PASTOR ERIC BURTNESS

I have been a Lutheran pastor since 1981…

I believe that the local congregation is the hope of the world and the center of the church. My guiding Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans to prosper you, not to harm you; plans to give you a future with hope.” I believe that God knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139) and has a purpose for your life. My “job” as a pastor is to engage, empower, and equip people for ministry, and to develop devoted disciples. As such, my role is to help people discover their God-given gifts for ministry, and then provide opportunities for them to develop that ministry. I am Christ centered, mission driven, traditionally grounded, and congregationally focused.

I teach, write, lead, discern, unite, and proclaim the Good News of a relationship with Jesus Christ that is real and purposeful that brings transformative life-change.

I’ve written four books, taught continuing education courses for pastors at Luther Seminary 7 times, and have an active blogging presence for resources for people.

In 2018 I was was awarded a Lily Foundation Clergy Renewal Grant for a sabbatical, and Margaret and I spent three weeks on tours of the Great Cities of Italy and in Greece on the Footsteps of Paul. Margaret then returned back home for her work as a back to work consultant at SAIF, while I went to Tanzania and summited Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,341 feet.

Margaret and I love Central Oregon’s beauty, and enjoy kayaking, skiing, snow shoeing, biking, and hiking. Together we have 5 children and 5 grandchildren, all of whom live on the West Coast from Seattle to San Diego.