The Future of the Lutheran Church | President Matthew Harrison

Join us at the long table as we sit down with Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison to talk about synodical leadership, the state of the LCMS, church work formation, liturgical integrity, and the opportunities standing before confessional Lutheranism right now. Check Out Our New Website: https://ontheline.net/ Support the Launch of LIT: https://institute.ontheline.net/donat... Visit Memento: https://memento70.com/ Contact Bryan: bryan.stecker@ontheline.net About Today’s Guest Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison has served as President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod since 2010. Before serving as president, he spent years in parish ministry and also worked in the LCMS World Relief and Human Care. 🔗 Stay Connected with Us 📷 Instagram: @otl_podcast_ 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/onthelinepod 𝕏 Twitter/X: @otl_podcast_ 0:00 Lyle Lovett, chapel, and opening banter 4:15 What it was like being elected Synod president in 2010 10:16 Building a team and leading the International Center 13:33 Why Harrison is standing again and what opportunities he sees ahead 22:55 Young men returning to church and how the LCMS should respond 31:02 Media, apologetics, and why Lutherans need a stronger public witness 36:57 Church planting, demographic shifts, and where the Synod needs to go 42:41 Liturgical integrity, the ordo, and worship practice in the LCMS 55:40 How doctrinal and liturgical issues actually get addressed 1:08:48 The challenge of pastoral formation and the SMP question 1:17:59 What the Missouri Synod was facing before 2010 1:34:45 The Lutheran distinctive: the power of the Word of God 1:44:52 Law, gospel, piety, and the Christian life 1:58:56 Christian nationalism, history, and the danger of state power over the Church 2:12:20 Demographics, birth rates, and why the LCMS has declined 2:18:54 Life issues, birth control, and caring for women and children 2:24:46 The Large Catechism controversy and lessons learned 2:26:57 Final reflections on service, burden, and blessing