The journey of Lent began on March 5, inviting us into a season of reflection, confession, and transformation. It is a time to pause, to look inward, and to allow God to reshape our hearts and minds. Over the past few months, I have experienced this transformation firsthand.
For years, I found myself unconsciously trying to "protect" the congregations I served from the work of the conference I belonged to. Conference events and initiatives often seemed disconnected from the passions and gifts of my local church, so I kept a cautious distance. However, my perspective has begun to shift.
Now, as a Conference Superintendent, I recognize the need not to protect but to engage — to build bridges. I am actively inviting the staff and leaders of the church I serve to help me encourage lay people to connect with the ministries and initiatives of the Upper Midwest Conference. Our passions and gifts are now aligned, and the path before us is one we must walk together.
This shift in mindset has reminded me of a powerful goal for our Annual Conference: to be a place of engagement for both clergy and laity. Our hope is that more and more lay people will attend the Annual Conference — not just to vote, which is a small part of our time together — but as guests seeking to be resourced, inspired, and rejuvenated in their service to Jesus, both in their local communities and beyond.
This year, our Annual Conference theme is The Path Before Us: Walking in Faith Together. We draw inspiration from Jeremiah 6:16:
This is what the Lord says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.”
Annual Conference can be that crossroads — a place where we gather, seek the path God has set before us, and commit to walking it together. It is a good path, though not always an easy or simple one. There is work to be done as we share the gospel of Jesus with a hurting and broken world. Yet, as we move forward in unity, we can trust that God will use us to impact our communities and the world.
As we step into this Lenten season, my prayer is that God will continue to transform my heart and mind. I am laying down old habits of "protecting" the church and instead embracing a spirit of invitation— inviting others to join me at the Annual Conference and to pray for the Spirit’s guidance in all we do.
I am also praying for each of you. May this Lenten journey be one of release and renewal. May God set you free from anything holding you back from His path. And may we all be led to the empty tomb, where we will once again celebrate the resurrection of our Guide and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I encourage you to make plans and register to join us in Sioux City this June. Let’s walk this path together, for God is moving us in a good way.
