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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.
Rooted is Making a Difference!
Later that day I left for the airport, thinking to myself, and now sharing with you, “Rooted is more than great; it’s special.”
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.
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.
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?
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.
Elevate Youth Convention
For five days we watched our young people take in God’s Word, praise his name together in worship, and join each other in prayer. They experienced fellowship through afternoon activities, games with emcees, climbing mountains, and more! Hundreds of students are growing in Christ!
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.
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?
Making Disciples Among Youth and Young Adults
My story of being involved in Lutheran Brethren Youth Ministries is only one note in the song that is the beautiful history—the awesome legacy—of the Lutheran Brethren’s investment and concern for the generations that would follow them.
A Child-at-Heart Reaching a Child’s Heart
God is faithful and he hears and answers our prayers. We have prayed for a strong youth ministry here at Elim and God has greatly blessed us. God uses his people in so many ways to bring about his purposes.
An Everyday Hero Joining Jesus on His Mission
Once upon a time, my heroes had been cowboys and crime fighters. Today, they are all connected to Jesus and his mission.
Learning from Our Children
As churches, we invest time, energy, and money into the faith development of our children. This is right. We should do this. We need to guide and shepherd our children as they grow and mature in their faith.
Pangman Called as New Director of NAM
On March 31, 2023, the Church of the Lutheran Brethren’s Council of Directors voted to approve President Paul Larson’s recommendation to call Rev. Brandon Pangman as the next Director of North American Mission. Rev. Pangman will begin his call on September 18, 2023.
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?
Gospel Partnership
Have you ever thought about planting a church? About ten years ago, God spoke to me in a pastors’ meeting where I heard that the best way to see new people come to Christ was through church planting efforts.
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.
Young Adult Ministry: ROOTED
For too long the narrative dominating high school guidance counseling offices was that you need to go to college, and you need to do it fast. Don’t wait and certainly don’t pause, or you will never finish. But why does that have to be the narrative?
Pathfinders
The Church body was designed by God to include all people. People with worldly disabilities need to be included or, ironically, the Church body is spiritually disabled.