In Everything, Give Thanks – Bishop Dan Selbo

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

Continue reading “In Everything, Give Thanks – Bishop Dan Selbo”

Addressing “Small Matters” Before They Become “Big”

Speaking of the nature of Christian community, St. Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, saying, “Therefore, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:25-27 RSV)

Continue reading “Addressing “Small Matters” Before They Become “Big””

First Thoughts On Vision – Bishop Dan Selbo

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

It is an honor and a joy to be writing to you as your new bishop. Since the time of the election in August, I have been humbled by the calling I have received and by the opportunity I have been given to help shape and mold our ministry and mission efforts in the NALC. At the same time, I am fully at peace with this new role and confident that God has prepared me and us for what lies ahead. As we stay focused on the commission given to us in Jesus and the promise secured for us in His cross and resurrection, we can be certain that God will use our efforts to the glory of His Son.

In this, my first article in the NALC News, before sharing a bit about the priorities toward which I am working and the ways in which I am using these first few months in this office, allow me to introduce myself.

Continue reading “First Thoughts On Vision – Bishop Dan Selbo”

The Academy – October 2019

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.”*

Continue reading “The Academy – October 2019”

Discipleship Can Only Exist And Flourish In A Community That Nurtures Disciples

Dear Disciples of Jesus throughout the North American Lutheran Church,

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?

Continue reading “Discipleship Can Only Exist And Flourish In A Community That Nurtures Disciples”

Reading The Word of God – Service Provider Update

Reading the Word of God, a daily Bible reading guide, has been prepared for Lutherans to use over the next three years. The reading guide was conceived and prepared as a result of ongoing discussions between representatives of the NALC, the Lutheran Church— Canada (LCC), and the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

The reading guide includes monthly calendars with daily readings starting in January 2018 and continuing until December 2020.  As a companion to the daily Bible reading guide, 52 suggested readings — one for each week of the year — are offered from the book, Luther and the Scriptures by Johann Michael Reu (1869–1943).

Continue reading “Reading The Word of God – Service Provider Update”