While many of us might prefer to write the studies ourselves, there are likely times when we use purchased or borrowed curriculum instead. One of the frequent questions I get when speaking to youth workers on the phone is “is there any curriculum that you would recommend?”

Why does the CLB pursue mission endeavors in places unreached with the gospel? It’s a matter of family! Not just the family in Christ many of us have been privileged to know over the years, but the brothers and sisters we don’t know yet. 

The Church of the Lutheran Brethren, through her international missions department, have always prioritized sending missionaries to serve in unreached places and among unreached peoples. Even considering the discouraging reality of the status of the Church and mission in Japan, it did not seem right that LBIM should shrink back from this mission, but rather should lean into it, and further invest in it.

Since LBIM began its mission in Japan in 1949, we at JLBC have received the blessing of the gospel through many missionaries. Together with these missionaries, the Japanese Church has built its foundation.

Since LBIM began its mission in Japan in 1949, we at JLBC have received the blessing of the gospel through many missionaries. Together with these missionaries, the Japanese Church has built its foundation.

Since I studied at Lutheran Brethren Seminary, I have never forgotten the love we received. If it weren’t for your love, I might have burned out along the way. But when I thought about your prayers, I was able to stand up again and again. Now, after all this time, I am grateful that, once again, I have the opportunity to work directly with the CLB.

We had heard about how God was at work in Red Deer, and we wanted to see it for ourselves. We also wanted to be part of what God is doing, but we did not know how that might happen.

This past July, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit a church plant, The River, in Red Deer, Alberta, with a group of people from my home church, Good Shepherd, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. God softened my heart through these children and opened my eyes to see what childlike faith looks like.

From March to June, regional conventions were held across North America, bringing CLB regions together for business proceedings and times of fellowship.

September/October 2025 issue of Faith & Fellowship

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).