Mission Convocation Voting Results

FIRST BALLOT

Executive Council, Clergy, Four-Year Term

Results

Number to be elected: 1
Number of ballots: 444
Number of votes necessary to elect: 223

The Rev. Dieter W. Punt 115
The Rev. Dr. Scott Ness 111
The Rev. Pamela Thorson 86
The Rev. John Conrad 71
The Rev. Dr. Douglas Schoelles 61

Not an election


Continuing to the next ballot: The Rev. Dieter W. Punt, The Rev. Dr. Scott Ness, The Rev. Pamela Thorson and The Rev. John Conrad 

Executive Council, Lay, Four-Year Term

Results

Number to be elected: 1
Number of ballots: 444
Number of votes necessary to elect: 223

Mrs. Julia Hartfelder 227
Mr. Scott Kramer 217

Mrs. Julia Hartfelder was elected.

Court of Adjudication, Clergy or Lay, Four-Year Term

Results

Number to be elected: 2
Number of ballots: 447
Number of votes necessary to elect: 224

The Rev. Ryan Henkel 314
The Rev. Leslie Haines 288
The Rev. Thomas M. Brodbeck 287

The Rev. Ryan Henkel and the Rev. Leslie Haine were elected.

Bishop, Four-Year Term

Results

Number to be elected: 1
Number of ballots: 445
Number of votes necessary to elect: 223

The Rev. Dr. Daniel Selbo 344
The Rev. Dr. David Wendel 101

The Rev. Dr. Daniel Selbo was elected. 

SECOND BALLOT

Executive Council, Clergy, Four-Year Term

Results

Number to be elected: 1
Number of ballots: 334
Number of votes necessary to elect: 168

The Rev. Dr. Scott Ness 107
The Rev. Dieter W. Punt 100
The Rev. Pamela Thorson 75
The Rev. John Conrad 52

Not an election

Continuing to the next ballot: The Rev. Dieter W. Punt, The Rev. Dr. Scott Ness, and The Rev. Pamela Thorson 

THIRD BALLOT

Executive Council, Clergy, Four-Year Term

Results

Number to be elected: 1
Number of ballots: 337
Number of votes necessary to elect: 169

The Rev. Dr. Scott Ness  151
The Rev. Dieter W. Punt 112
The Rev. Pamela Thorson 74

Not an election

Continuing to the next ballot: The Rev. Dieter W. Punt and The Rev. Dr. Scott Ness

Motion to remove expenditures for Lutheran World Relief from the Proposed Budget

Results

Number of ballots: 331
Yes: 181
No: 150

Motion for Executive Council to redistribute removed expenditures for Lutheran World Relief from the Proposed Budget

Results

Number of ballots: 330
Yes: 297
No: 33

FOURTH BALLOT

Number to be elected: 1
Number of ballots: 310
Number of votes necessary to elect: 156

The Rev. Dr. Scott Ness 181
The Rev. Dieter W. Punt 129

The Rev. Dr. Scott Ness was elected.

Approval of amended 2024 Proposed Budget

Results

Number of ballots: 320
Yes: 302
No: 18

Mission Convocation 2023 Bishop Election

Breaking News: The Rev. Dr. Daniel Selbo has been re-elected as Bishop of the North American Lutheran Church during Mission Convocation 2023!

Lutheran Week Live-Stream

The Liturgies of Lutheran Week 2023


The Lutheran Church is a liturgical church.

Lutherans believe that the Gospel is not only good news that Jesus has saved sinners, but also a power God uses to create and strengthen faith in Jesus. Lutheran worship places the Gospel as the central focus in an order of service called the liturgy. In message and meal (Holy Communion), in specially selected Bible readings, and in carefully crafted songs, prayers and confessions, the liturgy points to Jesus as the Savior of all.

To participate in the service, follow along through these liturgies. Lutheran worship is specifically designed to include the participation of the people. We are not here to be an audience, we are here to speak and sing the Word of God to each other.

