Newest Staff Member - Lyle Lundgren

FRC welcomes Lyle Lundgren to the position of “Connections Coordinator”. Lyle has recently retired from teaching and coaching at MOC-FV and just finished a term as Elder here at FRC. Lyle has the gift of hospitality and he will be working to help both people who are new and existing members of FRC become more connected with one another within the life and ministry of FRC.  Lyle has a great passion for Christ, for the church and for helping people to come to know the Lord more fully. He will be a significant addition to the ministry of FRC.

In an effort to get to know Lyle a little better we had him answer a few questions...

     First, I want to make as many person-to-person contacts as I can. This may take place on Sunday mornings, or it may involve visits to homes or where our worshippers “do life”. I also want to help our members (current and new/potential new) to get involved in the life of the congregation. I want to help equip and engage the body of Christ to grow in their faith and to be able to worship together outside of the Sunday worship opportunities.

     When I retired from teaching and coaching, I knew that I did not want to just “sit around”. I know that I need to always challenge myself to grow and to stay “sharp” spiritually, mentally and physically. I already feel the Holy Spirit leading me into this new opportunity to not only grow spiritually as an individual but to help others grow and be stretched in their faith walk.
     My biggest challenge will be two-fold:

1. Make sure that I develop and utilize other lay leaders in our congregation as a resource for ideas and to empower them to lead and mentor their brothers and sisters in Christ. I am already praying for this “team” that I will be able to work with.
2. I have to make sure that I maintain a steady course of direction. I love to think outside of the box when it comes to developing new ministry ideas I need to make sure that I listen well to others and make sure that I/we don’t bite off more than we can chew at any one time.

     My biggest prayer is that the Holy Spirit will continue to burn bright in every heart at FRC. We need to grow into a community of believers that will care, love and shepherd each other in our faith. Truthfully, I pray that this position will be absorbed because of the energy that our members have and the desire that each person has to grow in their faith personally and corporately.

     Hmmm… I want the ministry of “connection” to be a passion for each individual that worships at FRC. This can be as simple as saying “HI” to someone you don’t know very well; to being willing to take a leadership role in a small group or other “2nd Space” that is available; to being available to lead a new ministry or mission opportunity. I hope to be able to help others to cast “God-sized” visions and to walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8) Too often we put “borders” on God and I truly believe that we are called to get out and do something different to further the Gospel of Christ. I love this quote by St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.”

     Having just served on consistory for 4 years, I feel that I know our staff quite well and I am excited to work and worship along side such a wonderful group of people. I have already been “on the job” and I am impressed by everyone’s willingness to welcome me into the group. I also look forward to “growing in faith” with these brothers and sisters in Christ and to help the “church family” at FRC be salt and light to the world around us.