As it is written in Psalm 107:2: “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story, those he has redeemed from the foe.” It is through each of us telling the story of what Jesus Christ has done for us through his death and resurrection that changes everything. In John 4, we read how the Samaritan woman shared the story of what Jesus had said and done, and because of her testimony – the whole village believed. Whether it is through countless other examples of stories in Scripture, or the same phenomenon we see occurring in our world today with friends, family, and even strangers – God calls us to tell our stories. When we begin to tell our stories, we realize they are not really “ours” but “his.” Through telling these stories – the body of Christ is built up, strengthened in faith, and knit together. Welcome to MissionConnect – we are “living on mission, telling our stories.”
“Connect” is a MissionConnect Update that shares new resources.
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. Join us for April’s session of The Academy: The Mission Driven Church.
Continue reading “The Academy – April 2019”
With so many requests regarding New Starts and Church Planting in the NALC, we will be hosting a webinar/video conference meeting Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 7:00 PM EDT. Pastor Brad Hales would love for you to join him! Continue reading “New Starts Update”
“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”
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. Join us for March’s session of The Academy: The Small and Rural Church.
Continue reading “The Academy – March 2019”
“Evangeliphobia” is not a real word, but it does describe a real fear. Just the thought of talking to people, outside of their inner circle, about something as intimate as faith can induce an almost catatonic state in some of our most faithful members. Why is this? A very real possibility is that the Church itself has conditioned this reaction by attempting evangelism without first focusing on discipleship. Continue reading “Evangeliphobia – An Unnatural Fear of the Word “Evangelism””
The Academy continues to strive to inspire congregations and leaders to embrace the NALC’s Core Value – Mission Driven.
During February’s session of The Academy, we dove deep into some of the foundational and practical elements of leadership, also keeping before us what it means to help people recognize and trust God’s voice and character through the Word of God. The NALC’s Renewal Team is excited to deliver a series of resources during the remainder of February that both challenge and open the NALC to the work of the Holy Spirit in our ministry and mission.
As baptized disciples of Jesus Christ, living members of His body, our “mission” is to share the good news of His saving death and resurrection with those living in darkness, fear and godlessness, bringing the kingdom—His risen presence—near so that, through God’s Word and Holy Spirit, they may become his followers, baptized into His Church, disciples, with us, in the Kingdom of God. Continue reading “The Academy – February 2019”
Last year, Transfiguration Lutheran Church Mission, and several Texas Lutheran churches brought hope and happiness to many poor families during Christmas time in El Salvador. We provided 1000 food baskets and toys for adults and children. In El Salvador, an average family is composed of five members. We helped to provide food for ten days, making a Christmas dinner possible for them. In total, we were able to feed 5000 people. Here is a video that shows the highlights of last year’s event. Continue reading “Mission Trip to El Salvador 2019”
