Walking Together

A Message from Kris Kunkel, Vice President of Ministry Solutions at LCEF. 

Robert Frost’s famous poem “The Road Not Taken” concludes with this phrase: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”  When I’ve come to a crossroads in my life—and believe me, there have been hundreds—I often think of this phrase.  How about you?  Does it help to make a decision?  Does it provide greater clarity?  If you’re like me, probably not.   

As profound as Robert Frost’s words are, on its own, this statement does not make a decision easier or clearer. As a follower of Jesus, who referred to himself as the Way (John 14:6), I am more inclined to lean into who He is and who I am as His disciple and follower, knowing that any given decision or choice is best guided by His word and the Holy Spirit in community with other believers, trusting in His promise that He IS the Way and no way is navigated without His presence.   

This is who we are at Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) and what we do. We walk alongside Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations, schools, ministries and church leaders as we collectively follow the Way forward where He leads us into destinations that might be unknown and unfamiliar to us, yet we are fully known by Him. This is what the word Synod means. It comes from two Greek words – syn, meaning together, and hodos, meaning way or journey.  

How can LCEF walk with you in your ministry? How can we help navigate His way forward together? Is there ONE challenge you’re facing that we can “synod” or  work together as we collectively focus on the Way?   

As we travel the country and meet with thousands of LCMS ministries and church leaders, we see that many of you are facing the divergence of “‘roads,” and decision fatigue is having its way more often than we admit. Let’s work together to navigate the way forward together with the Way!   

The mission of LCEF is to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS Ministries through financial and strategic partnerships.  We exist for and find great joy in serving the LCMS, helping ministries and leaders confidently navigate forward through current and future decisions—as we encourage each other to trust in the Way!   

Complete a quick assessment to see how LCEF can help. Also, check out the broad range of Ministry Solutions processes and tools LCEF has.