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Nominiations

Executive Council

Ten lay people and 18 pastors have been nominated to serve on the North American Lutheran Church’s Executive Council. The NALC’s Nominating Committee announced the nominees in a June 10 letter to NALC congregations.

The Executive Council functions as the board of directors for the NALC, providing leadership for the church body between Convocations.

The 2011 NALC Convocation Aug. 11-12 in Hilliard, Ohio, will elect four lay people and four clergy to staggered terms of one to four years. Future terms will be staggered so that one pastor and one lay person will be elected at each annual Convocation to four-year terms.

Lutheran CORE’s 2010 Convocation elected provisional leaders to guide the NALC through its first year and to enable the congregations that join the NALC to elect their own leaders in 2011.

The Nominating Committee asked the nominees for their preference as to length of term and then randomly distributed the remaining names among the various term lengths. The committee is required by the constitution to present at least two names for each position on the Executive Council.

Elections for all NALC positions will take place at the 2011 Convocation. In addition to the Executive Council, seven members of the Court of Adjudication, five members of the 2012 Nominating Committee, and a new NALC bishop will be elected.

NALC congregations were asked to submit nominations for the positions. The letter to congregations includes those nominations for Executive Council received by the June 8 deadline for advance nominations. A May letter announced four nominees for bishop.

The NALC constitution requires that information about Executive Council nominees be made available to NALC members 60 days prior to the Convocation and about nominees for bishop 90 days prior to the Convocation.

Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the Convocation for all positions.

All nominees must be members of a NALC congregation at the time of the Convocation. All ordained nominees must be NALC pastors.

Lay - One-year term

James L. Hanson

Home: Hurricane, West Virginia
Congregation: St Timothy Lutheran Church, Charleston, West Virginia
Occupation: Retired

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

Served in congregation as president, vice president, treasurer, property chairman.

At ELCA synod level, served on synod council and as vice president of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod.

At ELCA churchwide, served on Global Mission Committee. In NALC, served on Executive Council.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

He has given me the gifts of leadership, teaching, and listening which will enable me to contribute faithfully to this ministry.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

I would rather meet a she bear robbed of her cubs, than a fool busy with a stupid project.
— Proverbs 17:12 TEV.

Richard A. Ortt Sr.

Home: Baltimore, Maryland
Congregation: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Baltimore, Maryland
Occupation: Retired manager from Bell Atlantic.

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

Past congregational president of two different Lutheran congregations.

Managed the transitional process to leave the ELCA and join the NALC.

Over 40 years of experience in the Lutheran church, and I have served or chaired all committees contained within the church body.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

A very firm belief in the Biblical Writings as they are written and interpret them as Christ directs. He has blessed me with many technical skills as well as administrative abilities. He has given me the ability to speak before people with sincerity in my beliefs.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
— Revelation 2:10.

With all of the trials, tribulations and temptations in this world, always keep in the forefront what is important. Christ died for me and my brothers and sisters of this world. He took upon Himself all of our sins and saved us by His grace.

James H. Winegardner

Home: Millersport, Ohio
Congregation: Grace Lutheran Church, Thornville, Ohio
Occupation: Retired from Fairfield County (Ohio) Job and Family Services (formerly Welfare/Human Services)

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

I have been a lifelong member of the congregation listed above. I have served on Church Council and currently am a member of the handbell choir. For most of the last two years I have served what was called the Future Directions Task Force. Church Council appointed the task force to study the issues within the ELCA and report back to the council and the congregation on our findings. The results were successful votes to leave the ELCA and joining the NALC.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

I am a graduate of Capital University with a BA majoring in Psychology. Most of my skills were developed during my 30+ years of public employment, mostly with the agency cited above. I worked primarily with income maintenance programs. This involved implementing a variety of state and federal regulations at the local level. At times this meant writing local policies to implement those regulations. I have also been involved with a few 501(c)3’s, assisting with updating/maintaining their by-laws. Much of this was finding common ground and identifying exactly what was to be accomplished.

As with the NALC, that usually meant keeping the main thing — the main thing.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Like many people I have many favorite verses including the King James Version of Psalm 23 and John 3:16-17. But over the last few years Galatians 1:8 (ASV): “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed!” has taken on a special meaning. As I worked within my home congregation over the last couple of years of discernment, this is one of verses we used to help keep us focused on the task at hand.

Lay - Two-year term

Carol H. Lattier

Home: Bullard, Texas
Congregation: Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Tyler, Texas
Occupation: Part-time Parish Administrator at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Tyler, Texas.

Retired from management at Johnson Space Center (JSC), NASA. My retirement position from JSC/NASA was as the Manager for the Institutional Business Offices (Flight Crew Operations, Center Operations, Information Technology, Safety/ Reliability/Quality Assurance, and other areas).

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

I am both a member and the recording secretary of the provisional NALC Executive Council.

Service at my local churches (Houston and Tyler):

I have been an adult Sunday school teacher (multiple years) and am currently conducting Bible Studies at Our Saviour’s.

I serve in a variety of lay worship ministries: chalice bearer, lay ministry coordinator, usher, and lector. At a former church I was the lay person in charge of training for all lay worship service positions and for writing and maintaining the service manuals for each position.

At two former churches, I coordinated all the women’s ministries, and, until my job as Parish Administrator, was an active member of the women’s ministries at Our Saviour’s.

I am a former altar guild directoress and continue to serve as both a team leader and a member of the altar guild.

