In the early days under a new structural paradigm, every event is a “first.” The Church of the Lutheran Brethren, meeting in convention last June, adopted major constitutional revisions stemming from the Lead On initiative. While the CLB Statement of Faith is the same, many aspects of the denominational structure were re-made. Of the six ministry department boards, only the Board of Lutheran Brethren Seminary remains. The new Council of Directors has replaced the Synodical Council and has also taken on the responsibilities of the previous ministry boards.

An important “first” under this new structure took place September 16-18, as the Council of Directors came together in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It was a time of prayer and discussion, as we looked to God for guidance in the first steps of implementing the new provisions of the amended constitution. We also took time getting to know each other and learning to work as a council.

The most anticipated item on the table was the appointment of the U.S. Regional Pastors. Other items included the election of Lutheran Brethren Seminary Board members and appointment of the ministry directors. The Council of Directors appointed Matthew Rogness as Director of International Mission, Brad Martinson as Director of Finance and Personnel, and Tim Mathiesen as Director of Communications and Prayer. The Council met as a whole for general business sessions and divided into committees for more detailed reports and discussion.

Please pray for the Lord’s guidance as we move forward as the Council of Directors, a new format with new challenges. As the CLB theme for this year suggests, God is with us always – a wonderful reminder that we take these next steps together. Please also pray for our local churches and their leaders as they get to know their Regional Pastors. It’s a new idea, but an idea that we as the Church of the Lutheran Brethren believe is important to provide encouragement and support to our churches and their pastors.

Download a copy of the minutes from the Council of Directors meeting

Tim Mathiesen serves as Director of Communications and Prayer for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren (clba.org)

Meet the Regional Pastors
*The Church of the Lutheran Brethren of Canada is currently in the process of appointing its Regional Pastor

Pacific Region

Rev. Stanley "Stan" Olsen
Pastor Olsen is currently serving as the Director for Clergy and Congregational Relations for the CLB. Prior to this post, he was the Director of Operations for Lutheran Brethren Home Missions and North American Mission, a post he filled for nine years. He served congregations in Washington, Wisconsin and New York. He is married to Cheryl. They have five adult children.

Western Region
Rev. Gary Witkop
Pastor Witkop is pastor of Community in Christ LB Church in Arvada, Colorado, a congregation he has served fourteen years. After graduating from Lutheran Brethren Seminary in 1983, he served CLB congregations in Kelso, Washington for five years and in Watertown, South Dakota for seven years. He is married to Debra and they have three adult children.

Central Region
Rev. Joel Nordtvedt
Dr. Nordtvedt is currently the Executive Director of North American Mission, a combined position for church planting and youth ministry. Pastor Nordtvedt is the past president of the Lutheran Brethren Seminary. After opening a new mission initiative among the Hakka people in Taiwan for two decades, he was an associate pastor in Washington. He is married to MaryBeth. They have three adult children.

Eastern Region
Rev. Richard "Rick" Bridston
Pastor Bridston is currently serving Bethany LB Church, Staten Island, New York. He has pastored congregations of various sizes in Oregon, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and New York. He was the master instructor in the Alpha Way program at Lutheran Center for Christian Learning and taught Lutheran Brethren Seminary courses. He is married to Marcia. They have four adult children.

By Tim Mathiesen

Tim Mathiesen serves as Director of Communications and Prayer for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren.

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