I’m here to find resources that can help me innovate faithfully and renew Christian communities.
By Dr. Nancy Going, Director of the CYF Distributed Learning Program at Luther Seminary Here is how the job that many Youth ministers or pastors find themselves doing asks them to spend their time. Is this true for you? Events planning (even if the event is a small group system), event recruitment, curriculum assessment, curriculum…
By Dr. Terri Martinson Elton, Director of the Center for First Third Ministry at Luther Seminary I must admit, I can live in my head. I love ideas, theories, and understanding why. But sometimes I need to be reminded that knowing about ideas is different than living out ideas. In other words, knowing is one…
By Andy Sahl “Andy, I don’t think I want to be an intern anymore.” I really couldn’t believe my ears. For years our few spots for high school interns (high school students that help with our middle school program) was a coveted role. For the last two years we’ve added the number of inters…
By Dr. Terri Martinson Elton, Director of the Center for First Third Ministry at Luther Seminary Several weeks ago I wrote about the power of gathering. Gathering is a vibrant part of abundant life, of living a Christian way of life. But there is other side of that coin, the reality of scattering. No matter…
Courtney Young is a May 2012 graduate of Luther Seminary – MDiv with an emphasis in Congregational Mission and Leadership. Missional, millenial and now, a new mother, Courtney shares her thoughts with us here: Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the church and social media. Partly because I used to work in seminary relations…
By Julie Hagen Sam, a shy 1st grader, asked his small group leader if she would call him ‘Sam I Am’ from now on. They hadn’t seen each other for a few weeks but last Sunday, she remembered and his face lit up when he sat down by their group and heard “Hi Sam I…
By Neil Christians I’m sure you may find these text messages familiar. “Hey Neil, is there still room for me to go on the ski retreat? I know it’s past the deadline but I still want to go.“ “I think I can find a place for you. Let me check the rooming list and space in…
By Dr. Nancy Going, Director of the CYF Distributed Learning Program at Luther Seminary Leaders in Children and Youth Ministry have ALWAYS had a unique view of the church. Unique, generally because of the type of people that God calls to lead from the second chair. (An aside: Have you ever thought about…
Luke 19: 1-10 This lesson uses the story of Zacchaeus to look at giving a percentage of income to the poor. It will encourage participants to pledge giving a percentage of their allowance or income to the poor. It also teaches briefly about the terms, “tithe” and “benevolence.” The main idea of this lesson is…
This is an overview and guide for a series of three lessons on generosity of about 50-60 minutes. Each is created for mixed age groups containing adults, children and youth. LEADER’S GUIDE AND OVERVIEW Financial Stewardship Lesson Plans for Mixed Age Groups Created by Dr. Diane E. Shallue December 2008 INTRODUCTION This is a series…
Pastor Paul Stjernholm speaks of the potential that is within a seed and the bounty that we receive from God.
A stewardship sermon on 2 Corinthians 8 and Matthew 25.
Pastor Rolf Svanoe delivers a sermon that reminds us of giving the first fruits from God, for all that comes to us is what God has given to us.
Powerful temple talks occur when a respected member of the congregation speaks during a worship service conveying a spiritual message on how God has been present in their lives and how that has led to generosity. Temple talks of this nature have literally been the key to significant changes in attitudes and behavior for…
“From the doctrine of creation we derive the concepts of God’s sovereignty and our trusteeship and responsibility. From the doctrine of redemption we derive our insight into the grace which restores sinners into fellowship with God and awakens the gratitude, joy and love which motivates us to give our lives to our Redeemer. From the…
