Lutheran Lay Renewal Update

In May of 2018, I was contacted by Rev. Peter Maganda, dean of the Eastern District of the Lutheran Church of Uganda (LCU) and also dean of students at the Lutheran Theological College in Magamaga. He was very interested in our renewal weekend program. We sent him all of our material so that the LCU could start planning renewal weekends for congregations in the Eastern Deanery. Three very successful weekends were held in the fall and, as a result, I was invited by Pastor Peter and Bishop, Rev. Charles Bameka to visit Uganda for nine days in January. 

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Conflict in the Congregation: Roadblocks that Lead to Redirection and Renewal

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  -Romans 15:5-6

One of the greatest challenges in congregational life and mission is that of conflict. A study of 14,000+ congregations in 2000 indicated 75% experienced some level of conflict. In 2008, another study found that 74% of congregations were in conflict over leadership, money or finances. While a stable percentage, it is troubling to consider that at any given time, three- fourths of congregations are conflicted.  Continue reading “Conflict in the Congregation: Roadblocks that Lead to Redirection and Renewal”