why titus 2-4 life?

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:7-10).

Men and women are in need of a model for life. They are in need of hope. The model for life is found in Titus 2:1-8. This gender-specific model honors God's created order. The hope is revealed in the promise of Titus 2:11-14.

history

Linda Bartlett, as a young wife and mom, had visions of the course her life might take. The expected changed into the unexpected when her eyes were opened by the reality of abortion. It was difficult to ignore what she saw. Once we see, we want to tell others what we have seen!

God's for life message compelled Linda to do something she had never anticipated. Invitations to speak across the country provided opportunities for Linda to hear real stories of real people. Most identified themselves as "pro-life," yet too many defended choices of death. Why? It appears that we are more easily influenced by the world than God's Word. But, without the Word, we are vulnerable targets in the battle for our souls. The enemy of the Creator seeks to deceive the created. Believing the lie (Genesis 3:1), we are led into the enemy's territory. There is denial, guilt, anger, despair, and pain. No despair or pain is greater than feeling separated from God and His mercy. Jesus restores our relationship with our Creator and Father!.

mission statement

Titus 2 - 4 Life encourages men and women to live in this present age eager to glorify God and mentor generations of hope.

worldview

Only two worldviews exist: God's and others. Titus 2 - 4 Life is built upon God's worldview: Creation, The Fall, Redemption. Using this worldview, we can answer the questions of life:

Titus 2 - 4 Life is a model for mentoring Biblical manhood and womanhood on the path of life. It is founded on Biblical Truth: Male and female were both created by God, but at different times, in different ways, and for different purposes (Genesis 2:7; 15; 20-23; 3:20). Titus 2 - 4 Life contrasts creation (design, purpose, community, serve others, choices of life) with evolution (no design, no purpose, autonomy, serve self, choices of death).

 

hope

Titus 2 - 4 Life offers the hope of Jesus Christ:

 

who me? a mentor?

titus 2: a model for life

building a culture of life

lutherans for life & titus 2: making the connection

what others are saying about titus 2 - 4 life

where in the world have we been?

about linda bartlett & the titus 2 team

Linda Bartlett developed Titus 2 - 4 Life after more than 25 years in the pro-life and family mission field. She co-founded Lutherans For Life (LFL) of Iowa; served on the Lutheran Church -Missouri Synod Sanctity of Life Task Force; and, for 18 years, served on the National LFL Board, nine of those years as president. During those years, Linda was invited to speak across the country in congregations and schools, on campuses, and at conferences. Linda has edited a national magazine and continues to write articles and do radio programs. She is the author of Bible studies, booklets, devotionals, and brochures (see "Store"). All are available from www.lutheransforlife.org Linda is the co-founder of the Lighthouse Center of Hope, a caring pregnancy center in her home town of Iowa Falls, IA., and serves as president. Linda also serves on the board of Word of Hope, the healing ministry of LFL. Titus 2 - 4 Life functions as a model for mentoring in conjunction with Word of Hope and LFL. Linda and her husband, Paul, are the parents of two sons and two daughter-in-laws. They are the grandparents of four grandsons. Linda may be contacted at lindabartlett@mchsi.com

Judy Hayen believes in the need for this mentoring ministry and is actively involved. She has hosted several Titus 2 - 4 Life retreats and events. After attending the Titus 2 modesty "lifestyle" show written by Linda, Judy encouraged the show to "go on the road." Judy assisted Linda with the "Dressing for Life: Secrets of the Great Cover-up" modesty event, traveling with Linda to Oklahoma, Missouri, Michigan, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois and throughout Iowa. Today, Judy continues to print and compile the Titus 2 - 4 Life Study and Leader's Guides before each retreat. She maintains the mailing list and offers good counsel. Judy and her husband, Rev. Neil Hayen, are the parents of a daughter and son.

Jill Botsford offered to help organize Linda's material into a Study Guide after attending a Titus 2 clergy wives' retreat.   What a difference this made!  She also helped organize a Leader's Guide for training retreats. Jill's support and skills in this area helped propel Titus 2 - 4 Life forward in a God-pleasing way. Jill and her husband, Rev. Mike Botsford, are the parents of a son and daughter.

Joan Buchhop had partnered with Linda previously in a "home ministry" called Paper Treasures. Linda designed Christian cards; Joan printed and shipped them. Each of their life paths took them in different directions, but Joan willingly offered her assistance in designing the first Titus 2 - 4 Life web site. Her help and insight was invaluable. Today, other ministry commitments demand more of Joan's time, but she continues to provide discerning, Biblical counsel. Joan and her husband, Rev. Dr. Mark Buchhop, are the parents of four sons, three daughter-in-laws, and a granddaughter.

Sara Nispel of Nispel Artistry paired up with Linda to begin work on the current website in 2009.  Her daughter, Becca, joined the team to develop what you see today.  Becca is a student at the Creative Center in Omaha and works in web development for Vipa in Lincoln.  Sara has been a participant in Titus 2 Retreats and encourages Linda with her personal passion for God's Word.  Sara and Becca, as mother and daughter, beautifully illustrate Titus 2 mentoring.

Beth Dittmer is the new generation of Titus 2 - 4 Life. She and her mentor-mom, Sandy, co-hosted a Titus 2 Retreat and then asked to be trained as  facilitators.  While a student at Concordia University in Mequon, WI., Beth led a Titus 2 Retreat for a group of her peers.  Later, as a student in the deaconess program at Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN., Beth co-hosted a T2 retreat together with members of Lutherans For Life.  Her goal  is to develop "Titus 2 Tweens" for middle-school age girls incorporating some of the Titus 2 material. Today, as a deaconess, Beth serves others in numerous ways in her role as a "helper" (Ezer).  

While we wait for Jesus to return, we live in a way that glorifies God.  Through such living, God transforms the culture -- one person at a time.  (Titus 2:1-8; 11-14)

you can teach! encourage! mentor!

Titus 2 - 4 Life offers a model and array of resources, including:

  • Day or overnight retreats
  • Training retreats
  • Bible studies for girls and women
  • Bible studies for boys and men
  • Brochures to help others think
  • Devotions
  • Planning Packets