In addition, as the Parish Administrator at Our Saviour’s, I am actively involved in nearly all aspects of church administration.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

I have the skills of organization and management, and the gifts of compassion, patience, and humor.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

John 10:27-30. I love this because the promise is so explicit: I am His sheep; I am held; I am secure; and nothing can take me from Jesus’ hand. And, as He is one with the Father, nothing can take me from the Father’s hand.

Frank C. Polkowski

Home: East Amherst, N.Y.
Congregation: Christ Lutheran Church, East Amherst, New York
Occupation: Business and Life Coach, Consultant, Motivational Speaker.

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

President, Zion Lutheran Church (6 years). Various council, committee and volunteer positions, Zion Lutheran Church (24 years).

Human Resources, Zion, counseled pastors in leadership issues (18 years).

Vice President, Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center (6 years).

Board of Directors, Lutheran Charities (2 years).

Council and volunteer positions, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Carlisle, Pa. (3 years) and Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Canoga Park, Calif. (6 years).

Taught communication skills, Lutheran Leaders, Lutheran Conference western New York. Taught presentation skills, Knights of Columbus, world-wide leadership and Baptist ministers of western New York.

Counseled numerous non-profit agencies, organizations and corporations in meeting their needs and providing guidance when needed. Lutheran CORE member attending 2010 Convocation and voted on ratification of NALC constitution.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

Ability to powerfully speak to all-size audiences on numerous topics. Taught Sunday church school, 20-plus years. Involved in numerous stewardship campaigns. Led numerous strategic planning exercises. Orchestrated a major ($2.5 million) church expansion involving finance, building needs and outreach. Management, leadership, consulting, personal development and facilitation skills

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Psalm 23. Many times I am placed in difficult situations. This psalm helps me keep my focus and gives me quiet support.

Lay - Three-year term

John H. Burgess

Home: Mansfield, Ohio
Congregation: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Mansfield, Ohio
Occupation: MD Pathologist, Medical Director of Laboratories, MedCentral Health System
President Associated Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Mansfield, Ohio

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

 Administrative: Member of Church Council, President of Congregation; Board of Worship and Music.
Christian education: 30 years of teaching adult Bible class and Sunday School.
Worship: 10 years praise team member and worship leader, fill-in preacher for pastor.
Facilitate: Helped lead educational sessions for decision to leave ELCA and join NALC.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

 Love of teaching.
Excellent memory.
Love of God’s Word. Hunger for God’s Word and truths.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Habakkuk 2:4: “The just shall live by his faith.”

These words led Martin Luther to the rediscovery of the truth of God’s Word. This led to the Protestant Reformation and eventually translation of the Bible to all languages so all might have access to God’s Word.

Johannes Olsen

Home: Williamsville, New York
Congregation: Christ Lutheran Church, East Amherst, New York
Occupation: High School Principal (retired)

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

Have served on a number of church councils — for a while, we moved a lot for career reasons — am now serving as vice president of our NALC congregation. Have led adult Bible studies for the past 30+ years and developed the curriculum and study guides for many of them. Have taught confirmation and high school Sunday School classes. Have been (and still am) an organist since my teen years and a choir director for many of them. Served on and chaired the local area and regional Young Life Committee. Serving as chair of the upstate New York WordAlone -Lutheran CORE Regional Mission Board. Served on the synod’s local Conference Council and as our congregation’s representative to many synod assemblies. Served as a voting delegate at three ELCA churchwide assemblies (2005, 2007, 2009) and spoke from the floor at two of them. Attended the Lutheran CORE-NALC Convocations in 2009 and 2010 and NALC Mission Partners conference in 2011.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

In 1 Corinthians 12, we read, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. . . . a spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice.” I think I am a good listener, have a pleasant personality and work well with and enjoy people, exercise good judgment and am articulate. I believe I have good leadership skills (for example, I served as a high school principal for 25+ years, as a District Governor for Rotary International, as president of our community’s symphony orchestra board, as an Infantry officer, and as president of the 5,000-member Western Zone (region) of the New York State Retired Teachers’ Association). I believe I have good organizational skills (for example, I came almost a year early to equip and staff a new high school of which I was Principal for 20+ years). I understand both the usefulness and perils of research and statistics (I taught these courses and others in a graduate program for 15+ years). I have good computer skills. God has blessed me with musical gifts. I have the gift of learning.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

“God has given us the task of telling everyone what He is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives” — 2 Corinthians 5:20 New Living Translation. I have a lot of favorite verses, but this is one of those that always focuses me on understanding what God wants me to do. I read “me” in “us.” It personalizes the Great Commission. I am reminded that I am a new creature in Christ and because of that relationship with my Lord and Savior I have the joy of being His ambassador to my family and friends and colleagues and acquaintances and even strangers. What a great privilege; what an awesome responsibility; what a wonderful task.

Kay J. Weaver

Home: Vale, North Carolina
Congregation: New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Hickory, North Carolina
Occupation: High School Data Manager / Registrar

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

I served as a leader for New Jerusalem’s Senior Youth for nearly 10 years. I helped organize their first (now, annual) mission trip seven years ago, teaching VBS to children at the Boys & Girls Club in Loris, S.C. I teach the teen’s Sunday School class, and plan the early (indoor) worship at New Jerusalem. I co-chair New Jerusalem’s Fellowship Ministry and have served on the Youth & Family, Learning, and Worship Ministries. I am the current secretary and a past president of New Jerusalem Lutheran Women. I serve on the Steering Committee of Lutheran CORE—North Carolina. For the past 18 months, I have served on the Congregational Life and Evangelism Team (formerly Congregational Life and Pastoral Support committee) of Lutheran CORE and currently serve on the provisional Executive Council for the North American Lutheran Church.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

I have been blessed with the ability to teach and communicate with people through the written word. If I had to pinpoint a spiritual gift, I would say that I have the gift of hospitality, in that I enjoy the challenge of helping people feel welcome and comfortable in many situations. I crave neither attention nor glory for myself but instead point people to the One who deserves all the glory and praise, our Father in heaven.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” What a wonderful promise! That Scripture has spoken to me many times during my life — good times and bad. To be reminded of God’s perfect will is always comforting for me.