Report of the Executive Council

The following is a comprehensive report of the actions taken by the Executive Council of the North American Lutheran Church since the 2022 Mission Convocation.

NALC Ministry Highlights Report

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Our theme for this year’s Lutheran Week, “Missio Dei–The Work and Mission of God,” comes at the close of six years in which two years have been dedicated to each of the three persons in the Trinity–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The theme is appropriate because God, as a Triune God, has been on a mission from the beginning of time. Everything He has done and all that He has accomplished was ordained and set into motion for the sole purpose of saving the world and its people in Jesus. 

No other mission comes close in importance to the one being pursued and carried out by God. No other purpose in life comes close in meaning and significance to the one given and offered to us in Christ. And no other reason for our existence and for the time we share in this life comes close to the reason we exist and why we have been brought together in the Church. 

As I look back on this past year and reflect on what God has been doing since the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) was first formed, it is evident that God has been with us and blessing us from the start. Without exception, each year we have grown. Each year we have become stronger and more impactful in our witness. And each year there is growing evidence that the mission of God is being carried out in and through us. 

I am encouraged by the progress we continue to make in implementing the Vision we adopted at our 2020 Mission Convocation. As you read through this report, you will see how God has been working to advance the commitments we have made together. Through the faithful ministry of our NALC Staff and the countless ways in which we have partnered with pastors, congregations, mission districts, and mission partners during this past year, our Lord’s promise to build His Church through His people is being fulfilled. Despite the global pandemic that challenged all of us in ways we had not expected, there are encouraging signs that we are well on our way to recovery and to an increased opportunity for fruit bearing and life changing ministry. 

The following is a categorized summary of the work being done in many key areas of our ministry. 

NALC Life-to-Life Discipleship 

It has been a little over a year since we introduced the NALC Life-to-Life Experience in Intentional Discipleship for Congregations. It has been well received by many of our congregations and is being integrated into our seminary and internship programs. The Life-to-Life Discipleship team is currently working on a companion piece to address how to be more intentional in disciple-making within our family units and everyday lives. If you are interested in learning more, visit nalclifetolife.org

Domestic Mission 

There are currently 21 “Missions in Formation” and several new developing church plants in both Canada and the United States. Following Convocation, we are planning to expand these same efforts by encouraging and supporting mission districts and congregations in developing new house churches and faith communities. To aid the small church and rural ministry, which represents a growing percentage of NALC churches, an online resource titled, “Small and Rural Church Ministry,” was developed by the NALC Renewal Team. Workshops and consultations are available for this essential ministry. Finally, since many NALC congregations face the challenge of an aging demographic, we are working to prioritize our Aging Ministry by offering workshops, presentations and consultations throughout our mission districts and congregations. 

International Mission 

On the International Mission front, last fall my wife, Mary, and I, along with the Rev. Dr. Gemechis Buba, the Rev. Dr. David Wendel, the Rev. Dr. Amy Little, the Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen and the Rev. Carol Fryer met with the leaders of the Evangelical Ethiopian Church Mekane Yesus, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania. We also visited the Rev. Martha Shanka, one of our Global Workers who is currently in Dubai. 

Current Global Projects include the Leadership Project in the Middle East, the reconstruction of the Mekane Yesus Seminary in Ethiopia, and the new mission frontier in Kenya. Two new partner agencies have been approved: Bethany International and One Plus God Ministries. 

Six new Global Workers will be commissioned during this year’s Convocation. Dr. Randy Stubbs in Tanzania; the Rev. Sam Chim in Cambodia; the Rev. Dr. Thomas Thorstad who will be going to Laos; the Rev. Dr. Slavomír Slávik in Slovakia; the Rev. Aleksandr Gröss in Ukraine; and Dagaga Gamechu in Kenya.  

Youth and Family 

The key to youth and family ministry is strong relationships—encouraging young people in their relationships with Christ, the church, to their community. Over the past year, we have prioritized ways to encourage those relationships by hosting events and planning new ones. We have hosted multiple Faith Formation Festivals, which strengthen, encourage, and equip anyone working with young people. We have organized speaking engagements with churches, local youth gatherings, and online confirmation classes. We are also planning a four-day Continental Youth Gathering, scheduled for July 2024.  

