Important Policy for LCMS Congregations
Marriage Policies for Member Congregations
Sanctity of Marriage
Crabb, Larry. The Marriage Builder: Creating True Oneness to Transform Your Marriage. Grand Rapids, MI, Zondervan, 2013. Bestselling author Larry Crabb cuts to the heart of the biblical view of marriage: the “one-flesh” relationship.
Mason, Mike. The Mystery of Marriage 20th Anniversary Edition: Meditations on the Miracle. Colorado Springs, CO, Multnomah Books, 2005 (20th ed). In highly readable, first-person style, Mason’s writing stimulates readers’ thoughts and prayers and propels couples to deeper intimacy. “A marriage is not a joining of two worlds,” says the author, “but an abandoning of two worlds in order that one new one might be formed.”
Pauls, Rev. Timothy. Why Marriage Matters: A Bible Study. Free to be Faithful – LCMS. July 11, 2013 (PDF download). In March 2013, the Supreme Court of the United States of America heard arguments in two cases regarding same-sex marriage. Decisions in these cases came out in June, 2015, sparking oft-heated debates about marriage and homosexuality. This Bible study is designed to assist Christians with clearly proclaiming what Scripture says on these matters.
Scaer, Dr. Peter J. The Sanctity of Marriage. Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne IN, 2015. Discussion points concerning the sanctity of marriage and the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision; see particularly #1, #5, #6, and #17.
Sheridan, James E. A Blessing for the Heart – God’s Beautiful Plan for Marriage Intimacy. Marriage Done Right, 2004. A Lutheran judge in Michigan, Sheridan uses the Song of Solomon to speak to couples.
Smedes, Lewis B. Mere Morality: What God Expects from Ordinary People. Grand Rapids, MI, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 1999. Is there a morality that shows us how to survive as a human community? Can we know what God expects of the human family? Is there a morality for ordinary people? In this book, the author of Sex for Christians and Love within Limits explores the way to moral sanity amid the confusions and crises of contemporary life. We do not, says Smedes, have a “moral map” to mark out the details of our route in advance, but neither are we left to grope and improvise at every step.
Social Issues: Marriage — List of several resources that provide a Biblical understanding of God’s gift of marriage between a man and woman. Learn more about the value and joy of marriage, why it is special, and how Christ serves others through it.
Yarhouse, Mark A. Understanding Sexual Identity: A Resource for Youth Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI, Zondervan, 2013. Today’s youth struggle with difficult questions of sexual identity. How can a youth worker offer wise care and counsel on such a controversial and confusing subject? Mark Yarhouse, director of the Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity, equips youth ministers so they can faithfully navigate the topic of sexual identity in a way that is honest, compassionate, and accessible.
www.zoescore.com – a Christ-centered premarital/marital counseling instrument now used by approximately 10,000 counselors and pastors. The authors have integrated the latest research on marriage and the family within a biblical framework. All training is online and registration is free for the pastor/counselor. The instrument provides Bible studies, recommended reading lists, homework assignments, and icebreakers to help the pastor delve into difficult topics with the couples. Developed by Dr. Salminen, Pastor Jeff Meyers, Kris Hansen, Casey Salminen, and others.
Resource for Teaching: What about… Living Together Without Marriage?
Divorce Resources
Talley, Jim A. Reconcilable Differences. T. Nelson, 1985. Outstanding read for severely troubled marriages.
Wallerstein, Judith & Blakeslee, Sandra. Second Chances. Ticknor & Fields, 1999. Every pastor should read this and have it available for couples. It addresses the devastating effects of divorce on children.
Weiner-Davis, Michelle. The Divorce Remedy: The Proven 7-Step Program for Saving Your Marriage. Simon & Schuster, 2002. The author offers an empowering and encouraging guide for revitalizing marriage and building stronger, more loving bonds.
Weiner-Davis, Michelle. Divorce Busting: A Step-by-Step Approach to Making Your Marriage Loving Again. Fireside, 1993. These are some of the most helpful resources for pastors/counselors based on solution-oriented brief therapy. She is an engaging writer.
Ministering to Homosexuals
A Plan for Ministering to Homosexuals and their Families . LCMS, 1999.
Barry, Rev. Dr. A.L. What about… Homosexuality?
Biermann, Rev. Dr. Todd. “The Supreme Court vs. God’s Way.” Life in God’s Way. Blog. June 27, 2015. “… While the five-justice majority may have their opinion on this matter, they cannot and will never change the immutable will of God. God’s Word remains the same.”
Homosexuality: A Christian Response. LCMS, 1997.
Social Issues: Sexuality – wide array of resources
Resources for Teaching
Book and Articles from Focus on the Family (PDF document listing a variety of resources)
How Do We Help People Caught In Sin?
LCMS God’s Gift of Sexuality Task Force Recommended Resources
Serve, Don’t Shout. Ministering to LGBT Families with Love and Compassion
When Gay Pride Meets Christian Humility