1.7 Meet the Director of Mission Development | Rev. Dr. Scott Yakimow | Mission in the Mitten

In the season finale, we talk with Scott Yakimow, the Michigan District’s new Director of Mission Development. Scott shares his unexpected journey from a career in mechanical engineering to full-time mission work, highlighting how God led him through a unique path of study and service. He discusses the mission field in Michigan, the importance of reaching the “nones and dones,” and how churches can partner together to bring the Gospel into their communities. The conversation touches on post-COVID ministry challenges, the role of theology in mission, and why the Church must be willing to embrace real-life messiness. Scott encourages congregations to step boldly into mission, trusting Christ to work through every challenge.

Follow the Michigan District:
• Website: michigandistrict.org/
• Facebook: facebook.com/miLCMS/
• YouTube: youtube.com/@michiganLCMS

1.6 Is the pro-life movement anti-women? | The Luke Clinic | Mission in the Mitten

The Luke Clinic proves that compassionate care can help women choose to keep their babies.  In this conversation, we speak with Penny Armbruster, a volunteer at the Luke Clinic, about the clinic’s mission to provide compassionate care to vulnerable women and their families in Detroit. Listen as we discuss the unique model of care at the clinic, the challenges faced by patients, and the importance of building relationships and trust. Penny shares stories of transformation and the impact of faith in their work, emphasizing the need for community support and the church’s role in creating a culture of life. The conversation also touches on the future of the clinic, including the need for sustainable funding and resources.

Support the Luke Clinic: thelukeclinic.org/

Watch Luke Clinic testimonials: youtube.com/@thelukeclinic

Learn more about Abigayle Ministries: abigayleministries.org/

Read roe by Kristen Lavalley: kristenlavalley.substack.com/p/roe

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1.5 Do the incarcerated want to be ministered to? | Reproducible Prison Ministry w/ Madi Carter | Mission in the Mitten

Prison ministry is vital spiritual care that many churches overlook.

Joining us on today’s episode is Madi Carter. Madi started a prison ministry program at University Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor. She brings her experience to the table with how she built a prison ministry program and her knowledge about how connecting incarcerated individuals to Christian community requires compassion and understanding. The conversation also touches on future aspirations for the ministry and resources for those interested in getting involved.

Just Mercy: justmercy.eji.org/

Girls Incarcerated: netflix.com/title/80185178

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What’s the wisdom in attending a conference over “doing” ministry? | BPM: Heartland

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Joel Kaiser to discuss the upcoming Best Practices for Ministry Heartland conference, emphasizing its importance for church workers. We explore the challenges and opportunities of hosting the conference, the significance of attending for personal and professional growth, and the unique benefits for smaller churches. The conversation highlights how BPM: Heartland emphasizes networking, encouragement, and community support. It’s a compelling case to participate in this free event!

Register for the conference and learn more: stlorenz.org/bpmh

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Is my pastor okay if he goes on a retreat? | Good Friend Ministries

Pastor Mark Hannemann discusses the critical importance of church worker wellness. As stressors faced by church workers, including burnout and financial pressures, increase, families and congregations are impacted. Good Friend Ministries provides retreats for pastors and their wives, emphasizing the need for rest and renewal. Together, we explore the importance of balance in life and ministry, the need for congregational support, and the significance of self-care for church workers. The dialogue emphasizes the human side of pastoral life, the impact of family on ministry effectiveness, and practical ways congregations can help lighten the load for their pastors. They also touch on the importance of resources for church worker wellness and the need for grace and understanding within the church community.

Support Good Friend Ministries: goodfriendministries.org/

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1.2 How is Gen Alpha changing the Family Discipleship Model? | Concordia Center for the Family | Mission in the Mitten

Todd Biermann from Concordia Center for the Family joins us to discuss how Generation Alpha is changing the Family Discipleship Model. In this episode, we converse about how churches can work to equip and support parents in passing the faith down to their children.

Support Concordia Center for the Family: concordiacenterforthefamily.org/

Today’s Resources:

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What challenges do inner city missions face? | Gifts For All God’s Children

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Patti Jacques and Hailey Noonan from Gifts For All God’s Children as they discuss partnering with inner city missions to provide for physical needs in urban settings.

Support Gift’s For All God’s Children: giftsforallgodschildren.org/get-involved/

Sign-up for an Urban Tour: trinityutica.com/ministrytour/

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The Michigan District’s Director of Stewardship Ministries, Rev. Dr. Richard Wolfram, joins the podcast to discuss a new form of outreach–writing books for teens. Rev. Wolfram talks about the process and challenges of writing, along with how he hopes it will connect and reach teens for God.

Rev. Richard Wolfram is the Director of Stewardship Ministries for the Michigan District.

Find out more about the book and the author at richardwolframauthor.com

To order the book, click here

To contact Rev. Wolfram: [email protected]

To learn more about the Intentional Interim Program: michigandistrict.org/churches/intentional-interim-ministry/

The Superintendant of schools for the Michigan District, Travis Grulke, discusses the benefits and outreach from Universal Pre-K and the Great Start Readiness Programs with Lisa May and Barb Ackerman.

For more information on Michigan District education: michigandistrict.org/schools/

To contact Travis Grulke: [email protected]

To contact Lisa May: [email protected]

To contact Barb Ackerman: [email protected]

Find out more about the Great Start Readiness Program: michigan.gov/mileap/early-childhood-education/early-learners-and-care/gsrp

For the GSRP Implementation Manual: michigan.gov/mileap/early-childhood-education/early-learners-and-care/gsrp/resources/implementation-manual

Rev. Chris Paavola joins the podcast to talk about a new initiative: Pray for your Church.

Find out more about Pray for your Church: prayforyourchurch.com

Find out more about St. Mark, Battle Creek: stmark.net

Follow St. Mark on Facebook: facebook.com/stmarklutheran/

Contact Rev. Paavola: [email protected]

Last time Rev. Paavola was on the podcast, he talked about 25 Prayers to Christmas: michigandistrict.org/podcast-episodes/25-prayers-to-christmas/

To purchase Rev. Chris Paavola’s book, 25 Prayers to Christmas, click here

To see Rev. Paavola’s message at the 2019 Theological Conference, click here