# synod (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 5 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover synod. Page: Feed: --- ## [Rotten apples](https://tswyatt.substack.com/p/rotten-apples) _2026-08-14 · Tim Wyatt · The Critical Friend_ Should the C of E purge its hierarchy of safeguarding blockers, while Amnesty left with egg on its face ## [Luther Condemned Rigid Practices, Valued Liberty & Local Community in Worship; 2 Rural LCMS Iowa Churches Close When SMP Candidate Denied Due to New Age Restriction; LCMS Pastor Shortage Grows Larger](https://truthandlightmedia.substack.com/p/luther-condemned-rigid-practices) _2026-08-11 · Truth & Light Media · Karsten Christiansen_ Read Martin Luther's views on Christian Freedom; Mainline Seminaries are Shrinking or Vanishing While Non-Conformist Seminaries are Booming; Having More Babies is Good, But Won’t Stop LCMS's Decline ## [You couldn't make it up...](https://www.anglicanfutures.org/post/you-couldn-t-make-it-up) _2026-08-10 · Anglican Futures · Anglican Futures_ If it were possible to sum up the problems of the Church of England in one job advert. This might just be it. An ambiguous organisational setting requires a policy advisor who may or may not understand, or be committed to, the purpose of the organisation but must be committed to reflecting diversity within the organisation and be able to build strong relationships in numerous settings, in order to… ## [Ungoverned and unsealed](https://tswyatt.substack.com/p/ungoverned-and-unsealed) _2026-08-07 · Tim Wyatt · The Critical Friend_ More synod shenanigans, Jewish-Anglican relations limp onwards, and a Christian school chaplain is somewhat vindicated ## [It Begins: The New LCMS 40-Years-Old SMP Requirement Results in the Closure of 2 Rural Iowa Congregations; Why Was No Age Exception Made?](https://truthandlightmedia.substack.com/p/it-begins-the-new-lcms-40-years-old) _2026-08-05 · Truth & Light Media · Karsten Christiansen_ Policy Has Real Human and Spiritual Ramifications, Especially in Small and Rural Communities, as 150-Year-Old Congregation Forced to Close After SMP Candidate Rejected Because of Age Restriction ## [The 2026 State of the LCMS Survey Now Open!](https://truthandlightmedia.substack.com/p/the-2026-state-of-the-lcms-survey) _2026-08-04 · Truth & Light Media · Karsten Christiansen_ All LCMS Pastors, Church Workers, & People in the Pews Encouraged to Participate & Help Shape Conversations & Ministries ## [LCMS 2026 Convention Recap Video, Podcast, & Overview Guide Developed & Released by Lead Time & LCMS Rev. Rob Bailey](https://truthandlightmedia.substack.com/p/lcms-2026-convention-recap-video) _2026-07-30 · Truth & Light Media · Karsten Christiansen_ Resources Provide In-Person Attendee & Delegate Perspectives & Detailed Proceedings Analysis Not Found Elsewhere ## [LCMS 2026 Convention Wraps Up: Synod Remains United in Doctrine, Divided on Topics Like Pastoral Formation, Roles of Women, Worship Practice, Altar & Pulpit Fellowship with AALC, "Lutheran Identity"](https://truthandlightmedia.substack.com/p/lcms-2026-convention-wraps-up-synod) _2026-07-28 · Truth & Light Media · Karsten Christiansen_ Concordia Seminary Professor Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann Reminds Pastors to Honor Ordination Vows, Live Lives Above Reproach, & Stop Behaviors that Harm Christ's Church; Can LCMS Fill 600+ Empty Pulpits? ## [Equipped not Exhausted: Bishop Hagmaier's Sermon for the 2026 Synod Assembly](https://foodforthejourney.substack.com/p/equipped-not-exhausted-bishop-hagmaiers) _2026-07-23 · South Dakota Synod, ELCA · Food for the Journey_ This is the sermon that Bishop Constanze Hagmaier wrote for the opening worship of the 2026 Synod on the Assembly’s theme scripture passage, Exodus 18:13-27. ## [I’m a Lutheran: Doug Bennett](https://nclutheran.org/im-a-lutheran-doug-bennett/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=im-a-lutheran-doug-bennett) _2026-07-21 · NC Synod · North Carolina Synod_ This interview was originally published on the Living Lutheran website on June 16, 2026. Read the full article here. In 2012, my then-girlfriend, now my wife, Shelley, and I were visiting multiple churches in the Raleigh area. We came from different church backgrounds but had similar wants in a church. After our first visit to Good Shepherd, \[…\] The post I’m a Lutheran: Doug Bennett appeared first… ## [One platform, from silicon to agent (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/gzFOATXZLnC3) _2026-07-21 · **Sponsored**_ Serverless inference plus Inference Router to optimize cost and latency at scale. ## [Thinking About Pastoral Formation](https://truthandlightmedia.substack.com/p/thinking-about-pastoral-formation) _2026-07-19 · Truth & Light Media · Karsten Christiansen_ Concordia Seminary Professor, LCMS Central Region Vice President Candidate Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Shares His Unique Insights on This Important and Timely Topic ## [Sacred Spaces, Permanent Places: LCMS Concordia University Ann Arbor's Chapel of the Holy Trinity Deconsecrated](https://truthandlightmedia.substack.com/p/sacred-spaces-permanent-places-lcms) _2026-07-17 · Truth & Light Media · Karsten Christiansen_ A First Person View of CUAA's Legacy, Concordia University System's (CUS) History of 5 University Closures & Exits in 8 Years, the Pain of Closures, & the Loss of Ministry Presence in Communities ## [Constructive ambiguity](https://tswyatt.substack.com/p/constructive-ambiguity) _2026-07-17 · Tim Wyatt · The Critical Friend_ The C of E dodges the key question on sexuality once more, while finding greater consensus around the Palestinian cause ## [LCMS 2026 Convention Resources Developed to Help Educate & Equip Delegates & Convention Goers; Prayers for Godly Conversations, Independent Thinking, & Wise Decisions](https://truthandlightmedia.substack.com/p/lcms-2026-convention-resources-developed) _2026-07-15 · Truth & Light Media · Karsten Christiansen_ Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann Reminds Us to Think, Talk, & Act Like Christians; Efforts to Restrict & Reduce Women's Roles Incorrectly Apply Scripture; Synod Responds to Erroneous July 9 Election Email ## [Synod round-up Tuesday 14/07/26](https://www.anglicanfutures.org/post/synod-round-up-tuesday-14-07-26) _2026-07-14 · Anglican Futures · Anglican Futures_ Today, this quinquennium of General Synod came to an end. The synod was officially 'dissolved' - though by looking at the chamber at that time it seems many had left before the service of Holy Communion, for theological or practical reasons, and headed back to their homes and dioceses. The brief version: The delayed Private Members' Motion, Support for Looked After Children and those in care was… ## [Synod Round-up Monday 13/07/26](https://www.anglicanfutures.org/post/synod-round-up-monday-13-07-26) _2026-07-13 · Anglican Futures · Anglican Futures_ Today began with a variationof Synod business to allow the 'Kairos Palestine' debate that was adjourned yesterday to be completed this morning. The Private Members Motion, 'Support for Looked After Children and those in care', will now be debated tomorrow. Business in brief The controversial Kairos Palestine motion passed in all three houses, in an amended form, despite a plea from the Bishop of… ## [Deacon Highben Authors Book](https://nclutheran.org/deacon-highben-authors-book/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=deacon-highben-authors-book) _2026-07-13 · NC Synod · North Carolina Synod_ No single word or image conveys the mystery of God; we need many images in lively conversation and even then, all our language cannot capture the fullness of the living God. In Sing Many Names, scholar and musician Zebulon Highben invites the reader into conversation with the abundant images for God in the Bible, dedicating \[…\] The post Deacon Highben Authors Book appeared first on North Carolina… ## [The 'King' Vote as amended...](https://www.anglicanfutures.org/post/the-king-vote-as-amended) _2026-07-13 · Anglican Futures · Anglican Futures_ Today, the much vaunted 'King motion' came before General Synod. The motion, about the compatability of same-sex relationships with christian discipleship, has been discussed at length. The wording was as follows: That this Synod affirm that there are no fundamental objections to being in a committed, faithful, intimate same-sex relationship, and that such a relationship can be entirely compatible… ## [Synod Round-up Weekend 11-12/07/26](https://www.anglicanfutures.org/post/synod-round-up-weekend-11-12-07-26) _2026-07-13 · Anglican Futures · Anglican Futures_ While many in England were more concerned about the results of the World Cup and Wimbledon, General Synod members were hard at work in York. Saturday morning A Private Members Motion seeking a review of digital communications of the Church of England was brought to an end when a motion for 'next business' was proposed and passed on a show of hands. The Legislative Committee explained that the… ## [Synod Round-Up Friday 10/07/26](https://www.anglicanfutures.org/post/synod-round-up-friday-10-07-26) _2026-07-11 · Anglican Futures · Anglican Futures_ The final meeting of this 'General Synod' began with a relatively uncontroversial first session: There were anodyne addresses from the Archbishop of York and an ecumenical guest from the Roman Catholic Church. The debate on the Business Committee raised a questions about the purpose of fringe