NALC Disaster Response 

NALC Disaster Response has recently responded to seven disasters: Kentucky flooding, California wildfires, Hurricane Ian in Florida, Ohio train derailment, Arkansas tornado/outbreak of 200+ tornadoes, and Oklahoma tornadoes. We have been working on Disaster preparedness for our volunteers. We have had nine trainings and 12 Disaster Response Sundays across the country, and we encourage congregations to reach out and schedule one at their church. 

We have also had 25 “Stuff the Truck” events to help bolster our emergency relief efforts, but 15 regional warehouses need to be filled. Flood buckets, quilts, kits, and gift cards of all kinds are needed. Twenty servant event mission trips have been held in each of the states, and disasters listed above, and more teams of youth and adults are needed to help families rebuild their homes. We thank Jesus for amazing volunteers and we pray that God will continue to raise up faithful servants.  

Lastly, the new Volunteer Training & Retreat Center is nearly complete—the Disaster Response Team encourages congregations to start planning a trip to the center in Caldwell, Ohio, with your youth and adults in 2024. 

North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) 

This has been a full year for the NALS. In the past year and a half, we have called three new full-time faculty members: Dr. David Luy, Dr. Alex Pierce, and the Rev. Dr. Nathan Yoder. Drs. Luy and Pierce are at the seminary center in Ambridge. Dr. Yoder is the new Director of the Lutheran Studies Program at Gordon-Conwell (Charlotte). We also called the Rev. Jeff Morlock this year to serve as the Director of Vocational Discernment for the NALS/NALC. 

In the Spring, the NALS released the first edition of the new NALS magazine, Word & Sacrament, and is preparing for the launch of its first podcast, Cardigan & Collar, hosted by Dr. Luy and Pastor Maurice Lee. Lastly, the NALS has a new Memoranda of Understanding with both Fuller Theological Seminary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary to better promote the “spokes” surrounding our hub that is at Trinity in Ambridge, PA. 

Call Process 

The NALC call process is a prayerful discernment of ministry for congregations and pastors. In the past 12 months, 26 congregations have called a pastor to their congregation. There are 41 congregations currently seeking a full-time pastor and 37 pastors seeking a full-time call. The NALC call process website has been redesigned and is much easier to navigate and can still be found at thenalc.org/call.  

Ministry & Ecumenism 

Fresh Eyes for Mission summits, which aim at renewal, re-energizing and re-focusing on mission within congregations, have been held all over North America since 2020. As of this Convocation, 35 have been facilitated and many positive responses have been received.  

Ecumenism for Inter-Lutheran relationships has been continuing, with representation from myself, Pastor David Wendel, and other NALC appointments attending meetings with the USCCB Bishop’s committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious affairs meeting and LCMS-LCC-NALC. We also are working on continued relationships, through Bishop Ray Sutton, Presiding Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church, to reconstitute the ACNA/NALC consultation.   

The Commission on Theology and Doctrine has restarted post-COVID, continuing to oversee the Braaten-Benne Theological Lectures Series and Lutheran Theologians for the Church group (formerly Younger Theologians study group). We are also continuing to work on various NALC topics, such as the marriage and sexuality statement, sacramental practices document, non-Lutheran presidency and preaching statement of advice and counsel, and catechesis in the NALC. 

Communications 

This year saw expansion on our communications team with the additions of Alana Brooks and Steven Neaton. In its efforts to increase a sense of unity, identity, and testimony across the NALC, much of this year’s efforts were directed towards new strategies for the NALS Network as well as communication overhauls related to the NALC candidacy and call processes. Additionally, new platforms were developed to support the ongoing work of our mission team, as well as to resource congregations launching financial initatives related to the 2020 Vision. Finally, we launched a weekly video series to give updates on our life and ministry together. 

