Pastor and author Joe Beran breaks down what the data reveals about the LCMS: pastoral shortages, declining attendance, and the alarming loss of youth. He shares why innovation, experimentation, and deeper discipleship are essential for the next generation. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

   

Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources to help the church produce greater disciples. Our newest 40-day challenge, Giving Challenge, launched this past Fall — and the results have been incredible.

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Resources mentioned in the episode

The Ends of the LCMS by Joe Beran (Amazon)

Lutheran Religious Life Survey – Lyman Stone

Great Dechurching (Davis & Graham)

Apologetics at the Cross

Center for Pastoral and Missional Leadership (CPML)

“Voices of the LCMS” Video Series (Red Letter Living)

Meet Joe BeranKey insights from the episode

“We deceive ourselves without data. Numbers help us see what’s really happening.” – Joe Beran

“About 9–10% of LCMS congregations currently have no pastor. That should break our hearts.” – Joe Beran

“Historically, Lutherans were innovators. We adopted the printing press, radio, and early TV faster than anyone. We’ve stalled in the internet age.” – Joe Beran

“We lose 60% of our kids before confirmation and 80% before age 20. That’s the crisis beneath every other crisis.” – Joe Beran

“If someone comes to love Lutheran theology but we offer no pathway for them to stay, they’ll take their gifts somewhere else.” – Joe Beran

“Blockbuster didn’t decline because movies became less important. They declined because they stopped adapting. The church can make the same mistake.” – Joe Beran

“We can’t only play defense. The LCMS needs pastors not just to fill vacancies but to plant new churches in growing areas.” – Joe Beran

“Gen Z isn’t hostile—many are hungry for ancient, historic Christianity. But we must be ready to receive them.” – Joe Beran

“We need boldness to run experiments. Innovation doesn’t threaten our theology; it helps us steward it.” – Joe Beran

“Our greatest opportunities will come from empowering faithful leaders and telling the stories of what’s working.” – Joe Beran

Joe Beran’s Challenge of the Week

Identify one relationship in your life where you can be the hands and feet of Jesus this week. If you don’t have someone disconnected from the church whom you’re loving intentionally—go make a friend.

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.

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The post 111: Joe Beran on the Future of the LCMS, New Pathways for Pastors, and Why 80% of Our Youth Are Leaving appeared first on Red Letter Living.