching Islam at a Lutheran institution.

The article presents the author's views on American freedom with reference to Lutheran theology. Various topics discussed include religion followed by Americans, their religious freedom, political institutions in the U.S. since 1920s, American marriage, lutheranism in the region and social engagement of Americans.

The article presents a document entitled "Communion Practices Committee of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) and the Lutheran Church in America (LCA)" from the author on Lutheran liturgical practice. Topics discussed include the sacraments at a Lutheran Theological Seminary; the way in which he approaches the sacraments; and opinion that liturgy has a profound effect on the life of the church and its piety.

Religious congregations hold a unique status among public charities in that they are exempt from having to ask for recognition of their tax-exempt status from the federal government. Despite this privileged status, more than two hundred thousand congregations are registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the rate of registration appears to be increasing. We examine regional, religious, and administrative patterns among the congregations registered with the IRS. Certain denominations, such as the Latter-day Saints, appear to have taken a centralized stance against congregational registration, whereas others, such as the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, have made a centralized decision for congregational registration. Other denominations appear to have left the decision up to individual congregations. Of those congregations that are registered, the method of registration, whether independent or through a denomination’s group exemption, appears to be related to the denomination’s centralization of authority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essay is presented on the North American Lutherans and the Liturgical Year. Topics include the future of North American Lutherans, American Evangelicalism, and the Lutheran Book of Worship of 1978. Other topics include the periodical "Currents in Theology and Mission" (CTM), Jesus Christ, and the North American Lutheran Church (NALC).

The article discusses reporting in U.S. newspapers affiliated with Protestant churches, particularly the Lutheran Church, about the Nazi seizure of power in Germany in 1933. In particular, the author examines the reporting in the periodicals "Lutheran Standard," "Lutheran Herald," and "Christian Century," among others. Issues considered include Lutheran understandings of and affinities with National Socialism, with a simultaneous skepticism of the German Christian movement, Jewish-Christian relations, and attitudes toward the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany. Special emphasis is given to the views of theologian Reinhold Niebuhr on these questions.

A biography of Lutheran pastor David Bittle, the founder of Roanoke College, is presented. He was born in Maryland on November 19, 1811. The influence of Lutheran theologian Samuel Simon Schmucker on Bittle is discussed. Evangelical aspects of Bittle's thought are noted, along with his republican political beliefs. His role as president of Roanoke College is addressed. He died in 1876.

This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of Lutheran college presidents leaving the presidency. The purpose of this research was to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of former college presidents who were associated with Evangelical Lutheran Churches in America (ELCA) colleges. Research on university and college presidents has focused mainly on those who lead large universities or small community colleges. The themes and meanings that emerged in this research are discussed in light of three phases: pre-exit, exit, and post-exit. The results of this research include significant and meaningful lessons learned by these former presidents that may be helpful for current and future college presidents. Implications for practice and future research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biography of Lutheran mission organizer Friedrich Bauer, who founded the institution Missionsanstalt Neuendettelsau, is presented. He lived from 1812 to 1874. His relation to fellow Lutheran mission activist Wilhelm Loehe is addressed. It is said that Bauer played a significant part in the training of pastors for the U.S. Iowa Synod through the institution Wartburg College and Seminary. Conflicts between the Missouri Synod and the Iowa Synod are noted.

The article discusses the celebration of the American Reformation Quadricentennial in 1917. According to the article, the celebration focused upon the memory of German theologian Martin Luther. It discusses how U.S. Lutherans worked to emphasize their unique relationship to the historical development of the church. The article states that American Lutherans utilized the occasion to disassociate themselves from foreign allegiances, to assimilate to American society, and to affirm the religious heritage and fundamentals of Lutheranism.

The rivalry between two centers of German Pietism, Halle and Herrnhut, shaped the development of both the Lutheran Church and the Moravian Church in America. The conflict began in Germany, but Pennsylvania became a major battleground in the 1740s. After years of sometimes violent controversy, the Moravians and Lutherans eventually developed as separate denominations. The most famous episode was the encounter on December 30, 1742, between Zinzendorf and Henry Melchior Mühlenberg, but that was just the first skirmish. Mühlenberg continued to oppose the Moravians after Zinzendor's departure for Europe. In Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Tulpehocken Mühlenberg fought publicly with the Moravians over who would supervise Lutheran ministry in America. Mühlenberg intervened in several Lutheran congregations that had pastors friendly to the Moravians and asserted his own authority over them. Both sides used law courts and the press to assert their claim to be considered true Lutherans and convince the public that the others were heterodox "Pietists." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the history of Lutheranism in Astoria, Oregon, examining the factors that contributed to the existence of several Lutheran churches in the town from the 1870s onward. It comments on aspects of ethnicity, culture, and language, noting the presence of Germans and several Scandinavian groups, including Finnish, Swedish, and Norwegian communities. The author also notes the influence of theological divergences and local geography. Several individual churches in Astoria, including Bethany Lutheran Church, are considered.

