wfn.org | [LCMSNews] LCEF conference: Handling tough economy

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>12.19.2008		
>	LCMS News	 	
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>THE LUTHERAN CHURCH Missouri Synod  	 	
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	December 19, 2008 .................... LCMSNews -- No. 76

LCEF conference: How Christians handle challenging economy

>By Joe Isenhower Jr.

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- As the economy continued to grab headlines and
cause widespread stress and uncertainty, Missouri Synod leaders meeting
here Nov. 21-23 emphasized that Christian leaders react differently --
because of their faith -- when faced with such challenges.

Some 660 participants gathered in this desert community near Palm
Springs for the Lutheran Church Extension Fund's (LCEF) annual Fall
Leadership Conference, under the theme of "Together in Christ -- Serving
for Eternity."

Synod President Gerald B. Kieschnick -- in a conference-opening keynote
address titled "Leadership in Overwhelming Times" -- read from a wire
service story that he summarized as "about the fears of people across
the United States in the face of a crumbling economy."

Such fears, he said, are part of a "bigger story" that also includes
many other issues such as natural disasters and terrorism.

"How, then, should one lead in such days?" he asked.

Kieschnick reminded his audience that Jesus "dealt with people in
tumultuous and overwhelming times in many places in Holy Scripture,"
including when he was asleep in a storm-tossed boat on the Sea of
Galilee as His disciples panicked. On awakening, He calmed the winds and
asked the disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no
faith?"

"We need to remember in our present time that no matter what
overwhelming issues may be challenging us or the people we are called to
lead, we are in the same boat [as] a man named Jesus," Kieschnick said.
"No matter what the situation is, we are not facing it by ourselves.
The Lord is by our side, even if it seems in our minds that He may be
sleeping."

"When we as leaders live with this kind of faith and confidence in our
own lives," Kieschnick continued, "the people we lead will observe it
and learn from our example that there is nothing to fear when one is in
the boat with Jesus. Such faith and confidence enables us to lead with
confidence and, in similar accord, set a godly course and direction for
the church in the midst of overwhelming times."

As an example of such confident leadership in hard times, Kieschnick
quoted Dr. Friedrich Pfotenhauer, president of the Synod during the
Great Depression, from his 1932 report to the Synod convention.

On "the problem of finances," Pfotenhauer said, "Now all this business
stands in direct relation to our great Christian desire to bring
Christ's rest to a sin-weary world."

Kieschnick said he is especially appreciative of Pfotenhauer's next
words:

"It is true that the present economic conditions throughout the world
induce us, if we do not keep our vision clear, to curtail our church
activities. No doubt, money is more scarce than in previous years.  All
the more, we must keep before us the lesson of history: first, that the
more evil the days, the greater the prospect of success in our Christian
work; and secondly, that when children of God are eager to promote their
Savior's glory, the Lord supplies the necessary means and blesses them."

"Leadership in overwhelming times calls for [such] clear vision,"
Kieschnick said. "For when we keep our eye on the goal and we keep our
people focused on that goal, trusting that the Lord will provide, we
will not be swayed from that which the Lord would have us do.

"As we keep the vision clear," he continued, "we will not fear [or] be
afraid of what we cannot do." What he said next drew spontaneous
applause: "Rather, we will look forward with expectation to what God
will do."

LCEF President Merle Freitag, the next morning in his keynote report to
the conference, said he agreed with Kieschnick and that "we are in a
really unusual time -- but a unique time for Christians to be heard." In
his report, Freitag focused on the economy and LCEF's ministries,
including its support of the Synod's Ablaze! movement.

He spoke of "the perfect storm" of the economy, caused by various
factors that have combined to bring about results including "an
accelerated decline in the stock market."

Noting that fear has replaced consumer confidence for many, he traced
the history of recessions in this country, which he said are "usually
short-lived and ... followed by long periods of prosperity."

He quoted data from the Synod during past recessions which indicate that
church attendance, contributions, and congregational ministries usually
grow during periods of recession.

"We can only pray that this recession will, in fact, follow some
historical trend and normalcy will return," Freitag said.

"What can we do with that?" he asked. "We should encourage fellow
members to continue affordable spending habits, stay calm, and pray."

"Christians can provide significant leadership to our country's economic
turn-around," Freitag said. "We can be the light of the world by
demonstrating that our faith is not based on earthly goods, on wealth
... but on God [who] in the past, [has] seen us through all the
difficult times. And He will do it again."

Freitag said that although LCEF's investment portfolio experienced an
overall 10 percent four-month decline by Oct. 31, that loss is
considerably less than most financial institutions recorded in the same
period.

"LCEF operating income, the results of our standard loan operations,
remain positive," he told the audience. "In fact, operating income is
running ahead of last fiscal year to date. Our core operations are
solid."

Although he indicated that many recent LCEF loan requests are smaller
than anticipated, Freitag said the number of them is about the same as a
year ago.

"This data suggests that our members are being cautious about
undertaking large new projects," he said. "We seem to have prudent
people making prudent decisions."

Freitag urged church leaders to partner with LCEF as it helps address
several issues throughout the Synod -- including vitality of Lutheran
schools, rostered church-worker indebtedness, and stewardship.

He ended his report by emphasizing LCEF's continued unwavering support
for the Synod' s Ablaze! outreach movement and the Fan Into Flame
initiative to financially support that outreach.

