Getting to Know LCC’s New Director of Domestic Missions

1. Who is LCC’s new Director of Domestic Missions?

My name is Rev. Jacob Quast. I have been serving as a pastor in LCC for more than 20 years. My wife (Jolene) and I have been married for almost 28 years, and we have three adult children: Julia (27), Liam (23), and Rowen (22). I enjoy reading, watching movies with my family, and traveling across the beautiful world our Lord has created.

2. What is domestic missions, and how does it differ from international missions?

Domestic missions refers to LCC’s work that takes place primarily within Canada, whereas international missions refers to the work of the church outside of the country. However, there are also many points of contact between our domestic and international missions—especially some of our language ministries. But whether we are talking about domestic or international mission work, the mission remains the same: proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people in need, and working to establish places where God’s people can meet to receive His gifts in Word and Sacrament.

3. What does the Director of Domestic Missions do?

This is something I am still learning! Some of my primary responsibilities include overseeing all current domestic mission and works of mercy programs, working alongside LCC’s Regional Mission and Ministry Councils. In addition to supporting existing Domestic  mission sites and missionaries, I will also explore new mission opportunities and strategies. I also have the privilege to represent LCC to our regions, circuits, congregations, and other organizations of LCC, as well as to auxiliaries and listed service organizations.

4. What experience do you bring that will be helpful in your new position?

As a parish pastor of more than twenty years, I bring a pastor’s heart to the joyful task of reaching people with the saving message of Jesus Christ crucified for sinners.  At its core, this is the mission of the Church, and every Christian has been called by Christ and equipped by the Holy Spirit to share in this blessed work.

I have been blessed to serve LCC in various capacities and on different committees and task forces. God has placed me to serve His Church in small town/rural ministry settings, often isolated from other LCC pastors and congregations. This has made me appreciate the unity we have in our synod all the more. Knowing that we are united in our common confession of Christ crucified and risen, as well as our adherence to the Lutheran Confessions as a correct and faithful exposition of the Holy Scriptures, is a strength that we have in reaching others with the Gospel.

5. How will your work impact what Lutherans are doing on the local and regional level?

It is my prayer that everyone across our synod may gain a better appreciation of the work taking place across our country. I pray that congregations will be excited to see the opportunities God has placed before us—be they on the congregational level or together as a larger region—as we share our faith in Christ, grounded in the grace of God poured out for us through the forgiveness of sins, which we receive from His generous hand in Word and Sacrament.

I hope to connect with local congregations and broader regions to discuss not only the work currently being done but also to explore new ways in which Christ’s name may be proclaimed, and to show how by working together, the Lord will bless and prosper His church as He sees fit.

These are exciting times! We live in a world that is increasingly hostile to Christ and His Church—but this means we have more reason than ever before to share the life-giving Gospel of Jesus! We are living also in a time of profound loneliness and despair. The church is by its very nature a loving community—a place for people to gather together to be served by God with His gifts and then to serve one another in love.

6. In what ways do LCC’s directors of domestic missions and international missions work together?

LCC’s Director of International Missions, Rev. Mark L. Smith, and I will work closely together, coordinating wherever and whenever possible the various mission opportunities. This is especially true of Language Ministry programs—for example, in our our French Language Ministry efforts, which are organized in large part by Rev. Dr. David Somers, who not only serves congregations in Quebec but also produces resources for French-speaking Lutherans around the world!

Another opportunity for joint work is among the Oromo communities that are growing not just in Canada but in other parts of the world too—not just in Africa but even in Israel. Much of this work is possible because of faithful pastors like Rev. Asefa Aredo of Shalom Lutheran Church  in Winnipeg, as well as Rev. Chuta Gizaw of Oromo Evangelical Church of Calgary.

Of course, we also have local congregations who want to serve international sister churches—often with works of mercy and Gospel outreach! These saints of God return to Canada with a renewed vigour to serve the Lord’s church here as well.

7. Do you have any specific goals or plans that you hope to focus on in your first few years?

My primary goal for now is to get to know our synod’s missions, congregations, and service organizations in a deeper way so that I may better equip them for the ministries the Lord has given to them. It is also my prayer that, as I interact with people across our synod, I may be able to help us draw closer together as the body of Christ, celebrating the fellowship we enjoy with one another. In this way we will be better able to support and encourage one another in our common task of proclaiming Christ to our nation—and beyond!

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