Paul and Dust talk about the role of mentors, Paul remembers his father's lasting influence, and they discuss how to be mentored and find a mentor. This one's good to share with anyone you know looking to grow in a particular area and not sure how to find a mentor!

In Memoriam of Art Linnemann -- A Conversation on Mentors and Their Lasting Influence

New starts aren't always formed out of nothing -- Sometimes they are the result of two existing ministries coming together to become something different. This is the subject of the latest NOWLeading Podcast, which features audio from the NOW Start Network's July Zoom call with Pastor Jon Mau in Bellevue, Washington.

NOW Start Network: Merging Two Congregations into One--A Story of Collaborative Leadership 7-17-21

Get Rolling! "Lift Your Eyes: Raising Up Leaders for God's Mission" is a new focus for the NOW District. God's focus is always outward giving His love away. President Linnemann sets the stage for implementing the toolkit with an important attitude focus towards leadership built around God as "The Sending God."

Get Rolling! Launching The NOW Leadership Initiative (2nd in a Series)

Get Looking! President Linnemann shares his own story of someone looking at him as a leader before he ever saw leadership in himself. A conversation about who to look for -- and how to look for -- new leaders.

Get Looking! "I See In You" -- Implementing The NOW Leadership Initiative (3rd in a Series)

An interview with Rev. Kyle Blake of Longbeach, CA. Do we exist to serve the people who worship with us -- or those who live in the community? Engaging in ministry from a new mindset often necessitates starting new: a new ministry, a new outreach, a new worshipping community. This episode is full of ideas and encouragement on how to connect with our communities.

NOW Start Network: Starting New to Engage a New Community

Jeremy Lucke (NOW Start Network Cultivator) interviews Eric and Dennis of The Manna Project of Corvallis, Oregon.  What happens when a pastor supports and encourages creative businessmen to launch a new way to care for the body and the soul through nutritious soup for people facing food scarcity? The story of The Manna Project is an example of trusting partnerships and the gritty details of taking a dream to reality. This conversation covers some steps along the entrepreneurial journey!

NOW Start Network: The Manna Project (Helping People Facing Food Scarcity through A New Start)

Get Inspired! The Rev. Dr. John Arthur Nunes (former CEO of Lutheran World Relief, former president of CU-New York, and author of Meant for More, and other books) joins Cultivators Todd Roeske and Mike Von Behren to give insights and encouragement for those eager to start holistic ministries. Holistic ministries care for the needs of people in “proximity to proclamation” -- the spoken conversation about Jesus. Dr. Nunes reminds us that it all starts with simple questions we learned to sing as kids: “Who are the people in your neighborhood, in your neighborhood, in your neighborhood?” and, “Please won’t you be my neighbor?”

NOW Start Network: Get Inspired! "Withness" in Witness -- New Starts for Diverse Communities

Note: critical update! President Linnemann introduces the theme for District Convention from Hebrews 13:8 and highlights key topics for convention including the Speaking Truth in Love about Racism Task Force, The NOW District Leadership Initiative (L.I.), and an evening dedicated to celebrating the influence of Concordia University, Portland.

CONVENTION 2022--Important Updates For NOW District Convention

Note: critical update! President Linnemann highlights the NOW L.I. and invites every ministry to bring at least one name of a brand new leader or a leader "who is doing a new thing" to the district convention. The dream is to have over 230 names of new leaders across the NOW District.

CONVENTION 2022--NOW District President Highlights the NOW District Leadership Initiative (L.I.)

Note: critical update! President Linnemann shares a story of how Concordia University, Portland, was a blessing to him as a young man and invites memories (saved in audio format) from others to be sent into the District Office in preparation for an evening remembering the blessings of Concordia University, Portland.

CONVENTION 2022--NOW District President Invites Memories of Concordia University

Mike Von Behren (NOW Start Network Cultivator) interviews Rev. Ruberto Ek Yah, of Trinity Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon.  What happens when an Anglo congregation "gets out of their box" and practices hospitality with their Latino neighbors?  How does a network of support (Lutheran Latino Ministries) influence young leaders? Rev. Ruberto Ek Yah is a bivocational Mayan-Latino LCMS Pastor whose story is an example of the grace of God, the power of God answering consistent prayers for new leaders, and raising Latino workers for His harvest.

NOW Start Network:  Mayan-Latino Pastor Ruberto Ek Yah "God Raises Up Workers for His Harvest"

Mike Von Behren (NOW Start Network Cultivator) interviews Gerod Bass, DCE, Worship Arts Director of Our Savior Lutheran Church (OSLC) in Tacoma, Washington.  How do the arts and having and "open door policy" for a church building serve as a bridge into the community?  Gerod tells the story of how OSLC launched a theater ministry after their sanctuary was destroyed in a fire, and digs into what discipleship looks like when you cross boundaries to share the love of Christ.

NOW Start Network:  Gerod Bass shares "Connecting with Your Community Through the Arts and Theater"

Mike Von Behren (NOW Start Network Cultivator) interviews Amy Schweim, DCE, MSc., Director of Outreach and Connections of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Puyallup, Washington (and also a NOW Start Network Cultivator!). What happens when a DCE has a passion for "family resiliency" and decides to help families in her community? All kinds of stuff! Amy talks about her passion for "family resiliency" and launching new ministries that support families with education, children's day camps, coffee shops, and more to support a "one-stop community resource center for families."

NOW Start Network: Amy Schweim, Resiliency, Community Resource Centers, Coffee Shops, and Christ

Pastor Zabdi Lopez grew up in Mexico. His wife Elizabeth grew up in the Mid-West. Their story is a mind-blowing account of God's faithfulness to them and God's "Missio Dei" -- God's sending heart. This episode captures the story of how they got together plus the sorrows, challenges, and joys of being a multi-ethnic couple committed to Jesus and His ways. Extra bonus! Great details on how Zabdi and Elizabeth identify and equip the next generation of leaders.

"Sent to Love, Love to Send!" Zabdi and Elizabeth Lopez on Marriage and Ministry

Jonathan and Dust share fun stories, a brief history of MTC, and look at the influence of MTC going forward. 
(An interview with the new director for MTC https://missiontrainingcenter.com/, Rev. Jonathan Priest, on "growing a leadership culture," and how MTC supports leaders and ministries across the West Coast and beyond in "just in time training" for leaders of all kinds.)

Equipping Leaders... Anywhere and Everywhere -- A New Era Dawns for Mission Training Center

This is a recording of a presentation on MTC by Rev. Jonathan Priest, Director of Mission Training Center, at Best Practices for Ministry 2023, hosted by Christ Church, Phoenix.  Mission Training Center https://missiontrainingcenter.com/ is a lay-training platform under the oversight of the three West Coast Districts of the LCMS (PSD, CNH, and NOW) in partnership with Concordia University, Irvine (CUI).

Mission Training Center (MTC): Building The Bench For Leadership On The West Coast

Jeremy Lucke and Ty Schommer (NOW Start Network Cultivators) interview Jeremiah Drelleshak, DCE, about his journey serving families in a congregation to serving families as a barber in his community of Boring, Oregon.  How do you know it’s time to move from traditional church ministry to something different?  How do you connect a vision for serving people to a job that does good?  What are the steps to start NOW?  Jeremiah's story is a testimony to stepping out in faith and prayer.  It is the story of the power of Jesus, the value of coaching and mentors -- and the joys of having a dream, a team, taking the first big step, and putting one foot in front of the other to reach a vision.

Jeremiah Drelleshak - -"From DCE To Barber, Open Wide The Doors!"

Mike Von Behren (NOW Start Network Cultivator) interviews Pastor Albino Kong of Anchorage, Alaska, on his journey as a refugee from Sudan to becoming an LCMS Pastor and serving the Sudanese immigrant community. Refugee immigrants can be found in every state and, especially, every urban metro region of the Northwest.  Their perseverance and dedication to family are an inspiration, and their growing communities are the source of many new ministry starts.  This episode is a testimony to God's faithfulness to Pastor Kong, and Pastor Kong’s joy and passion for Christ.  It is also a great illustration of Jesus' desire for all ethnicities and people groups to know His love.

NOW Start Network: Pastor Albino Kong - Joy In Ministry To Sudanese Immigrants

Paul Linnemann looks back on his almost-15 years of ministry as District President and shares stories of Jesus' love, and reflects on the powerful influence of loving people "one person at a time.”

