"Best Practices for Ministry" Conference Provides Valuable Platform for LCC to Foster Growth and Strengthen Relationships

Lutheran Church Charities would like to thank Christ Church Lutheran in Phoenix, Arizona, for the invitation to participate in the annual Best Practices for Ministry Conference last week. With more than 2,400 ministry leaders in attendance, LCC was honored to be included.

Lutheran Church Charities President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer and LCC staff members Libby Cheser, Tim Hetzner, Dona Martin, and Denise Snider represented LCC’s ministries of Human Care (HC), Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC), K-9 Comfort Dog (K-9), and Disaster Response (DR). The LCC staff shared information about our ministries while connecting with ministry workers. They explained our goal to “be there” with those suffering and in need and illuminated how LCC comes alongside churches and their leaders to equip and serve their communities.

Rev. Singer also presented a breakout session titled “Until They Know You Care”, explaining how LCC can partner with churches to care for those in their community who are suffering and in need by sharing the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ. Tim Hetzner, Ambassador for Spiritual Growth, led a breakout session sharing lessons learned from the beginnings of LCC’s ministry.

Along with LCC staff, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Isaac (Redeemer - Spokane Valley, Washington), Lois (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, Nevada), Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California), Rahab (St. Andrews - Stockton, California), and Salome (Faith Community - Las Vegas, Nevada), with their handlers, enjoyed meeting and encouraging many of the professional and lay church workers who attended this great event.

Several church representatives participated in a special opportunity to register to win a Heart of Mercy & Compassion to be presented to someone of their choosing in their church community needing comfort and compassion.

Rev. Singer gifted two HMCs specially made and signed by conference attendees to Pastor Jeff Shrank, his wife Joyce, and Christ Church as a symbol of gratitude and appreciation for all they have done to organize and host this wonderful conference.

The conference provided a valuable platform for LCC to foster growth and strengthen relationships.