Operations Report 

One of the major items we have been working on in “operations” is strengthening and streamlining the process we have for vetting and certification of pastoral candidates. The Candidacy Process has been reworked to be more relationship oriented, and the certification of pastors has been tightened up in terms of requirements for those who are coming to the NALC as non-Lutherans. A first call team of seasoned pastors was formed to provide ministry support for the newly ordained.  

The OUSC (Ordination Under Special Circumstances) process has been revised and improved as we learn how to maintain the integrity of the process while providing pastoral support to congregations who are in “special circumstances.” The Diaconate process is being established. Since August 2022, we have grown to 490 congregations. In the past year we have received 16 new congregations, two new mission starts, and have welcomed 19 new pastors who have gone through certification. We have also celebrated the ordination of eight new pastors.  

Stewardship 

For more than 8 years, the NALC Living and Giving Stewardship team has created and made monthly devotions available. They highlight faith and giving, and generosity and gratitude, and are aligned seasonally with lectionary readings.  

Monthly stewardship messages will begin in August 2023, along with expanded topic resources available on the NALC website. New RESET workshops will be offered to mission districts come February 2024, and a new publication addressing the origin of giving in the Old Testament with the grace of giving in the New Testament will be published in August 2024. Mike Johnson, NALC Treasurer has published a micro-book on the newly formed NALC Foundation. Ask the Registration Table how you can pick up a copy here during Lutheran Week.  

2020 Vision Financial Initiative (Today, Tomorrow & Forever) 

One of the essential components to our 2020 Vision is to be in a strong enough financial position so that we can respond to ministry and mission opportunities as they arise. The purpose of the financial initiative is to increase the funding we have available for ministry and mission and to invest that money in ways consistent with our Core Values and our Lord’s Commission. 

Having kicked off our 2020 Vision financial initiative last August, we have already received more than $1.3M in commitments. Most of these have come from individuals who have the capacity and the heart for supporting our work financially. Other gifts have come from congregations as they strive to play a larger and more supportive role in the mission we share together. 

During this first year alone, we have invested in our seminary, expanded our global workers, and increased renewal efforts in congregations. Our prayer is that commitments will continue to be made by individuals and congregations so that the legacy of faith we have received will be passed on to future generations, “Today, Tomorrow & Forever.” 

Executive Council 

Since the 2022 Mission Convocation, the Executive Council has moved on important actions. Some of the highlights include: approving a request from Pastor Lalisa Daniel, Mission Director for Mekane Yesus, to translate the NALC Discipleship Manual into the Amharic and Afan Oromo languages; approval of funding to our mission partners as adopted by the previous Convocation; acceptance of a colloquy process for clergy from non-Lutheran backgrounds; and the adoption of the seminary model of a hub and spokes, with the three options for seminary education as presented by the NALS (North American Lutheran Seminary) Faculty and Staff. You can read the full Executive report online at lutheranweek.com. 

Women of the NALC 

The Women of the NALC work together to serve as a resource, and to support the spiritual growth and flourishing of all women throughout the NALC. This year, they have worked to support their Mission Partners, NALC Disaster Response, and the Great Commission Society of the NALC. Some other highlights include their seasonal newsletters, re-creating their logo immediately recognizable as a part of the NALC, and the proposed operational guidelines update.  

Lutheran Week Planning Team 

The Lutheran Week Planning Committee, established in 2018, helps organize the robust nature of the annual event, whether online or in person. Working directly with the General Secretary and NALC staff, the committee functions as a forum to provide effective Lutheran Week planning and responsible budgeting reflecting the NALC’s Mission, Ministry and Core Values. They meet monthly via Zoom. 

In Summary 

We are soon coming to the close of our 13th year as a denomination. In these so-called teenage years of our existence, we are addressing challenges and opportunities that were not there when we first started. Adjustments in how things are done, a rethinking of strategies being employed, along with the necessary changes in infrastructure that inevitably need to happen to support continued growth, are among the growing pains we are experiencing. At the same time, we continue to grow in numbers, our collective Gospel reach and impact are expanding, and lives are being transformed as they are drawn into a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.  

