Orrin Strand


Orrin Strand
Member, Nebraska Synod Council
Zion Lutheran Church, Albion, Nebraska

How are you filled spiritually?

My deepest relationship with God comes through worship and, especially, Bible study. A worship service is a great time to stir up that passion to learn about the world as it should be, but Bible study gives us the opportunity to engage each other in the world as it is.

How do you spill…and live out your faith?

I am reminded of the story in 2 Chronicles 20, about Jehoshaphat facing a very difficult situation. The story is summed up in verse 12, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on thee.”

The Great Commission calls us to spill and live out our faith, but it is not an easy calling. My background in community organizing has given me an understanding of making that connection by engaging ourselves in a relationship building process.

I am currently leading a vision team on our Synod Council with the theme “Telling the Story.” As this develops, we will find new ways to talk to each other about God.

What is the thrill for you in this ministry?

My greatest thrill is knowing that anything is possible through God.

The unity of the Church enables us to do things in this world together that we could never do alone. I recall a worship service with Pastor Barth at our Prison Ministry in Lincoln where an inmate said to me, “I know God loves me.”

Seeing folks experience a transformation in their lives is a thrill, indeed.

Are you available to share this ministry with other congregations?

Oh, yes!

During the last two years, I have invited myself to more than 25 congregations, cluster meetings, and councils. At present, I have 13 congregations on an e-mail list where I share highlights from our council meetings.

While I believe a leader should never do for those that can do for themselves, I do believe a leader must engage folk around a dream or vision for the future.
As someone once said, “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth, and you will get neither.”

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