Lay - Four-year term

Douglas K. Schrader

Home: Crownsville, Maryland
Congregation: Annapolis Evangelical Lutheran Church, Annapolis, Maryland
Occupation: Attorney

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

As a member of the congregation of St Martin’s in Annapolis since 1999, and vice president and secretary of the church congregation council since 2008, I was directly involved in preparing for both votes St Martin’s held regarding its membership in the ELCA. Since the second vote failed by three votes in January, I have been directly involved in the formation of our new mission church, Annapolis Evangelical Lutheran Church. My wife, Karen, and my children, Ben and Becky, and I have experienced the wonderful blessings of the faithful, Bible-centered fellow Christians who have made this difficult but very rewarding journey together. I believe that this challenging experience, together with my skills and experience as a litigator, allows me to listen, digest and identify the crux of many sometimes difficult and subtle issues that may arise.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

I approach any position like this very humbly, as a layperson who has come far spiritually but still has very far to go. Growing up, I was a Lutheran but only minimally observant. Then as a young adult I was not observant at all. Over the past 10 years, I have on several occasions felt compelled and called to serve in several capacities in our church congregation, and have correspondingly become more exposed to and involved in the life of the church and my fellow Christians and non-Christians alike. I have come to learn that I must remain wide open to God’s call upon me, to serve in ways I may not have planned or expected, and to welcome these opportunities with my whole heart and mind.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Ephesians 6:13-16 — The Armor of God.
This Scripture verse has given me strength, and has reminded me to discern the many obvious and subtle ways in which God’s goodness and love, through his son Jesus Christ, can be and regularly are undermined in this world full of daunting challenges. This verse constantly reminds me to seek to be humble, to realize in my gut that I cannot be or do good alone, without Him, and that I cannot even discern what is good and right in His eyes without Him and His guiding Spirit. And, finally, that with God, all things are possible even under the most trying circumstances.

Ryan M. Schwarz

Home: Washington, D.C.
Congregation: Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Abington, Pa. (associate member)
Occupation: Venture Capital

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

I have served for the past year as treasurer and provisional member of the Executive Council of the NALC. Previously I served as Vice Chairman (2010) and a member of the Steering Committee (2006-2010) of Lutheran CORE. I have also served as a member of a congregation council and two call committees. Finally, I serve as a member of the Board of Directors of an endowment fund for a Lutheran seminary in Russia.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

I believe I have strong communication skills, good judgment, and an ability to work effectively in groups and teams. I also believe that I have certain leadership skills, an ability to “look down the field” and anticipate both opportunities and challenges. With regard to my present role as treasurer, I have spent 20 years in the financial services industry, understand accounting, financial management and investment management.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Isaiah 55:11: “So shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty.”
If there is one thing I have seen firsthand over the past few years in Lutheran CORE and now in the NALC, it is the truth of this verse. Everywhere I have traveled, I have visited vibrant and growing congregations which simply are preaching the clear word (and Word!) of God, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, that word is not returning to them empty. I pray that our young church body will keep the truth of God’s promise in this verse central in our ministry.

Clergy - One-year term

The Rev. Kurt Borows Jr.

Home: Oak Harbor, Ohio
Congregation: Resurrection Lutheran Church, Port Clinton, Ohio
Current Call: Pastor, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Port Clinton, Ohio

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

In my 47 years as a pastor, I have been blessed with a variety of opportunities to serve in Christ’s Church. I have served as pastor of congregations in suburbia, inner city, rural and vacationland congregations. In the American Lutheran Church, I served on church-wide boards and organizations (BSMA, CICM, etc.) and was a delegate to their national assembly eight times while serving on the district and conference levels as well. I have served as chaplain to the police in Detroit, to a fire and rescue squad in Ohio, and for the National Park Service in Oregon. I have taught in the Religious Studies Department of Mercy College in Detroit. For 25 years I wrote the religion column in the local newspaper and have written two books (one on teaching the catechism and one on Romans 6:23). I frequently speak or conduct question-and-answer sessions with local groups and have taught a community Bible study at the Presbyterian Church for the past 10 years. I feel these broad opportunities have given me a picture of the expanse of the mission and ministry of Christ’s Church while enabling me to remain grounded in The Word of God. Now, in the NALC, I find the vision, the opportunity and the support for the mission and ministry Jesus Himself has called His Church to perform, and I want to be a part of facilitating that mission and ministry.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

I believe my calling has been to proclaim The Word of God in the various venues to which God has called me and that to fulfill this calling I must come prayerfully and openly to each opportunity. I know when we do this God equips us — and would not enter a pulpit, Bible study venue or home without prayer and openness to God’s reply. I believe God has gifted me in preaching, teaching, writing and personal communication in sharing The Gospel. God also gifted me with excellent opportunities to study — with Dr. Bruce Schein in the Holy Land and with other Biblical scholars in graduate school (MA and D.Min.). I also believe God has afforded me opportunities to gain skills in church administration. I consider Lutheran CORE and WordAlone to be God-given gifts which strengthened and enlightened during the crisis years on the ELCA clergy roster and continue to do so.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

In The Gospel According To St. John, he refers to what we call miracles as signs — signs pointing to Who Jesus is and what He has entered human flesh and vulnerability to do. I believe the ultimate miracle or sign to be the Love of God expressed in the Incarnation. Philippians 2:5-8 is my favorite Scripture passage because of the concise and powerful way it describes the extent of God’s Love in the Incarnation — including God’s ultimate Sacrifice on the cross.

