Presidents Message Summer 2026 - 08/14/2026

Presidents Message Summer 2026

Dear Friends in Christ,

“I am the Lord’s servant; may it be to me as you have said.” These words of Mary to the angel Gabriel, after he had announced to her that she, although a virgin, would bear a son – indeed, the very Son of God! – are on my mind as I sit here at the Synod convention in Phoenix, AR. This is not simply because many people are here as servants of their congregations, circuits, and the entire Synod, but because of an event that occurred late in the evening of my fifth night here. 

After several long days of convention business that were capped off each night by a dinner, I finally had the evening off. And so, I met a friend at his hotel to enjoy a cigar outside. A few other friends gradually joined us, and we enjoyed good conversation together. Around 10:00 I was ready to go to my hotel, when a bunch of young pastors suddenly showed up. I enjoy meeting young pastors, getting to know them and hearing how they’re doing, so I stayed to chat with them. I also took the opportunity to emphasize several things to them. 

First, I told them to get out of the office and off of the computer (social media, chat rooms, blogs, etc.) and spend time with the people. If parishioners know that their pastor is glad to be with them and cares about them, they will be much more likely to listen and welcome his ministry among them. They will also forgive a lot… and we pastors, like everyone else, make mistakes! 

Second, I encouraged them to spend as much time (if not more) listening as speaking. When you listen to someone you show that you value that person. And, hey: you might learn something! 

Finally, I urged them to be willing to consider a call anywhere. Serving here in New England, in one of the smallest districts and a region which is far away from most of our Synod, I get very frustrated by the unwillingness of pastors to consider a call here. “I assume you entered the ministry with the attitude of, ‘Lord, use me as You wish,’” I told them. The response of Mary – “I am the Lord’s servant; may it be to me as you have said.” – should, I believe, be in the heart of every pastor. “I have not come to be served, but to serve, and to give My life as a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:28) Jesus said this to His 12 apostles, when they were focusing on the great things they thought they would receive as His closest disciples. They were to serve as He served! So are His pastors.

So, also, is every one of His followers. Service of others is not the obligation only of pastors and other church workers. Our Lord and Savior calls every Christian to the service of others. After all, He has blessed every one of us richly. “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [God’s] own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light,” says Peter (1 Peter 2:9). So: how do you proclaim God’s excellencies, His goodness, and help to bring others to Him? Spend time with people, and so show that you are glad to be with them and care about them. Listen more than you speak. And, be willing to humbly serve. This isn’t just the job of the pastor, the deaconess, the Lutheran school teacher, the director of music at church, etc. it is what we are all called to do!

Doing so will be tiring. After those young pastors arrived, I spent another two hours talking to them, and got back to my hotel room after midnight. 6:00 AM came too quickly, and I was very tired the next day! I’m not as young as I used to be. But, I believe it was time well-spent.

 After spending time with your Lord – receiving His forgiveness and blessing in worship, in study of His Word and devotion in prayer – spend your time with and for others, for their blessing in Christ. He will bless that time, and you will find yourself – and your congregation – blessed!

In Christ, our Lord, Pastor Beinke