LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1981, Page 293

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PARISH SERVICES 293

Marge Jacob, and Mr. Werner Schaffner; Youth-Young Adult,
Mr. Richard Bimler.

Dr. Ralph Reinke, president of Concordia Publishing House,
serves as an advisory member of the commission and as liaison
between the commission and the Board of Directors of the
publishing house.

In late 1979 the commission rejoiced at the publication of
the Concordia Self-Study Commentary, a one-volume com-
mentary authored by Dr. Walter Roehrs and the sainted Dr.
Martin Franzmann. This work, with initial publication history
beginning in the 1960s, has received numerous citations for
excellence of writing and quality of production. Remarkably,
over 20,000 copies have been distributed in just one year. This
publication and its excellent reception would have given
particular pleasure to Dr. Paul Barth, commissioner in the
exegetical area, who passed away in 1979. His continued
support and interest in the commentary served to keep its
promise alive. We thank Dr. Barth for his service as we thank
God for providing a room in His mansion for His faithful
servant.

Also completed in 1980 was the Church in History Series.
With the publication of The Church in the Age of Orthodoxy
and the Enlightenment by Robert Clouse and Christian
Churches in Recent Times by Roy Suelflow, this popularly
written six-volume work covering all of church history is now
available to the serious student.

Other historical works included areprint of A Man Spoke, a
World Listened, the biography of Dr. Walter A. Maier by Paul
Maier; the publication of The Best of Walther A. Maier,
compiled by Paul Maier; the reprinting of Lewis Spitz’s two-
volume work The Renaissance and Reformation Movements;
and a new biography of Luther for younger readers entitled A
Man Called Martin Luther by Kathleen Benson.

Continuing its emphasis on the Confessions, the commis-
sion also recommended the publication of Daniel Overduin’s
four-volume study entitled Reflections on Luther’s Small Cate-
chism and Friedmann Hebart’s One in the Gospel: The
Formula of Concord for Our Day.

In 1979 Dr. Jacob Preus’s translation of Chemnitz’ The
Lord’s Supper was published. In 1981 Chemnitz’ little known
but significant Enchiridion, translated by Luther Poellot, was
published under the title Ministry, Word, and Sacraments.
Concordia Publishing House is now the preeminent publisher
of Chemnitz’ work, and reviews of these publications always
note the invaluable service being rendered to students of the
late 16th century.

In 1957, working under an agreement with the University of
Chicago Press, Arndt-Gingrich’s A Greek-English Lexicon of
the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature was
published. This work was a translation and adaptation of
Walter Bauer’s fourth edition of 1952. Shortly after the publica-
tion of Arndt-Gingrich, Bauer’s fifth edition appeared, and the
decision was made both to revise and correct the 1957 edition of
Arndt-Gingrich as well as to translate pertinent additions
contained in Bauer’s fifth edition. After 15 years’ labor by
Gingrich and Frederick Danker, a revised and augmented
edition was published in 1979.

Through the efforts of the Research unit, Richard Dinda’s
continuing translations of Gerhard’s Loci Theologici are being
made available in microfiche to all the college and seminary
libraries of our Synod. To date, well over 5,000 manuscript
pages have been placed in this publication format.

Three publications for young people were also released
during this biennium: What Should I Believe? by Hubert Beck,
a study of those “Christian” beliefs (pseudoprophecy, healing,
tongues, etc.) which do not heed the whole counsel of God; A
Look at Today’s Churches by Dr. Herbert Bouman, a compara-
tive analysis of major Christian denominations; and Lord, I
Want to Celebrate by Richard Bimler and Herbert Brokering, a
devotional book for junior high youth.

The ongoing program of publishing homiletical aids was
strengthened by the appearance of Sermons for Special
Occasions and the publication of When You Need a Special
Sermon. In addition, the Concordia Pulpit, an annual release,
was accompanied by a special resource of sermon illustrations.

The commission also provides counsel to the publishing
house in the tract program, Portals of Prayer, and Taegliche

Andachten. The latter two publications are now issued
quarterly.

The commission is most hopeful that a major publishing
endeavor will reach fruition at the time of the convention. This
endeavor, which has been in process since 1962 and the
responsibility of the commission’s research unit since 1972,
calls for the publication of six volumes of C. F. W. Walther’s
works. The six volumes include a new translation of Law and
Gospel, selected sermons, theological essays, selected letters,
editorials from Lehre und Wehre, and essays on the church.
These publications are made possible through funds approved
by the Board of Directors of Synod. The availability of these
various writings in English dramatically highlights the
continuing necessity for specialized funding if such important
projects are to be realized.

During the next biennium, special attention will be given to
publications commemorating the 500th anniversary of
Luther’s birth, the need for specialized evangelism publica-
tions, materials focusing on family life, Spanish publications,
and several major research projects. As always, the commis-
sion will seek to provide any materials of a timely nature which
present unique opportunities for proclaiming the Gospel,
enriching the lives of the Synod’s members, and equipping all
of God’s saints for their ministry of communication.

With God’s people, we rejoice gladly, for He has been and is
merciful and gracious. He has spoken His Word and we live
anew. Wecannot but proclaim and make public (publish) what
He has done for all.

Paul L. Maier, Chairman
Barbara Steege, Secretary

7-08
Report of Board for Lutheran Radio

The Board for Lutheran Radio, whose privilege and respon-
sibility it is to carry on a Synodwide radio ministry through the
facilities of KFUO/Lutheran Radio, is pleased to submit the
following report as a brief overview of this ministry during the
past biennium. The board wishes to acknowledge the grace and
guidance of almighty God experienced in its work and all the
other blessings He has so generously showered upon KFUO
through dedicated individuals. God has provided for expanded
ministry through radio and for greater service to people just as
He continues to bless many thousands through the radio
ministry. As the Gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed through
radio, the lost are being reached and the found are being edified
and equipped for greater service in the Kingdom.

KFUO Programs Serve Special Needs

The programs of KFUO and KFUO-FM are beamed to
listeners within 100 to 150 miles of St. Louis. Devotional
programs, Bible study, discussion and sacred music programs
are broadcast daily. Listeners are able to hear special reports on
activities and ministry within The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod, reports from the Synod’s colleges and sem-
inaries and from other organizations, institutions, and auxil-
iaries. New Gospel programs are constantly being developed
and tested as the Board for Lutheran Radio seeks to be a good
steward of the gift of radio. KFUO and KFUO-FM also serve
listeners with public affairs features, music, and news. During
the past biennium, KFUO’s outstanding programs were rec-
ognized with a number of awards, including three awards from
the Missouri Broadcaster’s Association. The response to
KFUO’s programs from listeners indicates that many are
being served in special ways and that the programming of
KFUO is beneficial and appreciated.

KFUO’s Worldwide ‘Portals of Prayer” Ministry
Celebrates 25th Anniversary

In addition to its local outreach, KFUO/Lutheran Radio
continues to produce and distribute the daily radio devotional
program, “Portals of Prayer.” This year (1981) is the 25th anni-
versary year for this broadcast. To date, some 9,000 programs
have been produced and nearly five million recorded copies of
these programs distributed to outlets worldwide.