Two weeks ago, Matt, Heather, and I journeyed to Indianapolis, IN for a Transition-into-Ministry conference put on the by Lilly Endowment. We spent four days in Indy with 100 or so other Residents like us, participating in Transition-into-Ministry programs like ours...eating good food, listening to inspiring speakers, and forming friendships with other young pastors from all across the country, in all sorts of settings and denominations.

It was a refreshing, encouraging four days! Stepping away from St. Paul for awhile, I was able to have a renewed perspective on this place and people that I am called to minister too. I spent time reflecting on my own gifts and call to ministry. Heather, Matt, and I all took a workshop about "Generations" and how different generations understand the church differently...how different generations of pastors seek to be pastors in different ways. Have you ever thought about that? How am I a different kind of pastor than Pastor Ron? Or Pastor Marty? How much of that has to do with my age? Or the fact that I'm a woman and they are men? I am learning that there are all kinds of factors that influence how we understand our role as pastor. It's quite fascinating! The amazing part in all of this is that different generations and gender and cultures bring different gifts to the table to share with God's people. God is into variety, and chooses a variety of leaders to lead Christ's church!

Since I got back from Indianapolis, I have not stopped raving about the passion and promise that I see in all of these young pastor that I met! There are exciting things going on in the church...not just in the future, when these 20 and 30-something pastors get further along in their careers...but right now, today, these gifted and insightful men and women are doing awesome things to bring God's kingdom more and more fully to earth. I do believe that this generation of pastors could change the way we think about church, and the way we think about God. I pray that the Spirit gives them the courage to be prophets and radical disciples of Jesus.

Oh...and if you recognize that guy in the picture on the right...that Pastor Lowell! He was at the conference too, leading some workshops and playing his drum. It was a gift to be able to visit with him and share stories about the blessing of St. Paul Lutheran Church in our lives.

Thanks again to Lilly for the wonderful, generous ways in which they are nurturing young adults in ministry!