This is a biblical reflection on leadership based upon Psalm 23. It draws from the text five aspects of pastoral leadership. First, leadership is holistic care for those who are led. Second, leadership is for their satisfaction. Third, it is about being there with your people even in times of hardship. Fourth, challenges are required not only for the leaders but also for those who are led. Fifth, leadership needs legacy, especially good successors.

In the summer of 2009, I created an independent study at Luther Seminary that centered on two areas of interest and experience: working with youth and video production. This project was aptly named: "Youth and Video Production." I interviewed organizations in Minneapolis/St.Paul whose purpose focused on the empowering of youth through the means of media arts and video production. I hope to analyze and share this information with my colleagues in youth ministry who desire to see their youth experience growth in their awareness of self, faith, and how they interact and relate with others. I believe that these organizations can serve as an inspiration for a similar framework of youth empowerment, leadership development and community building in the context of faith and ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This is a video compilation of those interviews. Contributing Organizations: St. Paul Neighborhood Network, "Set-it-Up" Peter Kirschmann Perpich Center for Arts Education Golden Valley, MN Nancy Norwood

Upon reviewing the Group Assessment tool, it is clear to us that there are three or four categories of questions, and that it might be helpful to focus each group’s conversation in targeted categories.

Dear Friends, Ever wish you had an owner’s manual for life? Well we can’t provide that, but as a gift to you, we’ve enclosed a copy of the new Owner’s Manual for Faith Lutheran Church. We hope that this will help you understand the scope of our ministries and maybe even encourage you to think of new ways in which those ministries can be extended.

This is a handout that explains the Boleman and Deal 4-fold frame for thinking about leadership. It also uses Scott Cormode's version for pastoral communities.

I've never told you this before, but I had a drug problem when i was a child and teenager. And, it was all my parent's fault! That's right. I was "drug" to church for Sunday School. I was "drug" to church for Sunday worship. I was "drug" to church for Vacation Bible School. I was "drug" to church for youth group activities. I was "drug" to church for Confirmation classes. I was "drug" to church for midweek Lenten services....