Convention Sermons

Pastor Chris Priestaf currently serves as Senior Pastor of Mount Bethel Church in Mount Bethel, PA.  Originally a native of Dearborn, MI, Chris received his undergraduate degree from Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA) with majors in Math and Economics.  He also ran on the school’s cross country and track teams.  While at Bucknell, Chris met his future bride, Suzy, whom he married soon after college. They first settled in Suzy’s hometown of Brooklyn, NY, where Chris was introduced to the Lutheran Brethren at 59th Street.  After five years of teaching in Brooklyn and serving the youth with Suzy at 59th, they followed the Lord’s leading to the outskirts of Boston where Chris earned his Master of Divinity degree at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Completing that degree in 2004, Chris accepted the call to serve at Mount Bethel Church where he and his family have been ever since. Chris and Suzy, now married for 25 years, have three amazing girls: Kelsey (20), Liliana (17), and Addison (15).

Rev. Paul Larson is husband to Bee, and father to Gabe (& Mikelle), Gracia, Nick (& Tessa), Karina, Nate (& Julia); and is granddad to two newborn grand-daughters.  He was raised in the faith at Elim LBC in Clearbook, MN.  He graduated from Lutheran Brethren Bible College (82), and following was youth director at Yellowstone LBC in Billings, MT (82-85).  He is a graduate of Rocky Mountain College (85), LB Seminary (88), and did subsequent doctoral studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. He was a church planting pastor of Word of Life LBC, Fort Collins, CO (88-91).  He also pastored CLB congregations in CA and WI: Calvary Community Church, Fullerton, CA (91-02); Bethesda LBC, Eau Claire, WI (02-14).  He has served as CLB President since 2014.

Greg Anderson serves as president of Inspiration Point Christian Camp and Retreat Center near Vining, Minnesota, leading that organization since 1990. A highlight during this time has been helping train and lead nearly 600 summer staff members so that they “can’t stand the thought of not serving” when their time at camp is through. Greg also served as Vice President of Operations and Member Services for an 860-member Christian Camp and Conference Association (Colorado Springs, CO) from 2015-2017. Board involvement includes national board of CCCA (2004-2013), including two  years as Board Chair, Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (Elizabethtown, PA) from 2014-2021, and several terms on the church council at Bethel Lutheran Church (Fergus Falls, MN), including time spent as Congregational Chair. A graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, MN (B.A. German Education and Business Administration), Greg enjoys speaking around the country at churches, schools, camps, and conferences. He and his wife of 33 years, Janet, are grateful for their two daughters, Kara and Elise, son-in-law, AJ, and three grandkids.

Brandon Pangman didn’t grow up in a Christian family. He was introduced to Jesus when a complete stranger walked up to him and proclaimed Jesus to him. Brandon knew sin, shame and guilt but this stranger gave him freedom in Christ. Brandon is blessed to be married to Jenny. They have 3 children (Mya, Ian, and Eli). Brandon is the Lead Pastor at Emmaus Road Church, Director of Elevate Youth Convention, and the DeWitt Police Department Chaplain. He has previously served Rock of Ages LB Church in Seattle, WA, Bethesda LB Church in Eau Claire, WI, and Bethel LB Church in Huntington Station, NY. Brandon has a degree in Business from Northwestern University and a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Brethren Seminary.