Lutherans Engage – Spring 2026

Spring 2026

“The vast majority of people who get connected or reconnected at church do so because someone that they know invited them,” says the Rev. Brandon Metcalf of Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, Ill. Metcalf leads the Bridge Families program at his congregation, which encourages members to help connect the people around them to the church.

The Spring 2026 issue of Lutherans Engage the World gives a few examples of how God uses His people’s imperfect efforts, both big and small, to draw the lost and wandering into His church. The issue includes articles about a new Spanish-language podcast from LCMS missionaries in Puerto Rico that is drawing people to the island’s Lutheran churches, efforts in Florida and Texas to help children and young people grow in the faith, and a maternity home in Illinois that is caring for new mothers and their babies.

“Be brave, bold and courageous” in reaching out, says the Rev. John Karle of University Lutheran Chapel in College Station, Texas, knowing that “His Word will not return empty — this will not be wasted effort.”

Feature Stories

Online Evangelism, Real-Life Church Planting
Missionaries are using both conventional and unconventional means to bring their neighbors into the church in Puerto Rico.

Telling the Next Generation
Congregations in Florida, Illinois and Texas are intentional about helping children and young people grow in the faith.

Strong Leadership, Christ-Centered Community
Our Savior Lutheran School in Fenton, Mo., has benefited greatly from the leadership training offered by LCMS School Ministry’s SLED program.

Also in This Issue

Director’s Letter: Reflecting the Light of Christ

Q&A: Q&A with the Rev. Dr. Christian Tiews

Spotlight: Celebrating 20 Years of Project 24

Mercy Moment: Helping New Mothers Succeed