107: Michael Newman on the Silent Crisis in the LCMS, How to Force Change to Institutions, and His Hope for the Synod

Michael Newman reflects on lessons from his ministry and leadership, the future of the LCMS, why trust and humility matter, and why discipleship is about doing the Word, not just hearing it. Plus, the former Texas District President talks about how to bring change to institutions. 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

Texas District LCMS

Gospel DNA by Michael Newman

James 1:22

Concordia University Texas

Evangelist Training in Texas District

Voices of the LCMS VideosKey insights from the episode

“If just seven percent of LCMS congregations started one new church every five years, we’d see net growth of over 300 new congregations in the next decade—even with closures.” – Michael Newman

“The decline of the church is always connected to a decline in posture toward Scripture.” – Michael Newman

“Scriptural skepticism says we believe the Bible, but we doubt if it really works. That’s the silent crisis in our church.” – Michael Newman

“Don’t wait for permission. Go create a big enough problem that the institution has to change.” – Michael Newman

“Institutional strength depends on how it empowers local ministries. If an institution becomes restrictive or accusatory, it quickly loses relevance.” – Michael Newman

“You get what you’re structured for. If young people really matter to us, we’ll give them a seat at the table.” – Michael Newman

“Power is the easy substitute for the hard task of love.” – Michael Newman

“Jesus was messy. He broke tradition to reach the broken. If we’re not messy, we’re probably not missional.” – Michael Newman

“James 1:22: Don’t just listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – Michael Newman

Michael Newman’s Challenge of the Week

Live out James 1:22. Don’t just listen to the Word—do it. Take action this week that aligns your faith with your works.

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.

The post 107: Michael Newman on the Silent Crisis in the LCMS, How to Force Change to Institutions, and His Hope for the Synod appeared first on Red Letter Living.