Growing Young

Growing Young

By Tracey Breashears Schultz, Bishop’s Associate for Leadership When I visit congregations, especially those in transition, one of the concerns I hear raised most often is about bringing young people back to church, engaging youth, and/or calling a pastor or deacon who has youth ministry experience. Recently, while at a conference gathering of bishops’ associates, I heard a presentation by Kris Bjorke, Interim Program Manager for Youth Ministry, ELCA, which spoke to these needs. What if,...

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Synod Reconciling in Christ Discernment Process Update

Synod Reconciling in Christ Discernment Process Update

By the Gulf Coast Synod LGBTQIA Coalition “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” -James 1:5 At the 2022 Gulf Coast Synod Assembly meeting in Galveston, the Assembly approved a resolution that authorized the following: To enter a year-long process of discerning becoming a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) synod. This process will be guided by the Gulf Coast Synod LGBTQIA Coalition which will include regional educational...

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Respond to Disaster, Trauma, Crisis, Pain, and Suffering — Asian Lutheran International Conference (Part 3)

Respond to Disaster, Trauma, Crisis, Pain, and Suffering — Asian Lutheran International Conference (Part 3)

By Evangeline Dai, Ministry Coordinator Earlier this year, I attended the AAPI-ELCA assembly and the 11th ALIC (Asian Lutheran International Conference) in Chiang Rai, Thailand. This article is part 3 of my notes and reflections (You may click here to read Part 1 and Part 2 from the past newsletters). ALIC is a network that emerged out of the AAPI-ELCA (Association of Asians and Pacific Islanders – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). Because of cultural and linguistic bonds, Asians in the...

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The Importance of Leadership Development: A Reflection from the 2023 Exponential Conference

The Importance of Leadership Development: A Reflection from the 2023 Exponential Conference

By Chris Markert, Bishop’s Associate for Mission Exponential is the world’s largest annual gathering of church planters and missional leaders from around the world. Each March, nearly 6,000 people gather in Florida for worship, speakers, networking, and to participate in nearly 200 workshops throughout the week. It has grown to include smaller regional gatherings, and specialty networks for the work of mission and leadership training. I have been attending the Exponential Conference since...

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Online Holy Communion

Online Holy Communion

By Bishop Michael Rinehart During the pandemic, I did not weigh in much on the practice of online Holy Communion. We were clearly in an emergency situation. I recall saying, “I trust you to make pastoral decisions according to the spiritual needs of your people,” or something to that effect. I stand by that. The old saw about two people stranded on a desert island, and one needs to be baptized, is fitting. In emergency situations, you make do with what you have. Now the emergency has passed....

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Lisa’s Pieces: Creation Care Tips from the Synod Lutherans Restoring Creation Team for April 2023

Lisa’s Pieces: Creation Care Tips from the Synod Lutherans Restoring Creation Team for April 2023

By Lisa Brenskelle For more information on any of the below, or for creation care assistance/information, contact Lisa Brenskelle at [email protected] or see our new website! The team is seeking additional members. If you would be willing to serve, please contact us. The mission of Lutherans Restoring Creation is to promote incorporation of care for creation into the full life and mission of the church, working in five areas: worship, education, discipleship, building & grounds, and public...

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7 Signs of Ministry Burnout

7 Signs of Ministry Burnout

By David L Hansen, Digital Pastor Reposted from https://digitalpastor.org/burnout-7-signs/ with permission. Burnout is a real threat in ministry. It’s not just a question of long hours. It is also the extent to which those in ministry pour themselves fully into work – it is emotionally, spiritually, and mentally exhausting. And that’s when things are going well! When there is conflict and difficulty, burnout looms even closer. The good news about burnout is that if we see it soon enough, there...

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Considering Interim Ministry?

Considering Interim Ministry?

By Tracey Breashears Schultz, Bishop’s Associate for Leadership Periodically, I am asked about interim ministry as a specialized call. Interim pastors and deacons step into leadership when a vacancy occurs. When a minister retires, resigns, or leaves to take another call, interims provide stability and journey with congregations through the transition and call process. Interims often come at a time when emotions are high. Congregations may be grieving their previous pastor or deacon. They may...

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Comfort, Comfort My People – Asian Lutheran International Conference (Part 2)

Comfort, Comfort My People – Asian Lutheran International Conference (Part 2)

By Evangeline Dai, Ministry Coordinator Earlier this year, I had a trip to Chiang Rai, Thailand for the AAPI-ELCA assembly and the 11th ALIC (Asian Lutheran International Conference). This article is part 2 of my notes and reflections. (You may click here to read Part 1 of my reflection from last month’s newsletter) It is important to point out that ALIC is a network emerged out of the AAPI-ELCA. Because of cultural and linguistic bonds, Asians in the ELCA and Asia looked for an opportunity to...

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A Few Memories from the First Years of the Gulf Coast Synod, ELCA

By Bishop Michael Rinehart I graduated, was ordained, got married, and headed to Iowa for my first call in 1988. 1988 was also the first year of the new Lutheran Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. At 35 years now, as we begin taking a look at rethinking our polity and governance, it seems like a good time to take a step back and look at our history here in the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod. When the ELCA was formed in 1988, the ALC Bishop was Augie Wenzel. The LCA Bishop...

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