Kathryn A Kleinhans

Wilhelm Loehe is one of the most significant nineteenth-century figures for North American church life and mission, whose influence continues into the present. Loehe is unique for joining together aspects of the Christian life often held to be antithetical: worship and mission, orthodoxy and pietism, evangelical proclamation and diakonia, and theological imagination and practical skill in administration. Already in the nineteenth century Loehe contributed a vital principle for advancing ecumenical understanding: the idea of ""open questions."" When the church confesses core teachings as one, there does not need to be agreement on all secondary matters in order to live together in church fellowship. This book explores Loehe's historical activity as a pastor, as a supporter of mission in North America, as an organizer (together with Friedrich Bauer) of theological education in North America, and as a founder of deaconess institutions in Neuendettelsau, Germany, that still exist today. The central themes represented by Loehe not only constitute a matrix that has significance for the church and its mission today but also constitute an agenda for the church of the future.

Wilhelm Loehe is one of the most significant nineteenth-century figures for North American church life and mission, whose influence continues into the present. Loehe is unique for joining together aspects of the Christian life often held to be antithetical: worship and mission, orthodoxy and pietism, evangelical proclamation and diakonia, and theological imagination and practical skill in administration. Already in the nineteenth century Loehe contributed a vital principle for advancing ecumenical understanding: the idea of ""open questions."" When the church confesses core teachings as one, there does not need to be agreement on all secondary matters in order to live together in church fellowship. This book explores Loehe's historical activity as a pastor, as a supporter of mission in North America, as an organizer (together with Friedrich Bauer) of theological education in North America, and as a founder of deaconess institutions in Neuendettelsau, Germany, that still exist today. The central themes represented by Loehe not only constitute a matrix that has significance for the church and its mission today but also constitute an agenda for the church of the future.

Explore how God's Word creates, calls, commands, saves, sustains, shapes, and sends you and the church. Your 40-day Lenten journey into Seven Wonders of the Word will challenge you to experience the power of God's Word in all aspects of your life and in our world. It will also encourage you to deepen your prayer life as you relate the power of God's Word to your personal experience. Although designed to be used during the 40 days of Lent, you can take this journey any time of the year. The daily plan: Short scriptural passage Brief reflection Biblical Wisdom Wisdom from the Tradition Silence for meditation Psalm fragment Questions to ponder Prayer for Today Take this journey on your own or invite a friend or small group to join you. Weekly worship helps (see Samples below) are also provided for congregations shaping their Lenten Wednesday worship services around Seven Wonders of the Word.