Join us for a virtual launch event to equip your church with valuable insights and practical tools to address Bible illiteracy.
September 9, 2025 | Noon CT | Virtual Event
Why you should attend
Problem
Bible illiteracy in
churches
Solution
Practical tools, strategies, and insights
Hosts
Lutheran Bible Translators and its ministry partners
KEY TAKEAWAYS
FEATURING
Keynote speaker
Rev. Dr. Rich Rudowske
President & CEO, Lutheran Bible Translators
The Importance of Addressing Bible Illiteracy in Today’s Church
Rev. Dr. Rich Rudowske has been the Executive Director for Lutheran Bible Translators since 2023. His leadership is informed by his experience as a Bible translation advisor in Botswana, where he and his wife, Maya, helped translate the Gospel of Luke for the Bakgalagari community. In 2013, he became the Regional Director for Southern Africa, working with 24 language communities.
Panel Moderator
Heidi Goehmann
Heidi is a licensed clinical social worker, mental health provider, and theological thinker. She loves walking with people to find the ways God has built restoration into our bodies and souls. She provides therapy, writes, and creates resources about mental health, genuine relationships, hope, and restoration at heidigoehmann.com.
Expert Panel Discussions
State of the Bible
What is the current reality of biblical engagement both in the U.S. and around the world? Discoveries from the annual State of the Bible report (American Bible Society) will guide the conversation.
Dr. Jennifer Holloran, DSL
President & CEO, American Bible Society
Rev. Dr. Mark Kiessling
Director of LCMS Youth Ministry
Discipleship Strategies
This conversation will explore how churches can foster lifelong discipleship rooted in God’s Word. Panelists will share biblical models, practical frameworks, and real-world examples.
Zach Zehnder
Red Letter Living
Rev. Germán Novelli-Oliveros,
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson
Concordia University, St. Paul
Deac. Dr. Janine Bolling
Bethlehem Lutheran, St. Louis
Rev. Dawit Bokre
LINC Bay Area Director
Tanner Olson
Author/Spoken Word Poet
Rev. Andy Jones
Author/Speaker/Pastor
DCE Katie Morgan
Family of Christ Lutheran
Practical Tools for Church Leaders
This panel will focus on tangible, ready-to-use resources for pastors, ministry leaders, and educators to inspire deeper Scripture engagement in their congregations.
EVENT SCHEDULE
| TIME | EVENT |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Welcome & Opening Prayer |
| 12:15 PM | Keynote Address |
| 12:45 PM | Panel: State of Bible Engagement |
| 1:30 PM | Panel: Discipleship Strategies |
| 2:15 PM | Panel: Practical Tools |
| 3:00 PM | Q&A / Closing Remarks |
Hosted With Our Partners
Announcing the release of God Speaks: A 30-Day Challenge to Read Your Bible
A new devotional inspired by the frontlines of Bible translation ministry, inviting readers to grow spiritually and rediscover the life-changing power of Scripture.
Do you want to reignite a love for Scripture at your church? Host a church-wide challenge using ready-to-use resources available to church leaders.