Connect to Disciple guides congregations through the process of building awareness for the church, creating connections with people in the community, nurturing and deepening those relationships through shared activities, and then “making disciples.” This last work is the proper work of the Holy Spirit. We can take part in this process by bringing people to the Means of Grace and bringing the Means of Grace to people.

Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe and Rev. Derek Mathers, Mission Executive to the English District, discuss outreach in today’s church, easy ways for congregations to be more connected to the community around them, and the importance of intentionality.

Bio:

Derek Mathers became an Associate Pastor at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada in 2019, but his main gig is Assistant to the Bishop / Mission Executive for the English District of the LCMS, which means he is a pastor to many pastors! He describes himself as a passionate disciple of Jesus who wants to make disciples who can make disciples. When he’s not doing that, he roots for the Blue Jays, reads science fiction (Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett), and works at his cabin.

Derek has served as pastor at St. Luke’s (Toronto), and at congregations in Saskatchewan, Beamsville and Mitchell. Born in Edmonton, he grew up in Minnesota and Okinawa, Japan, but came back to Canada to go to Brock University, where he met and married Deb. They have two daughters and a grandson. He loves to do lunch and, if it’s at Duff’s, you’ll make his day.

Resources:

• Learn more about LCMS National Mission lcms.org/nationalmission
• https://www.lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/witness-and-outreach-ministry
• https://www.lcms.org/church-revitalization
• https://www.cph.org/meaningful-outreach-an-essential-guide-for-churches

Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling, used by permission, TheHymnalProject.com.

God’s Mission Here spotlights the work that God is doing through His people... and this work is closer to home than you might expect! Listen as we chat with some very down-to-earth people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty in God’s mission field. Get inspired. Be encouraged. Get involved! Learn more about LCMS National Mission lcms.org/nationalmission.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.