During his 56-year ministry as pastor and President of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, John W. Behnken saw the church grow from a rural, foreign-language body concentrated largely in the Midwest to one of the three major Lutheran bodies in North America, with a mission and ministry extending to every continent. Rev. Behnken's autobiography tells the story of a God-fearing churchman who had to navigate one of the most culturally and theologically turbulent periods in the LCMS. You will gain a "behind the desk" perspective as President Behnken leads you through the highs and lows of his ministry. This new edition includes a Foreword by Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison and a post-script by Rev. William Schmelder, who offers clarity about John Behnken the man and the preacher, along with conditions within the LCMS after Behnken's retirement.