Travel Light? 

We moved. Again.  

That’s been a pattern in our lives for the past number of years (I won’t say just how many), but suffice it to say, my good wife and I have learned a few things about moving as a couple and as a family called to congregational and para-church ministry. Allow me to share a couple key lessons; if you have some, send them my way and we’ll update this little submission. 

First, as you are coming out of seminary and getting settled at that first call, travel light. Don’t get into buying heavy furniture. It’s great to have until you move, and the more you have the harder it is to move it from place to place. Now, don’t take that super seriously, but think through your furniture commitments with some care. You most likely will be moving some day…give that some thought. 

We just made what we are hoping to be our last move, going from a lake property to a much smaller place in town…I gotta tell ya, we have way too much stuff and a lot of it is amazingly heavy.  

Books are heavy. We need them for our work. We need them for refreshment and even entertainment. I once had a pastor/mentor tell me to buy my reference books in hard cover and anything close to fiction in paperback. How much nicer to buy almost all of it online and in digital form!!  

Second, it's probably best not to buy a trailer. Rent one. If your parishioners know you have a trailer out back of your house or out front on the street, and that you own it, they might get the idea that you are ready and willing to travel at a moment's notice. We want to provide a little more assurance to our congregation than that, don’t we? 

I always wanted my own trailer, but I resisted the temptation. Of course, each time we’ve moved I regretted having to go down to U-Haul and pay almost the cost of a used trailer just to have one of theirs for a week or so. Still, give your parishioners some peace of mind, rent don’t buy. Unless you really can get a good deal on something useful. 

Third (and last for this episode), be careful about buying a house too soon into your time of service in a particular community. Check with a local realtor about market activity: does it take a year to sell a home? Is your choice of location helpful to your mission? Whatever, even if you have a lengthy stay in a particular community, buy wisely. 

Let me hear some of your life’s lessons relating to the practical side of ministry. 

Blessings! 

Bruce Stumbo - North American Mission Ministry Associate

“Please, Be Seated?” 

I did it just a couple days ago: We were moving into the closing song of the service, and I decided to sit and sing. It was fine. Not just fine, I found my closing expression through the lyrics of the song and the melody that we sang together was enhanced by not standing up, but simply sitting there, head bowed (I knew the song so didn’t need the words on the wall) and enabled by this posture to receive the encouragement of the message of the music and then the closing prayer of the service in a more meditative and, to me, more personal way. 

I may be stirring up some controversy. I hope not. Not my intention. But I have what is, for me, a valid question regarding “worship posture.” I’ll start with a leading question: In order to worship while singing, do we have to stand up? 

Now, I know that most worship leaders graciously give the option to remain seated by making the statement, “As you are able, please stand as we worship…” or something similar. That’s a good thing to say, especially when you (the leader) know that you have some who are not able to stand for periods of time—or, perhaps, at all. What I’m wondering is, what if I just don’t want to stand? 

I’m not suggesting anything here. I really don’t have a message to bring, an axe to grind, or even a request to make…other than this: If you are a worship leader, give some thought to letting people simply sit and sing without the distractions that come from a whole group of people standing up together.  

Just a little food for thought.  

P.S. - The subject of this blog submission reminds me of one of my favorite (older) worship choruses: 

I will stand in the congregation, and I will exalt You. 

I will stand in the congregation, and I will exalt You. 

Let the children of Your salvation lift Your praises too! 

Ha-lay ha-lay lu--jah! 

So, you see? I’m really not against standing, at all. Honest. 

Blessings! 

Bruce Stumbo - North American Mission Ministry Associate

What Are You Reading These Days? 

I get asked this question from a few friends whenever we see each other long enough to sit down for a good chat. Typically, the person asking is reading something he or she wants to recommend to me but, wanting to be polite, asks me first before they get into the book or books they want to share. So, What are you reading these days? 

Allow me to share with you a brief list of books that have been very helpful to me personally and professionally. If you should decide to read any of these (or, if you already have) I’d enjoy hearing from you. 

