In these days where we have sheltered in place, we have been called for a season to remain behind closed doors for the love of our neighbor. We dearly miss the opportunity to gather face to face and to have the gift of a building we can regularly use. It has been a profound challenge not to gather face to face in this season. It has renewed our gratitude for the abundance with which we have been blessed and strengthened our prayer for the persecuted church around the world, for whom this is the norm.
Continue reading “Mission Driven – Update”Update from Ethiopia
Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Last week we made a short trip to Ethiopia visiting with Rev. Yonas Yigezu, President of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, and Rev. Tsadiku Abdo, President of the Ethiopian Evangelical Churches Fellowship. Continue reading “Update from Ethiopia”
Lenten Devotional Introduction
The season of Lent has typically held a special place in the life of the Church. Beginning tomorrow with Ash Wednesday and culminating in the events of Holy Week, Lent is an invitation to focus on what is central to our faith. It has also become a time for personal and spiritual reflection on who we are as God’s people and on what God has given us so graciously in Christ. Continue reading “Lenten Devotional Introduction”
Persistence in Prayer
“O LORD my God, I cried to you for help and you have healed me.” — Psalm 30:2 ESV
I am struck by the beauty and simplicity of Psalm 30. Is there a more complete prayer in such few words than here in verse two? This verse sums up the entirety of our stories. As David prays these words, he calls on God by name as he cries out, addressing the depth of our brokenness. And in the same breath, healing. For we have a great God who saves, who gives us the chance to live again. What a gift from God is prayer! Continue reading “Persistence in Prayer”
NALC Mission Start Update
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we have returned from Lutheran Week in Denver, we have been asked by many people about the NALC’s strategy for mission, specifically our strategy for planting churches. They have heard us say that the NALC does not plant churches at the national level. This is a new strategy and vision for many people. Continue reading “NALC Mission Start Update”
Renewing and Reviving The Aging Church
The local congregation is “graying” at a rapid rate. Over 10,000 people each day are turning 65 years of age. Instead of lamenting the “aging of the church,” we need to embrace it and help older adults grow in their discipleship of Jesus. Continue reading “Renewing and Reviving The Aging Church”
The Great Commission Society
Discipleship Moment, September 5, 2017
Graying in Grace Bible Study
It is our joy and privilege to present this free resource to all of our congregations in the NALC. Many of our congregations, leaders, and lay people have articulated the need for such a resource.