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.

Introducing the Spring 2025 incoming students at Lutheran Brethren Seminary. Their commitment to Christ and His Church marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their calling to ministry.

I recently returned from a trip to Chad and Cameroon. It was encouraging to see the continuity of the mission work enhanced by innovations of an interdependent partnership between Lutheran Brethren International Mission and the Chad Lutheran Brethren Church.

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.

After a thorough and prayerful search, the Board of Directors of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is pleased to announce that Luke Fiskness has been selected as the school’s next President.

May/June 2025 issue of Faith & Fellowship

Today marks the 14th anniversary of the 3/11 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in northern Japan. We turned on the 7 o’clock news this morning and watched people standing by the ocean at sunrise, praying for the souls of those lost in the huge tsunami waves.

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.

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?”

Gene Veith, in his article “Vocation: The Theology of the Christian Life,” cites the passage and comments, “Thus, God assigns different kinds of life for each Christian and then calls each Christian to that assignment.”

My career journey has been one of continual change and unexpected results that I can only credit to God.

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!”

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.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, I want to express our profound gratitude to President Brad Hoganson and “the first lady of Hillcrest,” Traci Hoganson, for their faithful commitment and transformative service to our school.

March/April 2025 issue of Faith & Fellowship

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.