Lutheranism came to Korea with the American military chaplaincy of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in conjunction with the Korean War. The initial aim of these chaplains was to help the Koreans to improve their living conditions and to further their acquaintance with the Christian message. The main proponent of Lutheranism was Won Yong Ji, who for many years held a dual appointment at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and at the Luther Seminary in Korea. His brother, Won-Sang Ji, was the first president of the Lutheran Church in Korea. Though the church has fewer than fifty congregations-most Protestant Christians are Presbyterians-its theological influence is significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an examination into the practice of monastic religious life in Lutheran Christianity, particularly their celebration of the liturgical prayer cycle. A brief overview of the history and characteristics of religious communities in the Lutheran tradition is given, including profiles of the Swedish monastic group the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary of the Evangelical Way of Mary, the German Circle of Castell Community, and the American Congregation of the Servants of Christ. The common prayer and worship life of these groups are then provided individually and collectively.

Lutheranism came to Korea with the American military chaplaincy of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in conjunction with the Korean War. The initial aim of these chaplains was to help the Koreans to improve their living conditions and to further their acquaintance with the Christian message. The main proponent of Lutheranism was Won Yong Ji, who for many years held a dual appointment at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and at the Luther Seminary in Korea. His brother, Won-Sang Ji, was the first president of the Lutheran Church in Korea. Though the church has fewer than fifty congregations-most Protestant Christians are Presbyterians-its theological influence is significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essay is presented examining the strategic communication methods used by the 18th-century German Lutheran pastor Henry Melchior Muhlenberg when he was placed in the colonial United States to assist the church communities there. Introductory information is given noting the challenges which faced communication infrastructure and logistics at the time. The author then argues that Muhlenberg actively utilized the benefits of those communication weaknesses to his advantage in his leadership.

Christianity as we know it in the United States is essentially a european ethnic religious movement, one that has necessitated decolonizing processes as it has spread into the formerly euro-colonized global world. In many ways, lutheranism has been and continues to be even more discretely ethnocentric, based largely in the thinking, the cultures, and the languages of the germanic north. This essay challenges lutheran theologians to begin a dedicated process of decoding the narrowly ethnic and implicitly colonizing language of lutheran theology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers a perspective on the present and future roles of women in the ELCA. It gives some analysis of women's roles in the trend of declining traditional congregations and rising megachurches while imagining the role of clergywomen in the church's next forty years as new models of ministry emerge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an exploration into the correspondence written by the 19th-century U.S. Lutheran missionary Wilhelm Loehe, focusing on the period between 1852 and 1872, wherein he formed a new synod in Iowa. Details are given describing the activities and the controversies regarding Loehe and his followers during the period within the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, including discussion of his disputes over the theology of pastoral ordination and authority, his travels and resettlement to Iowa, and his work in sending and supporting missionaries to German immigrants throughout the nation.

The article presents an exploration into the historical relationship between the Augustana Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Bible Institute (LBI) during the first half of the 20th century. An overview is given of the emergence and development of the LBI during the 1920s. The contributions of the Augustana Synod to the establishment and support of the program are highlighted, mentioning ways in which the drive to increase English use in services promoted Augustana's cooperation with the pan-Lutheran organization. Conflicts between LBI and the Augustana Synod are also discussed, focusing on disputes over liberalism in theology.

The article presents an overview of the ecclesiastical relations between the Augustana and Missouri Lutheran Synods during the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Introductory details are given noting how the two Lutheran communities were often hostile to each other on both cultural and theological grounds throughout the period. Discussion is given highlighting disputes over territorial jurisdiction and competition, issues surrounding the ethno-cultural identities of its communities, and differing views on contemporary political-moral issues such as Prohibition. Accounts are also given noting their disputes and negotiations regarding Lutheran church union efforts.

International migration is initiating myriad processes of religious change from the level of individual conversion to the institutional transformation of religious structures and practices. An approach combining a transnational perspective and the concept of diaspora space facilitates the analysis of the different scales, agents, and actions involved in migration-caused religious change. The article analyzes the broadening of Lutheranism to incorporate Latino Catholic culture into the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in Madison, Wisconsin. Under the leadership of their pastor, Latin American immigrants in Madison are agents redefining the understanding of the category Lutheran through the incorporation of popular Catholicism. Though strongly contested by the Roman Catholic Church, the ELCA accepts these processes due to its institutional interest in the recruitment of new Latino worshippers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the article by James Nash, I argue that Nash's concern for the protection of biodiversity provides the occasion for his critique of biblical usage in support of moral judgments. I then discuss Bible usage and ethical method by comparing Nash's analysis with the social statement on the environment produced by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The comparison, rather than offering contrasts, serves to illustrate the wisdom of Nash's understanding of how the Bible may be appropriately used in dialogue with reason and experience to guide moral judgments. Particularly noteworthy is a shared spirit of humility in making moral claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: This article asserts the value of service learning as integral to youth ministry's future. However, service learning often lacks an appropriate philosophical foundation and an effectual process. Therefore, we offer Luther's doctrine of vocation as a framework for engaging youth in service experiences, which in return becomes a concrete way to experience the doctrine of vocation and, more importantly, the freedom of a Christian. Framed and interpreted through a vocational lens, service experiences aid youth in recognizing the urgency of a life of faith, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: This assessment, from a pastor who has served in all three of its ‘expressions' (congregation, synod, churchwide), and now heads one of its 8 seminaries, celebrates both major achievements as well as the interdependent ‘churchstyle’ exhibited by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America during its first 20 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: This essay introduces important developments in recent Luther scholarship in America and argues for a specific retrieval of Luther for contemporary religious and theological issues, such as the problem of evil and the role of experience in theology. The essay describes how contemporary feminist and liberation theologies have recontextualized Luther in America. Also addressed is the current interest in historical investigations of Luther in relation to medieval thought that aligns with the American reception of Finnish scholarship on Luther. These developments show that the American Luther is moving beyond its fundamental shaping by German Protestantism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the continuation of the reflections of a 19th-century Swedish pioneer in Goodhue County, Minnesota from the previous issue. The arrival and establishment of "Mattson's Settlement," or the town of Vasa, is discussed. Accounts are given of the early growth of the community in the 1850s citing the adaptation of the Swedish immigrants to farm life in the Midwest. The construction and establishment of a Lutheran church in 1855 is described. The author's early career in law is also mentioned. Further topics addressed include the Scandinavian community's political involvement and the author's enlistment in the Civil War.

This response to the Rev. James Massa asserts that, because of the Vatican's unwillingness to recognize Lutheran churches as churches, the presentation only could be overheard as an outsider. One reason given that Lutheran churches are not so recognized is Walter Kasper's insistence that "Protestant Christians do not wish to be a church in the same way as the Catholic Church understands itself as a church"--which commonly is understood to be a reflection upon the role and authority of bishops in particular and orders in general. Citing conclusions from the Fourth Round of the United States Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue (1970), as well as several philosophical assertions, a case is built for reappraising this perspective that may provide an ecumenical way forward by avoiding the traditional expectation of all-or-nothing recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essay presents reflections and analysis of the development of healing rites in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. An overview of the novel introduction of healing liturgies in the late 20th century to Lutheran services is given, along with a listing of observations regarding the relationship between healing sacramental rites and scriptural theology, as well as the contextual importance of group assembly.

The article focuses on the role of pastors for Evangelical Lutheran Church founded by Martin Luther in America. The said pastors will start with giving a definition for the nature of the assembly. Moreover, the pastors should all take part and be responsible for the seven marks including the preached word of God, sacrament of baptism and sacrament of Holy Communion. Luther emphasizes the visible involvement of people, together with the pastor to witness the Gospel of God.

The author discusses the history of Lutherans and their race in relation through the story of Andrew Schulze, a white Lutheran Pastor in the U.S. He states that Lutheranism was brought to the Americas primarily through German and Scandinavian immigration, and only an about two percent originated from a non-European background. He emphasizes that the Great Migration, which was the movement of large numbers of black Americans from the rural South America to the urban North America, made a major change in American race relations. Further, he stresses that the story of Schulze demonstrates the vast majority of Lutherans when it comes to racial matters.

The article discusses the current activity in the United Church of Christ (UCC) related to church union processes. Details of how the United Church of Christ treat communion agreements and the issue of unity are outlined. An overview of the relationship among the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, United Church of Christ, Presbyterian Church and the Reformed Church in America, is presented. Details of the relationship forged by the UCC with the Union of Evangelical Churches are given.

Recent anthropological studies of new immigrant destination communities recognize Marshalltown, Iowa, as one of the unusually successful U.S. towns in its accommodation of recent Latino immigrants. This paper examines the crucial role that Rev. John Allen of Elim Lutheran Church played in establishing the foundation for a Latino community identity and forging an integrated and diverse Marshalltown community. One person, with a vision and passion for his work and respect and empathy for others, made the difference. However, Hispanic ministry can never be static, and over time others more effectively built upon Allen's foundation. Hispanic ministry is a process that must evolve in order to effectively respond to changing social, cultural, and advocacy needs of the immigrants it serves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]