meetings, the armed forces covenant, CNCs, members joining online, the way question time operates, the… ## [Ship software peacefully (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/SN5qeaFzSCIK) _2026-07-11 · **Sponsored**_ Deploy apps from your repo with auto-config, instant previews, scaling, and monitoring. ## [A quick-ish guide to General Synod July 26](https://www.anglicanfutures.org/post/a-quick-ish-guide-to-general-synod-july-26) _2026-07-10 · Anglican Futures · Anglican Futures_ Even Anglican nerds, like those at Anglican Futures, struggle to read the ink off every paper being put before Synod - so this is a quick-ish guide to the key themes and debates coming up. The full agenda can be found here. This is last synod of the five-year term for elected members. Thus, it is a time to tie up loose ends, and the Business Committee have worked hard to include any number of… ## [Into the long grass](https://tswyatt.substack.com/p/into-the-long-grass) _2026-07-10 · Tim Wyatt · The Critical Friend_ Anglicanism ducks even moderately difficult questions about reform, while liberals and conservatives in the C of E argue about conversion therapy ## [1st Round LCMS Synodical President Voter Emails Received 1 Month After End of That Round; Mounting Concern of Possible Voter Disenfranchisement Has Some Calling Into Question Legitimacy of Election](https://truthandlightmedia.substack.com/p/1st-round-lcms-synodical-president) _2026-07-09 · Truth & Light Media · Karsten Christiansen_ Growing Chorus of Voters Call for the LCMS Board of Directors to Intervene and Demand a Single Round Election Between Harrison & Biermann Run by Competent Organization Fully Independent of Synod ## [How long will the GSFA be welcome at the ACC?](https://www.anglicanfutures.org/post/how-long-will-the-gsfa-be-welcome-at-the-acc) _2026-07-07 · Anglican Futures · Anglican Futures_ \[Please forgive the acronyms in the title - it is the only way to avoid them becoming far too long. For those unfamiliar with the alphabetti spaghetti of Anglican life this blog may be helpful. In the meantime, here are a few relevent reminders: ACC - Anglican Consultative Council - an elected body of bishops, clergy, laity who make up one of the four 'Instruments of Communion' of the Anglican… ## [Institutional Self-Preservation Trumps Structural Reform: An Analysis of What the LCMS 2026 Convention Floor Committees Actually Did -- And What It Means for the People in the Pews](https://truthandlightmedia.substack.com/p/institutional-self-preservation-trumps) _2026-07-07 · Truth & Light Media · Karsten Christiansen_ 4 Committees Deviated Greatly from Submitted Overtures: Life Together, Pastoral Ministry & Seminaries, University Education, Structure & Admin; Delegates Can Restore Original Intent & Demand Votes ## [Immigration & Refugee Ministry Grants Available](https://nclutheran.org/immigration-refugee-ministry-grants-available/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=immigration-refugee-ministry-grants-available) _2026-07-07 · Catherine Fink · North Carolina Synod_ North Carolina Synod congregations are invited to apply for $500–$1,000 mini-grants to support immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in their communities. Made possible through a $5,000 Peeler/Casey Grant awarded to the NC Synod Immigration & Refugee Ministry Team, these grants will be able to help address the immediate and immense needs of local immigrants, refugees, \[…\] The post Immigration &… ## [Restoring Trust -the "Unusual Challenges" facing the Church of England](https://www.anglicanfutures.org/post/restoring-trust-the-unusual-challenges-facing-the-church-of-england) _2026-07-03 · Anglican Futures · Anglican Futures_ Next week the General Synod of the Church of England will meet in York for the final Synod of this quinquennium. The majority of those currently serving on General Synod will face re-election in the Autumn, leaving only the diocesan bishops and other ex-officio members to be certain to return in November. Whatever the results of those elections there are some big issues that will need to be… ## [The devil is in the detail](https://tswyatt.substack.com/p/the-devil-is-in-the-detail) _2026-07-03 · Tim Wyatt · The Critical Friend_ Could evangelical churches really get criminalised in the conversion therapy ban, the Church of Ireland faces a belated reckoning over abuse, and some people still really don't like Project Spire ## [2027 ELCA Youth Gathering T-Shirt Design Contest](https://nclutheran.org/2027-elca-youth-gathering-t-shirt-design-contest/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2027-elca-youth-gathering-t-shirt-design-contest) _2026-07-02 · NC Synod · North Carolina Synod_ Calling all North Carolina