About Us

Our retreats are sponsored by LEM Ministries, an oranization that has been sponsoring retreats and conferences for the purose of evangelism and discipleship since 1937. LEM Ministry Partners Bruce Kotila and Sharon Knudson serve as retreat directors for the weekends.

Pastor Bruce L. Kotila

Bruce Kotila was director of LEM from 1997 to 2008 and is now Pastor of Discipleship at Thanksgiving! Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska. A 1991 graduate of Bethel Seminary, he served as pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, and has since been involved in two church plants. A teacher at heart, he directs guided Doorway to Discovery Silent Retreat Weekends, pastor’s retreats, evangelistic meetings, and workshops on discipleship. His cell church ministry has included both advisory and networking dimensions for many years, and he is now preparing curriculum for these groups through Cell Shepherds. Pastor Kotila has taught college-level courses at both the American Free Lutheran Bible School and the Lay Ministry Training Center. He and his wife Barb live in Omaha, Nebraska with their two children.

Sharon M. Knudson

Sharon Knudson is the director of the Women’s Silent Retreats. She is communications director of LEM and editor of their monthly ministry piece called LifeLines. A full-time freelance writer, she likes to speak at women’s gatherings and retreats. Her new book, Starting from Scratch When You’re Single Again, was released in September 2008 and features an interactive blog (visit www.StartingFromScratchBooks.com). She is past-president of the 130-member Minnesota Christian Writers Guild, and in August 2000 was chosen “Writer of the Year” by the American Christian Writers Conference. A pianist and worship leader, Ms. Knudson holds two music degrees from Michigan State University. She and her husband, Bob, are active in their church and live in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota. Visit her web site at www.SharonKnudson.com.