A Message of Hope – Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch

Barry Backman has worked at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch for over 18 years. He is a Youth Care Worker Team Lead, and works, along with his team, directly with the kids. As parents, most of us need to live through about seven teenage years. Barry has stood by at-risk teens for 18+ years, helping them discover their best selves.Barry is a giant of a man. I don’t know for sure how tall he is, but even when I wear high heels, I look a long way up to meet his eyes. He could be physically intimidating, but he’s not. He exudes calm and kindness. For our internal staff newsletter, I asked Barry to share how he helps the Ranch fulfill its mission of “helping at-risk children and their families succeed in the name of Christ.” I wanted to share his words with you. They will give you a true feel for the caliber of people, like Barry, who choose to be Ranchers.

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Service Provider Update – Lenten Devotional

Late yesterday, we learned that Facebook would no longer be able to support sending free updates through Facebook Messenger. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disruption this has caused.

Because of this disruption, we have worked to find an additional way to support a daily message update at no cost to you. To receive the Lenten Devotional, written by the Rev. Dr. David Wendel, it is now possible to subscribe via daily text message or email.

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The Academy – March 2020

The NALC is committed to the renewal of all our congregations, working to develop and deliver resources that challenge and open the NALC to the work of the Holy Spirit in our ministry and mission.

Bishop John Bradosky writes: “Instead of talking about the process of discipleship, we would like to examine the context of discipleship.  What is the nature of Christian community that nurtures people as faithful followers of Jesus, equips them to reach others with the Gospel of Jesus and provides for their growth and development as disciples of Jesus?  Following the amazing miracle of Pentecost, Peter’s bold preaching, explaining who Jesus is and what He has done for them and the transformation of more than 3,000 people who came to faith in Jesus we read these important words about the formation of the community that was able to sustain and grow the Church, the body of Christ.”*

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The Academy – February 2020

The NALC is committed to the renewal of all our congregations, working to develop and deliver resources that challenge and open the NALC to the work of the Holy Spirit in our ministry and mission.

Bishop John Bradosky writes: “Instead of talking about the process of discipleship, we would like to examine the context of discipleship.  What is the nature of Christian community that nurtures people as faithful followers of Jesus, equips them to reach others with the Gospel of Jesus and provides for their growth and development as disciples of Jesus?  Following the amazing miracle of Pentecost, Peter’s bold preaching, explaining who Jesus is and what He has done for them and the transformation of more than 3,000 people who came to faith in Jesus we read these important words about the formation of the community that was able to sustain and grow the Church, the body of Christ.”*

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From Membership to Mission

Why I Don’t Like Organic Ministry
(But I Practice Organic Ministry)

I must be honest. I was bored by the roundtable discussion on disciplemaking . . . until Jeff spoke. “I should be more intentional about disciplemaking” he said, “but I tend to wing it. I guess I’m more organic in my approach.”

Carol immediately jumped in on Jeff’s comment: “I invite friends from the neighborhood over to fold laundry and talk about Jesus and the Bible. This is how I disciple others. It’s pretty organic.” I liked the discussion on flexibility and friendship but what caught my attention was the word “organic.”

Maybe my gray hair is showing but I believe organic disciplemaking is more than an in-the-moment and seemingly haphazard approach to helping people grow. I think we need some greater clarity on what we mean by “organic.”

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NALC Life Conference 2020

This year NALC Life Ministries has planned a life filled two days to celebrate God’s precious gift of life. It will all begin on Thursday, Jan. 23, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Joppa, Maryland, where the NALC will hold its fourth annual Life Conference. The conference will be live streamed on the Trinity Joppa YouTube channel. To access the live stream for this event, please visit: NALC Life Conference 2020.

For additional information about this conference, access to the live stream to the March for Life, and other details, please visit: NALC Life Ministries – God Loves Life.