Thanks to all of you for your faithful ministry, for your God-honoring service, and for the part you play in support of the work to which we have been called. It remains an honor to serve as bishop and a joy and privilege to serve with you.  

Yours in Christ,  
Bishop Dan

Mission Convocation Workshops

4:30 p.m. Workshops

Looking Through the Global Mission Window 

The Rev. Dr. Gemechis Buba | Route 66

Sexual Slavery—Call It What It Is

The Rev. Dona Johnson | Double Deuce

NALC Life-To-Life Discipleship 

The Rev. David Keener | Five Moons 5

How You Can Become Part of the 2020 Vision  

Mike Schmidt & Makenzie Freshly (Cramer & Associates) | Five Moons 6

The NALS and Discerning a Call to Ministry  

The Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen | Five Moons 7

Effective Parish Communication—Session 1: Principles and Theories 

The Rev. Dcn. Andrew S. Ames Fuller | Five Moons 3

Youth and Family Ministry in the NALC

The Rev. Teresa Peters & Melanie Corn | Five Moons 2

Every Congregation Renewing: Real Life Processes & Strategies For Strengthening & Growing Congregations  

The Rev. Brad Hales & the Rev. Dr. David Wendel | Five Moons 4

5:30 p.m. Workshops

Legacy Giving: An Expanded View of Giving 

The Rev. Dona Johnson & Michael Johnson | Double Deuce

How Congregations Can Address the Range of Life Issues  

The Rev. Mark Chavez | Route 66

NALC Life-To-Life Discipleship 

The Rev. David Keener | Five Moons 5

How You Can Become Part of the 2020 Vision  

Mike Schmidt & Makenzie Freshly (Cramer & Associates) | Five Moons 6

The NALS and Discerning a Call to Ministry  

The Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen | Five Moons 7

Effective Parish Communication—Session 2: Applying Principles and Solving Real-Life Problems

The Rev. Dcn. Andrew S. Ames Fuller | Five Moons 3

Youth And Family Ministry in the NALC

The Rev. Teresa Peters & Melanie Corn | Five Moons 2

Every Congregation Renewing: Real Life Processes & Strategies For Strengthening & Growing Congregations  

The Rev. Brad Hales & the Rev. Dr. David Wendel | Five Moons 4


Looking Through the Global Mission Window

Offered at 4:30 p.m. | Route 66

Pastor Buba will summarize the NALC’s Global Mission work and introduce some of our Mission Partners and Global Workers who will share about their work in the mission field and how congregations and individuals can support them.

Presenters: The Rev. William Moberly (Awakening Lives to World Mission); the Rev. David and Angela Breidenbach (Spiritual Orphans Network); and the Rev. Charles Jackson (World Mission Prayer League).

NALC Global Workers: Dr. Randy Stubbs; the Rev. Dr. Thomas Thorstad; Jonathan Gowin; the Rev. Martha Shanka; the Rev. Jhakmak Neeraj Ekka and the Rev. Nijhar Minz-Ekka; Dagaga Gemachu.

THE REV. DR. GEMECHIS BUBA
Assistant to the Bishop for International Mission,
North American Lutheran Church


Sexual Slavery—Call It What It Is

Offered at 4:30 p.m. | Double Deuce

Our congregations and every parent need to know the dangers of human (sexual) trafficking and its devastating effects on young children and youth. Human trafficking is everywhere—schools, shopping malls, youth programs and churches. It is both an individual and societal sin against God. Victims come from both affluent and poor neighborhoods. At this very moment, children in this country and throughout the world are being seduced, coerced and kidnapped to be groomed as sexual products to be sold on the worldwide sex market. As the church has formed statements on the right to life for the unborn, it is important that we extend this position to victims of human trafficking. No parent or child is immune from this pandemic of organized crime. “Chosen,” a brief film, will be shown about a young girl who was trafficked and was rescued by family members and friends.

