Mark Johannesen Tim Mathiesen Mark Johannesen Tim Mathiesen

Youth Ministry Curriculum

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?”

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Katie Holzner Kayla Doering Katie Holzner Kayla Doering

Church Planting & Childlike Faith

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.

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Drew Skog Kayla Doering Drew Skog Kayla Doering

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.

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Jeremy Osterwalder Tim Mathiesen Jeremy Osterwalder Tim Mathiesen

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. 

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Brian Quade Tim Mathiesen Brian Quade Tim Mathiesen

The Gospel’s Glory in Every Generation

It’s beautiful to see a congregation sharing and celebrating the gospel across generations! A family who adopts an older couple with no kids as “grandparents,” gives the couple and their kids the opportunity to do life together. Families who welcome college students and newcomers to the community, give them a place to belong.

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Cheryl Olsen Tim Mathiesen Cheryl Olsen Tim Mathiesen

Jesus: God with Skin On

But Christmas is also a time for reflection on what Jesus actually did, in giving up his heavenly throne and becoming human: Jesus was God “with skin on!” As his kinfolk, can we follow his example in this season? Where do we see incarnational ministry―God’s love with skin on?

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Roger Viksnes Tim Mathiesen Roger Viksnes Tim Mathiesen

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.

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Jordan Spina Tim Mathiesen Jordan Spina Tim Mathiesen

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.

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Keith Luna, Cindy Luna Tim Mathiesen Keith Luna, Cindy Luna Tim Mathiesen

The Clothing Closet

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.

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Daniel Berge Tim Mathiesen Daniel Berge Tim Mathiesen

Politics and the Text

I don’t know if the church gets much more divided than during an election year. 2024 is shaping up to be no different. How should we, the body of Christ, think and behave in this divisive climate?

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Nick Laven Kayla Doering Nick Laven Kayla Doering

Why Are We Here?

If someone were to hear the name of your church, would they know about you or would they know you? Better yet, would they know Jesus as Savior King?

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Bruce Stumbo Kayla Doering Bruce Stumbo Kayla Doering

Connected: Partners in Mission

Today, in January of 2023, I have in front of me a small booklet which we use to deliver a clear description of the current objectives of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. It comes down to four words: Call, Partner, Unleash, and Multiply.

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