Articles by Christian Huntley

When a Church Closes Well - The Faithful Ending of Lebanon Lutheran Church

For more than a century, Lebanon Lutheran Church stood on its corner in south Minneapolis as a witness to the gospel. Its building held generations of baptisms, confirmations, funerals, and potlucks. Its people carried deep roots: families who had worshiped there for decades, in some cases their entire lives. It was not just a church, it was a spiritual home layered with memory and meaning.  And yet, like many congregations, Lebanon ... [...]

June 24, 2026 By Christian Huntley - LCMC Read more...

What Are You Planning This Summer?

Each summer arrives with fresh hopes—more space to read, time to rest, chances to dream and plan. But none of those things happen by accident. Summer may bring a different rhythm, but it still calls for the same intentionality. It is a good season to shape us in meaningful ways.  One of the gifts of a new season is the invitation to pause and take an honest look at our lives—personally and in ministry. Not just to ask what ... [...]

May 27, 2026 By Christian Huntley - LCMC Read more...

Introducing the TableCast

For the past eight months, Pastor Scott Hawkins and I have been thinking, dreaming, scheming, recording, editing, and releasing a new LCMC podcast called the TableCast. What started as a wild idea on an airplane has now become reality.  The TableCast is a conversation designed to explore the people and theology of LCMC. Both Scott and I see the podcast as a way to celebrate the beautiful variety within our association—whether ... [...]

February 24, 2026 By Christian Huntley - LCMC Read more...

LeaderCare - 5 Minutes Makes a Difference

In a world that moves at lightning speed, often driven by the tyranny of the urgent, the idea of carving out time for ourselves can feel like a luxury. But what if just five minutes a day could make a meaningful difference in your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being? [...]

April 30, 2025 By Christian Huntley - LCMC Read more...

Plan Your Growth and Development This Year!

New year. New budget. New learning. New opportunities. LCMC’s focus on LeaderCare recognizes that healing, growth, and development are not one size fits all, and attention to one’s health and wholeness, personally and professionally, is important. It is important that congregations support their pastor’s growth and development, and it is important for pastors to support the growth and development of their congregational ... [...]

January 29, 2025 By Christian Huntley - LCMC Read more...

One Next Step

Hey LCMC! The Annual Gathering was filled with uplifting worship, good teaching, and practical breakouts. You probably even gleaned little ideas over donuts and coffee during the breaks. Here’s the question: what idea are you going to bring to life in your life or congregation? All the ideas are overwhelming, but one can make a big impact in your ministry. What is one step you will take in the next 30 days?   I ... [...]

October 15, 2024 By Christian Huntley - LCMC Read more...

Pastors Directory Changes

To better assist congregations, call committees, and others, the LCMC Ministry Board initiated changes to the pastoral list categories that will be reflected on the LCMC website in May 2024. Current categories are not well defined and allowed pastors to be in more than one category. This unclarity was difficult to explain and created unrealistic expectations, especially among call committees. The updated categories will better reflect a ... [...]

March 25, 2024 By Christian Huntley - LCMC Read more...

The Power of Relationships

In February, I was invited to join the Texas District for their annual Winter Retreat. What I witnessed, and was welcomed into, was an atmosphere of relationship. As the participants gathered, old friends and longtime colleagues reunited, picking up where they left off the last time they gathered. I witnessed new people being welcomed in. New relationships were formed. This relational atmosphere created space for people to pray for one ... [...]

March 25, 2024 By Christian Huntley - LCMC Read more...

Growth and Continuing Education

With a new budget year and the turning of the calendar often comes planning for new goals and new learning. LCMC is fortunate to have great educational partners, district and association resources that support pastors and lay leaders. How are you going to grow in ministry this year? How are you supporting your staff, ministry volunteers, and councils grow? [...]

January 29, 2024 By Christian Huntley - LCMC Read more...

Upcoming List Changes

In the first part of 2024, the staff and Ministry Board will be working on a project to update the way our pastoral calls are categorized on the website. In preparation, we are asking all pastors to confirm their current status and update their pastoral profile. Here's How: Go to Directories > Pastors > All, or click here, to access the list of pastors.  Use the search bar at the top of the list to type in your ... [...]

November 20, 2023 By Christian Huntley - LCMC Read more...

Ministering to the Ministers

So, you've heard about LeaderCare. You’re not sure what it is or if it is right for you yet. You may be wondering, “Why should I attend a LeaderCare event?” I’ve invited LCMC pastors to tell you in their words: “Dear Leader: As ministers of the Gospel we are blessed to be called to a life of emptying ourselves in order to spread the love of Jesus Christ. I would not trade it for the world, but as you ... [...]

August 30, 2023 By Christian Huntley - LCMC Read more...

Rich Resources!

Economists frequently point to the availability and capitalization of natural resources when projecting a country’s long-term success. My state, Minnesota, is rich in farmland and iron ore. By shipping beyond its borders, these products enrich the lives of people across the world. LCMC is equally rich in resources. We have incredible teachers, preachers, and leaders, lay and ordained, who impact where they serve. These rich resources ... [...]

July 21, 2023 By Christian Huntley - LCMC Read more...

Connecting and Caring for Leaders

The month of May was a busy one for LeaderCare, part of LCMC 3.0. Pastors, leaders, and spouses came together in North Carolina and Iowa to be cared for, connected, and experience a retreat designed around health and wholeness in ministry. It was great to see leaders from across the LCMC spectrum ministering to one another, listening to one another, and praying for one another. This was the second retreat for our Carolina leaders at ... [...]

May 25, 2023 By Christian Huntley - LCMC Read more...