Let Philadelphia Remain! (Heb. 13:1)
Rev. Tom Engler, pictured right, talking with local city Pastor Tim Green.
If anyone is positioned to help the LC-MS refocus on Lutheran mission to create Lutheran congregations in Philadelphia, it’s Rev. Thomas Engler. His unique experience growing up among the culture and politics of the LC-MS as the son of a pastor, his time spent overseas as a full time missionary in South Korea, his work as an urban strategist for LC-MS World Mission, and, most importantly, his unwavering commitment to the confessions of the Lutheran Church in rightly distinguished Law and Gospel situates him perfectly to oversee a renewal of authentic Word and Sacrament Ministry in the city of Brotherly Love.
Pastor Engler understands the need to seek the Lord’s will with the prayer “Kyrie Eleison,” “Lord, have mercy!” This is especially true as we embark on the fearfully tremendous task of bringing the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ back into the wilderness of the eastern seaboard. He requests your prayers above all and hopes you will consider partnering with him and all the PLM volunteers. You can reach Tom by clicking the “Contact” button on the right-hand column.
In line with the Philadelphia Lutheran Ministries’ vision of bringing new missionaries into the mission zone of Philadelphia (in order to both plant confessing Lutheran congregations and start new demographic renewal ministries,) lay and clergy leaders met today to brainstorm ways to fund this theology-in-practice future. The outcome was hope and inspiration as the recognition of a unified Lutheran force in Philly, for the sake of Philly, is clearly within our Lord’s power to grant.
Will you please take some time this week to pray for the lay and clergy leadership of PLM, and for the missionaries we hope to send into our city? It is up to the Lord of the Harvest to hallow his name among us. Kyrie Eleison! (Lord, have mercy!)
The PLM executive director is excited to articulate the growing consensus of PLM’s new vision for taking back the city of Philadelphia, PA, as a bastion of authentic Lutheranism.
The Rev. Dale Kaster as pastor of Martin Luther Chapel in Pensauken, NJ. His installation was attended by a wide swath of pastors from the Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The Rev. Bishop David Stecholz of the English District, LC-MS, presided over the ceremonies which drew an exuberant crowd to rejoice in classical worship. The Rev. Jamison Hardy, Eastern Regional Vice-President of the English District preached the resurrection of Jesus Christ as hope for the future of the Church, at the Chapel, in Philadelphia, and for the world.
