In 1954, delegates at the annual convention in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, approved a landmark constitutional amendment that dissolved the long-standing CLB Mission Board and replaced it with two new independent boards: a Board of Foreign Missions and a Board of Home Missions.

North American Mission has a history of coming alongside churches and assisting to lead our denomination in three ministry areas: youth and young adults, church planting, and church vitality.

I’ve been involved with leading weekly Sunday worship gatherings in some capacity since 2007. But my calling to worship ministry began about three years before that, when I was thirteen years old.

As the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, we are committed to being a disciple-making movement. A vital part of that mission is developing and equipping the next generation to not only be part of the Church, but to take ownership within it.

The Rooted Gap Year program is quickly coming to the close of its second year, and it’s an interesting time, living in three different years. We pour our hearts into this year’s students; we interact with the students who inquire about next year; and finally, we stay connected with last year’s students, hearing how God is continuing to grow and shape them.

March 11, 2011. 15 years have passed since that tragic day. The day northern Japan was hit by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake, giant tsunami waves, and a nuclear disaster. The day when life, as we knew it before, changed forever… As I have been glancing through 15 years of prayer letter updates, however, the theme I see over and over is God’s faithfulness in providing exactly what was needed, at exactly the right time.

The Rooted Gap Year program is quickly coming to the close of its second year, and it’s an interesting time, living in three different years. We pour our hearts into this year’s students; we interact with the students who inquire about next year; and finally, we stay connected with last year’s students, hearing how God is continuing to grow and shape them.

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.

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.

I have a friend who owns his own business. A few years ago, he was wondering out loud, “What could God do through my simple business? What does this have to do with sharing the gospel with my neighbors?”

Today, six years into retirement, Steve would say that he still hasn’t gotten much rest. And he’s arrived at this unexpected conclusion: “You can only golf so much!”

The older I get, the more I realize how much Dave gave me during those two years. Beyond his words of wry wisdom, he gave me his time. I’m sure it was quite a few months before I contributed positively to his bottom line. But he patiently taught me a messy, dusty trade that most people do their best to avoid. And we had fun doing it!

Throughout history God’s spokespeople have proclaimed the works of God in order that his chosen would continue to place their trust in him. Our own history, both distant and recent, is set on a biblical foundation that calls for the activity of one generation to influence another for the furtherance of faith development. 

What has helped us navigate biblical truths is taking part in an intergenerational Bible Study: an intentional practice that builds relationships and fosters learning between people of different age groups.

Get to know the five new students of Lutheran Brethren Seminary, starting the Fall 2024 semester.

The Rooted Gap Year program is off and running and I couldn’t be more thankful for the way things have started. We have eight incredible young adults from all over the country who have come to be discipled, to live in community, and to serve the Lord.

John 1:14 describes “The Word” (Jesus) as dwelling among us “full of grace and truth.” As a pastor, I hope that I regularly dwell with others as Jesus did, in the fullness of his grace and truth, but I don’t.

It is noon on a Monday, time for The Clothing Closet to open. About a dozen people are waiting to enter the building. Some early arrivals find their way to the food pantry and quickly load up on fresh vegetables and fruit, dry goods, and ready-to-eat meals; others disperse through the racks of clothes and household goods, hoping to find what they need.

The vision of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren is to be a Disciple-making Church. One of our Church body’s four objectives, “Unleash New Leaders,” has been a focus for decades at our camp and retreat center in Minnesota, Inspiration Point.

Once upon a time, my heroes had been cowboys and crime fighters. Today, they are all connected to Jesus and his mission.