Welcome to the Ablaze! Texas web site! While the Ablaze! movement is one that is being encouraged throughout The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, there are specific goals for the Texas District. By 2017:
- share the Gospel with 2.5 million uncommitted or unchurched people;
- start 200 new ministries; and
- experience an annual 2% growth in membership.
Ablaze! is NOT a program but rather a movement to become a "missional" church following the great commission of our Lord, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28: 19-20)
Texas is a growing state! More and more people are coming into Texas. More and more people are in need of hearing the Good News that we hold so dearly. It's not about "jumping on some bandwagon to follow another program," but rather a time for building awareness and urgency for reaching out to the unchurched and uncommitted people.
These pages will be a continual growing resource! Just as we move more into the Ablaze! effort here in Texas, we'll be sharing stories and information regarding the "three key goals" mentioned earlier. New resources and details will regularly be added.
Each week we will be adding another "Lighting the Fire" Jotting and each week we will be adding resources as they are developed or shared with us.
You are the most important resource that we have. Please consider sharing stories about your faith sharing experiences…consider sharing resources that you have found that can be helpful to others…tell us about "mission" activities and events…all these will be an inspiration to others.
We are looking forward to the year ahead as we say with the disciples that traveled the road to Emmaus and had spoken with the risen Savior, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" May the Holy Spirit use us to share the joy we have in our walk with the Lord.
Dr. Lou Jander, MMF
LJander@aol.com