The Rev. Dr. Roy A. Harrisville III

Home: Menomonie, Wisconsin
Congregation: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lebanon, Wisconsin
Current Call: Interim Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lebanon, Wisconsin

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

Editor’s Note: Pastor Harrisville attached his Curriculum Vitae, a five-page document explaining his professional work.  Following are some highlights:

Ph.D. Union Theological Seminary in Virginia.
NALC Provisional Dean of Wisconsin.
Interim Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church of Lebanon.
Senior Pastor, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Menomonie, Wis.
Instructor, Northwest Synod of Wisconsin Lay School of Ministry.
Interim Pastor, Chetek Lutheran Church, Chetek, Wis.
Associate Pastor, Calvary Lutheran Church, Golden Valley, Minn.
Executive Director, Solid Rock Lutherans.
Interim Pastor, First Lutheran Church, St. James, Minn.
General Manager, Fortress Press and Augsburg Books.
Academic Dean, Trinity Lutheran College.
Director for Continuing Studies/Professor of Biblical Studies, Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle.
Associate Pastor, First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Litchfield, Minn.
Pastor, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Washburn, Iowa.
Author of numerous publications and book reviews.
Lutheran CORE Task Force for Theological Education.
Consultant, ELCA Book of Faith Initiative.
Advisory Council, Word & World theological journal.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

Preaching, teaching, administration, faithfulness, humor, ability to see the big picture, understanding of failings of others, ability to unite with a variety of personalities, but always striving for excellence.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Romans 6:1-4 because it expresses succinctly the transformative nature of the Gospel and the hope it brings.

The Rev. Victor C. Langford III

Home: Seattle, Washington
Congregation: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington
Current Call: Pastor, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

46 years of Word and Sacrament ministry.
30 years of Army Chaplain ministry.
Lutheran CORE Steering Committee, 2006-2010.
North American Lutheran Church Executive Council, 2010-2011.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

Love for the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church.
Faithful to God’s Word.
Loyal and a team player, work well with others.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

“Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all that He has done” — Philippians 4:6 NLT. Keeps me focused in my private life and in my life as a pastor.

The Rev. Dieter W. Punt

Home: Pontiac, Illinois
Congregation: First Lutheran Church, Pontiac, Illinois
Current Call: Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Pontiac, Illinois

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

I have been blessed to serve the Church of God on two continents. Firstly in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa (Cape-Church) and since 2000 I have been a pastor in the ELCA and now NALC. As a seminary student I was blessed to serve as a steward at a Lutheran World Federation meeting in Windhoek, Namibia. While in the ELCA, I served on a variety of synod committees. I was chairperson for six years of the Global Ministry Committee. I have a passion for mission and mission that is both local and to the broader world, and in particular to the two-thirds world. I have had the pleasure to serve on the youth board and the planning board for synod-wide events. Also have held the office of chairperson for our local ministerial association for three years and currently serve as vice-chairperson. A call from God in my opinion is always more than just the congregation, thus the community and the larger church.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

I am a practical kind of person. Thus as teaching occurs, as we do administrative work and discern our call and discern what God calls us to do as congregation, I start with practical questions and solutions. My skills and gifts come from God and thus I start in prayer seeking His guidance on what He calls me to do. I think I am skilled in conflict resolution, and love to work with people. I am capable to mediate between people. I look at issues at hand and seek possible solutions that will best serve the larger body of Christ, through hard work in and for God we will see the blessings of God’s will. I see myself as a loyal person, loyal to the Word of God and a hard worker to accomplish the best for God and the manifestation of His kingdom on earth.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” — 2 Timothy 3:16-17. As a Christian I seek God’s guidance in all of my life. These verses set the tone for me. God is the starting point for teaching me and allowing us to do His will for ourselves, and for the larger church body. Knowing that we live in a corrupt world, God’s Word does all for us, it teaches, it trains, and it will also rebuke us. Because of my practical habits in life these two verses tell me as long as I remain faithful to God’s Word His word will equip me to do His will and if I do what I want His word and His people will show my shortcomings in this place and time. At the end of the day, we hold to God’s Word and to our Lutheran heritage as they set the stage for ministry.

Clergy - Two-year term

The Rev. Randall S. Eisenbeisz

Home: Hayti, South Dakota
Congregation: Hayti Lutheran Church, Hayti, South Dakota
Current Call: Pastor, Hayti Lutheran Church & New Hope Lutheran Church, Hayti, South Dakota

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

I have been a parish pastor for 27 years, serving rural multi-point parishes. My first parish was the Lemmon Rural Lutheran Parish with three congregations: Bethesda, Leith, N.D.; Bethel, Morristown, S.D.; and Rosebud, Shadehill, S.D.

I served this parish from 1984-1991.

My second call was to the Hayti Lutheran Parish, a two-point parish comprised of New Hope, rural Hayti, S.D., and Hayti Lutheran, Hayti, S.D. I have been serving this parish from 1991 to the present.

