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. During Lutheran Week in Denver, the Mission Festival is designed to inspire and serve as a resource to congregations. This includes specific “break out” sessions on a variety of topics. The team from World Mission Prayer League is blessing the NALC as they present on the topic: “Spiritual Groanings: Maximize Your Congregation’s Global Impact.”
When we take a good look at the world today we groan! So does the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:22-26) What would the Lord have us do about the global millions, even billions, who are hurting and lost? Sending and supporting overseas workers and going on short-term service trips are great ways of being engaged in the Lord’s mission, but there’s something even better. Before Jesus said “go” (Matthew 28:19), he said “pray” (Matthew 9:37-38). Prayer is the first and most essential work of mission! You and the members of your congregation may or may not travel to some far away place where people have yet to hear the Gospel, but the Holy Spirit can help you “go there in prayer.” We’d like to show you some exciting and creative ways He does that, and help you extend your outreach to the “uttermost parts of the earth.”
Paul and Pris Gossman have long understood themselves to be called to mission. After Paul’s graduation from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, they served as missionaries in the tribal highlands of the Philippines, training leaders and planting churches. Along with their daughter Sarah, they later served with WMPL in Peru, doing similar work among the poor in the city of Chiclayo. Since their return to the U.S. in 2000, the Gossmans have served in bilingual and multiethnic parish and parachurch ministries in Illinois, Washington and Oregon. Paul also holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He headed that department at Trinity Lutheran College from 2005-2008 and has been an independent instructor and consultant in a wide variety of countries and settings, currently serving as the Director for the World Mission Prayer League.
For more information about schedules, hotel information, or to register today for Lutheran Week – please visit: 2018 Lutheran Week. For additional information about other breakouts and presenters, please visit: 2018 Mission Festival.