May 2024
Dear Friends in Jesus,
I am addressing you this way advisedly – you are my dear friends in Christ. That’s a reality I’ve been considering and cherishing during my final days as your District President. My heart swells as I think of the times we have shared together at conventions and conferences and in your congregations. I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me at five District conventions. I am also very thankful for the personal support so many have given to me over the years.
While I have many concerns regarding the state of the Synod, I see God working here at home in powerful ways. There are so many ministries in the Northwest District that have embraced their calling to their community and are being a blessing to those around them. I see joy in ministry in so many congregations, large and small – and it is inspiring to me to witness your dedication to the calling of sharing the love of God in Jesus Christ. You are a blessing to me, and I look forward to that blessing continuing well into the future.
I especially want to thank you for your support as we got word of Cindy’s cancer. So many of you have reached out and supported us in so many ways. There is good news on this front. Cindy is recovering well from her surgery, and all indications at this point are that the cancer has not returned. We continue regular scans to see what’s happening, and we are prepared for the future – whatever that may hold. God has blessed us through this journey, and so many of you have been His instruments of those blessings. We step into this next chapter from a position of strength.
I am also asking you to join me in prayer for our new President, Mike Von Behren. It is with no hesitation whatsoever that I turn the reins over to him on May 1. Mike is a gifted leader who will serve the District and the Synod well. Yet this calling is a challenging one, especially in the times we are in. Please join me in asking our Lord for a special measure of His Spirit and strength for Mike and for Jen as they take on these responsibilities. I am convinced God will use them well.
I also want to say thank you to the staff of the Northwest District. They have been such good friends to me as well as performing their work above and beyond the call of duty. I am so thankful for each of them. The Lord has blessed this District with an outstanding ministry team.
After some time of refreshment and recovery, I am planning to make myself available to serve as an intentional interim pastor in the church. Being a pastor is my sweet spot. I am looking forward to the chance to serve as a pastor again as the Lord leads. In the meantime, know that I leave the past 15 years of ministry with joy in my heart and a confident anticipation for what is next. I pray the same is true for you. God bless each one of you.
Serving the Lord and His church,
Rev. Dr. Paul Linnemann
President of the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
