Lutheran Family Service News
Posted on July 31, 2026
by Rob Kellar, Director of Donor Engagement
Meet Rob Kellar, Lutheran Family Service’s new Director of Donor Engagement. After more than three decades in Lutheran education, Rob brings a passion for ministry, a heart for serving others, and a deep appreciation for the supporters who make LFS’s mission possible.
Mental Health
Posted on July 31, 2026
by Stephanie Grade, LMHC
Meet Stephanie Grade, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor who provides compassionate, faith-informed care for individuals, couples, and families. Drawing on extensive experience in mental health, addiction recovery, and crisis intervention, Stephanie helps clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, stress, and life transitions through personalized, evidence-based counseling rooted in hope and healing.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on July 24, 2026
by Rita Burley, LISW
Church workers often carry the concerns of many people. Discover how the simple act of writing down your worries can reduce mental clutter, improve clarity, and bring greater peace through a practice supported by psychology and neuroscience.
Godly Living
Posted on July 16, 2026
by Rev. Jonathan Conner
What does it mean to “do devotions”? Christians often hear the encouragement to establish a regular devotional life, but practical guidance is often in short supply. In this article, Pastor Conner explores devotions as a formative Christian ritual—one that anchors us in God’s Word through regular habits of Scripture reading, confession, prayer, and blessing. Rather than prescribing the way to do devotions, he offers a flexible, scalable method that can be adapted for individuals and families alike, helping Christians embody their faith in the rhythms of everyday life.
Adoption
Posted on July 10, 2026
by Tyler & Kelsey, Parents
After years of infertility, Tyler and Kelsey chose adoption and began their journey with Lutheran Family Service. Their story reflects faith, hope, and perseverance. In God’s perfect timing, they welcomed their daughter, Janie, and saw years of prayers answered.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on July 1, 2026
by Sarah Anderson, LCSW, PMH-C
What is the true vocation of a pastor’s wife? Sarah Anderson, LCSW, PMH-C, explores the importance of supporting a husband in ministry while maintaining healthy boundaries, honoring individual gifts, and resisting unrealistic expectations. This encouraging article reminds pastor’s wives that their calling is unique and rooted in faithfulness to God, not in meeting every expectation of the congregation.
Life Advocacy
Posted on June 28, 2026
by Kim Laube
Lutheran Family Service joined fellow Lutherans and hundreds of pro-life advocates at the 2026 Iowa March for Life, where participants gathered in worship, prayer, and public witness to proclaim the God-given value of every human life.
Mental Health
Posted on June 24, 2026
by Dreena Wertz, LPC
Summer travel can be exciting, but it can also bring stress and anxiety for individuals and families alike. Learn five practical strategies to help manage travel anxiety, stay organized, and focus on creating meaningful memories with family and friends.
Parenting
Posted on June 22, 2026
by Jamie McWade, LMHC
Children grow and mature over time, not overnight. As Christian parents, we are called to approach each stage of development with patience, grace, and realistic expectations. Discover how understanding childhood development, following Christ’s example, and seeking support when needed can strengthen your family’s journey.
Godly Living
Posted on June 18, 2026
by Rev. David Gunderson, tLMFT
A teenage crash on icy roads turns into an unexpected lesson — not about driving, but about grace. When failure meets mercy, a deeper truth emerges: like a loving father, God doesn’t condemn us. He helps us begin again. Discover how His grace empowers us to move forward, no matter how often we fall.
