O Christ, Who Called the Twelve
O Christ, who called the twelve to rise
This hymn emphasizes the apostolic foundation of the Church and the universal calling of all Christians to discipleship and witness, reflecting Lutheran understanding of vocation. The text proclaims both the privilege and responsibility of following Christ and participating in His missional work.
History & Background
Written by Herman G. Stuempfle Jr. in 1993 for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's worship resources, this contemporary hymn focuses on apostolic calling and discipleship. It was included in the ELW (2006) and subsequently in LSB (2006) as a hymn addressing the commissioning of the twelve disciples.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 720
- Lutheran Service Book — 856
Bulletin Note
Herman G. Stuempfle Jr. (1993). A contemporary hymn rooted in the Lutheran tradition of vocation, connecting the apostolic call to all believers' participation in Christ's missional work through Word and Sacrament.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Gospel's grace in Christ's calling and the Law's demand for costly, obedient witness, making it ideal to undergird preaching on vocation, apostolic succession, or the nature of Christian discipleship.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From contemplation of Christ's humble birth in obscurity to personal invitation for Christ's transformative indwelling; movement from historical event to soteriological application
Themes
Christian calling and discipleship Mission and witness Apostolic succession Gospel proclamation Faithfulness in service