Diaconate: The Biblical Basis for the Ministry of Deacons

Norm Metzler *Dr. Norm Metzler taught  Systematic theology and Ethics at Concordia University  in Portland Oregon.  He recently served a vacancy at a congregation where he worked with a deacon in training to complete his program and get licensed by the district.  The deacon then was contracted to serve a vacancy at a neighboring congregation which…
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DIAKONIA

Accessing the Work of John Collins for Current LCMS Discussions[1] By Richard Gahl Whenever an ecclesiastical office is discussed in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod it is customary to turn to Scripture to ascertain if/how such an office or function is described.  The intent of this essay is to bring to the discussion some recent findings…
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“Marriage Policies” of the LCMS

This is the third article in the Epiphany (Winter) issue of the Daystar Journal on the subject of missions.  It inquires whether the present synodical  directives are the best way to reach out to those affected by the homosexual debates going on in the nation. “Marriage Policies” of the LCMS: Are We Seeking to Reach…
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Listening

Listening: An Undervalued Mission Skill by Richard Gahl* Richard Gahl served congregations in Indiana and Pennsylvania before accepting the call from the Ohio District to serve as its Executive Director in 1981. He retired in 2005.  During his district service he served as Chairman of NAME for five years, co-edited the two editions of the…
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The Purpose of the Church

            The Epiphany (Winter) Issue of the Daystar Journal will be devoted to the mission of the church.  It is a very pertinent topic and was the subject of a recent LCMS conference. Our first article addresses the question, “What Is the Purpose of the Local Church?”             The question has particular relevance to small…
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