The Call of a Deacon Doesn’t End when the Church Goes Online – an Ordinaton Sermon for Deacon Koren Lindley

I had the privilege of being with the people of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska online, and with a few in person for the ordination of Deacon Koren Lindley on Sunday May 17, 2020. Deacon Koren has now been called and installed as Director of Family and Social Ministry, at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Omaha. What follows is the majority of the … Continue reading The Call of a Deacon Doesn’t End when the Church Goes Online – an Ordinaton Sermon for Deacon Koren Lindley

What does it mean, to me, to be a Deacon today?

Three years ago, I said “yes” to God, and the church said “yes” to me in affirming my call toward Word and Service ministry. Three years ago today, I was formally consecrated as a minister of Word and Service, a Deacon in our church. Set apart for formal ministry. And now, three years later in the eyes of a church, I am seen as ordained … Continue reading What does it mean, to me, to be a Deacon today?

Walking with God & Doing God’s Work Together through Prayer- a sermon for Lectionary 17C/Pentecost 7C

It was a joy to be with the good people of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska today (July 28, 2019) thanks to the invitation of Pastor Carm Aderman. I was invited to come and preach, and to also speak about Deacons and the Ministry of Word and Service. What follows is the majority of the manuscript from which I preached or at least … Continue reading Walking with God & Doing God’s Work Together through Prayer- a sermon for Lectionary 17C/Pentecost 7C

Bearing Fruit as God’s Stewards, even among the floods of life- a stewardship sermon for the Third Sunday in Lent

I had the privilege to be with the good people of Thabor Lutheran in Wausa, Nebraska yesterday (March 24, 2019) for the Third Sunday in Lent. I was invited by Pastor Carl Sirotzki to come and preach on stewardship, and visit the congregation, as well as meet with members of the church council and stewardship committee. It was a joy to be with the congregation, … Continue reading Bearing Fruit as God’s Stewards, even among the floods of life- a stewardship sermon for the Third Sunday in Lent

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

Why I Stayed

About a year ago, there were a series of posts and articles written about Millennials and the church. Many times they were titled, ‘Why I Stayed.” Though this post might be related to that conversation, this isn’t my focus.  A few months ago I was asked a simple but profound question by another ministry leader. He knew of my story and the patience needed to … Continue reading Why I Stayed