“Lutheran Evangelism: A Crucial Conversation”
Facilitators’ Presentations
To download Dr. Veli-Matti’s PowerPoint presentation, click here.
To download the Rev. Dr. Gerald Sharon’s PowerPoint presentation, click here.
Pacifica Synod rostered ministers and lay leaders gathered on Thursday, February 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Menifee for a day of theological reflection and dialogue together. The theme of the day was “Lutheran Evangelism: A Crucial Conversation”.
Facilitators/presenters for the day will be the Rev. Dr. Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen and the Rev. Dr. Gerald Sharon. See below for brief biographical information on each.
Rev. Dr. Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen serves as Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and also teaches ecumenics at the University of Helsinki, his alma mater. A native of Finland, he has also lived and taught theology in Thailand. An ELCA minister, he serves as associate pastor at the bi-lingual Finnish Lutheran Church in California and Texas. An author of over 20 books, he participates widely in international theological consultations and projects, including those organized by the Lutheran World Federation and World Council of Churches. He is also involved in interfaith initiatives. With his wife Anne, Veli-Matti lives in Palm Springs. Their two adult daughters live in Los Angeles and Finland, respectively, and they have a young grandson.
Rev. Dr. Gerald Sharon currently serves as a Pastor at Hope Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Palm Desert, CA. Because of his successful track record of leading churches to impact their communities Gerald was invited to join the Hope team specifically to launch and lead a Modern Worship Service to compliment the church’s already successful three Traditional/Liturgical Services. He previously was the Lead Pastor of Southwest Church in Indian Wells, CA. In 2015, under Gerald’s leadership, “Outreach Magazine” and Lifeway Research identified Southwest Church as the 54th fastest growing church in the United States and the fastest growing church in California. Gerald began his pastoral ministry in 1979. He has trained and coached pastors in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He and his wife Gesa, both of whom were previously widowed, live in Bermuda Dunes, CA. Together they have four adult children, and two granddaughters. Gerald loves BBQ and is a certified barbeque judge with the Kansas City Barbeque Society.
