The Church Is Not a Museum or a University—It Is a Lifeboat

by Rev. Dr. Keith Haney | Jul 1, 2026 | Mission

This story is a familiar one. In 1972, after 308 years of ministry, the First Church of Newton, Massachusetts, closed its doors. Founded in 1664, the congregation had once grown to 1,200 members, but by 1972 membership had declined to 325, with three-fourths of the...

When Mission Divides: Christian Leadership, Discipleship, and the Cost of Following Jesus

by Rev. Dr. Keith Haney | Jun 29, 2026 | Devotional

When Mission Divides: Christian Leadership in Matthew 10:34–42 34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter...

Church Unity After Election: Leading Your Body Forward

by Rev. Dr. Keith Haney | Jun 26, 2026 | Leadership

The results of a deeply contested election are in, and the margins were razor-thin. For many within our church body and our congregations, there is a sigh of relief; for others, a profound sense of disappointment or anxiety about the future. When a community is split...

How Your Congregation Can Benefit from a Deaconess

by Rev. Dr. Keith Haney | Jun 24, 2026 | Leadership

Understanding the Deaconess Ministry Introduction: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Deaconess Ministry is a vital and enriching aspect of church life. It offers unique opportunities for service, spiritual care, and teaching. Deaconesses are professional...

When the Door Closes, the Word Goes Forth

by Rev. Dr. Keith Haney | Jun 22, 2026 | Devotional

1. The Pivot: Strategic Moves in Acts 19 Ministry Church, I want you to imagine a room filled with tension. As we look at Paul’s Acts 19 ministry, we find him standing in the synagogue of Ephesus. Every Sabbath, his voice rings out, arguing persuasively about...