All Leaders

  • 1.  Call Day

    Posted 04-17-2023 09:49 AM

    Call Day at our two LCMS seminaries is just one week away. Call Day in Fort Wayne is Tuesday, April 25, and in St. Louis it's Wednesday, April 26. 

    As many ministries will receive new pastors on those nights, we thought we'd post a question. Has your ministry received a newly called pastor in recent years?  If so, how did you make him (and his family) feel welcome? Do you have any tips for ministries that will receive newly called pastors next week?  What did you do to connect and maintain connection in the time between Call Day and the pastor's installation at your ministry? 

    This is such an exciting time for these servants of the Lord being called to their first ministries, but it's also a wonderful time for the ministries. God's blessings to all ministries that will receive newly called workers. 



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    Dave Kuschel
    Senior Director of Communications
    Concordia Plans
    St. Louis MO
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  • 2.  RE: Call Day

    Posted 04-18-2023 07:46 AM
    As chairman of a congregation, I've gone through a few call processes with our congregation.  I think it's easy to think the work is over when a pastor finally accepts the call (or a placement from seminary is made), but really that's when the next stage must begin, bringing God's servant and family into the congregation's family.   I also am blessed to have an ordained son-in-law who received his first placement nearly two years ago and have watched, firsthand, how the congregation welcomed he and his family (my daughter and grandchildren) into their 'family' of believers.  A shepherd sent by God to the flock is also a human man, many times with a family; all who need to feel the same love and warmth that we, as congregational members want to feel within the church body.  Continue to pray for them, invite them to be a part of your family, and in return, that new spiritual gift of a pastor will bless your congregation for years to come.

    Troy Hildebrandt

    Congregational President

    Christ the Life Lutheran Church

    Waukesha, WI

     




    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Call Day

    Posted 04-21-2023 04:18 PM

    My husband graduated last May from St. Louis and we were greeted very warmly by the congregation.  Here were a few of the things people did that meant a lot to us.

    -We had numerous families show up to help us unload the truck and a counter full of crockpots, desserts and sides to feed us along with anyone who helped us move for dinner that night.
    -We had someone bring their tools and put together furniture (table/beds) that day so we could sleep in our beds versus air mattresses.
    -One family had a daughter about the age of my middle schooler.  They thought to bring her over the day we moved in so my daughter would have a friend in the summer versus having a lonely summer before school started.  My daughter was extremely worried and anxious over the move and this completely helped her settle in.
    -A member from the congregation/school told us about the summer sports programs so we could start having the kids get involved. 
    -Another member wrote up a list of their favorite restaurants, where to get their hair cut etc.
    -At the welcome dinner someone placed a small bag with candy and a $10 gift card for each child to Dairy Queen.  It made the kids feel special that they were thought of.



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    Beth Jones
    Christ Our Rock
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    Original Message


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