This one-hour presentation will cover the following:

  • How traffickers (pimps/predators) find young victims.
  • How children are groomed and how traffickers create an emotional and physical bond with the victim.
  • The role pornography plays in the grooming process.
  • Warning signs and markers that could mean a victim is being trafficked.
  • Illustration: Shared Hope International & Phoenix Dream Center—flagship recovery program. 
  • What is being done by local law enforcement and nonprofit agencies.
  • How can you make this a ministry or get involved? Q&A.

THE REV. DONA JOHNSON
Chair, NALC Living & Giving Stewardship Team;
Pastor, GracePointe of Sedona


How Congregations Can Address the Range of Life Issues

Offered at 5:30 p.m. | Route 66

The NALC Life Ministries Team will give an overview of forthcoming resources intended to help congregations address life issues from conception in the womb to the end of life, and the circumstances of life in between those points. The resources will be based on Holy Scripture with the aim of not getting entangled in the polarizing politics of the culture. The resources will be designed to use in a variety of settings—youth or adult educational series, a Bible study, a sermon series for Lent or any other period. The workshop will offer ample time for discussion and feedback to assist in the preparation of the resources.

Presenters: The Rev. Mark Chavez, Chair; Rebecka Andrae-Frontz; the Rev. Dennis Di Mauro; the Rev. Dr. Amy Schifrin; the Rev. Melinda Jones; the Rev. Scott Licht; the Rev. Steve Shipman; and the Rev. Al Towberman.

THE REV. MARK CHAVEZ
Chair, NALC Life Ministries;
Pastor, Reformation Lutheran Church (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)


Legacy Giving: An Expanded View of Giving

Offered at 5:30 p.m. | Double Deuce

During our lifetime and only by the grace of God, many individuals and families accumulate some amount of wealth—it could be a little or a lot. And many very devoted and faithful people have no clear plan on how some of their financial and property assets will be distributed in ways that honor God upon their death. Your testimony to the faithfulness of God can live on through a legacy gifting plan.

Through the cross and Jesus’ death and resurrection, we gain an expanded perspective of what genuine giving and generosity look like. God’s giving of His only Son was not only for the benefit of a favored few but through Christ, God extended his gift of salvation to all future generations.

Legacy gifting gives the giver an opportunity to ground their giving in the gospel. And it expands our understanding of generosity to include not only our families but above all else Christ’s church—both local congregations and the North American Lutheran Church. Through directives in your will, beneficiary designations or your trust—your last will and testament, a statement of your faith in Jesus Christ can live on for generations to come. In this session we will provide the resources and the “how to” get started on building your legacy for Christ’s church.

THE REV. DONA JOHNSON
Chair, NALC Living & Giving Stewardship Team;
Pastor, GracePointe of Sedona

MICHAEL JOHNSON
Treasurer,
North American Lutheran Church


NALC Life-to-Life Discipleship

Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 5

Tips and tools for developing a disciple-making culture in congregations. Come join Pastor David Keener in learning about our NALC Life-to-Life Discipleship initiative and how to be intentional in being and making disciples.

THE REV. DAVID KEENER
Director of Renewal & Discipleship,
North American Lutheran Church


How You Can Become Part of the 2020 Vision to Ensure a Legacy of Faith Today, Tomorrow & Forever

Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 6

This interactive workshop will cover all updates, information, and resources to employ as you consider the best time and format for supporting the 2020 Vision in your own congregation. Mike and Makenzie will discuss the impact made within the NALC and its congregations through the 2020 Vision since the launch of its financial component and at the virtual Convocation in 2022, as well as the various communication tools to be aware of as you seek to become its local voice amongst your church peers. Join us to learn and ask questions about the vision as it continues progressing to ensure a legacy of faith today, tomorrow & forever!

