Both parishes I served prior to embarking on this new role of theological educator were relatively small. Visitors were relatively rare, whether congregants or members of the larger city stopping by at random. By and large I enjoyed unexpected drop-ins, depending on what I was working on at the moment. Certainly there were times when… Continue reading Ambushing Pastors
Category: Vocation
Flexibility
One of the big things they try to ascertain about someone considering overseas church work is how flexible you are. Are you able to adapt to changing circumstances? Are you able to regroup, think on your feet, and problem-solve in light of shifting realities? It’s not something everyone is gifted at, but it’s important when… Continue reading Flexibility
Last Big Day!
Today we packed up and began the drive back eventually towards Omaha, where we’ll fly home from tomorrow evening, but more specifically for today towards Mapleton, Iowa. There we’ll be blessed to gather at Mission Central, to introduce Old Missionary Gary to our kids and let them experience the unique experience MC is (as many… Continue reading Last Big Day!
Lord of Life Lutheran, Sioux Falls
It’s often observed that the Lutheran world is a fairly small and interconnected one. Even for someone without the strong familial ties to greater Luther-dom, it’s obvious and impressive in some respects. And since my wife’s family does have pastors in the family tree, their connections are a lot deeper and more extensive than mine.… Continue reading Lord of Life Lutheran, Sioux Falls
Travel Day!
Today we bid goodbye to our friends and hosts – the Asburys – in Norfolk. This necessitated a bus ride to Omaha, where we rented a car and headed to Sioux City, IA. I’ve actually wanted to ride a Greyhound bus ever since I first heard Simon & Garfunkle’s haunting tune America. A desire I’ve… Continue reading Travel Day!
Tuesday Bible Study & Strategizing
This morning I had a great opportunity to meet with a Bible study of 20 or more guys from both local congregations in Norfolk as well as other communities within a drive of 30 minutes or so. They’ve been gathering every other Tuesday for 13 years to study various books of the Bible (they’re currently… Continue reading Tuesday Bible Study & Strategizing
Monday School Tour
This morning I had the opportunity to meet with the spiritual director of the Lutheran high school in Norfolk. The facility is impressive, catering to a student body of roughly 150 students between grades 9-12. Two gymnasiums, a large music room and plans to expand with a new life sciences area and additional classrooms are… Continue reading Monday School Tour
A Busy Day!
Today was our busy day – and a great one at that! It began with Bible study at 8:45 am at Grace Lutheran in Norfolk. We had the chance to share about LCMS work around the world and my anticipated work as a Theological Educator in Southeast Asia. Afterwards were some questions and discussion. Then… Continue reading A Busy Day!
One-on-One
A lot of how we were prepared to build a network of partners focused on meeting with large groups of people – congregations. I’m sure from one angle this makes a lot of sense. If you talk with a lot of people at one time it’s a more efficient use of your time and there’s… Continue reading One-on-One
Visits?
As we work to line up opportunities to share the work of the LCMS internationally and our anticipated work in Southeast Asia, the going is slow. What’s a priority for us is (understandably!) not so much of a priority for other pastors and leaders. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t visit with you! Thanks to… Continue reading Visits?
The Nelson Family Indonesia 