Before we begin, let me be clear: I am not downplaying the value of residential seminary education. It has formed countless faithful pastors, including many I deeply respect. It is a good and often life‑giving path for many students. But it simply cannot be the only  path—because the needs before us far exceed what a single, high‑cost, slow‑scaling model can supply. For decades, the LCMS has upheld the residential seminary model as the gold standard of pastoral formation. The

When I worked in Corporate America, leadership was often framed as gender-neutral: “a good leader is a good leader.” And to some extent, I’d agree that’s true. Both men and women can inspire teams, set vision, and lead effectively. But when you step into church culture, where theology intersects with gender and calling, the landscape changes. From the very beginning, God designed men and women to lead together, bearing His image in complementary ways. Deborah, for example, wa

Attention is slipping in our culture. We have increasingly short attention spans. Thanks, internet and social media. Thanks, cell phones and notifications. Thanks, sin. Sin steals our attention of what matters most. It shortens our attention span toward God. God’s gaze is fixed on us. His gaze of love fuels His delight in us. He’s wondering if we’ll return the gaze—become transfixed by His Word, His presence, His indwelling Spirit, His love.  Sin steals my attention toward Go

Pressed— Pressure mounting chest tightening overwhelmed unsure what to do some applaud others boo motives questioned God knows. Pressed Pressed— Feeling stuck wanting release. Feeling dark wanting light. Feeling alone wanting Him. Feeling seen wanting that to be enough. Pressed Pressed— Big dreams more need Him. Remove barriers all things all people. Release them to reach them. God’s mission. Pressed Pressed— A real tension no compromise. Truth unchanging clear proclamation.