FAQs

What is the goal of Alaska Mission for Christ?

The goal of Alaska Mission for Christ is to share Christ in the last frontier. This goal is spelled out below in the ends statements of AMC:

A BOLD proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is made to those who do not yet know Him in every community in Alaska.
As a result of this proclamation many people are saved by God’s grace for eternal life. It’s harvest time – all the time.
As people come to faith in Jesus, they become part of local Christian faith communities.
As people grow in faith, the Church, the LCMS, local Christian faith communities, and individual believers are built up to the glory of God.
As individual Christians grow in faith they share Jesus with others.
Lay ministry servants are prepared to share the Gospel in all settings.
As the Church is built up to the glory of God, people will be identified, encouraged and trained for commissioned or ordained ministry.
Alaska congregations, volunteers, District, Synod, and other Christian groups will joyfully share in the mission work of Jesus through the AMC.

What is a lay minister?

Lay ministers are lay men who have been equipped to do Word and Sacrament ministry in order to expand the ministry of Ordained Pastors.

A licensed Deacon is a lay minister that has completed 10 courses in Theology and has been certified by the Northwest District to do public Word and Sacrament ministry under the supervision of an ordained minister.

Can women take the lay ministry training courses?

Women are encouraged to take lay ministry courses, but cannot be certified for public Word and Sacrament ministry.

What are the courses required for a licensed deacon?

Old Testament Bible, New Testament Bible, Christian Doctrine Summary, Interpreting the Bible, Basic Preaching, Lutheran Worship 1, Fundamental Pastoral Care, Teaching the Faith, Mission Outreach in Context, Church History 1

How can I take these courses?

Courses can be taken through Alaska Mission for Christ or over the Internet through Leadership Advancement Process (LAP)/Mission Training Center. For more information or to get started, contact AMC's Lay training coordinator, Todd Roeske, or LAP/Mission Training Center.

How many communities does AMC serve on the road system?

AMC does year round Word and Sacrament ministry in Chitina, Cooper Landing and Tanacross. We touch many more communities through VBS, Sports Camps and personal witness. See Ministry Map.

What is Denali Lutheran Church?

Denali Lutheran Church is a nongeographical Lutheran Church that consists of small worshipping communities in remote parts of Alaska. Presently, Denali is made up of fellowship groups in Chitina, Tanacross, Seldovia, and Cooper Landing. Two Denali fellowships (Funny River Community Lutheran Church in Funny River and Mt. Drum Lutheran Church, Copper Center) recently became independent congregations of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

Who are the staff of AMC?

David Grosz is the missionary to Southwest Alaska. Ruth Zellar is our Servant Events Coordinator.. Bruce Grossmann is a self-supported AMC lay missionary. Todd Roeske is the Coordinator of Ministries. Many lay ministers and licensed deacons support the ministry.

How can I support the work of AMC?

You can support AMC in a variety of ways: pray, volunteer, or give financially. If you would like to learn more, please sign up for our monthly newsletter.

What does it cost to do a servant event in Alaska?

The servant events on the highway system cost about $1500.00 per person. That includes: airfare, car rental, supplies for servant event, and food. If you have to fly into another village the cost will be higher. Servant Events in SW Alaska usually require two flights from Anchorage to the village. Each of these flights can cost between $300 - $500. In additon there is the cost of air-shipping food and supplies. It is difficult to estimate the cost per person because of the many cost variables. Ministry teams going to SW Alaska make a significant commitment in time, energy and funding. Most teams have several fund-raising events through-out the year.

Can we bring young children with our team?

If you bring children age 15 or younger there must be a parent or guardian with them.

Ages 16-17 An adult supervisor must accompany.

Ages 18-21 Volunteer will accompany experienced AMC volunteer.

Does everyone speak English?

Yes, most everyone in Alaska speaks english. Some of the elders may speak their native tongue.

How cold will it be in Alaska in the summer?

Summer in Alaska can be warm and sunny or cold and rainy. It is not unusual for it to be in the 70's in the day and freezing at night. Often all of these conditions occur on one day in the same location. Bring casual clothes that can be layered--sweatshirts, T-shirts, and jeans are especially useful. Bring a heavy, water-repellent jacket. Please remember as you select your clothing that you are representing the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and people will form their initial opinions of you and the church based on your actions and your clothing. Please do not bring T-shirts with offensive sayings, crop tops; or very short skirts or short shorts.

Where will we stay?

When you arrive in Anchorage we will meet you at the airport and direct you to one of our local churches to spend the night. This will be floor space only so please bring an air mattress and sleeping bag. When you get to your destination they will have prepared a place for you to stay. This also is floor space only. If you require other accommodations, that will be up to you to make those arrangements.

How do we sign up to do a servant event in Alaska?

If you want to do a servant event in Alaska you should contact Ruth Zellar by e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . By phone: 907-232-3823.

How long of a commitment is it to do a short term mission trip?

You need to plan on at least a 10 day commitment. You need to fly into Anchorage on a Thursday or Friday and stay until the following Sunday. The biggest reason for this is that sometimes there are airplane delays. Also I will be doing about a 2-4 hour orientation before you leave for the village or community that you will be working in.

What curriculum do we use for VBS?

It is up to your team to choose the curriculum. It can be any commercial christian or we have copies of a curriculum that was written for AMC.

How do we ship our supplies to Alaska?

With the airlines charging everyone for their baggage it may be cheaper to mail your supplies to the village r community that you will be serving in. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for mail to arrive in the village you are sending it to. Make sure that you address it to yourself and let our contact person know that it is coming.

Where do I rent a car to get to my location?

There are a couple of off airport places that are a little cheaper than to go through you travel agent and get one from the airport. Contact us for more details. We recommend "Cheap Wheels Car Rental" @ 907-561-8627.