Synod youth artists, doodlers, designers, and creative thinkers! Imagine Your Design Here. Your artwork could become the official North Carolina Synod t-shirt for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering. We’re looking for a design that captures the spirit, energy, and faith of our synod’s youth as we journey together to Minneapolis. This \[…\] The post 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering… ## [We are profoundly sorry](https://tswyatt.substack.com/p/we-are-profoundly-sorry) _2026-06-26 · Tim Wyatt · The Critical Friend_ The C of E repents for more historical sins, more number crunching for trainee vicars, and a Christian climate sceptic billionaire's donations come under scrutiny ## [Licensed Dispensaries, Pay with Crypto (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/AlzjhHTREEcf) _2026-06-26 · **Sponsored**_ Search verified licensed dispensaries and pay with Bitcoin, Lightning, or stablecoins. ## [2026 South Dakota Synod Assembly Recap](https://foodforthejourney.substack.com/p/2026-south-dakota-synod-assembly) _2026-06-25 · South Dakota Synod, ELCA · Food for the Journey_ The 2026 South Dakota Synod Assembly was held on May 29-30, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD. ## [Stay Faithful in a Divided World](https://nclutheran.org/stay-faithful-in-a-divided-world/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stay-faithful-in-a-divided-world) _2026-06-25 · Catherine Fink · North Carolina Synod_ How do we stay faithful in a divided world? How can churches remain united amid disagreement? Explore these questions with Enter the Bible: 1 Corinthians, a free study guide written by Luther Seminary faculty. Discover fresh insights into Christian unity, ethics, worship, and hope through Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth. Download your free \[…\] The post Stay Faithful in a Divided World… ## [Seven problems with the ReNew ordination pathway](https://www.anglicanfutures.org/post/seven-problems-with-the-renew-ordination-pathway) _2026-06-24 · Anglican Futures · Anglican Futures_ In 2017, Bishop Martin Morrison of the Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church of South Africa (REACH SA) was one of those who travelled to NE England to consecrate the Rt Revd Jonathan Pryke, a long-standing curate at Jesmond Parish Church. It was claimed that this radical action was necessary because it would allow Pryke "to provide ongoing episcopal ministry to Jesmond Parish Church, related… ## [And God Says It Is Good Song Resource for Congregations](https://nclutheran.org/and-god-says-it-is-good-song-resources/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=and-god-says-it-is-good-song-resources) _2026-06-22 · NC Synod · North Carolina Synod_ Looking for a children’s ministry song that celebrates creativity, community, and God’s delight in creation? “And God Says It Is Good” is an original song written by Pastor Matt Canniff-Kesecker for the North Carolina Synod’s And God Says It Is Good initiative. Congregations are invited to use these free resources in worship, Sunday school, Vacation \[…\] The post And God Says It Is Good Song… ## [More vicars, but at what cost?](https://tswyatt.substack.com/p/more-vicars-but-at-what-cost) _2026-06-19 · Tim Wyatt · The Critical Friend_ The C of E pours money into vicar training to try and turn around the numbers, while conservatives continue to try doing it their own way ## [Sermon for the 6th Sunday after Pentecost – Lectionary 14A, 2026](https://foodforthejourney.substack.com/p/sermon-for-the-6th-sunday-after-pentecost) _2026-06-18 · South Dakota Synod, ELCA · Food for the Journey_ Pastor Renee Splichal Larson, Associate to the Bishop of the South Dakota Synod for Candidacy, Congregation, and Rostered Minister Accompaniment, has prepared a video sermon and transcript for congregations to use for the 6th Sunday after Pentecost (Lectionary 14A). ## [Walk in Someone Else's Story](https://foodforthejourney.substack.com/p/walk-in-someone-elses-story) _2026-06-16 · Pastor Renae Boehmer · Food for the Journey_ What happens when people truly listen to one another? ## [Once more into the breach](https://tswyatt.substack.com/p/once-more-into-the-breach) _2026-06-12 · Tim Wyatt · The Critical Friend_ A Sunderland church ignites a new culture war for the C of E, a synod motion will put the bishops on the spot, and yet more safeguarding definitional shenanigans ## [The soul of our nation](https://tswyatt.substack.com/p/the-soul-of-our-nation) _2026-06-05 · Tim Wyatt · The Critical Friend_ Is the British church ready to step into our fractious politico-religio-ethno faultlines to keep the peace? ## [The Kingdom of Heaven Looked Like a Block