General Questions
Registrations and Donations
Events Coordinator
Executive Director Emeritus
Curriculum Orders and Communications
Newsletter Editor
Bookkeeper
Territory Coordinators
Territory Coordinators serve as key connectors between LOM organizations and the broader LOM network. They maintain communication with staff from LOM organizations within their assigned territory, sharing updates and important news with the LOM Executive Director and Webmaster.
Their responsibilities include:
- Organizing volunteers to plan Territory Gatherings and other events.
- Exploring collaboration opportunities with ministry partners across the ELCA, other denominations, and professional associations.
- Identifying trends and needs within their territory that could be addressed through LOM-wide or territory-specific initiatives.
- Encouraging financial support for LOM from organizations and individuals.
All Territory events and activities are open to LOM members nationwide and will be promoted across the entire LOM network. LOM provides administrative support, including event registration through the LOM website.
East Territory
West Territory
West Midwest Territory
East Midwest Territory
Deb Roberts, Lutherlyn (PA) (ELCA Regions 7, 8, & 9)
Margie Fiedler, Flathead (MT) (ELCA Regions 1 & 2)
Joel Abenth, Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp (ELCA Region 3)
Eric Knueve, Bethel Horizons (WI)
(ELCA Regions 4, 5 & 6)
Board of Directors
The Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Board of Directors consists of nine members elected by the LOM membership, one ELCA Churchwide Representative, and two members elected by the board. The board is responsible for managing the affairs of the organization, defining the mission and vision statements of the organization for review and approval by the membership, and relate to the ELCA churchwide organization. The board also engages in planning for specific goals and objectives that will ensure the organization is an effective tool for ministry by its member organizations and the church. It also maintains proper standards for ethical and legal operation. Here is a list of the current Board of Directors:
Rev. Matthew O’Rear, President – pastor.matt@stlukeatlanta.org
Leah Pletscher, Vice President – leah@lomnetwork.org
Rev. Drew Tucker, Secretary – drew@hopewoodoutdoors.org
Deacon Dallas Shealy, Treasurer – treasurer@lomnetwork.org
Rev. Phil Geleske
Laney Herauf
Jessica Jackson
Rev. Ed Kay
Tami Lewis-Ahrendt
Jennie Smith
Rozella White
Executive Director: Nate Berkas
Please e-mail the treasurer if you would like to review a copy of this organization’s Form 990.
Committees
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries is an organization that relies heavily on volunteer involvement. We rely on the work and dedication of our Board of Directors and committees to keep us relevant and moving forward in our service to members. Committees are listed below. If you would like to know more about any committee, or are interested in sharing your gifts by serving on a committee, please contact the chairperson indicated below.
The Auction Task Force organizes and runs our annual auction at the LOM Conference. Current members: Amanda Rasner LOM Board Liaison and Chair; Hannah Loeffler-Kemp; Chris Miller; Amanda Wellens.
The Curriculum Committee is responsible for developing a yearly curriculum to be used by Outdoor Ministry sites. They also seek input and ideas on how to streamline and improve the development and distribution of the annual curriculum. Current members: Rev. Frank Johnson, Chair; Kjell Bakken, Rev. Kelsey Green, Board Liaison; Maddie Glanz; Deacon Stephanie Engel; Ellie Powers; Amanda Randall; Jena Vander Broek; Ryan Fitch.; Rev. Mary Lindberg, curriculum development manager.
The Development Committee works to raise awareness of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries beyond our sites, seeking new supporters and ways to keep LOM financially sound. They also help to spearhead the annual LOM Auction as well as inviting members to give additional gifts to LOM. Current members: Jason Gerdes; Jennifer Hellie, Chair; Dave Jarvis; David Larsen; Bishop Meggan Manlove; Jennie Wolf Smith, Board Liaison; Nate Berkas, staff support.
The Diversity Committee strives to enhance diversity in LOM and its member organizations by: providing resources to help educate on diversity; reviewing policies and strategic plans for engagement of diversity; and serving as a sounding board to engage issues around diversity. The Diversity Committee provides oversight for the LOM initiative – Total Inclusion! Current members: Vance Blackfox; Lori Bode; Anthony Briggs; CJ Clark; Jess Gulseth; Deacon Jessica Hacker; Rev. Ed Kay; Tami Lewis-Ahrendt, Chair and Board Liaison; Nicole McCarthy; Emily Schmidlin; Rev. Devin Strong; Rev. Darryl Thompson Powell; Nate Berkas (Staff Support).
The Education Committee identifies, encourages, promotes, develops and/or assists in developing educational events in response to the needs of Lutheran Outdoor Ministry professionals. This committee is also responsible for the endorsement of additional educational opportunities, Board training, and Compass Points. Current Members: Jessica Pina, Board Liaison; Jesse Klosterboer; Deacon Judy Smith; Abby Vander Laan; Kaitlyn Blend, Chair; Mary Katherine Goyne; Nate Berkas, Staff Support.
The Ecumenical Task Force seeks opportunities for LOM to strengthen our collaborative endeavors with camp associations of other denominations, especially our ecumenical colleagues in the Outdoor Ministries Connection (OMC). Current Members: Rev. Nathan Pile, Chair; Collin Grooms; Deacon Judy Smith; Dave Jarvis; Hannah Damon; Sarah Blasing; Nate Berkas, Staff Support.
The LTE Committee is responsible for planning, staffing, conducting, and evaluating the annual Leadership Training Events – Identity and Vision Track, Structure and Operations Track, and Service and Program Track. Current Members: Karen Rumage, Chair; Rev. Nathan Pile; Susan Troutman; Rev. Tracy Polzin; Jennifer Hellie; Scott Luikart; Rozella White, Board Liaison; Randy Youngquist-Thurow; Tom Powell, Events Coordinator.
The Nominating Committee makes nominations for members of the Board of Directors and for members of the Nominating Committee. These elected positions are voted on at the annual conference. Current Members: Deanna Christensen; Grace Crevier, Chair; Diana Edelblute; Ashleigh Ellsworth-Keller; Sam Garcia; Leah Pletscher, Board liaison with voice but no vote; Charlotte Strom, Nate Berkas, Staff Support.
The Recognitions Committee is in charge of the recognitions that take place at the annual conference – milestone awards; Innovative Program Award; Diversity Grant; Manlove-Howells Leadership Award. Current Members: Matt Baumhardt, Chair; Amy Ecklund; Ashley Ellsworth-Keller; Rev. Phil Geleske (Board Liaison); Chad Hershberger; Dan Scharnhorst; Nate Berkas, Staff Support.