May/June 2026 issue of Faith & Fellowship

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.

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/April 2026 issue of Faith & Fellowship

January/February 2026 issue of Faith & Fellowship

But I learned over time that while physical building projects were part of the mission work, that was just a small part. The real meat of the work was in building relationships. Nathanael wisely told me that I was not there to make more houses or put up solar panels, but instead to learn what it means to be a light among the Chadians. 

Depending on your context, small groups can offer some big wins for your students. Watch this video conversation between ministry leaders discussing the value of small groups.

Later that day I left for the airport, thinking to myself, and now sharing with you, “Rooted is more than great; it’s special.”

I loved listening to people and speaking into their lives. I loved seeing the Bible brought to life in people. I loved teaching. I loved Jesus and his promise to heal, reconcile, and transform. But I didn’t want to be a pastor. 

With the success of a first school, Gethsemane de Meube, established in a village in Chad, there has been an increasing desire for more schools in other villages. In response, the CLB has started a second school: Gethsemane de N’Djamena-Bousso.

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. 

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.

Over the past ten years working as a studio potter, I have travelled across the Upper Midwest with my small business, teaching, hosting pottery events, and sharing my testimony through my wheel demonstrations. During this time, the Lord began revealing to me some deep truths about his sovereignty, my relationship with him, and the transformative work he wanted to do in my life.

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.