Low Seminary Enrollments
Dale Meyer on a pastoral shortage and the future of the church…from the Summer 2017 CONCORDIA JOURNAL
Proper 23 • Luke 17:11–19 • October 9, 2016
By Dale A. Meyer This text speaks to our faith within the context of a changed America, a churched nation in our youth but now a country that gives the church no special privilege. This sermon can probe, perhaps uncomfortably, parishioners’ faith, and do so with an eye toward more faithful community outreach. About the text: ..
Advent 2 • Luke 3:1–14 (15–20) • December 6, 2015
By Dale A. Meyer Straightforward and familiar, this easy text isn’t easy. John the Baptist, “brood of vipers,” “wrath to come,” “bear fruits . . . and do not say to yourselves,” and the like are a routine Advent reading and its theme of repentance is what we do Sunday after Sunday, but familiarity with ..
Proper 22 • Isaiah 5:1–7 • October 5, 2014
By Dale Meyer Maybe you’ve walked through a garden and seen these words, “The kiss of the sun for pardon, the song of the birds for mirth, one is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth.” If you enjoy gardening, you know it’s not quite as idyllic as Dorothy Francis Guerney’s poem suggests. Have you ..
Proper 17 • Hebrews 13:1–17 • September 1, 2013
By Dale A. Meyer Caveat Cultor A summary you can expand into the sermon: caveat emptor is an old Latin warning, “Let the buyer beware.” This text suggests, caveat cultor—“Let the worshipper beware!” Beware of worship? No. Worship is where God especially gives us his gifts for life and salvation. In worship we hear a ..
Proper 18 • Isaiah 35:4–7a • September 9, 2012
By Dale A. Meyer Is this a great time to be the church? Do you have joy in your pastoral ministry? Do the baptized in your congregation show cheerful confidence in their Christian faith? Isaiah 35:4–7a, the first lesson for September 9, gives us a platform to be “helpers of joy” (2 Cor 1:24). You ..
The Preacher’s Studio: Dale Meyer
The journey from text to pulpit can be a long and winding road, filled with false starts, surprising discoveries, and hard choices along the way. Preacher’s Studio is a chance to take a step back and talk together about the art and craft of preaching. Today’s preacher: DALE MEYER
Proper 19 • Matthew 18:21–35 • September 11, 2011
By Dale A. Meyer “In this Christian church, he…” Though not our usual style, this text invites an expository approach. The familiar subsections of this reading could lead you to preach a sermon narrowly focused on one aspect of repentance, but neglect the depth of care that Jesus shows for sinners throughout the whole lesson. This ..
Baptism of Our Lord • Matthew 3:13–17 • January 9, 2011
by Dale A. Meyer Still Waters Run Deep Introduction: Over time you get to know some people well enough to know how they’ll react. You have a good idea how friends, family, and co-workers will react in certain situations. Some people you know keep a calm composure on the outside but inside are deeply intense. ..
Proper 23 · Mark 10:17-22 · October 11, 2009
By Dale Meyer W.I.I.F.M.? That’s the question we always asked when we were preparing scripts for Lutheran Hour Ministries’ TV show, “On Main Street.” What’s in it for me? What’s in this program for the viewer—or in crafting a sermon, what’s in it for the hearer? The question isn’t intended to cater to the selfishness of ..