For personal growth: “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer. This one I picked up after hearing Pr. Ryan Nilsen mention it on the “Grace for the Grind” podcast which we post on the CLB Forge website. I bought it, and am now reading it, and already very willing to recommend it. Get one and read it for yourself. No hurry though. 

For encouragement in disciple making: 

“Transforming Discipleship” by Greg Ogden. Really excellent material here. I highly recommend it. 

For solid biblical teaching: 

“Authentic Christianity” by Gene Edward Veith, Jr. and A. Trevor Sutton. 

An excellent review of Lutheran theology, though I think they work awfully hard at praising that theology in a way that might put a non-Lutheran off just a bit. Still, the treatment of basic theological topics is very good…in my humble opinion. 

That’s enough for now. If you have a recommendation, feel free to share. Maybe we’ll put a regular book reading list on this blog based on recommendations from you and others. Deal? 

Blessings! 

Bruce Stumbo - North American Mission Ministry Associate

A Matter of Balance

As I went through the joys of physical therapy following a knee replacement, the therapist was always attentive to my need to keep my balance as I worked through various exercises. I soon discovered that his attention to my ability to go up a flight of stairs or simply walk down a hallway was warranted. I’m glad he didn’t have a chance to see me swing a golf club or roll a bowling ball a year later. Balance was an issue then, and it is to this day. 

I watch couples, usually older, walk arm in arm down the street and not because they are being romantic. They are, however, being loving and kind as one of them, if not both, needs the other to stay balanced on their walk. 

I have an older friend who doesn’t go anywhere without the help of his walking stick. That stick was a thing of beauty when he first got it. It’s all beat up, scraped and worn now, but it’s still a thing of beauty as it helps him stay balanced and walking into church (when I usually see him) or anywhere else he goes. 

Here’s the key to balance for most of us—it’s a three-point connection. Two feet on the ground and a walking stick or a helpful friend on your left or right. This is why there are grab bars in rest rooms and showers. It’s why we have handrails on stairways. Sure, lots of people can bounce up and down the steps of a stairway without holding on to something or someone, but watch for those who are not able to, or shouldn’t. Two feet on the floor, and a third point of contact to assist in the journey. 

You know where I’m going: spiritual balance. Life balance. Three points of contact: One is your own desire to be faithful and fruitful as you serve Christ. Another might be a mentor, a spouse, a pastor, or friend. What’s the third connection which will provide balance we can be sure of as we live in this rather chaotic, out-of-balance world? God, Jesus, His Word. Of course, but when our concentration on Him (call it worship) grows weak or goes missing in daily life, we are quickly of balance. 

Think about it, won’t you? Let me know what you think and how we can best attain balance…and stay that way. 

Food for thought: Even God has three-points of contact with us. 

Blessings! 

Bruce Stumbo - North American Mission Ministry Associate

Let's Make a Deal?

Do you ever get so busy that you neglect important things for the sake of just getting through what’s on your desk or plate? That’s the way it has been for me and my relationship to this Blog emphasized on our CLB Forge website. I’ve let the Blog part of this just stop…not even simmer…it has just not been active for quite a while. And it’s my fault. 

Now, to be fair, not one person has written, called, texted, or Zoomed me with a complaint that the Blog isn’t up to date; but why would they? I know everyone else is busy too, so they might confess to neglecting their CLB Blog reading while I’ve been neglecting to post anything. Well, that got circular real fast.  

I’m now hoping some, at least, will notice that I’m going to be working harder to keep this post relevant and active. There are so many good things to write about, and if those things can be helpful to you, well then, that would be excellent and worthwhile. 

So, as part of my newly reformatted job description here at the ol’ North American Mission Office, I’ve taken on oversight of the NAM portions of the website and the Blog. I’m happy to do so.  

Watch for what I hope to be weekly postings right here. 

