There are thousands of commissioned ministers on the roster of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod serving in congregations and other entities. Often, these workers struggle to know their place in the church. How can called workers better understand their own role? And how can pastors and laypeople honor this position while not confusing it with other callings?
In Called to Serve: A Theology of Commissioned Ministry, Dr. David L. Rueter takes an in-depth look at the theology of commissioned ministers to show that they deserve the same respect and balance as the other offices. “My prayer for this book is that it will provide a clear theology of commissioned ministry so current and future church workers, as well as the laity, will better understand the divine call as it relates to our commissioned ministers” writes Rueter.
Called to Serve is answering the question on how can commissioned ministers understand their own role in the church. “After consuming the work, I not only felt more well-versed in the Office of Public Ministry but honored to be a part of it,” said Dr. James Pingel, the Dean of the School of Education at Concordia University Wisconsin. “Called to Serve is both informative and inspirational.”
For more information on Called to Serve, contact Megan Pellock at megan.pellock@cph.org.
About the Author
Dr. David L. Rueter (PhD, Talbot School of Theology) is professor of Christian education, director of ministerial formation, and assistant DCE program director at Concordia University Irvine. He also serves as youth and family ministry facilitator for the Pacific Southwest District of the LCMS.
