Stewardship in the midst of congregational transitions

I have started receiving a number of questions about stewardship and leadership in congregations. I respond to these questions directly and individually, but given that some of them seem to come frequently and from different places, it seems that it might be worthwhile to share that wisdom on the blog. So with these questions in mind, I am going to experiment with a weekly post … Continue reading Stewardship in the midst of congregational transitions

God’s Story Changes Everything: and we are part of God’s on-going story as we live, share, and tell it

It was a joy to be with the good people of Faith Ambassadors Parish, and particularly the congregations of St. Paul’s Lutheran in Uehling, and St. John’s Lutheran County Line of Scribner today (July 1, 2018). I was invited to preach and share some about stewardship, but also the Narrative Budget. What follows is the majority of the manuscript from which I preached, based on … Continue reading God’s Story Changes Everything: and we are part of God’s on-going story as we live, share, and tell it

Building on the Foundations- The 2018 Nebraska Synod Assembly

Delegates from across the Nebraska Synod gathered in Kearney, Nebraska last week, Thursday May 31st-Saturday June 2, 2018. The assembly’s theme for worship, business, and plenary sessions was, “Building on the Foundations.” To this end, congregations from across the synod were invited to decorate small blocks of wood like bricks, that together made a cross during closing worship. Important Business at Hand In terms of … Continue reading Building on the Foundations- The 2018 Nebraska Synod Assembly

Embracing Stewardship- across all seasons and generations

It’s hard to believe, but I have been serving in this call as the Director for Stewardship of the Nebraska Synod for two years now. Where has all the time gone? To put it simply, this is a dream call– one where I serve alongside congregations and others wanting to go deeper in their sense of stewardship, in helping explore the many ways we are … Continue reading Embracing Stewardship- across all seasons and generations

‘What does this mean? And what might God be up to?’ – A stewardship sermon for Pentecost.

It was a joy to be with the good people of Salem Lutheran Church in Dakota City, Nebraska today to celebrate Pentecost Sunday. As part of my visit, talking about stewardship and engaging in conversations about big questions and dreams, I had the honor of being invited to preach by friend Pastor Sandra Braasch. What follows is the majority of the prepared manuscript that I … Continue reading ‘What does this mean? And what might God be up to?’ – A stewardship sermon for Pentecost.

Stewards of God’s Love for the World: The Relationship of Deacon and Stewardship

I have been reading and gaining insights from the great academic and ministry journal, Currents in Theology and Mission for a little over a decade. While in college, I read a number of articles and cited them in my religion capstone. Later in seminary, it was a go to source of insights and the references these articles cited helped in crafting and strengthening my thesis. … Continue reading Stewards of God’s Love for the World: The Relationship of Deacon and Stewardship

God’s Story, Our Stories, and God’s On-Going Story for Us

It was a great joy to be invited to preach today (March 11, 2018) at Salem Lutheran in Fontanelle, by my wife and the congregation’s pastor, Allison. What follows is the majority of the manuscript I preached from, based on the revised common lectionary’s appointed gospel, John 3:14-21, and epistle, Ephesians 2:1-10 for the Fourth Sunday in Lent (Lent 4B). Grace and peace from God … Continue reading God’s Story, Our Stories, and God’s On-Going Story for Us

Why I Started Wearing a Stole

One of the joys of my call as Nebraska Synod Director for Stewardship is to be out in the 245 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations across the state. I do this simultaneously with my consecrated and rostered ministry as a Deacon in the Church, one called to “Word and Service” ministry. I love this call, and I love this ministry. Being able to: … Continue reading Why I Started Wearing a Stole

Preaching on Stewardship- March 4, 2018

Happy Monday! Every Monday I share a few tidbits, nuggets, or ideas for incorporating some stewardship themes in your preaching. This week’s stewardship nuggets based on the appointed readings by the Revised Common Lectionary and Narrative Lectionary are as follows: Sunday March 4, 2018: Revised Common Lectionary- The Third Sunday in Lent First Lesson: Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 19 Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Gospel of … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- March 4, 2018

Simon’s Mother-in-Law: a Joyful Life of Diakonia and Stewardship

I had the pleasure of being with the good people of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Pender, Nebraska this morning. Thanks to Nebraska Synod Sttewardship Table member, and friend and colleague, Pastor Kathy Montira for the invitation to visit and preach. I preached on the appointed gospel from the revised common lectionary, Mark 1:29-39, and the majority of the manuscript that I preached from is … Continue reading Simon’s Mother-in-Law: a Joyful Life of Diakonia and Stewardship