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 Indianapolis, the Mission Festival is designed to inspire and serve as a resource to congregations. This includes specific “breakout” sessions on a variety of topics. “Stewardship: We Are in This Together — Shared Purpose, Shared Struggle, Shared Hope” will be presented by Pastor Dona Johnson and Pastor Eugene Grimm.
In Acts, Chapter 2, Luke describes the early Church as a community of faithful stewards who had all things in common (2:44). These believers had mutual love for one another and out of this love came a sense of mutual ownership. No longer were time, money and possessions thought of as personal property (this is mine and that’s yours), but all was joyfully and corporately shared. They were “all in” together. They held nothing back. And out of their love for the risen Christ, and a genuine love for one another, emerged a new corporate generosity — a generosity the likes of which had not been seen before.
Imagine for a moment if every congregation and every member had all things in common — shared ownership and shared responsibility. How might this effect how we steward our time, talents, treasure and testimony towards the NALC and our
local congregation? How would it increase both corporate and individual generosity? In what ways would being “all in” unleash and expand the Great Commission and further our ability to make disciples and share the Gospel in ways that we could never have imagined?
In this session, we will learn what it means to have all things in common and to be all-in. We will share all our resources — Stewards of God’s Influence — and lay the groundwork for how to implement an effective annual stewardship program and provide time for you to share both your joys and your struggles.
The Rev. Dona Johnson has over 20 years of pastoral leadership, having previously served Christ the King Lutheran Church in Centerville, Ohio. In her recent retirement, she and her husband are enjoying the new challenge of planting a house church in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as serving as co-chair of the Living and Giving Stewardship Team. Pastor Johnson has led stewardship intensives, received several educational grants for biblical stewardship initiatives, and chairs a non-profit board. She has led several capital campaigns. Pastor Johnson is a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, and the University of Cincinnati, with a master of science degree in architectural research and planning.
The Rev. Dr. Eugene Grimm served as a stewardship specialist for more than 20 years. He believes that the Christian church has just begun to teach and preach stewardship and that it is a vital part of the Great Commission. How can we hope to fulfill even a small part of the Great Commission until we learn to share our resources so that others may know, grow and give. Pastor Grimm is co-chair of the Living and Giving Stewardship Team.
For more information about schedules, hotel information, or to register today for Lutheran Week – please visit: 2019 Lutheran Week. For additional information about other breakouts and presenters, please visit: 2019 Mission Festival.