Two of the NOW District Board of Directors’ primary ministry objectives are to “reach the lost, disciple the saved,” and to “provide Word and Sacrament ministry to every corner of the District.”
To help achieve these objectives, the Board created the All Peoples Commission specifically focused on identifying and partnering with existing ethnic ministry leaders in the NOW, and to make available culturally and linguistically accessible resources for Word and Sacrament ministry and outreach.
Then, in June 2022, the Northwest District in Convention approved Resolution 2-09a which directed the Board of Directors to “find ways to encourage ethnic representation and cultural competency in staff and board participation, consultation to District staff, and consideration by our convention nominating committee, and encourage congregations and local ministries to do likewise.”
With these two resolves in place, recognizing that the Northwest is a culturally and ethnically diverse region, the Board of Directors established the All Peoples Commission to address these directives.
“Early in the book of Isaiah, chapter 2, there is a beautiful image of people from all nations streaming together from every corner of the world being drawn to the Lord on his holy mountain to learn his ways and be his people. The All Peoples Commission is highlighting this as it takes place all across the NOW District; people from every nationality are streaming to the Lord through faith in Christ Jesus,” NOW District President Mike Von Behren said. “At the end of the book of Isaiah, in chapter 66 verse 18, the Lord said, ‘The time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and see my glory.’ In Jesus, that time has come. The All Peoples Commission helps to keep this mission of God in Christ before us and encourages us to partner together in this great Gospel work.”
In an effort to gain insight into the opportunities and challenges of this outreach, the Commission has met with several existing ethnic ministry leaders in the NOW and throughout LCMS Synod, helping to identify opportunities and assist in developing specific strategies for this outreach.
If we are indeed serious about reaching the lost, discipling the saved, and providing Word and Sacrament ministry to every corner of the District, we must work together to reach out to the various cultures and ethnicities that exist within our midst. So, this is a call to all congregations in the District to join us in this outreach ministry. You can stay up-to-date on this important work by connecting with the All Peoples Commission page on the NOW District website.
Current members of the APC are Michael Haas (NOW Board Chair), Linda Borecki, Pam Bridgehouse, Jeff Kranich, Pastor Ted Werfelmann, Pastor Tim Bayer, Natalie Maxson, and Sara Cordona.
If you have any questions about the APC and our mission, or perhaps wish to consider joining us, please contact board chair Michael Haas via email.