While at the Lemmon Rural Lutheran Parish I
A. Served on the Badlands Ministry Board (camping ministry);
B. Served on the South Dakota Centennial Board for the town of Lemmon;
C. Volunteered for Educational Foundation (EF) placing foreign exchange students, and
D. Participated in the Lemmon Ministerial Association as president and treasurer.

During my tenure at Hayti Lutheran Parish I:
A. Volunteered for the city of Hayti in procuring playground equipment for a city park;
B. Was a finalist for the position of Bishop of the South Dakota Synod of the ELCA;
C. Served on the South Dakota Synod Council;
D. Served as treasurer and president of Medary Conference of the South Dakota Synod;
E. Served on the Hamlin Ministerial Board as an officer and worked with students planning worship
for Baccalaureate services at the local high school; F. Served on numerous boards while on South Dakota Synod Council, and
G. Continue to preach/teach/counsel and administer the sacraments while serving my present call.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

God has blessed me with a wonderful prayer life. I appreciate my alone time and my corporate time of prayer talking to God. It is a great comfort as I continue in my ministry knowing that I can turn to God and He will hear me.

I have wonderful organizational skills for planning and carrying through ministry ideas. In my 20 years serving Hayti Lutheran Parish, we have seen growth from 481 baptized members to our present baptized membership of 628, a growth of 147 members.

I am a great listener as I serve the needs of this parish. I can talk and listen to people of all ages. Just this evening (6-3-11) I visited with two young pre-school age children about VBS and what they were doing today. Not only do I serve the needs of this parish, but being the only church in town, part of our ministry is that we minister to all the people of this community. That translates to listening, (counsel) weddings and funerals of non-members.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

One of my favorite Bible passages is Psalm 46:10a: “Be still, and know that I am God!” I appreciate this verse for I use it to focus my energy. In this hectic, consumer world, it’s refreshing for me to take to heart these words. Be still, literally stopping what I am doing to listen to what God has to say. And then to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is God. Stillness and quiet time truly are times to focus on what is important in my life.

The Rev. N. Amanda Grimmer

Home: Hatboro, Pa.
Congregation: Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Abington, Pennsylvania
Current Call: Pastor, Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Abington, Pennsylvania

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

From 1976-1995 I served in the LCA and ELCA in many capacities including serving as keynote speaker at many Church Growth / Evangelism conferences both within the ELCA and among the Brethren and the Disciples. I was one of the LCA’s Pastor/Evangelists and one of the ELCA’s Partners in Evangelism. I was twice elected to the Texas Louisiana Synod Council (LCA) as clergy delegate at large, and I served many years on that synod’s Committee on Reference and Council. For several years I organized and led the Jesus is Lord Conference for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA and was (for two years) a section leader in Homiletics for the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. I also served on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s Committee on Reference and Council.

With my very public opposition to the Proposed First Draft of the Social Statement on Human Sexuality in 1993, I became persona non grata within the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA — and remained so until 2010, when our congregation became one of the 18 pioneer congregations at the organizing of the NALC in August 2010. I was asked to serve a one-year provisional term on Synod Council and have been grateful to be allowed to help in this way.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

God has given me gifts in organization, preaching, and evangelism. The greatest gift God has given me has been my husband Michael Tavella. We have been married since 1973 and in ministry together since 1976. We have served together in two congregations: St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Hurst, Texas (1976-1987) and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Abington, Pa. (1987-present).

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Psalm 18:1-3: I will love you, O Lord my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who in worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.

This has meaning for me because God has proven it to be true over and over in my life. It is my prayer for the North American Lutheran Church that this church might always point to the God who fights for her, admonishes her, and cherishes her as His pearl of great price. It is my prayer for the North American Lutheran Church that this church might always regard God as a deity to be loved and obeyed, that we might always invite others into a relationship with this God who came to us in Jesus Christ and comes to us still by the power of His Holy Spirit. It is my prayer that the North American Lutheran Church might be used by God in a way that brings glory to His Holy Name.

The Rev. Marshall Hahn

Home: St. Olaf, Iowa
Congregation: Norway Lutheran Church & Marion Lutheran Church, St. Olaf, Iowa
Current Call: Pastor, Norway Lutheran Church & Marion Lutheran Church, St. Olaf, Iowa

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

I have been a Lutheran pastor for 25 years, ordained in The American Lutheran Church in 1985. I was on the Northeastern Iowa Synod Council, ELCA, for seven years as the Secretary of the Synod; served as the Dean of the Shepherd of the Hills Conference in the Northeastern Iowa Synod for five years; served on the Candidacy Committee of the Northeastern Iowa Synod for 12 years; and helped to found and served on the Steering Committee for “Call to Faithfulness,” a reform group within Lutheran CORE in Northeastern Iowa for eight years.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

I have a desire to serve our Lord and His Church, the openness to listen to and learn from others, and the willingness to speak my mind.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come” — 2 Corinthians 5:17.

This passage is a reminder both of the forgiveness we are given in Christ Jesus and the wonder of the life to which we are called in Him. In Christ, we are constantly made new. This is a refreshing, freeing word of God’s grace. For me, it is a reminder that our future is in God’s hands, and that even though I cannot see what that future may hold, I can trust that God has something exciting in store for us. With that assurance I can face what lies ahead with confidence and hope. This has been a particularly meaningful passage during these last several months as the congregations I serve and I have struggled with the question of moving from the ELCA to the NALC. There remain many unanswered questions about what lies ahead for us in this new church body, but we are able to place those concerns in God’s hands, trusting this promise of our new life in Christ Jesus.

The Rev. Judy M. Mattson

Home: L’Anse, Michigan
Congregation: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Skanee, Michigan
Current Call: Pastor, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Skanee, Michigan

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

Servant/leadership role as lay and ordained pastor - 14 years (ex-officio on every congregation committee). Synod Council (Northern Great Lakes Synod, ELCA) - 4 years. Board of Directors Trustee for Suomi Conference National, a Finnish Special Interest Group active in Proclaiming the Gospel as well as primary mission to support congregations in Russian Karelia, also support missions in Namibia and Japan - about 8 years. Board of Directors Trustee for Suomi Conference, Michigan area - about 8 years. Evangelism Committee member for Northern Great Lakes Synod - 4 years. Outdoor/Park Ministry Committee for Northern Great Lakes Synod - 2 years. Missionary to the Keweenaw — Keweenaw Lutheran Ministries Mission Developer — church without walls — five worship sites including a park, a historic Lutheran church, a very small Episcopal church, a storefront, and a community building — laid the groundwork for the building of a permanent church at one site — 2 other sites with small-group Bible studies. Lay School Board member and Licensed Lay Ministry Board member for Northern Great Lakes Synod - about 10 years. Has been one of the few active voices in attempts at reform in our former synod, the Northern Great Lakes Synod, since the late 1990s.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

Preaching; evangelist; spiritual discernment; compassion and passion; death and grief ministry; pastoral care; the ability and willingness to discern the gifts of others in the congregation/community and to train and empower them to use those gifts.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

It is not I, but Christ in me. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20a). Without this truth, nothing could be accomplished through me. In spite of or maybe because I am a completely incompetent sinner, God still uses me to proclaim the Good News of His Kingdom in both word and deed. It is Christ who ministers to those who are dying and their family members, not I. It is the Spirit of Christ who consoles and comforts, not me. I thank God that I have died so others too might live through Jesus Christ. When I preach, in spite of my inability, the Holy Spirit opens the hearers ears and it is Christ who speaks to those who are listening. Sometimes they even hear things that I hadn’t said — that is — they receive the miracle of hearing. This abiding presence of Jesus Christ, for me, is the kingdom of God at hand. It is the kingdom of God present in our daily lives. Where the King lives and dwells, there is His Kingdom. I first more fully understood this verse as I was taught by one of my teachers, Rev. Karlo Keljo. It was his favorite, as well. Because of this verse, I have been led to cling more closely to the means of grace received in both the Word and Sacraments. In hearing the word, through faith, we receive the Word into our lives. In receiving His Body and Blood, we receive Jesus, into our very beings. He comes to dwell within those who believe. In baptism, we are put to death, we are drowned, so that Christ may live in and through us — a new man is born — one who is united with Christ and has been reconciled to God, our Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thousand of sermons I could write on this verse alone… Suffice it to say: the words of my lips and the works of my hands are worthless, unless it is Christ using them to glorify our Father in heaven.

The Rev. Sanford C. Mitchell

Home: Ashland, Ohio
Congregation: Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland, Ohio
Current Call: Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland, Ohio

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

16 years Examining Committee in LCA and ELCA.
14 years Wittenberg University Board.
14 years ??? Evangelism for LCA and ELCA.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

I always seem to end up on examining committee or personnel committee in agencies I serve.
27 years chair of personnel at YMCA.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” I hope to live my life in such a way that that can be said about me.

 

Clergy - Three-year term

The Rev. Donald Allman

Home: Grove City, Ohio
Congregation: St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church - Grove City, Ohio
Current Call: Pastor, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church - Grove City, Ohio

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

1998-present Senior Pastor at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Grove City, Ohio.
1985-1998 Associate Pastor at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Grove City, Ohio.
1978-1985 Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Botkins, Ohio.
1978 graduated Lutheran Theological Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, Masters of Divinity.
1974 graduated Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, Bachelor of Sociology.

NALC Executive Council 2010-present.

Have served on synod stewardship, youth, and reconciliation teams, conference president, local ministerial president and vice president..

Married to wife, Glenda, for 37 years, have three married sons and three grandchildren.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

God has blessed me with a calming presence, the ability to listen well, communicate clearly, and discern solutions.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

My confirmation verse: Psalm 27:4. I have been blessed to do what I truly love for 33 years. That is worshiping God and learning from His Word. As a parish pastor I also get to equip others to share in this joy.

The Rev. Nila G. Cogan

Home: Friedens, Pa.
Congregation: Dunmyer Lutheran Church, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Current Call: Pastor, Dunmyer Lutheran Church, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

Served from 1994-2000 on the cabinet of the Somerset Conference, Allegheny Synod, ELCA. Authorized as a Lay Worship Leader in the Allegheny Synod, 2001. Certified as a Youth and Family Minister from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg in 2001. Served 2000-2006 on Allegheny Synod Council. Served as a Voting Member to 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Appointed as a Synodical Authorized Minister to Dunmyer Lutheran Church in 2006. Participated in the T.E.E.M. program (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) with ordination in June 2009. Called to continue serving Dunmyer Lutheran Church in 2009. Served 2009-2010 as secretary for the Johnstown Conference, Allegheny Synod. Attended Lutheran CORE Convocations in 2009 and 2010. In the secular world, I serve on the State Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. Past president of the Somerset County Farm Bureau. Past president of the Somerset Hospital Auxiliary.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

God has given me an abundance of enthusiasm for His work. I multi-task easily letting God show me what is important to get done. I am a good listener, and I look at situations from all sides. One of my strongest gifts is working with youth and children; however, I also work well with the elderly. I have a passion for worship and music. I have found I have a variety of gifts suited for a small congregation were a pastor needs to be a secretary, a custodian, and a minister all at the same time.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” — Philippians 4:13. As a wife, mother of four, grandmother of three, operator of a greenhouse operation and farm, pastor of a small, but growing, congregation, and being involved in my community; this scripture verse has sustained me and given me strength as I sit beside a dying friend or plant 10.000 geraniums. When I am not sure which way to turn, God leads me and guides me, and He shows me the path I need to take.

