In this episode, Bishop Craig is joined by several adult leaders from across the synod who led groups of youth, young adults, and adult leaders to the recent National Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. They share the...

Bishop was invited to be part of a group to travel to the Holy Land in June 2024. He offers this reflection as he continues to process all he experienced during the pilgrimage visit to our companion church, the Lutheran Church in Jordan and the...

Pr. Russ' story begins in Tennessee and wanders around Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Texas before bringing him to the prairies of North Dakota. In this episode, Pr. Russ shares a bit of his story and his gratitude for his unexpected encounters with t...

Bishop Craig is joined by Deacon Beth Anderson on this episode. They explore Deacon Beth's vocational journey before her time serving on the Western North Dakota Synod staff and the next places God is calling her in service to the church beyond...

The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly was held on August 8-12, 2022 in Columbus, OH. There were 13 voting members from our synod participating. We have a chance to hear from several of them in this episode of Unexpected Surprises. ...

Anne & Willie Langdji join Bishop Craig in this episode. Anne and Willie have served a variety of countries in West Africa for many years. They continue to be one of the central points of contact for the ministry we share with our global co...

Bishop Craig is joined by the Rev. Randy Emgarten on this episode of Unexpected Surprises.Pr. Randy serves as pastor of St. Olaf and Our Savio...

In this episode of Unexpected Surprises, Bishop Craig and Deacon Terri Endres discuss Portico and the many ways it serves the leaders of our church, her journey toward ordained ministry in the church from a vocation in medicine, her lo...

Pr. Dave Myers joins Bishop Craig for this episode of Unexpected Surprises.Pr. Dave is a retired Air Force serviceman and recently ordained into the ministry of word and sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He serves...

Bishop Craig is joined by the Rev. Dawn Busch on this episode of Unexpected Surprises.Pr. Dawn serves as pastor of Belfield Lutheran Church, Medora Lutheran Church, and Daglum Lutheran Church on the western edge of our synod. S...

The Rev. Keith Pearson serves as Regional Representative for the ELCA Foundation. This episode is from the May WND Synod "Lunch & Learn Zoominar" where Pr. Keith shared a bit of his story with us as well as many insights available to our sy...

In the maiden voyage of Unexpected Surprises, Bishop Craig is joined by Pr. Jon Halvorson, Executive Director of Metigoshe Ministries.Pr. Jon shares part of his story growing up in many places around our country, his discernment toward ...