LHM’s Presence Returns at Nationwide Gatherings by MEGAN MCDANIEL
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s COVID-19 restrictions are lifting in many parts of the United States, staff at LHM are eagerly getting back to many pre-pandemic routines, including attending and presenting at conferences. The face-to-face interaction that comes from these events is a great way for LHM to share some of our new resources with others. “Now that things are opening back up again, it is so important for LHM to participate in these events and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with attendees,” says Nicole Heerlein, associate director of external relations. “We love meeting new people and seeing how our resources are being used in people’s lives. One woman came up to me at one of the events and said she used the materials in her Households of Faith Kit in her small group. She particularly enjoyed the Vibrant Conversations Decks and shared that she bought additional decks to place on tables as conversation starters at fellowship events that she hosted.” Here is a quick summary of some of the gatherings and events that LHM has been a part of so far this year.
“LHM is truly blessed to participate in these important events, equipping a significant cross-section of the church with our resources while also sharing how we can support and partner with individuals, schools, and churches to accomplish our common mission in the future.” – Jeff Craig-Meyer, LHM senior vice president and chief strategy officer 16 | The Lutheran Layman Spring 2022
BEST PRACTICES MINISTRY CONFERENCE PHOENIX, ARIZONA / FEBRUARY 17-19 Rev. Dr. Tony Cook, vice president of Global Ministries, and Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies, regional director for North America, engaged attendees at their sessions, and LHM staff enjoyed conversations at our booth regarding our resources for sharing the Gospel and faith no matter where people are in their faith journey. Cook presented a session titled “We’re Better Together” that served as an introduction to creating a collaborative network of people committed to improving neighborhood wellbeing. In addition, Cook highlighted LHM’s three-step process that sparks action in our
communities, based on our latest research with Barna Group. Lakies’ session titled “How NOT to Let Issues Prevent Relationships” offered a biblical vision for how to engage with others who think and believe differently than we do. Together, workshop participants considered their own conversation habits, thought about their thinking, and let Jesus show them a better way. LHM shared booth space with the Rose Parade Petal Pushers at the conference, which provided another tangible approach to connect how we share the Gospel around the world in a very visible way.
