Keith Johnson, executive director for NovusWay Ministries, has announced that the Rev. Mike Ward (pictured at left) will be changing his work status effective January 1, 2014.  For the past 12 years Ward has served first as Development Director and later as VP of Advancement with responsibility for financial development and marketing.  Ward will continue to be responsible for marketing on a part-time basis.  The change will enable him to serve as a consultant and partner with GSB Associates where he will work with camps and congregations across the country.Ward’s introduction to the ministry was first as a camper at Lutherock in the late 1980’s.  It was at Lutherock that he met his wife Hannah and where he discerned his call to ordained ministry.  In 1993 and 1994 he served as the Lutherock summer director.  Following graduation from Trinity Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, he served as Associate Pastor at St. Marks Lutheran Church, Charlotte prior to becoming Development Director for Lutheridge+Lutherock Ministries where he led the successful Foundations for Faith and The Challenge campaigns.Johnson had this to say about Ward’s changing role; “Mike has done an outstanding job on behalf of the ministry.  Much of the success of past capital campaigns is due to his service and his work with marketing has been innovative.  We will miss him, but we pray God’s blessing as he begins this new business venture.  We’re pleased that he will continue to coordinate marketing on a limited basis.”Ward had this to say about his time with NovusWay; “I love this ministry and will always be connected to it.  I feel blessed that I can continue to share in this ministry that is so important for passing on faith even as my call shifts to serve churches and camps across the country.”Johnson went on to say that development efforts will continue undeterred thanks to outstanding and long serving development staff.  Libby Bedenbaugh, Sr. Development Associate leads “Standing on the Promise” campaign for Lutheranch and she will be assisted by Pr David Hart, Athens, GA.  $1.8 million has been received toward the $4.9 million goal.  Pr Jan Setzler, Development Associate also assists with the campaign and he also led the Heritage Campaign that is nearing is $2.13 million goal.