Theology Q&A Q&A Featuring Matthew Harrison: What is lacking in the Lutheran church today and how can we strengthen it? What is the unpardonable sin? Is faith passive or active? More.
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Mar 12, 2026 Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and longtime pastor and theologian, joins to address core pastoral and doctrinal questions. They explore what Lutheran preaching often lacks and how to strengthen it. They discuss the sin against the Holy Spirit, whether faith is passive or active, pastoral practice around communion and baptism, and tensions within confessional Lutheranism.
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Restore Titus 2 Catechesis Among Generations
- Encourage lay catechesis where older women teach younger women and older men teach younger men the faith and Christian living.
- Wolfmueller suggests reviving Titus 2-style mentoring so knowledge and piety are passed person-to-person in congregations.
Faith Passive Yet Regenerates Active Will
- Faith is fundamentally passive as a divine gift but regenerates the will so the believer actively cooperates thereafter.
- Harrison explains bondage of the will pre-conversion and that regeneration restores freedom to act in faith and good works.
Luther’s Paradox Of Passive Receiving And Active Faith
- Luther calls faith 'purely passive' in its receiving yet also 'a living, busy, active, mighty thing' that inevitably produces good works.
- Wolfmueller and Harrison stress good works follow faith like footsteps follow a resurrected walker.