Departmental articles in the print edition of Lutheran Forum generally run around 2000-3000 words.

OT and NT exegesis

If we are to defend the authority of Scripture, then it is fitting to devote time and space to exegeting it. We’re looking for exegesis about God, not only about texts and traditions. Both OT and NT exegesis will appear in every issue. The OT exegesis should neither simply provide prooftexts for the NT nor disregard the NT with nearly irrelevant religion-of-Israel type stuff. Preference will be given to texts not in the lectionary.

American Lutheran history

Any aspect of American Lutheran history is welcome, but the chief purpose in conveying the information should be to help us understand how we got to where we are now.

Doctrine

Any and every theological topos is up for discussion here.

Beyond Augsburg

This department is reserved for Christians not of the Lutheran tradition but with enough knowledge of it to discuss it accurately. Each article should have the following format. The member of a different Christian faith tradition will give an account of the meaning and beliefs of that tradition within the logic of said tradition; then state what that tradition has that Lutherans need; and finally state what Lutherans have that the other tradition needs. (Lutherans are welcome to suggest non-Lutheran writers for this department.)

Studies in Luther

Historical, systematic, and idiosyncratic approaches to our favorite reformer are all encouraged to apply. Occasionally we also have "Studies in Lutherans."

Global Lutheranism

These articles can take two basic forms. One discusses mission work of Lutherans in the world; the other describes indigenous Lutheran churches and their work, struggles, triumphs, etc.

Philosophy

Clear and careful analysis of philosophy is essential in explaining theological trends, past and present. This is distinctly a “handmaiden” approach to philosophy, with the goal of illuminating theology.

Lex Orandi Lex Credendi

As awful as the term “worship wars” is, worship is probably the only thing really worth warring about. Here we want both historical and theological consideration of any and all liturgical practices.

Seminarians

Seminarians have had no one to advocate for them publicly—until now. Seminary students are especially invited to write for this department. When we cover youth ministry, this department gets renamed "Seedlings."

The Goat Azazel

Azazel is the scapegoat of Leviticus: it’s what you slap on the rump and send out of the community. While the general tone of LF is constructive, this is the place we will devote to breaking down whatever really richly deserves it.

Public Witness

This department is concerned with ethics, social issues, and culture, with specific attention to how our Lutheran-informed Christian faith expresses itself in the left-hand kingdom.

Hymn

Every issue features a new hymn in reproducible format. We also includes articles on Lutheran music history, relevant book reviews, and practical discussions of congregational song.

Poetry

We lean towards poetry with theological themes, but even if it's not, yet you're brilliant and Lutheran, we'll consider your oeuvre anyway.

Hagiography

We seek to reintroduce Lutherans to the forgotten lights of our history and venerate them in the proper evangelical way Melanchthon outlined in the Apology to the Augsburg Confession.

Dissenting in Place

Since it is sometimes necessary to do that to maintain one's integrity as a Christian, here we'll feature stories of those who have done so and how they did it. Sometimes, though, it will prove neccessary to leave the place, in which case the department becomes "Dissenting Displaced."

On the Cover

The cover of every issue features the work of a contemporary Lutheran artist--we bet you never knew how many talented artists share our confession of faith! In the back of the magazine they discuss in writing the intersection of faith and artistic vocation.

And Now for Something Completely Different

Monty Python knew better than anyone that there are things in life that defy categorization. In LF, they end up in this department.