A few weekends ago, I sat in a sanctuary full of hope with four LCMS representatives and left with the sense that many of the concerns people brought into the room had not truly been heard. However, I went home with a clearer calling than I had when I arrived. That's not for nothing. But let's back up. The "Listening Event" The Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church hosted what they called “LCMS Pastoral Formation Listening Event” here in the Phoenix area, four LCMS seminary representatives,...

I know better. I really do. I’ve read Luther. I’ve taught Romans. I’ve wrestled with Law and Gospel. I’m still learning how to apply theology in real life, not just talk about it. And somehow… I still managed to get myself completely stuck in the Law. What made it worse is that I couldn’t even see it. I knew the theology. It just wasn’t applying to me. Somewhere along the way, I swam too far out into the deep water of theology and didn’t have a life vest. I was reading Paulson, Walther,...

From the hospital to the ministry, I’ve learned the same lesson: knowledge matters, but it won’t carry you when the weight hits. True...