Introducing Rev. Dan Clites, LCMC's Coordinator for New Ministry Development
When I was a kid, I dreamed of being an astronaut-- a bold pioneer of exploring outer space and the moon. At the time, it seemed like the coolest job ever with all its intrigue and danger. Trouble is, very few ever received the opportunity and now the whole idea of space exploration is grounded. Thanks, however, to the LCMC's heart for bold ministry, we can all suit-up and blast-off again with a God dream!
As your new, New Ministries Coordinator (see Service Coordinator Mark Vander Tuig's note [in the upcoming edition of By the Word] for more details), I've been blessed with what I now believe is the coolest job ever--- to serve side-by-side with LCMC astronauts who are hearing Jesus' voice calling them to be pioneers of a space that seems ignored or grounded. By the grace and wisdom of the Lord, together we will plant and develop new ministries across the nation that are effectively focused on reaching the disappeared, the disconnected and the disappointed. This calling is filled with intrigue and danger...and I love it! It is so huge a mission that it will require all of us to radically depend upon the Lord's dream to ignite 1,000 new ministries over the next decade! But, as Romans 8 declares, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
So, why is starting new LCMC ministries important, even urgent?
- Eternal life or death are in the balance for those who don't follow Jesus.
- Practicing Christians get renewed in the Great Commission to Go and Make Disciples.
- Most effective manner to reach new generations, new residents and new people groups with the true Gospel.
- Best way to grow quickly and have an immediate Christian-impact in a community.
- Fosters new ideas and methods that can benefit other churches.
- Challenges and renews the whole Body of Christ to be one in a community.
- Triggers mission-mindedness rather than maintenance-mindedness.
- Gives a mother church the excitement of giving birth to effective outreach.
Friends: I look forward to firing-up our adventure by meeting many of you at our upcoming San Diego and Birmingham Leadership gatherings. Please register so we can connect and start developing friendships that blast-off a Great Commission movement. Over the next few months I will also be developing and launching new ministry "boot camps"--- opportunities for you to see if church planting is something that you're wired and called to do. My job is to help you get in-line with the Lord's mission, pray with you, coach/equip you and love you like Jesus loves His Church!
Blessings!
Dan Clites
Rev. Dan Clites starts his new LCMC position on March 1st. He has been the planter and lead pastor of Rejoice! in Northfield-Dundas, MN for the last 10-years. Before that, he served Lutheran congregations in Clearwater, Brainerd and Cannon Falls, MN. Before graduating from Luther Seminary in 1995, Dan worked 9-years as a television sports anchor/reporter in Fargo, Grand Forks and Minot, North Dakota. Dan and Joanne have been married 27-years and have two adult daughters, a son-in-law, and a grandson born this past Christmas Day! Log in to add a comment
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Comments (1)
We are so happy for Pastor Dan but we will miss him beyond what words can express. He is a dynamic preacher and we will miss his inspirational sermons. We will miss his love and caring which he bestows on everyone in his congregation. We will miss so much but we know that he will be great in his new position and will work tirelessly to reach the goals of the LCMC. We will pray for him and the LCMC. You have been very wise in choosing this wonderful man for this very important position. He will serve you and God very well. With our prayers, Bob and Ann Knutson, Northfield, Minnesota
February 7, 2013 at 6:26am