St. Peter Lutheran Church
2929 F.M 972 (at F.M. 1105)
Walburg, Texas 78626
Office: (512) 863-
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Last Updated:
January 27, 2023
St. Peter Lutheran Church at Walburg, Texas
2023 -
Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ Texas District
Raising Up Future Ministry Leaders
In my work for the Texas District, I have the privilege of sharing about our association and have often been invited to give a presentation about LCMC. One of the questions that I have been repeatedly asked over the years I just love to answer: “Where do your pastors come from?” My answer: “Well pastor trees, of course!!” After a good chuckle, we then engage in an important conversation that many congregations have neglected for far too long. What my tongue-
Many Lutherans in well-
This outsourcing of vocational calling to church camps and college ministries is particularly problematic for our association of congregations that does not have a developed system of affiliated church camps or college ministries to funnel our youth to in hopes that those youth may discover God’s calling to be ministers of the Gospel. But the truth is, I believe that the local congregation should be the center of vocational calling and leadership development in the church.
What can a church do to help raise up ministry leaders for the future? I believe there are some small shifts that you and your church can make that will lead to significant impact! First, love your youth and children in your church. Words of welcome and kindness can make a bigger difference than you might imagine. Strike up a conversation by asking questions and getting to know young people and what they are interested in. Secondly, teach the faith in ways that are fun and engaging. Thirdly, encourage and affirm young people both with your words and invitations to serve and to lead. Perhaps the most powerful sentence you will ever speak to another will begin with “I see in you…” Finally, pray for God to move in their lives to hear and answer the call.
Pastors do not grow on trees, but they do grow up in our congregations! I want to encourage you to make a Kingdom investment by investing in future church leaders. If you want to learn more about raising up future leaders, I would be delighted to begin that conversation with you!
Pastor Bryce Formwalt is the Director of Mission Growth for LCMC Texas District and Program Director of Harvest Workers, an online ministry training program (learn more at www.harvestworkers.net). Residing in Georgetown, Pastor Bryce is available to coach congregations on mission. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments: 512-
© 2022 Bryce J. Formwalt, All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.
February 2023