The Changeless Word in a Changing World: Post-Pandemic Ministry

Breakout Session Descriptions

Technology and Ministry – “Redeeming Technology: The Impact of Technology for Ministry Today” (Rev. Trevor Sutton: Senior Pastor: Christ Lutheran Church, Lansing MI) - This will be a framework for understanding how to approach and critically assess technology as it relates to ministry.

Mental Wellness Post-Pandemic – I "The State of Mental Health in the Church: ‘Post’-Pandemic" (Rev. Dr. Richard Marrs: Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis MO, and Rev. Dr. Justin Hannemann: CEO and Therapist at Grace Point Institute for Relational Health, Lincoln NE) - The “Church” has had a complicated relationship with mental health issues for decades. How has the pandemic brought about new opportunities and challenges for the care of souls in our congregations, and in the community?
Cultural Challenges – "Bright Hope: Opportunities and Growth in the Face of Cultural Changes" (Rev. Mark Kiessling: Director of Youth Ministry LCMS, St. Louis MO) - Culture surrounding youth and young adults is multi-faceted, easily accessed, and ever-changing. Technology and media remove many of the curbs and gatekeepers meant to protect from or provide context to information and influencers. This is the case both for young Christians and those not in our congregations. We will explore some cultural changes and challenges affecting young people and families. And, in meeting these challenges, we can find mutual encouragement to open deep, fruitful conversations about Jesus’s grace and mercy.

Technology and Ministry – "Beyond Livestream - Leveraging Technology for Deep Discipleship" (Rev. Matt Peeples: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood NJ) - Overnight, the way we do ministry changed. Pre-pandemic, only 10% of churches were livestreaming; now, in our post-pandemic world, only 10% of churches are not livestreaming! But is livestream our only opportunity to leverage technology for the gospel and the discipling of God's people? In this session, we will dig into other opportunities to not only leverage technology for the gospel, but also to create deep discipleship opportunities, all while meeting some of the unique challenges the church is facing today.

Mental Wellness Post-Pandemic – II "The State of Health for Clergy and Professional Church Workers: ‘Post’-Pandemic" (Rev. Dr. Richard Marrs: Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis MO, and Rev. Dr. Justin Hannemann: CEO and Therapist at Grace Point Institute for Relational Health, Lincoln NE) - Many Professional Church Workers, both ordained and commissioned, have felt additional stresses on various areas of health throughout the pandemic. Two licensed therapists who are also pastors will share what they’ve observed about these stresses and give suggestions for improving one’s health and balancing one’s vocations.
Culturall Challenges – Spiritual First Responders (21^st Century Discipleship) (Dr. (Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz: Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, Washington D.C.) - “Christ’s Spiritual First Responders for 21st Century Mission” – Our culture today doesn’t value Christ’s church or its unique Gospel message very much. But such attitudes have never stopped the Church’s mission to seek and to save that which was lost. Indeed, those attitudes didn’t stop our Savior himself as he left his heaven to come into our messy, sinful world to save it. With that empowered, empathetic, persevering, mindset we are sent into the world as his people for others. Into the fire with the fire-extinguishing love and mercy of God, what a way to live…. Come and See!