LC3 Educational Resources
One of the goals of LC3 is to provide biblically 
and confessionally sound educational materials, for use by pastors and lay leaders. Listed below are some pdf documents, which may be downloaded from this site at no charge. All are under copyright by the authors, but permission is granted to photocopy the materials for congregational use, provided the copyright information is retained on all reproduced materials. These materials are not for resale.
Bible Study on the Authority of Scripture
This five-part study explores the biblical foundation for how to understand the authority of Bible and what it means to trust in Scripture as the inspired Word of God. Presented in a reading, question and discussion format, the study is based on key Bible passages and texts from the Lutheran Confessions. It also makes reference to the Lutheran CORE Statement on the Authority and Interpretation of Scripture in the Church, which is included as a foreword to the study. Instructions are provided in the Introduction on how to assemble and print the study as a single booklet, or as individual handouts.
Bible Study on the Common Confession
This seven-part study addresses some of the key doctrinal teachings of traditional Lutheran theology. It is written in a question and answer discussion style, based of readings from the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.
Four Views on the Authority of Holy Scripture
This two-sided handout describes four basic perspectives on the significance of the Scriptures, including Atheistic, Academic, Static, and Functional Views. It is intended as a reference sheet for an introductory adult class on the authority of Scripture.
Increasing Accuracy of Scripture Translations
This single sheet handout addresses a falsely held assumption that Scripture translations have degraded over time. It argues, on the contrary, that the accuracy of Scripture translations has increased over time.
Five Stages of the Afterlife
This single sheet handout summarizes the biblical description of what happens after death. It offers a very brief summary of five "stages" or periods, including: Death, the Grave, Resurrection, Judgment, and Eternal Life, with accompanying Bible texts. The sheet is meant to be used as aid for teaching, not as a complete treatise on the subject.
The Description of “Heaven” vs. “The Place of the Dead” in Scripture
This collection of Scripture passages from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Apocrypha, contrasts the descriptions of Heaven, God's dwelling place, with Sheol/Hades, the biblical "place of the dead." Scripture consistently describes death as a descent to the place of the dead, rather than a flight of the soul to heaven.
Translational Notes on the Apostles’ Creed: Christ ‘Descended to the Dead’
This single sheet handout addresses the meaning of the phrase in the Apostles’ Creed: “he descended into hell” or “he descended to the dead.” It provides a brief description of the original and the biblical concept of Hades and Sheol on which the phrase is based. It may be a helpful resource for those who are looking for a simple explanation of the terminology being used in the new ELCA hymnal Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW).
Martin Luther on the Afterlife
This adult study handout gives some examples to illustrate the development in Martin Luther's understanding of the afterlife. Comparing quotations from early and late in his career, one can see how his perspective changed from a medieval Roman Catholic view to a more biblical view, centered in the promise of Christ.
Theology of Glory vs. Theology of the Cross
This single sheet handout compares two different ways people think about the faith, contrasting a biblical 'Theology of the Cross' over against a 'Theology of Glory.' A simple definition and examples of each are provided.
Confirmation Worship Notes
This packet contains twenty different copy-ready note sheets for use by Confirmation students in taking notes during worship.
Dramatized Bible Stories for Youth
Each of the packets below contain several stories from a book of the Bible, written in multi-part dialogue form. Most of the ‘dramas’ are able to fit back-to-back on a single sheet. They were designed for use in Confirmation Instruction and are aimed at upper elementary-age and above.
- Stories from the Book of Esther
- Stories from the Book of Daniel
- Stories from the Book of Joshua
- Stories from the Book of Acts
Resources on Evangelism
Simply Sharing Your Faith
This two-sided handout gives some simple guidelines to help people feel more comfortable in sharing their faith.
Seeing With the Eyes of a Visitor
One of the ways to evaluate a church's ministry of hospitality, is by "seeing with the eyes of a visitor" - that is, imagining what it would be like to be visiting the church for the first time. This sheet lists a number of questions to record such impressions; it may be used in one's own congregation or when visiting others.
The Parable of the King's Horse
This short-story, written for oral delivery, is an allegory on what it means to proclaim the message of salvation in Christ. It could be used as a sermon or Bible study illustration.
Children's Coloring Book: "Paul & Silas — Missionaries for Jesus"
This multi-page coloring book tells the story of Paul and Silas in the jail of Philippi, from Acts 16:16-34. The pages can be reproduced as individual pages, or stapled together as a booklet.