Dear LWML Leaders,

Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

Leaders Are Imitators of Christ

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1–2).

Recently during a children’s sermon, the pastor’s three-year-old son sat beside him, imitating his father’s hand gestures as he spoke and trying to recite his father’s words to the other children present. There was quiet laughter from the congregation, but what a beautiful illustration of the Lord’s words to us from Ephesians. As leaders, we strive to imitate God’s every action, shown to us by our brother and Savior Jesus. We should constantly be aware of opportunities to recite Jesus’ words of love and salvation to all of those around us.

We should also acknowledge that our leadership role brings responsibility with it. Paul says we are to “walk in love” with others around us, just as Christ does with us. Sometimes that journey is one of a mentor — gently advising those who look to us for guidance. Sometimes our stroll is one of teacher — sharing knowledge about our Lord through Bible study and information about our organization and how it works. Sometimes we travel together in the role of servants — washing the feet of those who walk with us and giving of ourselves to others as Jesus would. All these interactions begin, continue, and end with prayer, using words that God has promised to provide so our faith and the faith of those who walk with us may grow and God will be glorified. May we all be a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God!

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory

Dear LWML Leaders,

Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever (Proverbs 27:23–24a).

As a leader in the LWML, you have many women who serve the Lord in various capacities under you. Some women will have many responsibilities; others will have fewer. It is wise for you to keep in regular contact with these women. They are the heart and soul of the work of the LWML.

A quick email, text, or phone call to check in to see how things are going in both their personal life and in their work for the LWML is all it takes. You may find out they are struggling with something — or maybe they have a joy to share. Take a few minutes to pray for and with your sister in Christ. She will be encouraged — and so will you!

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory

Dear LWML Leaders,

Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

Isn’t it wonderful that God did not create us all with a cookie cutter, but made us as unique and different as our fingerprints? And isn’t it amazing that God groups our talents and abilities together so that He is glorified in our ministries?

• Leaders know that God has a plan of salvation, and they pray to stay focused on sharing that plan in all their group activities and encourage those in their group to keep this focus as well.
• Leaders understand that they do not do all the work themselves because God has given them group members to work together with them, and He is in their midst.
• Leaders accept that they do not have to have all the creative ideas. As they listen to the ideas of the women around them, they facilitate the growth of ideas into plans of action that will ultimately help others see Jesus as Savior.
• Leaders can step back and let the planners and organizers in their group bring ideas to fruition — always ready to help if needed — quietly encouraging all members to be part of the whole and striving for a cohesive working environment.
• Leaders give praise to all when the job is complete and God is glorified.

God made you the leader of your group for a reason. He added your unique talents and abilities to the group you are leading. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory
 

Dear LWML Leaders,

Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24–25).

It can be difficult to get a group together. Busy schedules, young children, health issues, and even the weather can keep women away from your LWML gatherings. It can be really frustrating to have a great agenda and program planned and then only have a couple of people come. Sometimes you wonder why you even bother to schedule a meeting.

The Bible reminds us, For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them (Matthew 18:20). Even if only two or three women are able to attend, have your events and encourage those women. Consider having a meeting or Bible study using video conferencing like Zoom to reach out to some who are unable to leave home. Make use of the Mailbox Member Program to encourage the women in your congregation who don’t normally come. You could also visit someone who is unable to attend. Bring a treat and a devotion and spend some time together. Time spent sharing in the love of Christ is never wasted time. You will all be blessed and encouraged and want to share that love with others.

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory

Dear LWML Leaders,

Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

Defending your faith is not always easy, whether you are a leader or not, but if you have taken time to think about what you are going to say, it may be easier.

A few years ago, LWML introduced a wonderful devotion book entitled Hope Notes (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2015), written by six former LWML presidents about hope. Reading these devotions can help leaders focus on what kind of defense they can give when asked about the hope that they have in their Lord Jesus Christ. The devotions are uplifting and encouraging and will help each person prepare her heart and mind with words of Christian hope.

Another way to prepare your defense is to actually write it out and practice it. Think of six words that describe your life with Jesus Christ. Write a statement of faith that includes those six words. Practice speaking your faith statement out loud in front of a mirror so you can hear how it might sound to others.

Above all, pray for the Holy Spirit to bless you with the words that your listener needs to hear and have faith that your hope in the saving grace of Jesus shines through with gentle and respectful words. Others will know and understand your sure and certain hope of eternal life, and God will be glorified.

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members

Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory

Dear LWML Leaders,

Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6–7).

Several years ago, Richard Carlson wrote a book entitled Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and It’s All Small Stuff. This very popular book helped millions of people come to the realization that whatever happens in our lives will be as big or as small as we decide to make it.

About 2,000 years ago, Matthew wrote these words: Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matthew 6:34). God doesn’t want us to worry or be anxious about things. He’s got it all under control. The big stuff, the little stuff, and all the stuff in between.

As leaders, we sometimes deal with some big stuff, and we often deal with a lot of little stuff. When we pray about our situation and give it all to God, we have the confidence that He will take care of it. 

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory

Dear LWML Leaders,

Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come (Mark 13:33).

According to Roget’s Pocket Thesaurus (1961), synonyms for “on guard (guarded)” are watchful, vigilant, and wary. When the words of Mark 13:33 are read, a vision of a sentry on guard duty often comes to mind, but that vision can sometimes be discouraging. Even with the best discipline, no one can be on guard, vigilant, or aware all the time. A recent sermon resonated when this verse was described as “continuously training.” While it is true that no human can be constantly alert for the devil’s attempts at sabotage, leaders can practice continuous training in order to be better prepared to keep the world’s evil at bay.

 What does continuous training look like?

• Pray without ceasing — individually and corporately — with printed words and with prayers from the heart.
• Worship in church in order to hear God’s Word taught and to receive His forgiveness through the Sacraments.
• Study the Bible within a group and with individual devotions. Mustard Seed Devotion: The Race of Faith is a good training tool.
• Establish a routine of prayer, worship, and Bible study that fits your lifestyle and exercise it regularly.

While it is impossible to literally keep awake at all times, Christian leaders can be vigilant in their faith training, always depending on the Holy Spirit to help them be ready to give an account of their hope in Christ Jesus until they are called home.

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory