The Future of Lutheranism Belongs to Builders

By Russ Lackey | Mark Mattes

01/08/26

16mins

The Future of Lutheranism Belongs to Builders

The crisis is not merely that people are leaving. The crisis is that we have relinquished what is uniquely Lutheran and deeply needed.

Bradley Gray

01/07/26

A Psalm for the Desperate

The ethos of the church’s worship is found in poor, needy, and desperate sinners finding solace and relief in the God of their salvation.

1517 Staff

01/06/26

Our Best Epiphany Articles

This year, we wanted to ensure you have all the resources you need to learn about and reflect on the revelation of Christ.

All Articles

Russ Lackey |

Mark Mattes

01/08/26

The Future of Lutheranism Belongs to Builders

The crisis is not merely that people are leaving. The crisis is that we have relinquished what is uniquely Lutheran and deeply needed.

Bradley Gray

01/07/26

A Psalm for the Desperate

The ethos of the church’s worship is found in poor, needy, and desperate sinners finding solace and relief in the God of their salvation.

Russ Lackey

01/05/26

Wake Up Dead Man: A Word Worth Saving for Lent

Wake Up Dead Man is not ultimately a story about mystery, exposure, or even justice. It is a story about what happens when mercy speaks to death—and death listens.

Seth Moorman

12/22/25

Comfort During a Blue Christmas

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” That word isn't just for Israel; it's also for you.

Steven Paulson

12/18/25

Psalm 11: The Lord is in His Holy Temple Loving His Own Righteousness

What God perceives is not what our eyes see; he is focused on righteousness because his love creates what is righteous.

Adam Francisco

12/03/25

Did the Church Replace Israel?

The unity of God’s people is grounded not in lineage nor land but in the promise of the coming Christ.

Russ Lackey

11/17/25

The Word That Will Not Shut Down

Every age has its emergencies, and the church must never ignore them. Yet, our response cannot be one of panic or propaganda.

Matthew L. Rubinstein

11/12/25

I Forgive You, Adam

Forgiveness is not ours to manufacture. It is ours to proclaim.

Ryan Couch

11/10/25

Happy Birthday Martin Luther: How a 16th Century Monk Helped Me Rediscover the Gospel

On this, the birthday of Martin Luther, I will pause to thank God for his birth.

Caleb Keith

10/15/25

An Introduction to the Bondage of the Will: Election and the Word

This is the fourth installment in our article series, “An Introduction to the Bondage of the Will,” written to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s Bondage of the Will.

1517 Guest Contributor

10/09/25

Healing for Our Soul Wounds

Just like Peter, you don’t need to do anything to earn God’s forgiveness for your soul wounds.

Donavon Riley

10/08/25

When Churches Are Abused by Their Pastors

When a congregation is abused by its pastor, it loses more than a shepherd. It loses its threshold place; that fragile seam between earth and heaven.

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