http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7352 2026-04-04T16:52:19Z 2026-04-04T16:52:19Z Kolander, Ryan D. http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7333 2023-11-27T23:25:40Z 2022-09-20T00:00:00Z

Cultivating a Culture of Compassion: The Opportunity is Ours Kolander, Ryan D. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10 NIV); For many, the word “compassion” in the context of ministry conjures up images of soup kitchens or clothing banks. For others, “compassion” ministry evokes the false theology of the social gospel. While movements branching from the social gospel went and continue to go astray, are they trying to correct a real problem within the church? Where do they go wrong? Have we sacrificed the Christian duty of compassion on the altar of truth? This essay will cast a vision for “a culture of compassion” in the local parish, as well as on the home and world mission fronts. What can a culture of compassion look like in our unique settings, from impoverished to affluent areas? Paper written for the Symposium on Compassion Ministry; Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary; September 19-20, 2022.

2022-09-20T00:00:00Z Wendland, Paul O. http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7231 2023-11-27T20:50:17Z 2022-09-19T00:00:00Z

[A Reaction to] See How They Love One Another! The Ministry of Compassion in Scripture and Early Christianity to 300 AD by Dr. Keith Wessel Wendland, Paul O. This is Paul O. Wendland's reaction to Keith C. Wessel's "See How They Love One Another! The Ministry of Compassion in Scripture and Early Christianity to 300 AD" for 2022 Symposium on Compassion Ministry.

2022-09-19T00:00:00Z Wordell, Bradley D. http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7230 2025-09-09T19:36:20Z 2022-09-20T00:00:00Z

A Reaction to Rev. Ryan Kolander’s "Cultivating a Culture of Compassion: The Opportunity is Ours" Wordell, Bradley D. This is Bradley D. Wordell's reaction to Ryan D. Kolander's "Cultivating a Culture of Compassion: The Opportunity is Ours" for 2022 Symposium on Compassion Ministry.; In this response to Rev. Ryan Kolander’s essay on compassion ministry, Bradley D. Wordell affirms the biblical and historical foundations of Christian compassion, highlighting its integration with gospel proclamation. Wordell praises Kolander’s clarity, humility, and practical insights, especially the emphasis on compassion as a way of being rather than merely doing. He summarizes the essay’s three-part structure: identifying pitfalls and fears, casting a vision for relational reconciliation, and offering a four-step plan for cultivating congregational compassion. Wordell reflects on key themes such as the spiritual and organizational flow of mercy, the role of pastors and allies, and the unexpected blessings of compassion ministry. He concludes with twelve discussion questions for further reflection, addressing seminary training, spiritual gifts, diaconal ministry, and the role of Lutheran schools. Wordell’s reaction encourages thoughtful engagement and practical application of compassion ministry within WELS congregations. —Abstract created by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)

2022-09-20T00:00:00Z Micheel, Jonathan A. http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7229 2023-11-27T20:55:58Z 2022-09-19T00:00:00Z

A Reaction to “Christian Compassion through the Centuries” Micheel, Jonathan A. This is Jonathan A. Micheel's reaction to Glen L. Thompson's "Christian Compassion Through the Centuries" for 2022 Symposium on Compassion Ministry.

2022-09-19T00:00:00Z