District President Paul Linnemann And The Heart Of Ministry

—Continuing the conversation on “helping leaders do their best work    together"
          —Being a “transitional generation” in leadership
          —What’s a “leader” anyway?
          —The challenges of geography and living in a secular era.
          —Leaders are creative in bringing the good news of Jesus in the Northwest.
          --Some topics to expect in the future.
          —Being a blessing instead of seeking a blessing.
  Question:  “What are needs in my community not being filled right now in which my congregation can be a blessing?"

"Launching a New Podcast—Helping Leaders Do Their Best Work Together" (Part 2 of 2)

Arguing with God — Why authoritarian behavior as a leader is counterproductive.
Dealing with expectations—the “internal noise” in myself and from others.
Leading with an “empty hand”
Ministry is not my identity or my role, it's a gift, and it's for a season.
Healthy leadership starts with identity and my need for a Savior:  Jesus calls me by my name.  Jesus sees me, rather than my titles, tags, and expectations.
“School’s out for the summer!”: a childlike appreciation for the gift of ministry.
Take-home question:  “How can I increase my level of influence with the people God has placed around me?"

"Let It Go..." (Part 2 of 2)

Who starts their day wanting to be in conflict?!
Fight or flight?  There is a third way.
The leadership of being present, being engaged, and communicating.
Practicing confession and forgiveness in an 8th-grade classroom.
“How have I contributed to this situation?” — go around the circle.
A leader answers the question first!
A leader models vulnerability.
“Empty piety” does not heal relationships, facing sin together and inviting Jesus into the relationship heals it.
The Spirit helps us be vulnerable, offer forgiveness, and brings healing.
It is a practice and a behavior, not just something we talk about.
Not you or me, but we.
Let a younger generation and the Spirit teach you new things.
Question:  “What is it that God is trying to teach me through the people I serve today?"

"Dealing with Conflict" -- What 8th Graders Taught Me!

Dr. Bob Newton and Author/Researcher Gabe Lyons are introduced as the plenary speakers for the 2017 All-Workers Conference for the NOW District.  Paul and Dust have a brief conversation on the question:  “Why these guys?"

All-Workers Conference, Oct 17-20, 2017 — “Why These Guys?"

“The Listening Leader:  A Sign of Maturity"
 
The difference between “what” and “how.”
We know the “what:” the story has a good ending.  
The challenge is the “how:” what happens between now and then.
We spend a lot of time telling people how things ought to be, instead, we should follow Him in the moment with each person.
Sometimes, we use Easter as a way to dismiss people and how they feel in their suffering.
Instead, let go of coercing, or manipulating people to the place we want them to be.
God’s agenda is much more relaxed and open.
Paul shares a story about Jesus meeting two men on the road to Emmaus, a model for the patient, listening posture.
The listening leader brings openness and flexibility, with a destination in mind.
Resurrection = Transformation.  “Death couldn’t maintain its hold on Him.”
Jesus is “known by the scars,” the marks of strength and victory.  Baptism joins us to Him.
Alone is not the way, healing and transformation happens with others.
Question to Grow: “How has God used suffering as ‘marks of life’ for me, as a tool for transformation.”

The Listening Leader:  A Sign of Maturity

"Reforming for a Changing Culture,” was the theme for the NOW District All Worker’s Conference in 2017.  We are in a different culture than the one in which we were raised, certainly from the culture 500 years ago when the Reformation occurred.  Dust and Paul discuss key learnings from the plenary speakers at the Conference, and what this means during a time of transition for the church at large.  They also preview what is to come in June 2018 at the NOW District Convention.

All Worker’s Conference Recap and What is Next at Convention in June 2018

These creative new starts should get your spark going for building a blessing bridge in your community!  Paul and Dust introduce the four recipients for the 2018 NOW District Catalyst Grants:  1. An activity center providing respite care for elderly people with memory issues, 2. a mission training process for congregations in a circuit, 3. discipleship materials for a new church plant, and,  4. helping a congregation launch a “comfort dog” ministry to provide care in their community during times of emergency and loss.  They close by sharing crucial information and deadlines for NOW District organizations to access the grant cycle in 2019.

