growth

May the Lord bless you all in the new year.  As we look ahead in the North American Lutheran Church, I believe that we will continue to receive congregations who are taking votes to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  However, it will not be the flood that God blessed us with in the first 18 months.  If/when events take place that cause a major shift, then we may again experience explosive growth.

Most of our growth will take place as we plant new congregations.  People are beginning to host Bible studies in their homes and to build relationships in that way.  They will grow into congregations.  That is the Ethiopian experience.  We also are learning about planting congregations from our sisters and brothers in the Anglican Church North America.  Take a look at this article.  It is a fine example of what can take place in the North American Lutheran Church when we are excited about the gospel!

May the Holy Spirit bless us!

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2011/December/Anglican-Fever-Youth-Flock-to-New-Denomination-/

Pr. Jim Lehmann -- Dean, Great Rivers Mission District