Party](https://nclutheran.org/the-kingdom-of-heaven-looked-like-a-block-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-kingdom-of-heaven-looked-like-a-block-party) _2026-06-02 · Catherine Fink · North Carolina Synod_ On most weeknights during the summer months, college campuses tend to be quiet and deserted places. But on Thursday, May 28, Lenoir-Rhyne University’s (LRU) campus in Hickory, North Carolina, was buzzing with the sights and sounds of the NC Synod’s second biennial block party. From Thursday until Saturday, lay leaders and rostered ministers from around \[…\] The post The Kingdom of Heaven Looked… ## [A Renewed Sense of Hope and Excitement](https://nclutheran.org/a-renewed-sense-of-hope-and-excitement/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-renewed-sense-of-hope-and-excitement) _2026-06-02 · Catherine Fink · North Carolina Synod_ Wow! This past weekend, the NC Synod gathered at Lenoir-Rhyne University. It was such a beautiful time. We came together to worship, learn, connect, and grow. This year’s theme was “Come and See, Go and Tell,” and throughout the gathering, it became clear that the Holy Spirit is moving across the NC Synod. After hearing \[…\] The post A Renewed Sense of Hope and Excitement appeared first on North… ## [Welcomed, Respected, and Encouraged](https://nclutheran.org/welcomed-respected-and-encouraged/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=welcomed-respected-and-encouraged) _2026-06-02 · Catherine Fink · North Carolina Synod_ My name is Bradley English, and I am the newly appointed LYO Board representative on the North Carolina Synod Council. This past weekend, I had the pleasure of being the only youth participant at the Synod Gathering at Lenoir-Rhyne University. The theme, “Come and See, Go and Tell,” was woven throughout the worship services, discussions, \[…\] The post Welcomed, Respected, and Encouraged appeared… ## [Celebrating Anniversaries Together](https://nclutheran.org/celebrating-anniversaries-together/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=celebrating-anniversaries-together) _2026-06-02 · Catherine Fink · North Carolina Synod_ Synod Gathering is a perfect opportunity to honor and celebrate congregational and ministerial anniversaries together. Congregations celebrating significant anniversaries this year were invited to the front of the stage to receive a certificate and take a photo with Bishop Emily. Congregations celebrating 75 years of ministry: The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Brevard Resurrection \[…\] The… ## [Holy Trinity Sunday Year A Sermon 2026](https://foodforthejourney.substack.com/p/holy-trinity-sunday-year-a-sermon) _2026-05-27 · South Dakota Synod, ELCA · Food for the Journey_ Pastor Joel Pakan, South Dakota Synod Director for Rural Ministry, has prepared a video sermon for congregations to use for Holy Trinity Sunday. ## [Half-empty or half-full?](https://tswyatt.substack.com/p/half-empty-or-half-full) _2026-05-22 · Tim Wyatt · The Critical Friend_ Some more confounding data emerges on church attendance, a one-time evangelical hero finally faces justice (of sorts), while Pope Leo evades simple categorisation ## [Videos from our Companion Synod in Nicaragua](https://foodforthejourney.substack.com/p/videos-from-our-companion-synod-in) _2026-05-12 · South Dakota Synod, ELCA · Food for the Journey_ Bishop Constanze and several members of our Synod recently traveled to Nicaragua for the installation of Rev. ## [Rogation Sunday Resources](https://foodforthejourney.substack.com/p/rogation-sunday-resources) _2026-05-05 · South Dakota Synod, ELCA · Food for the Journey_ We invite individuals and communities across our Synod to celebrate Rogation Sunday on Sunday, May 10th. ## [Bishop Constanze Hagmaier's 2026 Easter Message](https://foodforthejourney.substack.com/p/bishop-constanze-hagmaiers-2026-easter) _2026-04-05 · South Dakota Synod, ELCA · Food for the Journey_ Bishop Constanze Hagmaier delivers her 2026 Easter message to the South Dakota Synod’s congregations, rostered ministers, and members: ## [A Conversation with Pastor Becky Piper](https://foodforthejourney.substack.com/p/a-conversation-with-pastor-becky) _2026-04-01 · Joel Pakan · Food for the Journey_ on her work as a Rural Ministry Ambassador [Listen](https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/192899115/d5213a90aa1c41b2aa194b40399bbf95.mp3) ## [Sermon for the Second Sunday of Easter, 2026](https://foodforthejourney.substack.com/p/sermon-for-the-second-sunday-of-easter-8c2) _2026-03-30 · South Dakota Synod, ELCA · Food for the Journey_ Pastor Tom Opoien, South Dakota Synod Rural Ambassador for the South-Central part of our Synod, has prepared a video sermon for congregations to use for the Second Sunday of Easter.