Lutherans for Life
Where Two or Three Are Gathered!
by Virginia Flo, Director of Volunteer Relations
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matt. 18:20).
These words of comfort pertain to every church on earth that follows Jesus. But, for now, let’s focus on all the Lutheran churches in the US. It is our goal at Lutherans For Life to develop a life-affirming ministry in EVERY Lutheran congregation for the purpose of equipping their members to be Gospel-motivated voices For Life. This is all done in support of, and in concert with, pastors who partner with these servants to honor the sanctity of all human life. With life issues a daily topic in the media, we need to ask, “What does this mean?” LFL is not here to change laws; we are here to help change hearts by sharing what God’s love for life means as explained in Scripture.
So, how can this seemingly impossible goal be met? With the Lord’s help, it only takes one, or two, or three to get things going, and maybe one of those is you! Let’s focus on three ways you can serve: • Life Advocates • Life Teams • Life Chapters
First, it really does only take one. Recently we developed the new role of Life Advocate . This is someone with a servant’s heart willing to use the tools LFL provides to share the For Life message with their congregation in bulletins, newsletters, and social media. A Life Advocate is also there to assist the pastor in researching life issues. Together they can plan things like a special For Life Bible study and much more.
Once there are two or three or more willing servants in a congregation interested in developing a life ministry in their church, LFL will help you build a Life Team. Just as the Life Advocate keeps life-affirming information flowing, so does the Life Team. The big difference is that the Life Team plans events and other activities that help equip the church by actively involving the congregation. LFL has a complete training program for LT Leaders and LT Members, so they are equipped to plan and tackle sometimes difficult topics in a loving, God-pleasing manner. A Life Team can become a vital part of a church’s ministry by sharing the scriptural view of life so people will not choose death as a solution to life’s problems.
Finally, let’s talk about a Life Chapter. Life Chapters are groups of dedicated, God-loving people with a heart for life issues. They works to develop an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization with a constitution, bylaws, and officers. They often work outside an individual church because they serve several congregations in their area on a broader scale. They have a pastoral advisor to keep them spiritually focused, and are financially independent. A Life Chapter implements projects that serve an entire community of churches and by their very nature take on larger life-affirming projects such as manning a fair booth or organizing a community-wide event with a focus on specific life issues - from fertilization to forever.
The bottom line: Whether you are one or two or three or more, if your motivation is to serve our Lord Jesus and celebrate and preserve life according to God’s plan, there is a place for you in our LFL ministry! Won’t you please consider at least one of these options? For more information, please contact me (vflo@lutheransforlife.org) or one of our volunteer relations team: Rev. Jeff Duncan at jduncan@lutheransforlife.org or Dr. Barbara Geistfeld at geistfeld@lutheransforlife.org.
Lutherans for Life witnesses to the sanctity of human life through education based on the Word of God. It serves through individu-als who volunteer at pregnancy care centers, with hospice, through prayer, and in a wide variety of caring activities. It educates and encourages through conferences and workshops, printed resources and newsletters, Life Sunday materials and Bible studies, curricula, video, and through the website www.lutheransforlife.org
