God’s Faithfulness in Lincoln, ND
Kyleigh Dahl (right) on piano on the worship team.
Growing up in a CLB congregation, I remember watching update videos from LBIM missionaries during the worship service and feeling inspired by the work they were doing to further God’s kingdom around the world. As followers of Jesus, we are called to share the gospel with others (Matthew 28:18-20). I often prayed God would provide me with opportunities to share this good news, but as someone with strong Midwest roots and a more introverted personality, I also hoped God wouldn’t push me too far out of my comfort zone or send me far from home. Looking back, that was a rather silly prayer―God’s plans are far greater than what we think we want, and he calls us to trust him to equip us to do his will (Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 3:5-6).
In August 2022, Pastor Carl Juhl and his wife, Emily, were called to continue the ministry in Lincoln that had been started by Pastor Ryan Nordlund of Grace LBC in Bismarck, North Dakota. My family had been involved in this ministry over the years, and I was excited to see a church planted in that community. I told Carl and Emily I was interested in supporting the church plant, and I joined the launch team shortly after. In January 2024, I received a call from Carl asking if I would be interested in doing part-time administrative work for the church plant. At the time, I was in a gap semester before beginning graduate school for speech-language pathology, so I said yes, but I didn’t expect to work for the church long-term. It turns out God had different plans, and I kept the job while completing my master’s degree. Two and a half years later, I can honestly say working for the church has been the best job I never knew I wanted!
I started the job not entirely sure what to expect. What I thought would be mostly behind-the-scenes administrative work quickly expanded into also playing piano during services, cooking meals for volunteers, coordinating community events, and helping with women’s ministry. At many of these events, I found myself approaching people I had never met before and inviting them to come to Lincoln church. Was that extremely outside my comfort zone? Absolutely, yes! But did God give me exactly what I needed in those moments, and has he used those experiences to grow my trust in him? Absolutely, yes!
The Lincoln church plant began by holding services in a school gymnasium and later in a park shelter. Each week, we hauled in sound equipment and chairs to form a worship space. On cold North Dakota mornings, especially in subzero temperatures, it was easy to wonder if all the effort was worth it. Spoiler: it was! I’ve watched the Lincoln church plant grow and flourish, and God’s faithfulness and provision have been very evident. We now gather in our newly renovated church building that serves as a permanent meeting space with plenty of storage (praise God!). It has been exciting to watch many individuals and families that we first met at community events now regularly attend services and activities at Lincoln Church. What’s even more exciting is that they are hearing the gospel proclaimed, and it has been an encouragement in my own faith to watch new believers of all ages find hope and peace that comes through faith in Jesus.
I’ve learned a lot from being part of the church in Lincoln. We live in a sinful and broken world. This can make ministry messy and difficult at times, but God’s ways are perfect, and he is our rock (Psalm 18:1-3, 30-31). It can be easy to worry if we will have enough volunteers and resources to maintain a young church, but God always provides―he has and will continue to be faithful (Matthew 6:25-34). It has been a joy and a blessing to serve and be part of this ministry, and I look forward to seeing how God will continue to grow his kingdom in Lincoln.
“For great is his steadfast love toward us, the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!”
(Psalm 117:2)
Kyleigh Dahl is an administrative assistant at Lincoln Church & Community Center, a Lutheran Brethren church plant in Lincoln, ND.
Left: Roger Viksnes (left) with the Rooted Class of '25-'26. Center: Hiking with guest teacher Pastor Ryan Nilsen. Right: Helping distribute food in New York City.