102: Jerry Kieschnick on Leading the LCMS Through the 9/11 Terrorist Attack, Making Tough Decisions, Dealing with Criticism, and Clinging to Hope
Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, the 12th president of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, reflects on his years of leadership, how he led through the 9/11 terrorist attack, what he has learned about unity in the church, and why the next generation needs courageous, faithful leaders more than ever. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International.
Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.
For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.
Resources mentioned in the episode
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)Waking the Sleeping Giant by Gerald Kieschnick
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
LCMS Foundation
GBKIES@gmail.com
Voices of the LCMS Videos
Key insights from the episode:
You could have contracted out with a research firm and spent more than $250,000 and waited two years to get responses that will be within 10% of what you got.” – Matt Engel“I would much rather be accurate than precise with surveys because accuracy gets me in the ballpark while precision takes forever: time, money, energy.” – Matt Engel
“If data is only interesting but not actionable, it’s a waste of time. We want to turn interesting into actionable.” – Matt Engel
“Data should help you see people, not just numbers.” – Matt Engel
“If you measure only attendance, you’ll get only attendance.” – Matt Engel
“Technology can’t make disciples, but it can support those who do.” – Matt Engel
“Healthy churches don’t just count heads; they count stories.” – Matt Engel
“The right metrics clarify your mission, not compete with it.” – Matt Engel
“We are called to be Spirit-led, Christ-centered, and data-informed.” — Matt Engel
Jerry Kieschnick’s Challenge: Look around you and find somebody who needs to be loved. And love them with the love of Jesus.
Are you following Jesus?
Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.
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