LHM Ambassadors: Front-Line Laity Sharing LHM Resources
As LHM creates resources for individuals and congregations to use, getting the word out about their availability is essential. This is where LHM Ambassadors come in. Their on-the-ground work, visiting with churches, ministry leaders, and laypeople, is vital in this effort.
An Ambassador is a congregation member who nurtures a relationship between LHM and their congregation for the purpose of sharing resources and helping others use them. Ambassadors are integral to LHM’s mission of energizing, equipping, and engaging laity for outreach. Currently, more than 500 Ambassadors serve congregations all across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Learn more and register to be an Ambassador at lhm.org/ambassador.
Ambassadors do this in several ways. They make teachers and school leaders aware of Gospel Adventures and the Gospel Adventure Show. They share books, research, and resources based on LHM’s partnership with Barna Group. They highlight Advent and Lent television and online specials, in addition to seasonal devotions in English and Spanish. And they promote LHM’s Bible studies, Project Connect booklets, LHM’s Spanish-language website, podcasts, The Lutheran Hour, Daily Devotions, prison ministry resources, LHM Learn, Thred, and resources for veterans.
Ambassadors update congregations on LHM resources by hosting an LHM Sunday like the one recently held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sedalia, Missouri. There, Ambassador Sharon Hutcheson highlighted LHM’s outreach mission, shared resources, and answered questions. She also coordinates the Lutheran Laymen’s League booth at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
LHM has training modules to assist Ambassadors. There’s also a Reward Program on the Ambassador website of up to $50 in LHM store credit for those doing various activities and a bonus event like Hutcheson. She finds these modules helpful as she communicates with church leaders and congregations. “The training modules are very informative,” Hutcheson says. “Being an Ambassador is fulfilling as I see materials being shared and used by others. It is also very encouraging when others agree to be an Ambassador in their congregation.”
For Hutcheson, helping others is business as usual in her household. “LLL and LHM have been part of my family for many years. I’m glad to carry on the family tradition started by my father.”
“Sharon is a perfect example of all that an Ambassador should be. She goes above and beyond to promote and share everything that LHM has to offer. I’m always excited to see what she is going to do next!” says Suzie Sallee, LHM’s community facilitator for congregations.