Talking Points with President Woodford: Synod Convention Summary
The 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod met July 18–23, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. Its theme, “Christ Is Risen Indeed,” was drawn from 1 Corinthians 15:20–22: “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead … For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” The theme followed the 2023 convention’s emphasis, “We Preach Christ Crucified,” directing our attention from Christ’s atoning death to the hope, joy, and justification proclaimed in His resurrection.
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Talking Points with President Woodford: Faithful in Doctrine and Mission
The Church is called to be faithful in doctrine and mission. Both flow from Christ Himself. Our Lord did not merely command the Church to maintain sound teaching; He also directed His Church to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). Likewise, St. Paul exhorts Timothy to “guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Tim. 1:14), but also declares, “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16). In other words, we must both get the message right and get the message out.
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One Voice for Public Policy: A Lutheran Perspective on America 250
Semiquincentennial is sort of an unmusical word, isn’t it? Those seven syllables don’t exactly roll off the tongue. It’s probably the reason why for most of the advertising, merchandising, and conversation about it we have simply abbreviated it to America 250 or the 250th. But we truthfully are marking a really profound event this weekend.
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Talking Points with President Woodford: Faithful in the Means, Trusting the Spirit in the Results
There is a quiet tension that many congregations feel. On the one hand, we confess with confidence that the Holy Spirit “works faith, when and where it pleases God” (Augsburg Confession, Article V). On the other hand, we look around our sanctuaries, see the shrinking attendance, and wonder: Are we doing enough? Are we reaching anyone beyond ourselves? Should we be trying something different?
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Talking Points with President Woodford: The Blood of Christ
The sight of blood makes many people squeamish. It’s not an everyday sight for most. If you live on the farm, are a butcher, or a hunter, you are accustomed to it more than most. But blood is central to God’s plan of redemption. It’s there throughout the Old Testament and there in the New Testament, especially in the book of Hebrews.
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Talking Points with President Woodford: We Wish to See Jesus
“We wish to see Jesus.” That’s what they said. But why? What had they heard? What did they want? Much had been made of this Jesus. Word had spread. He cast out demons. He healed the sick. He even raised dead people back to life—one named Lazarus. It’s no wonder people wanted to see Him, hear Him, and if they could, touch Him. “Sir, we wish to see Jesus!”
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