Ablaze! in the Northern Illinois District

Renewal. Action. Unity. Three words that define the word "rally" underscore the excitement surrounding the 2008 Ablaze! Rally event on Sunday, September 28, 2008, at NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb, Illinois.

The words themselves are three reasons to reserve a Sunday afternoon to celebrate with thousands of other Lutherans and friends.

"I think it's important for us to have a large group experience, to see each other as the body of Christ, to see how other people are reaching the lost," says Rev. Erik Gauss, pastor of discipleship at Cross Lutheran Church in Yorkville, Illinois. Cross brought a large group to the 2006 rally, and Gauss anticipates that nearly 100 of their small group members will attend this year.

"From the speakers to the music to the stories from the 'front lines,' it's just an altogether encouraging event," he says.

Go for renewal! Northern Illinois District leaders understand the challenge to keep up the level of excitement generated when the Ablaze! movement launched in the Northern Illinois District - Lutheran Church Missouri Synod two years ago.

This year's rally aims to renew enthusiasm for reaching the lost for Christ by featuring the inspired words of LCMS President Dr. Gerald Kieschnick as well as the inspiring artistry of "JesusPainter" Mike Lewis, plus choirs and drama - and did we mention the kickoff of the 100th anniversary of the Northern Illinois District?

"It is huge that President Kieschnick will be speaking at the rally," says Craig Mattes, director of Small Group Ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle, Illinois. "I can't think of another time when he's come out here for a large public gathering that lay people would attend. He is such a dynamic, awesome speaker; people should take the opportunity to see him."

Rev. Kristopher Whitby, associate pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mount Prospect, Illinois, knows from experience how inspiring and uplifting the rally keynote speaker can be. But Whitby also looks forward to seeing the "JesusPainter" for the first time.

"I heard so many wonderful things about his presentation at the LCMS national youth gathering last year," Whitby says. "It's just exciting to witness the use of art in praise and worship."

Go for unity! Pastor Whitby was one of 12 members and friends of his congregation who attended the 2006 Ablaze! Rally. This year, he anticipates that many more of their church members will attend. St. Paul, Mount Prospect, is making the rally part of its annual Small Groups Emphasis, with everyone doing the same Bible study series and then attending the rally together.

"It's amazing to be lifted up by the crowd, encouraging others in faith and in the task of bringing the good news to the unchurched," Whitby says.

Even getting there can be an exercise in unity, especially if you make transportation a group event.

"I had a blast in 2006. My previous church loaded up two busses and we had a great road trip," Mattes says. "It was just fun to hang out with people. I got to know people I hadn't gotten to know before."

"The rally is a great bonding experience for your small group and for members of your church," Mattes notes. "Together, you are encouraged as you develop shared memories. It's a neat thing."

Go for action! The rally includes a Mission Fair, with dozens of booths highlighting LCMS mission outposts across 24 counties in Northern Illinois. It's an amazing display of faith in action.

"The Mission Fair is awesome! It's a great opportunity to pick up ideas and get encouragement and inspiration," Whitby says.

This year's Mission Fair will feature the work being done by Northern Illinois District Ablaze! Grant recipients among the many other mission outposts represented. Since the last rally, the district has granted over one million dollars to a number of congregations specifically for ministry focused on "new starts, new believers."

"You get to see how other churches are reaching out to people in their area," Pastor Gauss says. "From my experience it's easy to run out of ideas. At the fair you can get excited about outreach again, learn something new or gain a new perspective."

It's clear that there are plenty of reasons to rally, but Pastor Gauss probably sums up the whole event best by focusing on the main event.

"Two hours with the body of Christ-worshiping and praising him and his blessings-is always time well spent," he says.