God’s Mission Here: S8Ep1. Introduction to LCMS Discipleship Ministry | Rev. Michael Meyer and Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe

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The Office of National Mission offers a wealth of resources for individuals and congregations. From congregational self-studies, to Lutheran evangelism, to revitalization, there are many faithful efforts that we as God’s children can undertake to engage our communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Rev. Michael Meyer and Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe discuss resources that train Christians to share the Gospel effectively, conduct meaningful outreach in their communities, plan strategically for the future, reconnect inactive members, and incorporate all members into the body of Christ. Most of these self-directed resources are available from the Office of National Mission at no cost to congregations.

Bios:

Heath Trampe serves as the Director of Discipleship Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission. Prior to this, he served as a parish pastor to 4,000 souls in Indiana, Nebraska, and North Dakota. Prior to his ordination, Heath and his wife, Andrea (Aunnee) served as G.E.O. Missionaries in Riga, Latvia.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication from Concordia Nebraska, as well as a Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Concordia Theological Seminary. His dissertational work explored the concept of congregational involvement. He and Aunnee have been married for 20 years, and they have two boys. He enjoys running, reading, playing games, and exploring the city of St. Louis!

The Rev. Michael Meyer serves as the managing director, Witness, in the Office of National Mission (ONM). In this role, he designs, develops and implements ONM’s strategic and operational plans and ensures their faithful execution by the various programmatic departments that serve districts, congregations, schools and RSOs throughout the Synod. This includes supervising the day-to-day operations of Discipleship and Evangelism, Church Planting, All-Nations, Stewardship, Schools, Youth Ministry, and Campus Ministry. Meyer facilitates collaboration with district leadership in each program to increase local capacities throughout the Synod.

Meyer also serves as the lead director for the LCMS Disaster Response Training Program and its affiliated resources, including their implementation nationally and internationally. This includes the creation, management and teaching of robust, multi-level training and preparedness curriculums for LERT teams, LCMS international staff and partner churches for use in disaster response.

Meyer has served in Disaster Response Training since 2013. Previously, he served as pastor for Emmaus Lutheran Church and School in Denver, CO. A 2008 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., Meyer also holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

Meyer and his wife, Heather, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, reside in Chesterfield, MO, with their three children: Nathan, Kaitlyn and Emily.

Resources:

Learn more about LCMS National Mission: lcms.org/nationalmission

https://www.lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/witness-and-outreach-ministry

https://www.lcms.org/church-revitalization

Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling, used by permission, TheHymnalProject.com.

God’s Mission Here spotlights the work that God is doing through His people… and this work is closer to home than you might expect! Listen as we chat with some very down-to-earth people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty in God’s mission field. Get inspired. Be encouraged. Get involved! Learn more about LCMS National Mission lcms.org/nationalmission.