Below is the digital edition of the 2023 Annual Gathering book. Our Annual Gathering book contains detailed information on the event's programming, informational content about LCMC, and business/reference-related materials. Please Note: This document is intended for personal use by individuals and congregations only. Please do not sell or otherwise distribute copies of this book without our permission. ... [...]
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 ... [...]
When a new pastor comes to a congregation, there is a honeymoon period that can last as long as two years, or as little as two weeks! Those first months of a new call are critical to both the pastor and congregation building trust and healthy habits. New Call Workshop: Tips for Healthy Relationships and Conversations is being offered via Zoom on November 7, 2023 from 12:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Central Time. The new call ... [...]
In last month’s e-newsletter, I discussed the Clergy Housing Allowance Tax Benefit for both working pastors and retired pastors. This article will examine the methods available in determining the annual housing allowance amount. Your excludable housing allowance amount will be the SMALLER of Method 1, 2 or 3: Method 1: The amount actually spent for housing this year Examples of housing expenses ... [...]
Attending this year's Annual Gathering & Convention? Be sure to register by August 15 to get the discounted rate! This year’s theme is All Hands on Deck, and make no mistake, we need you all there. Please consider joining us October 1-4 in St. Charles, MO. [...]
From the very beginning, Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ has boldly declared a clear focus on “mission.” Our mission for Christ and His kingdom includes sharing the gospel to all the world. Our mission is always a global mission. With this compelling focus in mind, immediately preceding the upcoming LCMC Annual Gathering & Convention near St. Louis, all delegates, pastors, and visitors planning to attend the ... [...]
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 ... [...]
Are you taking advantage of the clergy housing allowance tax benefit? Did you know that retired pastors can also take advantage of the housing allowance tax benefit? Learn more [...]
David served the purpose of God in his generation, or so we’re told in Acts 13:36. What a wonderful testimony to a person’s life. I wonder, will the same be said of us? Are we as Christian leaders and congregations, associations and denominations, serving the purpose of God in our generation? As I write this article, LCMC is on the cusp of having over 1,000 congregations in the United States and in fifteen countries overseas. ... [...]
You may think you don’t have the time or money to prepare for retirement. It doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on these five basic principles, you can start working toward your retirement goals now, even with limited resources. [...]
Welcome new LCMC congregations and pastors! Did you know that LCMC sponsors a retirement plan for pastors and staff? There are no fees for the church to adopt the plan and it is easy to do. You can find all the information about the plan at www.LCMC403b.com. The congregation adopts the plan by completing the Participation Agreement and Matrix ACH form. Pastors and staff complete the Related Employer Form ... [...]
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 ... [...]
We’re about to set forth on a new adventure and we would love for you to come along! It’s no secret that we’ve grown quite a bit since we held our first Annual Gathering & Convention in 2001, but with that growth comes many new challenges, questions, and opportunities. Consequently, it is time for us to join together and intentionally take a look at who we are and where we need to go from here. Our nickname for ... [...]
Recently, we took a survey of ordained and lay leaders in our small churches in LCMC. Thank you for your responses. Your feedback has not only been received, but is being followed up on by the LCMC Board of Trustees, Ministry Board, and staff. One example comes from our board of trustees and ministry board meetings held April 12-14 in Minneapolis. The boards affirmed a proposal to create a comprehensive plan for leadership and pastoral ... [...]
The LCMC Retirement Plan offers several different types of distributions depending on your age and active status. Forms can be found by logging into your account and clicking on forms. Some distributions may be submitted online, others require a paper form. All distribution forms must be signed by LCMC. The distribution instructions can be found at www.LCMC403B.com. Click on “Plan Information”. [...]
LCMC Board of Trustees meeting held April 12-14, 2023 in Minneapolis, MN. [...]
The devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6 displaced millions and the death toll is still rising – currently numbering more than 50,000. In Turkey alone, more than 345,000 apartments were destroyed. Many are wondering how to provide some assistance, with the scope of the disaster so broad that help is still needed, and will be for a long time. ALWM has known and trusted connections in the region. Our ALWM ... [...]
Naming a beneficiary for your retirement account is an important task and should be completed as soon as you enroll. It will mean that probate, attorneys’ fees, and other costs associated with settling estates will be avoided. [...]
One of the greatest gifts God has given me in all my years of ministry in the Church has been to be on mission with those I love. I have been so blessed by multiple relationships with men and women who I can truly call safe-place people in my life. And having those relationships has given me a place to share the issues of life and ministry I’m facing and receive help to navigate those issues in healthier and more effective ways rather ... [...]
LCMC Board of Trustees meeting held February 15-16, 2023 via Zoom. [...]
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LCMC 3.0 is the new season of life and ministry the Lord is leading us into as an association. It is a season of continuity and change. It is a season in which we are being called to embrace the tension (nothing new for Lutherans) between the two as we follow the Lord. It is a season in which we’re being confronted by challenges. But as we’re told in the Scriptures, what appear to be challenges to us can actually be turned into ... [...]
I am delighted to announce a new addition to our LCMC association staff. I have invited Pastor Christian Huntley to join my team in the role of Coordinator for Leadership and Pastoral Development. In this position Christian will help us focus on some points of emphasis for our LCMC 3.0 strategic plan such as the implementation of The LeaderCare Initiative, a series of retreats designed to help love, connect, and care for leaders in our ... [...]
In 2023 you may contribute up to $22,500 via payroll reduction. Your congregation can also contribute to your retirement account. The IRS allows total annual contributions into your account of $66,000. If you haven’t started saving early, you still have time to increase your retirement savings. Those over age 50 may contribute an additional “catch-up” contribution of $7,500. For more information, go ... [...]
Dear Pastors and Members of LCMC Congregations, This communique is to inform you of a transition for Perry Fruhling. Perry has served as LCMC’s Coordinator for Pastoral Ministry for the past five years but is now sensing a need to return to parish ministry. He writes, “During the past six to nine months, my wife, Marlys, and I have been discussing the need for me to return home and to parish ministry. While it ... [...]
LCMC Board of Trustees meeting held December 7, 2022 in Minneapolis, MN. [...]