First up? I really encourage you to listen to the Podcast post #170 put together by Pastors Mike Natale, Dan Stenberg, and Ryan Nilsen. You’ll find the link to the Podcast list in the header of the Forge home page (clbforge.org). The subject of #170 is rest and the guys do a great job opening up a very important subject which challenges just about everyone in modern society and, maybe particularly, pastors and other leaders who carry around all kinds of guilt because they think they can’t rest because (fill in the blank). 

They mention and endorse a book titled “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry”. If you are reading this and got this far and are the first person to let me know I made this offer, I’ll send you a free copy of the book on the condition you read it and let me know what you think.  

Deal? 


Bruce Stumbo – North American Mission Ministry Associate

What is Good?

There are many good things happening here at Inspiration Church. I have to tell you about an outstanding idea which has become a reality after all kinds of consideration: our Kids’ Choir.

While considering how to bless our families here at Inspiration, I had initially thought about starting a Wednesday night children’s program. However, there are already many good Wednesday night programs that are well established here in our community. Given how supportive our evangelical churches are in Wahpeton/Breckenridge, there is a good amount of trust built into any programs we might share. And then there’s the difficulty of finding staff for another children’s ministry. We already have many needs to fill in our current programs and I felt that to add more to the already busy lives of those in our care would not be wise. Like many other churches, most of our leaders here at Inspiration are tapped into such a variety of roles that adding more would lead to being spread too thin; burnout comes shortly after that.

So, in the busyness of this young congregation that God has placed here in Central MN/Southeast ND, we have been seeking ways to accomplish as much as possible in ministry with minimal amount of volunteer effort needed. The goal is simply to not overwhelm my people any more than they already are. Looking around my community, much like any other community, our children have a variety of activities to choose from: dance, sports of all kinds, gymnastics, music lessons and the list goes on and on; not to mention other church activities that our families take part in at other trusted churches in our towns. So, we thought, “What if we could create something here that encouraged the talents of our children and added to the already positive things that engaged them. What if we could organize these children into a respected group of performing singers within our community?” And the obvious bonus here is that all along the way we get to teach them Christ-centered songs based on scriptural truths.

Now remember, to add more to these busy lives might create a quit-culture, so we wanted an activity that would engage our children in something unique and special in our community, something that even children outside our church family would want to be part of. Here is what I shared with my leadership, “I have a few free hours on Wednesday afternoons, I have a great connection with musicians and performing arts professionals in town. I love kids’ worship, I love children, and it doesn’t take many helpers to lead songs!” That made the decision easy, let’s tap into all of this and let the children learn some songs and bless our community, in performance, on stages around the area and then make a connection back to Inspiration Church.

We call it “Inspire Kids Choir.” We have been blessed with 25 children ages 5-12 who come together every Wednesday after school to learn songs, sing loud and let’s admit it, burn off some energy. Maybe you have something you love? Maybe your church can benefit from doing more with minimal volunteer effort? Maybe this success story is a spark for you? Go inspire your neighborhood and let Jesus be lifted high.  


Tim Collins  - Pastor at Inspiration Lutheran Brethren Church

Parenting Generation Screen

Parents, as you read Jonathan McKee’s newest book, “Parenting Generation Screen,” you might be inclined to cancel your kids’ cell phone service, but be encouraged to keep reading it for many great practical insights into helping your teens manage the responsibility of technology.

In it, you will hear tons of gospel-based relationship building tips for parents. And while there are many ideas for parents, there are just as many for students and for youth workers. In addition, not only do I believe that this book will help you with this important topic, but I also believe that it will help you to have a stronger relationship with your student(s).

As well, in this book you will hear some significant research which will challenge your understanding on the impact of devices. And while the book aims to strengthen relationships, it does not abandon setting boundaries with our kids. As well, while the book poses some scary scenarios, the end message is not of “fear” but as I said before, one of gospel-based relationship building help for parents.

