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Joel Christenson / Lutheran Brethren Seminary
Can we make the REACH conference an annual gathering for our LB family of churches? REACH fills a training, equipping and convening gap in our wider church body that no other regularly scheduled event is currently able to fill. Here’s why.
Our First REACH Conference
Brandon Pangman / North American Mission
REACH wrapped up on Sunday, September 20. It was a powerful weekend of believers coming together to become better and more comfortable in an uncomfortable calling.
REACH Conference Reflection
Jordan Spina | North American Mission
A conference cannot do anything… but Jesus can. This weekend God stirred the affections of many for their neighbors. He reminded us that what we need is not a love for something of this world but a love for those God loves.
CLB History of North American Mission
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.
The Journey to Disciple Making
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.
A Legacy of Disciple Making
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.
Investing in Young Adults
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.
Rooted Ministry Update
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.
15 Years in Ishinomaki
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.
God’s Faithfulness in Lincoln, ND
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.
I Didn’t Want to Go, But Then I Did
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.
Art and Disciple-Making
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.
Our Vocation and God’s Mission
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?”
You Can Only Golf So Much!
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 Valuable Investment of Time
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!
From One Generation to the Next
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.
Navigating the Cultural Tides
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.
Fall 2024 Incoming Students
Get to know the five new students of Lutheran Brethren Seminary, starting the Fall 2024 semester.
Rooted Gap-Year Begins
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.
Dwelling Among Us
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.