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Pastor Joe and Pastor Geoff have a discussion about how we can all be the church. What is the difference between going to church and being the church? The 2 Bald Pastors reflect on their conversation with Pastor Bill Peterson. They think together about ecumenical relationships and talk about how it doesn’t matter what the sign says on the outside of the church door, we are all the church and called to be the church everywhere we go.

We are putting a challenge out to you this week. What does it mean to be the church to you? Let us know what you think. Go on Facebook, Twitter or your other favorite social media platform and tell us what you think. Use the hashtag #bethechurch and #2baldpastors and we will share your thoughts in an upcoming episode.

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At a time when denominations may be wary of each other and even slight variations in approaches or beliefs can divide members, it is possible to come together in joint ministry.  Reverend Bill Peterson is an example of a successful venture between the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and the Episcopal Church.  The new term for this blended bunch: “Lutherpalians.”

Pastor Bill had to navigate when to kneel, who leads the congregation and how to maintain unique identities.  However he has found a shared emphasis on liturgical and sacramental worship and a wonderful community dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel.

In this interview Pastor Bill shares his highs, his challenges and some funny moments.  We hope you enjoy this episode of the 2 Bald Pastors.

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Happy New Year!

Pastor Joe and Pastor Geoff talk about different ways we can bring peace into the world in 2017.  We also talk about some of our hope and dreams for the new year.  We would love to hear from you!  Leave us a comment on this post about some of the things you are looking forward to this year.

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Joe and Geoff took some time earlier this fall to rest, relax and work on important church matters.  During this time they reflected on the sabbath and how it is important in their lives as well as others.  Check out this latest episode from the 2 Bald Pastors.

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Jessica McClard ran through the streets of her neighborhood and saw many Little Free Libraries.  After seeing them she was inspired to help her neighbors by creating a pantry similar to the libraries.  After she looked for the perfect location to put it, she finally decided on her church, Good Shepherd Lutheran.

The concept is as easy as it sounds; People can open it up and take what they need.

People all around the world are creating their own and telling her about it.

If you are inspired to create your own check out her website Little Free Pantry.

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The Rev. Paul D. Erickson was elected June 4, 2016 to a six-year term as bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Erickson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn., in 1983 and a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 1989. He also earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in Congregational Mission and Leadership from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., in 2012.

He returns to the Greater Milwaukee Synod from St. Paul, where he served as the director of Agora, a ministry that works to develop lay leaders for immigrant and multicultural congregations in Minnesota and South Dakota. Erickson grew up in the Greater Milwaukee Synod, where he was a member of St. Matthew’s in Wauwatosa and Bethel in Muskego. From 1993-2003, he served as pastor of Faith/Santa Fe Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, and he was later called as Assistant to the Bishop for Evangelical Mission in the Saint Paul Area Synod, where he served with Bishop Peter Rogness (a former bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod) from 2008-2014. He has also served at congregations in Chicago, Ill. and West St. Paul, Minn.

Erickson speaks of his deep love of the ELCA and of the global church, and notes that he has spent much of his ministry working in cross-cultural settings. He also points out the need to find new ways to move forward together as the church, despite our comfort with more familiar approaches to ministry.

Paul and his wife, Lynn (an ELCA pastor serving in West St. Paul, Minn.), have two children: David, 20, and Sarah, 16.