The Rev. Rebecca M. Heber

Home: Heathrow, Fla.
Congregation: Oasis Church, Lake Mary, Florida
Call: Mission Developer, Oasis Church, Lake Mary, Florida

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

Growing up in a Lutheran parsonage!
24 years in ordained ministry.
NALC Mission Start Pastor (co-founded Oasis Church with pastor-husband, September 2010).
NALC Provisional Dean for Florida.
Lutheran CORE Steering Committee member (2½ years).
Lutheran CORE Region 9 Coordinator (2½ years).
Outspoken witness on the side of Orthodoxy at ELCA synod assemblies and meetings.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

A passion for God, a heart for people.
Faith in Jesus Christ.
Love of Truth and boldness to stand up for Truth.
Convinced of and committed to the Solas of the Reformation — Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone, Word Alone, to the Glory of God Alone.
Enthusiastic, “happy-to-be-Lutheran” Christian.
Self-starter
See a need, meet a need attitude.
Organizational ability
I care about the NALC — its future, its fidelity to the Word, its members, its leaders, and those whom we will and must reach with the Gospel.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Matthew 17:5, Titus 1:2, and Hebrews 6:18.
By the grace of God, I have cast my life, my soul, my all on the One about Whom God declared, “This is My Son, Whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him” and I do so confident that this declaration is trustworthy and true, for “It is impossible for God to lie.”

The Rev. Marty Ramey

Home: Dallas, North Carolina
Congregation: Bethel Lutheran Church, Dallas, North Carolina
Current Call: Bethel Lutheran Church, Dallas, North Carolina

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

I have 13 years experience in the ordained ministry, having served in three cogregations in the North Carolina Synod of the ELCA and now in a mission congregation of NALC. I have also served full time as chaplain at the Lutheran Homes of Hickory, N.C., and at Hospice of Lincoln County, Lincolnton, N.C. I was elected to the North Carolina Synod Council and served two three-year terms. I also served as a “voting member” at the 2009 ELCA Assembly in Minneapolis. Before attending seminary, I served in several lay leadership positions in various congregations, including congregation council, president of Lutheran Church Women, presider for LCW conference, and editor of the North Carolina Synod LCW/Women of the ELCA newsletter.

I have also been active in the Western North Carolina Via de Cristo lay renewal movement for 11 years, serving as a spiritual director on 8 to 10 three-day retreats, and as Head Spiritual Director of the Secretariat, the governing body of Western North Carolina Via de Cristo.

I became affiliated with WordAlone in 1998 in concern over the direction the ELCA was taking in several areas, particularly in the area of human sexuality, and more importantly, authority of scripture. I have offered meditations and devotions at several WordAlone/Lutheran CORE meetings, both statewide in North Carolina and in local contexts. I am currently on the roster of WordAlone chaplains and as such have offered guidance and encouragement to a number of individuals calling to voice concerns over the ELCA's actions.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

One of my most significant skills is as a Biblical storyteller. I have found that “telling the story” directly from the Bible opens up Scripture to listeners in new ways. I also receive numerous expressions of appreciation for my preaching gifts and consider development of that gift to be one of my greatest accomplishments. I have good listening skills. Those have been enhanced by participation and certification in intentional interim ministry training, and in my one-year Clinical Pastoral Education residency at Carolinas Medical Center. Both of those programs incorporate conflict management and resolution training, for which active listening — not just for superficial content but for the underlying motivations — is critical.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Philippians 2:1-15. The elegant hymn exalting Christ in this passage has provided me with inspiration for many years. Christ's humility in service, even to the point of death, is a reminder of the price God was willing to pay to bring me into a deep and abiding relationship with him. And verses 14-15 — Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world--has taken on new importance considering what is going on in the world and in the church around us. It is critical for us to shine like stars in a world made dark by those who would undermine the authority of God's Word for our lives.

The Rev. Frezil Westerlund

Home: Philip, South Dakota
Congregation: First Lutheran Church, Philip, South Dakota
Current Call: Pastor, Western New Hope Parish, Philip, Midland, Long Valley, and Deep Creek, S.D.

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

Long family history of commitment to confessional Lutheranism.
Graduate of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.
23 years service as parish pastor.
Married to another Lutheran pastor.
20 years of military chaplaincy with Civil Air Patrol.
Served on the Support to Ministry Committee, Nebraska Synod.
Voting member of ELCA Churchwide Assembly in 2003 from Southeastern Minnesota Synod.
Chaired rural ministry symposium.
230-mile circuit of churches each Sunday.
Active with other NALC pastors in our Deanery.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

Interest and involvement with His people and their stories. Everybody has a tale to tell of the wonders of God’s love. God gave me the ability and sheer joy of being able to preach the Word. God also empowered me to stand up and speak out the truth when necessary.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Hebrews 11:1: “Faith is being of sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” I have always known God intellectually. I knew His love forall believers from Scripture. But in 2005 my son died to this life and I came to a spiritual certainty that on the last day at the resurrection I will be with Jesus and Ragin. For nothing can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).

