Domestic Missions: One Year of Serving and Equipping Youth and Families Across Lutheran Church–Canada

One year ago, Lutheran Church–Canada welcomed Deacon Samantha Neeb into a newly established role focused on strengthening family ministries across the synod. The position was created in response to Resolution 22.3.03, to provide and create resources, training, and support to all youth, young adult, and family ministry workers and volunteers, which was adopted at the 2022 Synod Convention. This reflects LCC’s commitment to equipping congregations and leaders to nurture faith in homes, congregations, and communities.

Since receiving the call following her graduation from the Graduate Diploma in Parish Services program, Dcn. Neeb has spent her first year building relationships and learning from congregations across LCC.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the role has been the opportunity to connect with congregational leaders through visits, conversations, phone calls, and emails.

“It has been a joy for me to hear about what is happening in these congregations, to share with them what is happening within other congregations, and to share resources with them,” says Neeb.

That work has also included bringing leaders together through webinars and creating opportunities for broader conversations about family ministry, discipleship, and outreach.

As she begins her second year, Dcn. Neeb is looking forward to working with LCC’s incoming Synodical President and Vice Presidents, Regional Pastors, and Regional Mission and Ministry Councils. Her priorities will continue to centre on building a disciple-making culture, equipping leaders, and supporting mission outreach.

In family ministries, that work will include providing resources for use in homes and congregations, serving on the committee for the National Youth Gathering, working with leaders toward a National Young Adult Gathering, creating opportunities for leaders to connect and learn from one another online, and sharing stories of how LCC congregations are reaching and serving families in their communities.

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