Change Is Good

The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a season and a time for everything. We live our lives as a testimony to the truth of these words as we move from one season of life to another, from one activity to another. Each season and activity prepare us for the next.

When we were young we longed for the day we could attend school. School days brought a desire to graduate to the "real world" of marriage, children, work, and responsibility. Those in the real world may wish to move on to an empty nest, and so it goes. Each season of life brought new challenges, more opportunities to fail, and expanded our ability to reach beyond ourselves and influence the world.

The same is true for our activities. When we were young we longed for the day we'd be employed and we rejoiced in our first job. But then our horizons expanded, and we moved to a different endeavor that provided more income, challenges, and growth. Each new occupation moved us closer to the day we'd retire and enjoy the fruit of our labors. Each time we began a new activity we had more opportunities to influence those around us for the LORD.

Lutheran Hour Ministries has a history of providing outreach seminars for congregations. Beginning in 1997 LHM offered Parish Media Teams (PMT) training. This provided congregations with opportunities to expand their outreach into the community.

In 2004 PMT training evolved into Equipping to Share (EtS) seminars. These offered in-depth instruction in personal outreach. This then morphed into MISSION U (MU) School of Outreach education in 2010.

I've been privileged to lead PMT, EtS, and MU classes over the years. I've been in front of thousands of people and humbled to hear reports from class members as they shared their faith, and I've watched the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of others. I know the Kingdom has expanded because of these trainings, and I give all glory to God.

Earlier this month on May 6, I led the last MU workshop. Outreach training and support at LHM is entering a new season with a brand-new online course program rolling out this summer. Now, topical material will be easily accessible for individual and group study, targeting the needs and concerns of engaging in outreach in a 21st-century world.

In the end we do know that regardless of the method of training it's about the words of Christ as recorded in Acts: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Men, our task is clear: be His witnesses. In support of this, LHM will continue to produce and distribute relevant materials to help you get the job done even as He blesses your efforts to tell others of the wonderful grace He offers each of us, through His Son Jesus Christ.

As we all know, guys usually don't ask for help or advice, but the stakes are too high in this not to. So let me put three questions to you:

* What topics can LHM research and develop to help you in your outreach efforts?

* What areas of Gospel outreach would you like to see addressed?

* What can we do to help you communicate the Good News to someone else: a son or daughter, a friend, your wife?

Do you have other outreach concerns you'd like to see us take on?

If so, tells us about them by clicking here and sharing your thoughts.