By Pastor Mark Nygard, retired ELCA missionary, on behalf of the organizing committee The Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Cameroon and Central African Republic are 100 years old this year, and we are throwing a double birthday party for them. On July 7-9, 2023, Lutherans from the United States and Canada will be gathering in the Twin Cities to mark the event, and we’d like you to be there. It was April 8, 1923, actually, when they landed in Douala, Cameroon — Norwegian-Americans with names...

By Tracey Breashears Schultz, Bishop’s Associate for Leadership For those preparing for rostered leadership, internships abound in blessings. The candidates receive vital training that prepares them for years of faithful service. Internship congregations receive the gift of the energy, passion, and perspective that interns provide. This is why I am thrilled to introduce this year’s Synod Assembly Offering: the Gulf Coast Synod Innovative Internships Fund. In 2006, I spent a year as a pastoral...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...