Encourage Newsletter
Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan 

Confidence for New (and Old) Pastors
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

St. Paul writes to the young pastor Timothy, “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.” (1 Timothy 3:1) While it may be a noble task, it can also be a daunting task. Who would presume to take on such responsibilities and to speak in God’s place? This week, another group of young men from our seminaries received calls to this noble and daunting task. They will join a larger group that experiences loneliness, frustration, depression and fear. Are these young men prepared for the demands of the office and the difficulties they will face?

Last year, I purchased a wonderful book of mostly ordination sermons by the Swedish Lutheran bishop, Bo Giertz (Then Fell the Lord’s Fire). It is a great read for anyone who has ever felt unworthy and ill-equipped for the daunting task that is the pastoral office. The sermons are full of hope and encouragement for the newly ordained man as his focus is placed on Christ, His Word and promises. “A true pastor has the rock to stand on that he knows never fails. The God who has given His own Son for us all, He does not tire of having mercy on His servants and forgiving them anew. And when He forgives anew, then it becomes certain again, certain both that He is there and that despite everything He will use me. Then I am willing again, willing to work without grumbling and without comparing my workday with others. I am bold again and glad to be able to serve such a Lord. And so I say again, to every one of you who now stands here to be consecrated into what is possibly the hardest and yet most glorious of careers, I say is as a word from Him who called you to serve: ‘Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’” (Isa. 41:10 ESV) (Then Fell, p. 47)

God’s promises are not just for those new to the office, but also to those who have labored for many years. God’s promises are for those who at times even forget or doubt the Lord’s faithfulness. But as Giertz reminds us, Christ’s forgiveness renews us and God’s Word makes us bold. Serving in the pastoral ministry is not dependent upon one’s preparation or effectiveness, but solely on Christ, His Word and promises. No matter how long or even what capacity you serve, find hope and strength in these promises of God. There are many things that might drive you to fear and despair, but rest assured that God is with you, just as He promised, and He will remain with you to the end. This frees pastors to speak in the place of God because they are speaking not their words, but God’s Word, not with their own authority, but the authority of His Word. May God bless the pastors who serve in our district, old and new.

Prayer – O almighty God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, gave to His holy apostles many excellent gifts and commanded them earnestly to feed His flock. Make all pastors diligent to preach Your holy Word and the people obedient to follow it that together they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan 

Words of Encouragement
“Fear not, the Lord says. A pastor has many reasons to fear. It is not easy to be a pastor. The work is hard. The price we have to pay to be a servant of the Lord at this time is willingness to work without counting the work hours. We have too few pastors … worse than the long workday is the pressure that follows from again and again being ready at a time to step forward with a sterling and complete sermon. This can be particularly stressful for a young pastor. Right from the beginning, he is put under the same demands and must shoulder the same burdens as an experienced brother in the office. It is not surprising if he fears and wonders how he shall fair with it … but the Lord says, ‘Fear not, for I am with you.’ The Savior never promised that it would be easy for His ambassadors, but He has promised to be with them always.” Bo Giertz, Then Fell the Lord’s Fire. Trans. Bror Erickson. p. 45-46.

Convention Update - Registration Deadline May 9

The 2018 Missouri District Convention is fast approaching. Please make sure all pastoral and lay delegates are registered and have completed all necessary certification forms and lodging reservations as soon as possible, if you haven’t already. 

As a reminder, attendance is required for all rostered church workers. If you cannot attend for any reason, please complete the excused absence form in writing and return it to the District Office at events@mo.lcms.org. 

Below are important steps for both pastors and lay delegates to follow and complete to make sure they are properly registered for all aspects of the convention. Please complete all forms and return them according to the directions on each. Forms and webpages are linked below for your convenience.

Steps for pastors: 

• Convention registration
• Pastoral delegate form
• Link to lodging registration 

Steps for lay delegates: 

• Convention registration
• Lay delegate form
• Link to lodging registration 

Steps for advisory delegates: 

• Convention registration
• Link to lodging registration 

The convention workbook is now available online. Please download it and either print a hard copy or bring a digital version on your laptop or tablet. Click here to visit the convention page on our website.

For questions about the convention workbook, please contact Michelle Christ at 314-590-6200. 

If you need assistance with registration, please contact Sue Thompson at 314-590-6200. 

We look forward to seeing you at the convention. Please continue to pray for our district as we prepare for convention.