Spotlight

Resources for Use at Church and Home

Find podcasts, books, Bible studies and more that can be used by individuals and congregations.

Summer 2023

The ministries of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod develop many free resources to benefit the church at-large. The following podcasts, books, Bible studies and other resources may be of interest to both church workers and laypeople.

‘5 Minutes with a Missionary’
This podcast from the LCMS Office of International Mission offers a window into missionary life. Each episode features one of the Synod’s missionaries sharing an unfiltered take on life abroad for the sake of the Gospel — all in the time it takes to pick up your drive-thru order or empty the dishwasher. It’s fun. It’s real. And it’s always an adventure. Listen at resources.lcms.org/podcasts/missionary-podcast.

Into the Valley of Shadows
This short book, written by retired LCMS pastor Michael Kasting, details one family’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease and the hope the Gospel provides during this difficult time. Download the book, read an abbreviated article on the subject or listen to a podcast at witness.lcms.org/2023/into-the-valley-of-shadows.

‘Adopt-a-Chap’ program
The “Adopt-a-Chap” program matches participating congregations with an LCMS Armed Forces chaplain. No financial commitment is expected; instead, the congregation and chaplain establish a relationship through regular communication. Congregations keep the chaplain and his family in prayer and learn about his specialized ministry. Learn more at lcms.org/ministry-to-the-armed-forces/adopt-a-chap-program.

Memory verse challenge
Memorizing Scripture is a valuable practice for Christians, even in a digital age. That’s why the LCMS offers a weekly memory verse challenge for those interested in learning Scripture by heart. Find the verse of the week at lcms.org/memoryverse and on the LCMS’ social media channels.

I Will Grieve for the Suicide
In this book, the Rev. Peter Preus provides Gospel comfort for those who are left behind after a Christian commits suicide. He addresses the stigma, psychology and theological issues of suicide, as well as the grieving process that follows it and the hope Christians can find in Christ. Download the book at resources.lcms.org/reading-study/i-will-grieve-for-the-suicide or purchase a paperback copy on amazon.com.

Convention Bible study
In preparation for the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, which will be held in Milwaukee in July, a new Bible study is available that delves into the convention theme, “We Preach Christ Crucified,” based on 1 Corinthians 1:18–25. The five-part study leads participants to understand how Scripture defines the Gospel, how the apostles proclaimed it in the Book of Acts and how continuing this proclamation is the church’s ongoing task. Download the participant and leader guides at lcms.org/convention/biblestudy.

English Bible camp curricula
The LCMS Office of International Mission offers curricula for LCMS churches and groups that wish to lead Bible camps for children who do not speak English as their first language. The five-day downloadable sets share the Gospel while introducing participants to new vocabulary and Bible stories. Originally designed for use by short-term overseas mission teams, these materials are now available as a free download for use in the United States. Download the sets at lcms.org/english-bible-camps.

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