Does the Lutheran Church need to Innovate? (And other questions) episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 1, 2026 · 1H 1M

Does the Lutheran Church need to Innovate? (And other questions)

from Christian Combatives

Saw a bunch of questions on Facebook about innovating, reaching the unchurched, handling pastor shortage, dealing with multiple small congregations, adopting a megachurch model, etc. Thought it was worth going through them all. I will put all the questions in the post below in case any other pastor wants to answer too: "I grew up in and left the ELCA over a decade ago now because of severe theological concerns. As such, I've long since moved on from my "cage state-y Exposing the ELCA" phase. I know that topics like abortion, women's ordination, immigration, etc. generate plenty of anger, which in turn generates plenty of engagement, which in turn generates plenty of algorithmic upvoting; but aren't there other things we can actively engage on? At current rates of membership decline, the ELCA is projected to die in 25 years. The LCMS isn't far behind that. This post isn't saying "let's stop arguing theology" (theology is important), but it is asking "can't we focus on the looming existential threats a little more?" I'd so much rather spend time on this group addressing questions like these:1. What are innovative ways your church is engaging the unchurched?2. How does Lutheran theology offer real hope to Millennials and Gen Z folks who have decided it isn't in church?3. How can Lutherans engage the increasing diversity of the United States?4. A flood of pastors is projected to retire in the next few years (already happening). What is your church doing to help raise up pastors beyond just saying "that's the Synod's job"?5. What are the most God-honoring options for small Lutheran churches facing imminent closure? Selling off the building? Becoming a multi-site of a larger Lutheran church? Turning it into a bar or Arts center?6. What do we think about multi-site ministry? The "megachurch" trend among Evangelicals has largely turned into multi-site since you lose the overhead costs of a huge building. Is it Biblically-sound, or of the Devil?7. Some young people are leaving Evangelicalism for Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Why aren't they finding Lutheranism? Why is it so hard to find us?"

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