The November 2016 issue of Reaching Rural America for Christ discusses the need for congregations to reach out to inactive members — wanderers. Instead of judging these people for not attending church, the congregation could support, invite, encourage, and, even in some cases, enable their return.
To that end, LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission has partnered with the LCMS Nebraska District to carry out a series of events called “Engaging the Wandering.” Through these events, participants receive an individualized approach for reaching out to inactive members so they might be reconnected to God’s Word and the Church.
The newsletter also offers information about ongoing free monthly webinars and other events.
Read November 2016 RSTM newsletter
Visit lcms.org/rstm to learn more about this ministry and the resources it provides. Also, mark your calendars and pray for the following upcoming events offered through RSTM:
- “Using Technology for Ministry” free webinar presented by Andy Bates, director of programming, Worldwide KFUO – Thursday, Nov. 17, from 1 to 2 p.m. Central time. Visit lcms.org/rstm if you are interested in participating.
- “Enhancing Your Congregation’s Educational Efforts” free webinar presented by Dr. Mark Blanke, professor of education, Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward, Neb. – Thursday, Dec. 8, from 1 to 2 p.m. Central time. Visit lcms.org/rstm if you are interested in participating.
- “RSTM Seminary Rural Immersion” – Saturday, Nov. 12, through Saturday, Nov. 19, at Biltz Hall, Saint Paul Lutheran High School, Concordia, Mo. Email rstm@lcms.org for more information.
- 2016 National Rural & Small Town Mission Conference in Wichita, Kan., at the Wichita Hyatt Regency — Thursday, Nov. 3, through Saturday, Nov. 5. Keynote speakers include the Rev. John Mehl, director of Mission Partnerships and Church Relations, Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward, Neb.; Dr. Mike Rodewald, executive director, Lutheran Bible Translators; Benjamin Winchester, senior research fellow, University of Minnesota Extension; and Mrs. Adriane Heins, managing editor, The Lutheran Witness. More information can be found at lcms.org/rstm/conference.