Feb 25-26th Calvary, Richland Hills hosted an “Anchor Church” conference in cooperation with NT-NL Synod, ELCA and ELCA staff. The idea of building trust in communities and across synod to identify congregations with the strengths and desire to partner with, plant, and support other ministries. To work intentionally together for the purpose not of simply keeping churches alive but instead how they can be strong avenues for ministry and impact their contexts.

Grateful for all our presenters and especially Pastor Kelly Chatman (Redeemer, North Minneapolis) who brought us a good word about cultural competency and inclusion. Over 40 folks from across the ELCA and including many from NT-NL are taking part. We also heard of several models of such anchor churches from Pastor Doug Hill (Abiding Hope, Littleton, CO) and Pastor Scott Suskovic (Christ, Charlotte, NC).