The numbers tell a sad, serious truth. While the U.S. population continues to increase, ELCA membership decreases. All around us we hear calls for transformation, change and innovation. Haven't we been there and done that? What about tradition? What about our heritage? Is there any part of our history that U.S. Lutherans can cling to as we traverse this turbulent sea of the 21st century? Let's hear a resounding "yes." We've done it before. From 1820 to 1918 Lutheran synods, pastors and congregations made "home missions" their top priority.
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