MIKE SCHMIDT, CFRE
Cramer and Associates

MAKENZIE FRESHLY
Cramer and Associates


The North American Lutheran Seminary and Discerning a Call to Ministry

Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 7

During this breakout session, the North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) president, faculty, and staff will be present to share about the good things God is doing to raise up the next generation of pastors and church leaders. Come and meet our newest faculty members and hear about the work of the seminary. Pastor Jeff Morlock will share about his ongoing ministry of discernment throughout the NALC and Pastor Patti Morlock will share about Ordination Under Special Circumstances (OUSC). There will be time for questions and discussion.

THE REV. DR. ERIC RIESEN
President, North American Lutheran Seminary


Effective Parish Communication

Session 1: Principles and Theories

Offered at 4:30 p.m. | Five Moons 3

Join us in this transformative workshop with the Deacon Andrew Ames Fuller and the NALC Communications Team in the first part of our two-part series. The Principles and Theories workshop is an immersive exploration into the profound theological foundations of communication. Learn to unlock the potential of both traditional and digital channels in strengthening your parish’s connectivity. Grasp the pivotal principle that “everything speaks” and learn how to let your parish’s vision and values resonate through every interaction. Delve deep into the art of crafting compelling messages, balancing your communication with your internal and external audiences, and navigating through crises. Embrace leadership principles to foster a collaborative and respectful communicative environment.

Session 2: Applying Principles and Solving Real-Life Problems

Offered at 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 3

The second part of our series, Applying Principles and Solving Real-Life Problems, invites you into an interactive forum for exploring real-life communication issues within your parish. Harness the knowledge from our first session, bring your questions and concerns, and be prepared to engage in vibrant, problem-solving discussions. Learn from your peers, gain new insights from their experiences, and apply communication principles in real-world situations. This hands-on, collaborative workshop will help you navigate through actual communication challenges, with the guidance of our seasoned NALC Communications Team. Join us and contribute to the creation of congregations that communicate in a way the fosters shared identity, unity, and testimony across the North American Lutheran Church.

THE REV. DCN. ANDREW S. AMES FULLER
Director of Communications,
North American Lutheran Church


Youth and Family Ministry in the NALC

Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 2

The Rev. Teresa Peters (Director of Youth and Family Ministry) and Melanie Corn (Youth and Family Ministry Specialist) will give a brief overview of what is happening in Youth and Family Ministry in the NALC and how the NALC can help make your local ministry stronger. They will also discuss how your church can do Youth and Family Ministry when you have few or even no young people in your pews.

THE REV. TERESA PETERS
Director of Youth & Family Ministry,
North American Lutheran Church

MELANIE CORN
Youth & Family Ministry Specialist,
North American Lutheran Church


Every Congregation Renewing: Real Life Processes and Strategies for Strengthening and Growing NALC Congregations

Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 4

Many congregations in North America—and in the NALC were struggling with declining attendance, participation and involvement BEFORE the pandemic! That reality increased during the COVID-19 shut-down. Is your congregation plateaued? Stagnant? Unsure how to renew and re-engage to revitalize mission and ministry? The NALC offers a number of opportunities and strategies to assist congregations in this important work. This breakout will introduce these processes and strategies, focusing especially on the Fresh Eyes for Mission Summits, renewal through Aging Ministry resources, Small and Rural Church resources, as well as providing practical real-life ideas and information aimed at renewal and revitalizing congregational in-reach and out-reach!

THE REV. BRAD HALES
Director of Church Planting & Aging Ministry,
North American Lutheran Church

THE REV. DR. DAVID WENDEL
Assistant to the Bishop for Ministry & Ecumenism,
North American Lutheran Church

Lutheran Week Guide Now Available

Lutheran Week Guide

Want to see what’s happening this year at Lutheran Week 2023? Learn about the sessions in this year’s guide!

All attendees to Lutheran Week 2023 will receive a printed program at the check-in table.

Lutheran Week Agenda & Rules of Procedure

The Lutheran Week Agenda and proposed Rules of Procedure are now available.

Find them below.

 

 

Recognition of Clergy and Congregations

Here we recognize anniversaries, ordinations, and those who have died in the Lord.