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District Focus Group Study: Key Findings | |
Dr. Stacy Lung led an 18-month qualitative focus group study, gathering input from pastors, lay leaders, and members throughout the Minnesota North District. The Minnesota North District Board of Directors (BOD) requested this study to better understand perceptions of the district office’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities for faithful service to congregations and schools in the years ahead.
The BOD received Dr. Lung’s findings in June and is prayerfully considering how best to serve the entire district. We present the key findings to the district for our walk together. If you have questions or feedback, please reach out to me brady.finnern@mnnlcms.org.
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Summary of Key Findings
1. Strengthening Relationships & Communication
- Greater visibility and personal engagement from district staff are desired.
- Clear, consistent communication about district roles, resources, and events is needed.
- Recommended actions include regular in-person visits, improved communication channels, and user-friendly online tools.
2. Walking Alongside Congregations to Address Challenges
- Congregations expect the district to serve as a ministry partner, not merely an administrative body.
- Major challenges include pastoral shortages, aging membership, and limited resources—especially in rural areas—requiring spiritual care, support, and encouragement.
- Recognition and celebration of congregational ministry efforts are encouraged.
- Support is needed for planning congregational transitions and exploring creative partnership models.
3. Leadership Development & Pastoral Care
- Intentional investment in lay and pastoral leadership training and mentoring is a priority.
- Resources for pastoral care and worker wellness are essential for sustaining ministry.
4. Encouraging Collaboration Among Circuits & Conferences
- There is strong interest in joint events, cooperative ministry, and resource sharing, especially within circuits and conferences.
- Opportunities exist for collaborative youth events and regional ministry clusters.
Bottom Line
For the Minnesota North District to thrive in the current environment, it must strengthen relationships, improve communication, equip leaders, address pressing challenges, and promote collaboration—positioning itself as a visible, trusted, and proactive partner in mission.
In Christ (I Timothy 4:16)
| | The MN North District LLL fall meeting will be at Lutheran Island Camp on Saturday, September 6, 2025 with check in at 9:30 am. | |
SAVE THE DATE!
"I Believe"
April 10-12, 2026 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Willmar, MN.
MN North District Youth Gathering for youth ages 6th grade to 12th grade!
There will be letters mailed to all North District churches in September.
More information to come!
See you there!
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Rev. Aaron Mussell was installed at Zion, Detroit Lakes on Sunday, August 24th. He is pictured here with Rev. Duncan McLellan, Rev. Brady Finnern, Rev. Gary Rehborg, Rev. Andrew Ratcliffe, Rev. Bruce Noennig, Rev. Roger Lange, Rev. Del Meyer, Rev. Steve Frank, Rev. Matthew Meyer, Rev. Dan Abrahams, Rev. Justin Whitmore, Rev. Mark Buchhop, Rev. Don Fondow, and Rev. Del Stohs.
Sophie Ford was installed at Crown Christian School (Zion, Crown) on Sunday, August 24th. She is pictured with Rev. Tim Lamkin.
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CHURCH WORKER WIVES RETREAT
Are you the wife of a church worker (or do you know one who would be blessed by some time to herself?) Join us for our annual retreat at Lutheran Island Camp on September 25-27, 2025. Enjoy Bible Study, Worship, fellowship and time for some R&R in a beautiful fall setting. Learn more and register at the link below.
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CORRECTION:
Zion Lutheran Church in Browns Valley, MN celebrated their 125th Anniversary on June 29, 2025. All the living former pastors at Zion attended. Rev. Gary Brooks, Rev. Larry Johnson, Rev. Paul Warnier, and Rev. Nathanael Biberdorf are pictured here with current Zion pastor, Rev. Jonathan Varns and District President, Brady Finnern.
| Does your church or school have families whose first language isn't English? Why not share a Lutheran book about Jesus with them in their heart language? Get FREE resources from the Lutheran Heritage Foundation, including children's Bible storybooks and Luther's Small Catechism in more than 180 languages! Visit www.LHFmissions.org for more information. | | |
Upcoming LERT trainings –
Basic and Chainsaw
(Lutheran Early Response Teams)
LERT Chainsaw Training – limit 10
PREREQUISTE: Basic LERT certification required. No exceptions. Minimum age:18
WHEN: Saturday, September 6, 2025, 7:30am to 4:00pm. 7:30am-Check in. 8am-Class begins.
WHERE: Faith Community Lutheran Church in Zimmerman is the host congregation.
What is LCMS Disaster Response?
It is a ministry of presence, a presence rich with God’s mercy and Word of life. It serves thousands of individuals and families all over the world who are suffering from loss in the wake of disasters like hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, fires and tornadoes. It also provides an opportunity for the church to be visibly active in reaching out in mercy to serve the hurting and the homeless with physical and spiritual care. The church is able to provide Gospel-centered care for both body and soul in times of tragedy.
Disaster preparedness is a priority of LCMS Disaster Response. Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training, is a program designed to help train congregations to respond when tragedy strikes. In times of disaster the church responds in mercy and love for neighbors in need. Why? Because the love of Christ moves and empowers us to demonstrate his mercy and love in our words and actions. In times of tragedy and disaster, we point people to the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ.
Does your congregation want to get involved? We are looking for congregations to host a LERT training event in this coming year. For information on the responsibilities of hosting and scheduling an event, contact Rev. John Beck at john6beck@gmail.com or (320) 249-4012.
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✚ This spiritual pilgrimage will forever change how you read and understand the Bible. Walk from the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives under a full moon and pray where He prayed in deep anguish. Walk through Hezekiah's Tunnel to the pool of Siloam. Cruise the Sea of Galilee, wade in the River Jordan, and float in the Dead Sea. Bethlehem. Jericho. Wilderness of Judah. Nazareth. Capernaum. SO MUCH MORE! ✚
Despite the headlines, tourists are visiting Israel and having a great time. Call/text Pastor Jake Gillard at 612-567-0059 for more info or visit ittworld.com/tours/discovering-the-holy-land
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The Fall 2025 Christ Academy Confirmation Retreat will focus on the Apostles’ Creed, one of the six chief parts of Luther's Small Catechism. We invite you to join us for a weekend of faithful Lutheran catechesis, vibrant worship, and joyful life together.
Dates: September 19–21, 2025
Cost: $120 per participant
Location: Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN
Space is limited—secure your group’s place today!
LEARN MORE >>
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For well over 35 years the MN North District has held a Bible Bowl Competition for youth grades 7-12. The 2026 Bible Bowl Competition will be held this coming April at Concordia University in St. Paul along with youth from MN South. The topic for 2026 Bible Bowl will be on the Gospel Book of St. John (ESV). Look for more information in the next edition of the e-news.
Contact Rev. Steve Breitbarth with any questions or concerns at s.breitbarth@mchsi.com or by phone at (218) 929-1110.
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The Minnesota North District continues to publish a supplement with the Lutheran Witness. You can find it in the center pages of the printed magazine or digitally at our website: https://www.mnnlcms.org/newsletter
Does your congregation have news to share? Send your photos and stories to our Lutheran Witness Editor, Rev. Travis Lauterbach at: the.lutheran.witness@mnnlcms.org
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Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 4:30pm | Closed for Lunch Noon - 1:00pm
Due to varied schedules, office hours may vary, please call ahead for an appointment.
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