Briefly, I want to name a few highlights and insights:

Jonathan will be our featured guest at next summer’s youth workers continuing education. To RSVP for this, send Mark an email at mjohannesen@clba.org and include your name and an address to mail it to. To view our schedule and to learn about our speaker, go to www.clba.org/youth-worker-training-at-the-2022-biennial-convention/

In the coming months we look forward to a great give away related to this new tool.

Mark Johannesen - Youth Ministry Coordinator

Ministry in a Culture of Fear

Sex still sells in our context, but I believe the prominent tool to get attention today has become FEAR. It sells, draws hits, and we seem to be drawn to it even though we claim we are tired of reading about it. We are fed it continuously from the vantage point with which we are aligned. We want to hear about the “others” that make us mad which drives us into a mindset of safety and security at all costs. It is as if we are addicted to fear. We almost crave it!

Guess what – Satan loves to feed this! He drives the wedges and creates the walls that make us look at each other as enemies instead of someone that God loves even with their junk. Just like He has chosen to love me with my junk. Fear that is misplaced is also a product of my sinful nature. Instead of a correct fear, that is first and foremost toward God Almighty, the prominent fears in our cultural context distract, dominate, and destroy our souls.

This fear explosion is also fed by our glorification of the individual over community, the superstar over the team, and “I’m good” over “let’s do life together.” We need help to deal with fear rightly, and God provides all that we need. The provision He has supplied is His Word and His Church!

Fear truly is a powerful emotion and force, but God repeatedly deals with it in Scripture. We are not left alone to deal with what causes our fears or what it does in our hearts and minds. We are lying when we deny fear – we do fear, but do we fear in the way God desires for His redeemed children?

What does the Word say about fear?

It is important to be aware that Scripture does not deny our fear. It just directs us what to do with it when it arrives. On a personal note, I have found that Scripture knows me and my world perfectly. No other book comes close! Here is just a small sampling of God’s Word addressing fear in our lives.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 56:3-4

Immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. 

Mark 6:50-51

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

The Church and Fear

What an opportunity for us to provide a different perspective in our culture of fear. Our common experience from the time we are children is that fear is diminished when we are with others. I don’t remember experiencing fear in the arms of my parents and darkness didn’t seem nearly as ominous when my hand was held by my grandpa. Life’s fearful complexities are lessened when I am processing them with my wife Barb.

Simply being alone can make us feel vulnerable. When I am alone and fear wells up in me it can be difficult to put danger and fear in perspective. I need help! The Church was created by God to help me see and understand things rightly. Christians were never intended to view being disciples as a “solo and private” activity. The Church is a community for each other, as well as, a unified voice of truth and invitation to those on the outside.

Social isolation enhances a sense of insecurity. The culture of fear in North America is a culture of individuality and disconnect. The Church is called to provide a counter-cultural option that is grounded in Jesus to deal with loneliness and fear.

I propose that God calls us to live as His people in a courageous community. This is God’s design to shape and equip you to be a person of courage in a culture addicted to fear. Paul tells us to “bear one another’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2). In a fearful world, we fulfill this charge by creating a community where we can share our fears, our risks, and our resources in a shared confidence.

Courage isn’t a complete absence of fear. It is the refusal to let fear keep us from doing what is right, good, and necessary. It is trusting God. The virtue of courage is much easier to form in community. Sharing life with each other keeps fear from dominating our minds and our lives. We learn courage together.

We are to be communities of faith, not communities of “maintenance” and self-preservation. This stepping out in faith confronts fear that finds our security in wealth and worldly power. In a healthy faith community, we find confidence because we share everything – fears and resources – so that all “needs” are met (Acts 2:42-47).

What a great opportunity we have to “risk” reaching out into each other’s lives. Instead of being dominated by fear, what if we trusted Jesus to live our lives delivering grace and truth?

In John 16:33 Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

What if we took Jesus at his word? How should this shape our churches in this culture of fear?

Nick Mundis - Director of North American Mission