Other conference presenters included Rev. John Kieschnick, League City,
Texas, who spoke at a prayer breakfast on the "paradoxical" qualities of
a Christian leader; Christian author Lee Strobel; Terry Kieschnick, wife
of LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick and speaker for a women's
luncheon; and the Christian humorist known simply as "Michael Jr.," who
provided entertainment for the closing session Sunday.

As it does every year, LCEF announced numerous awards to individuals and
ministries.

This year, its "Fred E. Lietz Mission Project Award," given to recognize
an outstanding LCMS mission project, went to LakePointe Lutheran Church,
Hot Springs, Ark.

That congregation, formed in 2006, emphasizes outreach to unchurched
young people and families. Its membership has grown from 20 to 300, with
almost 100 baptisms in 2008. It is an Ablaze! Covenant Congregation
committed to planting at least four new congregations by 2017.

LakePointe in November moved into its new "ministry hub" -- a former
grocery store which it converted for use with the help of an LCEF loan,
architectural advice, and a construction crew from Laborers For Christ.

LCEF matched the offering of more than $9,200 given at the fall
conference Sunday worship service, to support LakePointe's ministry.

Also among awards announced and presented during the 2008 conference
were the following:

*	"Fred E. Lietz Individual Ministry Award" -- to Sharon Haberkamp
of Hutchinson, Minn., for volunteer work.

*	"Arthur C. Haake Leadership Award" -- Ralph Klevenow, Chapel
Hill, N.C.

*	"Performance Awards" (for investments, loans, and services, to
LCEF districts) -- Wyoming, North Wisconsin, and Iowa District West.

*	"Million Dollar Congregations," to congregations for the first
time attaining $1 million in LCEF investor support from at least 10
percent of their members -- 11 LCMS congregations.

*	"Antioch Award" for strong, biblically-centered stewardship
efforts -- Messiah Lutheran Church, Tampa, Fla.

In addition, LCEF handed out awards for outstanding architecture and
liturgical art.

LCMSNews spoke with several conference attendees -- all of whom gave
LCEF high marks for the 2008 fall conference.

Carole White, of Storm Lake, Iowa, picked up the LCMS Iowa District
West's Performance Award.  She said she especially appreciated Freitag's
presentation.

"It's heartening to be reassured that despite the economy, Christians
act differently because our priorities are different -- based on our
reliance on God for everything that we need, rather than being
distracted by challenges in the marketplace," she said.

When asked to share her thoughts on the award for the district, White
answered, "I give God the glory, and obviously there would be no award
if it weren't for the people of the district who are so committed to the
ministry and services of LCEF. They realize the partnership necessary
between investors and borrowers -- using money to assure that the
kingdom grows."

"I take little credit. But I do feel privileged to serve this way," said
White, a former banker and CPA who is a veteran of numerous annual LCEF
leadership conferences. She also serves as LCEF vice president for the
Iowa District East.

Attending his first conference, Patrick Curry, an attorney and member of
Resurrection Lutheran Church, Garden City, N.Y., said the gathering
"just proves to me that LCEF is a first-rate organization. Our church
body is being well served by it."  He specifically referred to LCEF as
"a Christ-centered servant partner to the Synod."

Curry, accompanying others from the LCMS Atlantic District at the
conference, said that that he often represents district congregations in
real estate matters that require financing and court approval.

"I made some important contacts with dedicated LCEF professionals and
administrative staff persons who can now assist me with any legal issues
and troubleshooting on future real estate matters," Curry said after the
conference.

White and Curry both sat in on the small-group Bible study conducted by
leaders of People of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO), which focuses
on ministry with Muslims.

"I found it very interesting," said White, who added that she is glad
there is this "inroad" among the growing number of Muslims in the
country.

Curry said he especially appreciates POBLO's emphasis on respect for
Muslims and "patience and genuineness. It takes time for Muslims to be
open to the Gospel and, of course, the best way to reach them is by our
genuine love for them and others."

Another newcomer to LCEF fall conferences, Rev. Robert J. Gehrke,
attended this one as a representative of the LCMS Minnesota South
District finance committee.

Senior pastor of South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake,
Minn., Gehrke said the congregation has benefited from LCEF programs --
including loans for building additions and renovations, as well as
investment opportunities.

He said he "really appreciated" Freitag's plenary presentation on the
economy and his description of "the perfect storm," as well as his
history of "previous financial challenging times, and how people in the
LCMS have responded."

Gehrke attended the small-group session led by Revs. Robert Greene and
Larry Stoterau of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and
Governance.

"Our group had a great discussion on a variety of topics relating to
their presentation," Gehrke said.

Asked to share his thoughts on LCEF's support for the church's mission
and ministry, Gehrke responded, "I believe that LCEF is committed to
supporting our Synod's desire to reach people with the Gospel, so that
more can be saved. I thank God for LCEF and its leaders and pray that
our gracious God will bless its ministries."

>****************************************

If you have questions or comments about this LCMSNews release, contact
Joe Isenhower Jr. at joe.isenhower@lcms.org
<mailto:joe.isenhower@lcms.org>  or (314) 996-1231, or Paula Schlueter
Ross at paula.ross@lcms.org <mailto:paula.ross@lcms.org>  or (314)
996-1230.

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