Dear LWML Leaders,

Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

Leaders Have Joy

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. … And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4,7).

“I have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart — Down in my heart to stay!” (Little Ones Sing Praise, Concordia Publishing House, 1989, 62). This joyous children’s song is a very good explanation of what Christian leaders understand about joy. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit gifted to us by God through faith — a part of our daily lives which we share with people around us. But the hard fact is that there are days when we feel robbed of our joy, or we feel guilty because we don’t feel joyful.

How do leaders tap into their joy again? How do they help others around them rediscover joy? They pray for God to reveal His truth about joy to themselves and others in need. They immerse themselves in the Word, finding solace in the promise of baptism uniting them with Christ’s saving grace; nothing can separate us from that gift of faith. They seek out Christian friends and family to walk with them through difficult, joy-robbing times and share with them the peace and joy that comes at the end of those trials.

The renewed knowledge of being a forgiven child of God in all circumstances — happy or sad, easy or difficult, joyful or not — will bring His peace and that peace will guard all our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. His love has put His joy down in our hearts to stay! Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, nothing in the world can take that joy away.

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory

Dear LWML Leaders,

Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

He Restores My Soul

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul (Psalm 23:1–3a).

As leaders, part of our job is to help and do things for other people. We might write a letter, send a text/email, give a hug, say a prayer, or help with a project. We are blessed to be called to serve God’s people!

Another part of our job is to make sure we take time to rest and restore ourselves so that we can serve others. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” We need to stop and rest in the loving care of the words of our Lord and give our burdens to Him in prayer. When our souls have been restored, we can once again joyfully serve Jesus and His people.

God bless you with peaceful rest and joyful service!

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Have you ever gone to your mailbox expecting to get bills and junk mail and you found that someone sent you a beautiful card just because they were thinking about you? Suddenly, your heart is happy, your day is brighter, and you feel a connection to that person.

As women in the LWML, we will meet many women as we serve in our various roles. Some we may only see once a year, but others we may see much more often. As sisters in Christ, we all have the common bond of Jesus’ love, and we likely have many more ways to connect if we take the time to get to know each other more.

You could play a “get to know you” game at an event or have question cards on your tables at fellowship. Look for connections with other ladies. Then be the one who sends the card for no reason except that you were thinking of them. This simple act of care and encouragement will have a lasting impact.

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:17). The love of Christ holds us together. Our connection to Him and to each other is what helps us Serve the LORD with gladness! (Psalm 100:2a).

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory

Dear LWML Leaders,

Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

Leaders Are Imitators of Christ

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1–2).

Recently during a children’s sermon, the pastor’s three-year-old son sat beside him, imitating his father’s hand gestures as he spoke and trying to recite his father’s words to the other children present. There was quiet laughter from the congregation, but what a beautiful illustration of the Lord’s words to us from Ephesians. As leaders, we strive to imitate God’s every action, shown to us by our brother and Savior Jesus. We should constantly be aware of opportunities to recite Jesus’ words of love and salvation to all of those around us.

We should also acknowledge that our leadership role brings responsibility with it. Paul says we are to “walk in love” with others around us, just as Christ does with us. Sometimes that journey is one of a mentor — gently advising those who look to us for guidance. Sometimes our stroll is one of teacher — sharing knowledge about our Lord through Bible study and information about our organization and how it works. Sometimes we travel together in the role of servants — washing the feet of those who walk with us and giving of ourselves to others as Jesus would. All these interactions begin, continue, and end with prayer, using words that God has promised to provide so our faith and the faith of those who walk with us may grow and God will be glorified. May we all be a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God!

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory

Dear LWML Leaders,

Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever (Proverbs 27:23–24a).

As a leader in the LWML, you have many women who serve the Lord in various capacities under you. Some women will have many responsibilities; others will have fewer. It is wise for you to keep in regular contact with these women. They are the heart and soul of the work of the LWML.

A quick email, text, or phone call to check in to see how things are going in both their personal life and in their work for the LWML is all it takes. You may find out they are struggling with something — or maybe they have a joy to share. Take a few minutes to pray for and with your sister in Christ. She will be encouraged — and so will you!

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory

Dear LWML Leaders,

Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

Isn’t it wonderful that God did not create us all with a cookie cutter, but made us as unique and different as our fingerprints? And isn’t it amazing that God groups our talents and abilities together so that He is glorified in our ministries?

• Leaders know that God has a plan of salvation, and they pray to stay focused on sharing that plan in all their group activities and encourage those in their group to keep this focus as well.
• Leaders understand that they do not do all the work themselves because God has given them group members to work together with them, and He is in their midst.
• Leaders accept that they do not have to have all the creative ideas. As they listen to the ideas of the women around them, they facilitate the growth of ideas into plans of action that will ultimately help others see Jesus as Savior.
• Leaders can step back and let the planners and organizers in their group bring ideas to fruition — always ready to help if needed — quietly encouraging all members to be part of the whole and striving for a cohesive working environment.
• Leaders give praise to all when the job is complete and God is glorified.

God made you the leader of your group for a reason. He added your unique talents and abilities to the group you are leading. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory
 

Dear LWML Leaders,

Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24–25).

It can be difficult to get a group together. Busy schedules, young children, health issues, and even the weather can keep women away from your LWML gatherings. It can be really frustrating to have a great agenda and program planned and then only have a couple of people come. Sometimes you wonder why you even bother to schedule a meeting.

The Bible reminds us, For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them (Matthew 18:20). Even if only two or three women are able to attend, have your events and encourage those women. Consider having a meeting or Bible study using video conferencing like Zoom to reach out to some who are unable to leave home. Make use of the Mailbox Member Program to encourage the women in your congregation who don’t normally come. You could also visit someone who is unable to attend. Bring a treat and a devotion and spend some time together. Time spent sharing in the love of Christ is never wasted time. You will all be blessed and encouraged and want to share that love with others.

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory