As we grow in our faith and live out God’s mission that he’s called us into, our good works are not attempting to add to the saving work that Jesus has already done. Instead, these actions are in response to that saving work.

Spiritual formation can be a touchy topic for some because it can seem to veer toward mysticism, subjectivity, and works-based righteousness. However, we are all undergoing spiritual formation all the time. 

Looking to the model of Jesus and his disciples, we can learn how service is the entrance to discipleship. He ate with them, he prayed over them, and he washed their feet. 

Since starting to incorporate spiritual formation practices into my daily life, I have started seeing God at work in all aspects of my life, and it has improved my relationships with those close to me.

We are so excited about this theme and all the plans that have been made for Elevate ’26. We pray that our youth will leave the convention in awe of the gifts that God gives to us and his calling on our lives.

While the library serves seminary students and faculty first, its abundant resources are available to the broader CLB community! We wish to encourage and educate laypeople, church leaders, and future pastors within the denomination, equipping them for their ministries or personal studies.

When I am afraid, when struggles come, when evil seems to loom large over me, his rod and staff comfort me. I can sit at the feet of the Lord, confident that he will never leave me or forsake me.

As I lead Hillcrest into this next chapter, my heart is full of hope. I believe this school matters more now than ever. We are unapologetically Christ-centered, committed to Classical Christian Education, and passionate about forming students in faith, intellect, and character. 

July/August 2025 issue of Faith & Fellowship

As we allow God’s Word to come alive in music, poetry, painting, or film, we open our hearts to how God works in and through us in this broken, hurting world that is waiting for his return, when “[he] will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:4).

Does God have anything to say about how we create? In other words, does God care about creativity and the arts? God actually has quite a bit to say about the arts in his Word.

In my work as an artist, I paint a wide variety of subjects from portraits and landscapes to local landmarks and buildings. But there is something extraordinary that happens when I work on a project that is directly inspired by God’s Word.

My love for worship and songwriting began the moment I was saved by Jesus. That evening, God used the song “O Come to the Altar” by Elevation Worship to change my life…That moment ignited a passion in me to write songs that worship and glorify God.

As a songwriter, it is my prayer that I will be so well-steeped in the Word that Jesus just spills into everything I write, do, or say. I want this to be true for the fun, love songs I write for my husband, like “Blush,” or the songs I write about mental health.

As beings made in the image of our Creator, I think each of us has been given the capacity to be a creator in our own way. I see it as our responsibility as faithful servants to invest our gift of creativity and let its blessings multiply for God’s glory and the good of the world.

Every day I want to be reminded, and to remind others through my art, of the beauty of God’s creation–what God has done, what God is doing, and that it is good. 

Of the 6,000 people at Exponential, 100 came from our denomination. We were there to learn, to be equipped, and to step more fully into this mission we’ve been given together…What a beautiful sight: generations of leaders making a difference. Ready to go.

Introducing the Spring 2025 incoming students at Lutheran Brethren Seminary. Their commitment to Christ and His Church marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their calling to ministry.

I recently returned from a trip to Chad and Cameroon. It was encouraging to see the continuity of the mission work enhanced by innovations of an interdependent partnership between Lutheran Brethren International Mission and the Chad Lutheran Brethren Church.

It’s crucial that pastors take an active interest in encouraging the development of the arts within their church communities. Perfection isn’t required; only a willingness to explore. I had no experience when I started, but I grew into it and discovered my passion.