Reformation season is upon us! It is a great time to be a Lutheran, as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the posting of the Ninety-Five Theses on October 31. Many of our congregations have found their own ways to celebrate this occasion, including special meals, dramas, events, and worship services. Perhaps you’re wanting to do something special for teaching …
How to Use the Explanation in a Variety of Parish Settings
The Versatile Small Catechism with Explanation In the last post, I laid out some implications of the new edition of the Small Catechism with Explanation for teaching in the parish. With that in mind, I’ve brainstormed some ways that you or any faith leader in a congregation can use the Small Catechism in different settings in teaching in the parish. …
Implications of the New Explanation for the Parish
What the Explanation Does The new edition of Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation is almost here. For some, this is exciting news, filled with great potential. For most, though, I’d guess it’s not quite such a big deal. “Isn’t the catechism something pastors use for confirmation?” they might ask. “What does that have to do with me?” Well, let’s begin …
Ten Reasons to Use a Print Bible in a Digital World
efore I go on to talk about using a print Bible, let me tell you something about my love for technology. I love my iPhone, iPads, computers, and the like. I’m on the Internet way too much. I’m one of those (sigh) Millennials; tech is part of my life. I’ve noticed something lately. People just don’t bring physical, print Bibles …
Teaching God’s Word as Timeless Truth
here do we start when teaching God’s Word in the parish? It seems a simple question. In reality, though, it’s not. We generally know where we want to go, but figuring out the best place to start can be a challenge. Search the Internet. Type “how to teach the Bible” into a search bar. If you do so, you’ll find a …
Top 5 Things about Education I Wish I Knew before My First Call
t’s Call Season in the LCMS. What a wonderful time of the year! It’s filled with eager anticipation from brand-new church workers of all kinds. DCEs, pastors, teachers, deaconesses, parish musicians, and the like all have a great future ahead of them. Their call will be to serve God’s people in His name with the Word of God. My first …
Direct the Learning Focus: The Mechanics of Teaching and Learning (Part 3)
ver the last two posts, I have been trying to explain in simple terms what I’ve personally found most useful in my pursuit of teaching and learning. This post is intended to shed some light on where teaching and learning begin: with directing the learning focus. My prayer is that you’ll find refreshment in your ministry as you engage in the process …
The Mechanics of Teaching and Learning (Part 2)
n my last post, I began outlining a four-step framework for understanding the mechanics of teaching and learning for the parish. In this post, we continue our investigation by looking to the concept of the hourglass. When it comes to education, we always want to avoid the trap of simply trying to either cover material or do activities. Regardless of …
The Mechanics of Teaching and Learning (Part 1)
The Problem Years ago, I had to face the music. I just didn’t really know how to teach. I didn’t understand the mechanics of teaching and learning. Don’t get me wrong. I went to college and earned my Lutheran Teacher’s Diploma and then off to seminary to receive my Masters of Divinity. I had gone through the classes and learned all …
Using My Very First Holy Bible as a Household Devotional
nyone with a young family understands the challenge of finding solid devotional material for the whole household. There are lots of fantastic options out there; don’t get me wrong. Personally, though, I struggled to find one that would work okay with my kids, who are in preschool and lower elementary school. Then, oddly enough, I found that it was right …