Get Your Spark Ignited!  Introducing 2018 Catalyst Grant Recipients

Paul and Dust focus in this episode on the actual document “Workers For His Harvest.”  They remind the listener that Lutheran DNA includes creating space to listen to one another respectfully, and discuss theological issues in a meaningful way together.  Paul shares why he thinks this document is meaningful for him and meaningful for the LCMS in our time.  He provides a brief introduction to the document’s purpose and some of its perspectives and encourages the listener to not only read the document but make time to discuss it with others who have also read it.  The document can be accessed at workersforhisharvest.com

“Workers For His Harvest” (Part Two of a Two-Part Episode)

President Linnemann provides a helpful introduction to the call process, and offers important steps every calling group should consider in the call process.

The Call Process: How To Find the Right Match

PLANTING A NEW CHURCH WITH A WHOLE-PERSON VISION (FITNESS CENTER INCLUDED).  Clint and Mike share the impact of Xrossway on relationships with the community and the non-profit management model for a fitness center.  Mike shares the incredible story of how he moved from Nebraska to Idaho to help manage Xrossway (thank God for mother-in-laws!)and the captivating power of a BIG vision for doing good in your community.

NOW Start Network Convos: Clint and Mike of Xrossway Ministries

PLANTING A NEW CHURCH WITH DISCIPLE GROUPS.  Matt shares how a local congregation in the Boise, Idaho, metro area is mobilizing to meet the “wave of urban migration” by planting a new congregation through the use of small groups and an active disciple-making process.  Matt describes the difference between membership and discipleship, and unpacks how “helping someone grow” can be the foundation for helping a new church plant grow too!

NOW Start Network Convos: Matt Henry and “Catching the Wave” for a Church Plant in Kuna, Idaho

As part of the Catalyst Grant Program, Dust catches up with Doug and Julie of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Spokane Valley, WA, on the story behind launching the very first comfort dog ministry in the Northwest with Marie, Comfort Dog (through Lutheran Church Charities).  Included in this podcast are great stories of the impact of this ministry and details on how to start a comfort dog ministry.  For leaders interested in launching a comfort dog ministry, contact details for Doug and Julie and their ministry team are included in the podcast at the end.

The Very First Comfort Dog Ministry Launches in the Northwest!

Can ONE WORD really change how we connect with our community and neighbors? Listen to this episode to find out what the word actually is! Hint: it starts with “C” and ends in “us.”  Dust explores one of the “golden threads” that runs through a number of interviews on the NOWLeading Podcast and unpacks the ramifications of living out this ONE WORD. Reminder: The NOWLeading Podcast is about ”exploring the art of leading from a Lutheran point of view.” The conversations and thoughts on the podcast are built on the assumption that we are living in an era of transition. This era requires leaders with a strong set of values who are resilient, compassionate, and flexible.

It Starts with ‘C’ and Ends in ‘Us!’” The ONE WORD That Transforms Relationships For Good

What is a mission-focused response for the challenges of the COVID19 Pandemic?  Dust facilitates a national video-conference conversation (this podcast is the audio portion) hosted by the North American Mission Endeavor.  NAME is the formal organization of LCMS district mission executives and other LCMS partner executive leaders.  The bulk of the conversation is a presentation/response by Rev. Chris Paavola, church planter at All Nations Church, followed by a panel response, and some following questions.  The four questions addressed by Rev. Paavola:  1. How does the church use this opportunity to multiply, equip, and release lay leaders in this new reality?  2.  How can existing churches be proactive as a Spirit-led movement of multiplication, rather than merely conserving the normal by making it smaller?  3.  What permissions and resources do missionally thinking lay leaders need from our leaders in the church?  4.  What are some practical suggestions for sharing the Easter message with our families and neighbors?

COVID19: Responding Missionally (Audio from NAME VideoConference)

How do we measure the influence of a century-old university when it closes?  In this two-part episode, Dust has a personal conversation with Dr. Linda Borecki, adjunct faculty at Concordia, University—Portland, about its influence in her life as a student in the 1980’s and as an instructor of “Millennial" and “Gen Z” students in the last decade.  If you’re into conversations that are more about people than institutions, more about relationships than programs, then you’ll find this podcast worth listening to! (This 1st conversation occurred in the final week of Concordia’s closure at the end of April 2020.)

Part I—Concordia University, Portland, is Closed.  Conversations On Its History and Influence

NOWLeading: Conversations with Lutheran leaders on the art of following Jesus.

NOWLeading

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