Clergy - Four-year term

The Rev. Bradley J. Hales

Home: Culpeper, Virginia
Congregation: Reformation Lutheran Church, Culpeper, Virginia
Current Call: Pastor, Reformation Lutheran Church, Culpeper, Virginia

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

In 17 years of ordained ministry, I have helped to transform three congregations into mission centers for Jesus! I served on the Virginia Synod’s Mission Team and worked as the synod’s Coordinator for Congregational Transformation.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

My spiritual gifts include evangelism, teaching, healing and pastoring. I am skilled in outreach, helping congregations to change and grow for mission. I also have gifts in older adult ministry, specifically helping congregations to renew through aging ministry.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Acts 1:9. Right before Jesus ascends into heaven, he is telling the Church to witness to him locally, nationally, and globally. These were his last and most important words to us. We should passionately follow them!

The Rev. James T. Lehmann

Home: Fithian, Illinois
Congregation: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Thomasboro, Illinois
Current Call: Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Thomasboro, Illinois

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

I received a strong biblical and catechetical training in my youth. I have served 32 years of ordained ministry, experiencing both congregational cooperation and conflict. I have served on synod council and committees. I have experience working with colleagues (interns and associates). Traveling to Ethiopia has broadened my experience of the global church. Serving on the Executive Committee and as a dean of the NALC has helped me to know how we function and what concerns congregations have.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

I have a strong foundation on the Word of God as understood from a Lutheran perspective. I enjoy teaching the Bible. The rich liturgical heritage of public worship and private prayer strengthens me. God has granted me the gift of patience. I can listen with empathy and understanding of people’s experiences and positions. I work collaboratively and encourage others in their ministry.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers.” When I commit myself to these fundamentals: Scripture, fellowship, Eucharist, and prayer, I stay on track, find inner strength, and grow in faith. These tools of the Holy Spirit “calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church and keeps it united in the one true faith.”

The Rev. Patti Morlock

Home: Thornville, Ohio
Congregation: Grace Lutheran Church, Thornville, Ohio
Current Call: Grace Lutheran Church, Thornville, Ohio

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

Teacher, administrative duties, served on several synodical committees in Southern Ohio Synod over the years. Currently on Executive Board of Association of Confessing Lutherans in Ohio. Delegate to national assembly in 2001.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

Administration/leadership — I am able to steer a group toward specific God-given goals and objectives by planning, prayer and organization.

Discernment — I can clearly distinguish truth from error in terms of where God is leading in my life.
Teaching — instructing others in the Bible and in a logical and systematic way for understanding and growth.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Ephesians 6:10ff speaks of putting on the armor of God so we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes. Over the years, in my ministry, the biggest battles are usually the spiritual ones — hence the need for truth, righteousness, and the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace. Faith, salvation and the Word of God are our most effective tools for dealing with these battles.

The Rev. David W. Priem

Home: Fredericksburg, Texas
Congregation: Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, Texas
Current Call: Pastor, Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, Texas

Experience within the body of Christ that has prepared you for service in this position:

I currently serve as the provisional Dean for the Southwestern Texas Deanery of the NALC, which includes 16 congregations so far, and have made several congregational visits promoting the NALC, and have interviewed and recommended several pastors for certification. I served for two years as Dean of the Hill Country Conference of the Southwestern Texas Synod of the ELCA; and served for six years on the Board of Cross Trails Ministry (Lutheran camping ministry), four of those years as chair of the board. I served for two years on the Board of Directors for Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest; and have been involved in the Ministerial Alliance and served as chair for three years in my previous call. I served as Spiritual director on over a dozen Via De Cristo weekends over the last 18 years and currently serve as assistant Spiritual director on the community Emmaus board, and have also attended the Willow Creek Association Leadership Conference the last four years.

I also believe that the Body of Christ extends beyond the congregation and into the community as part of the Great Commission in order to share Christ with the world. I have been a volunteer with Boy Scouts of America for 16 years, served as Den Leader for five years, Troop Committee Chair for nin years, District Roundtable Chair for six years, and currently serve as District Chairman, and sit on the Board of Directors for the Central Area Council; earning the District Award of Merit, and received the Lamb Award for religious service to BSA. I was in Lion’s Club and served as chair of the board for two years.

I have been a member of WordAlone Network since 2005, and a member of Lutheran CORE since 2007. Ihave been in the ministry for 23 years, and have served a rural two-point parish, a mid-sized bedroom community church, and currently serve as co-pastor at a large congregation.

What spiritual gifts and skills has God given you to bless this ministry?

First of all, I am truly excited to be part of a confessional Lutheran church body that takes the authority of the Word of God seriously, and have a deep passion for serving Jesus Christ as my risen Lord and Savior, and sharing the Good News of His saving grace with a world that so desperately needs to hear it. The Spiritual gifts I believe God has given me are compassion, ministry, teaching and leadership. Caring for people and sharing God’s Word to encourage them and give them hope is a great joy for me. I also love teaching and sharing the truths of God’s Word to help people grow deeper in their faith. I have been in leadership situations in various capacities throughout the years in several organizations both in the church and the community; and have striven to keep organizations fiscally responsible, while providing the best programs possible. I believe in solid teamwork in accomplish-ing tasks; and am motivated to continue to learn how to be a better leader and a better pastor.

Teaching — instructing others in the Bible and in a logical and systematic way for understanding and growth.

List a favorite Scripture verse and tell why it has meaning for you.

Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” These words are spoken at every baptism as a call to the person being baptized, and a reminder for those who hear these words, that we are a priesthood of all believers, glorifying God in our words and actions so that we may point people to Christ. We are not the light, but we reflect the light of Christ so that others may know Him as Lord and Savior.