Dear Beloved Community of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries,
Grace and peace to you in the name of the One who meets us in prayer, in persistence, and in promise.
This last Sunday, we heard Jesus teach his disciples how to pray. In a world filled with uncertainty and longing, Jesus reminds us to turn to God with boldness and trust, saying, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” These words speak deeply to where we find ourselves as a community in this season, holding space for both what has been and what is yet to come, leaning into God’s faithfulness as we discern a new way forward.
With this in heart and mind, I am filled with gratitude to share that, after a thoughtful and Spirit-led search, the Board of Directors of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries has appointed Mr. Roberto Lara Aranda (he/él) as our Interim Executive Director beginning on September 1st, 2025.
Roberto brings a rare blend of strategic vision, faithful leadership, and compassionate presence. He currently serves as Director of Communications for Global Outreach at the Fetzer Institute, where he leads award-winning multimedia campaigns and narrative strategies that help build the spiritual foundation for a loving world in collaboration with organizations like the UN Religions for Peace and the Faith and Media Coalition. He also teaches in Columbia University’s Strategic Communication graduate program, mentoring emerging leaders in ethics, authenticity, and connecting mission to action.
Within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Roberto has held several prominent leadership roles, including Assistant to the Bishop for Communications and Development in the Metropolitan New York Synod, President of the Latino Ministries Association, and member of the recent Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church. He also serves on the ELCA Foundation Board of Trustees and with Select Learning, a nonprofit offering accessible theological education for lay leaders.
Get to know Roberto more:
Roberto is a proud queer immigrant lay leader, born and raised in México. His leadership is shaped by his deep commitments to LGBTQIA+ inclusion, anti-oppression, and communal healing. His courageous and transparent presence during key moments of institutional change, particularly in times of grief and conflict in the wider church, has made him a trusted voice of integrity and hope.
A fun fact: before his career in ministry and communications, Roberto was a professional ballet dancer. He credits his time on stage with teaching him discipline, presence, and timing, gifts that continue to shape how he leads with clarity and creativity.
Gratitudes:
We give deep thanks to the Search Committee, who faithfully led this process with compassion and diligence: The Rev. Mycah McNett (she/her), Dana Rademacher Hansen (they/she), The Rev. Erik Christensen (he/him), The Rev. Kelsey Green (she/her), Christopher Vergara* (he/él). Their work has been a testament to the spirit of Psalm 138: “On the day I called, you answered me; you increased my strength of soul.”
We invite the full ELM community to join us in celebration, prayer, and participation as we continue this sacred work of rebuilding. In the coming weeks, you’ll receive opportunities to meet Roberto and engage with him in the shared mission of ELM.
Special Invitation:
If you are attending the ELCA Churchwide Assembly or are in the Phoenix area, we invite you to join us for a Celebratory Toast with Roberto, hosted by Board Chair Rev. Mycah McNett. We will gather at 8:30 PM at Carcara in the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. Non-alcoholic options will be available. Further celebrations and welcome events will be planned when Roberto officially begins his time with us after September 1st, 2025.
Thank you for being part of this journey, for your prayers, your presence, and your persistent hope. May this next season bring renewal, clarity, and joy in our shared call to proclaim God’s love and seek justice for all.
With deep gratitude,
The Rev. Mycah McNett, Chair
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
*In the spirit of full transparency and alignment with ELM’s implicit values of integrity and openness, we share that while Christopher Vergara is married to Roberto Lara Aranda, he did not participate in any portion of Roberto’s interview process and fully recused himself from all Board deliberations and decisions related to Roberto’s application and appointment. If you have any questions about the process, feel free to connect with us.
Bio: Mycah McNett(She/Her) is a lifelong Lutheran who hails from both Washingtons: the State and the DC Area. Being a Queer Lutheran is a major part of Mycah’s identity. Mycah is a 2023 graduate of United Lutheran Seminary and is ordained in the ELCA. Mycah holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from James Madison University, specializing in environmental and evolutionary fields as well as anthropology. After college, Mycah served as a Young Adult in Global Mission through the ELCA in Manchester, UK, and as a lay staff member at a Lutheran Church in Harrisonburg, VA. Currently, Mycah is located just outside Philadelphia, PA with her spouse, Alyssa, and three cats: Clem, Clio, and Minnie.