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Take Heart, Take Action Conference Recap

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Take Heart, Take Action Conference Recap

On February 24th, St. Paul hosted a live stream event of the Michigan District theological conference Take Heart, Take Action. The focus of the conference was to dive into what it means to be a witness and the role evangelism plays in our faith.

The conference was opened by moderator Rev. Dr. David Maier, president of the LCMS Michigan District, who introduced the speakers and gave an overview of what it means to be a witness.

The Speakers

Rev. Todd Jones was the first speaker and focused on the obstacles to being a witness – such as the lack of urgency, the uncertainty of the call to be a witness and the confusion over the purpose of our witness. He referenced many Bible verses that emphasize the Christian’s call to action, such as 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

The second speaker, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr., spoke on the history of the Lutheran church and how it’s focus has always involved evangelism and spreading the Gospel. He covered a brief overview of the church from 1850 to present and shared historical stories of how God has provided for witnesses in seemingly impossible circumstances.

Next, Rev. Dr. Mark Wood covered the Christian’s call to be a priesthood of believers – coming together as baptized believers and spreading the good news of Christ. Sharing the Gospel, he said, is the purpose, calling and who we are as believers.

Rev. Greg Finke was the final speaker and gave practical ideas of how to be an everyday witness. He said to start with wherever God has placed us, whether that be the workplace, school, neighborhood or elsewhere. He provided five questions for the everyday missionary to help in witnessing each week:

  1. How did you see God at work in your life this week?
  2. What has God been teaching you in His Word?
  3. What kind of conversations are you having with you pre-Christian friends?
  4. What good can you do?
  5. What do you want us to ask you about next week and how can we help you in prayer?

To watch the conference, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFpFUd9loY0.

To watch download the speakers’ notes or get more information, visit https://www.michigandistrict.org/events/theological18