Resurrection Lutheran Church Woodbury, MN Completed: 06/04/2016

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1 Resurrection Lutheran Church Woodbury, MN Completed: 06/04/2016 The Ministry Site Profile (MSP) is intended for use by congregations and church-related organizations that are seeking to call an ordained or lay rostered minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or a First Call candidate for rostered ministry. Congregations must complete the entire MSP. Church-related organizations may, with the concurrence of the synod bishop, complete only the required sections (Part I, III and IV). Once complete, this form is submitted electronically to your synod bishop for review and posting to the Current Openings listing on the ELCA website ( PART I: WHO WE ARE Name and Location Summary Description Set in a rather affluent, second-ring suburb, and surrounded by developing neighborhoods, Resurrection is poised for growth. We are only an 18 year-old congregation, and our functional and well-maintained building is only 13 years old. We seem to have been "coasting" these past few years, but anticipate that the Spirit will precede and accompany our new pastor, and we can resume the path of growth (in size and in depth) that we experienced in our first chapter of ministry. This is our prayer. CONGREGATION Resurrection Lutheran Church CONGREGATION/MULTIPLE POINT PARISH/ ORGANIZATION NAME CONG ID Woodbury, MN, US CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY Saint Paul Area Synod (3H) Congregation - Organized 1998 SYNOD TYPE OF MINISTRY SITE YEAR ORGANIZED Suburb within 10 miles of a large city SIZE OF COMMUNITY Contact Information Ministry Site (preferred contact information) Resurrection Lutheran Church 9925 Bailey Road Woodbury, MN, US ADDRESS LINE 1 ADDRESS LINE 2 CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY ResLuthOffice@resurrectionwoodbury.org (651) (651) WEB SITE PHONE FAX Chairperson of Congregation or Head of the Organization Su Sorenson NAME 4487 Ashton Curve Woodbury, MN, US ADDRESS LINE 1 ADDRESS LINE 2 CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY (651) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL PHONE FAX 6/7/2016 1:28:46 PM Page 1 of 12

2 Chairperson of Call or Search Committee Deb Daly NAME 907 Lakewood Ct. Maplewood, MN, US ADDRESS LINE 1 ADDRESS LINE 2 CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY (651) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL PHONE FAX ddaly@helmsbriscoe.com Demographics Language Spoken In the congregation/ organization In the surrounding community Race/ Ethnicity (In the Congregation) English PRIMARY LANGUAGE SECOND LANGUAGE THIRD LANGUAGE English PRIMARY LANGUAGE SECOND LANGUAGE THIRD LANGUAGE Caucasian (95%) Asian / Pacific Islander (5%) LARGEST SECOND THIRD FOURTH COMMENTS OR EXPLANATION Race/ Ethnicity (Surrounding Community) Caucasian (80%) Asian / Pacific Islander (10%) African American (5%) Hispanic (5%) LARGEST SECOND THIRD FOURTH COMMENTS OR EXPLANATION Gender comparison Age distribution 48% 52% 30% 20% 25% 20% 5% MALE FEMALE 19 YEARS OR YOUNGER OVER 65 Number of Paid Staff CLERGY LAY ROSTERED OTHER LAY PROFESSIONALS SECRETARIAL SUPPORT CUSTODIAL SUPPORT OTHER Congregational Information Single site 6/7/2016 1:28:46 PM Page 2 of 12

3 AVE WEEKLY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE AVE ATTENDANCE IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PARISH TYPE Distance members live from church facilities: 5% 5% 40% 50% 1/2 MILE OR LESS 1/2-1 MILE 1-3 MILES MORE THAN 3 MILES Community Type Bedroom community College or University Farming Inner City Mining/logging Ranching Industrial Resort Retirement Budget of the Congregation/ Organization 2015 LAST FISCAL YEAR $581,787 $1,700,000 TOTAL BUDGET FOR THE LAST FISCAL YEAR $20,000 $34,000 MISSION SUPPORT TO THE ELCA/ SYNOD FOR THE LAST FISCAL YEAR TOTAL DEBT OF THE CONGREGATION/ ORGANIZATION AT THE END OF THE LAST FISCAL YEAR TOTAL SAVINGS, RESERVES, ENDOWMENT AT THE END OF THE LAST FISCAL YEAR PART II: OUR VISION FOR MISSION Trends in the Community Context of the Congregation or Organization Characteristics: Write a description of your community in terms of socio-economic status, demographics, primary areas of employment and lifestyle. The Demographic ZIP Code report for your primary ZIP codes may be helpful. Located in Woodbury, Resurrection serves communities in the Southeast Suburbs of the Twin Cities. The demographics for these communities have changed from the original small towns that have grown into metro-area suburbs. The surrounding area is home to a highly educated population with a large number of young families, many of them dual-income professionals. Racial diversity is increasing; a 2007 study showed 90% of Washington County to be white. For the 2006/07 school year, six Woodbury elementary schools showed 21% of enrollment to be a race other than white. Median incomes in the southeast suburbs range from $79,000 - $105,000. For many in the community, weekends at a cabin, dining out, or following children s sports or school activities are common recreational pursuits. Exploring the metro area and nearby parks are also frequent activities. (Information from Woodbury and Cottage Grove city websites.) Trends: List three changes or trends within the congregation or organization which have occurred in the last three to five years. Like many mainline congregations, Resurrection has seen membership and worship attendance decline in the new millennium. After the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in 2009, several families left our congregation. In 2013, when Minnesota adopted a same-sex marriage law, we witnessed another few families who chose to leave us. A congregational vote opened the possibility of gay couples being married here, but some friendships were tried and tested along the way. Correspondingly, our general fund giving has also stagnated over this period of time. 6/7/2016 1:28:46 PM Page 3 of 12

4 The departure of the mission-developer, leaving after 15 years, saddened many, and a significant bit of history went with him. However, the upside was seen in the fact that it compelled this young congregation to take ownership of the ministry and its future. Context: List three ways that the community in which you are located has been challenged by change and transition in the last three to five years. Woodbury and Cottage Grove are suburban communities similar to many others in the Twin Cities area. Using Woodbury as an example of the southeast suburbs: Woodbury has grown significantly in the last years, however the city is maturing and this expansion has slowed, impacted by economic trends also. Despite the slowdown in population growth, Woodbury continues to maintain a strong economy and solid economic growth. There is still a significant amount of undeveloped land in eastern and southern Woodbury and northern Cottage Grove, near Resurrection. The southeast suburbs include a wide range of household incomes, ranging from those just getting by to highly affluent families. In these communities there are challenges. The growth, and density of population, have led to traffic congestion, fluid school boundaries, and a challenged tax base. Our school district includes three high schools representing three distinct socio-economic strata. Woodbury has an abundance of Christian churches, and most mainline denominations are represented, including Lutheran (ELCA, LCMS and WELS), Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and several non-denominational congregations. The religious landscape has increased recently with the arrival of several extended-campus evangelical congregations, a Muslim community center, and a Mormon temple built in neighboring Oakdale. Programs: Describe your congregation's or organization's current programs for mission and ministry. A six-member Mission Leadership Team functions as a church council. The MLT oversees the work of the staff, and actively participates in servant leadership in the congregation. They, along with the pastor and standing committees, create the budget, monitor spending, establish vision and goals for the congregation s ministry. The staff consists of nine persons with a 5-1/2 full time equivalent. While our staff has specific written position descriptions, it is committed to stepping in where necessary to allow our church to thrive. Among our most vibrant ministries are Children s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Music and Worship, and Social Outreach. Our ministry partners include East Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hope for the Journey Home, Lake Wapogasset Bible Camp, Christian Cupboard Food Shelf, Feed My Starving Children, and Compassion International. Our Faith in Action Day happens on a Sunday, soon after Easter. After worship, we gather for lunch, and then fan out into the community to serve our neighbors in a dozen different locations. It has become a marvelous bonding experience for our members, and a great assist to our neighbors in need.generous stewardship has been inconsistent much of our time as a congregation. Although Woodbury is an affluent community, our giving is 1.95% of household income. The lack of a stewardship campaign in the fall of 2015 resulted in a financial shortfall by spring However, a successful stewardship program garnered commitments and anticipated income to meet the 2016 budget. Goals: What are the primary goals of your ministry site (please refer to any Strategic Plan that has been adopted). There is not a current strategic plan at Resurrection. Perhaps the energy and passion necessary to gather a critical mass to start a church, and then build a building, left us without setting our sights on that next chapter of ministry. It is the belief among our leadership that we are poised to do so! We anticipate dreaming and planning with our new leader to claim our direction for the future. Energy: What is your congregation or organization really excited about right now? There is a bit of an awakening in our church. New leaders are stepping forward, new stewards are committing their talent and treasure, and faithful veterans are joining hands with newcomers to initiate growth and depth in our church. In 2015, some new ministries emerged as a way for our members and friends to deepen friendship and faith--laff (fellowship for adults), and Bible and Brew (a group for twenty and thirty-somethings) endeavor to build relationships. Confirmation mentors, ALPHA, Resurrection Supper Club, and an annual talent show continue to draw us together as church friends. That said, our recent Holy Cow survey indicated that we are currently a low energy church. People are weary, uncertain for the future, and a byproduct is that we have turned inward instead of being all about others. We have a 6/7/2016 1:28:46 PM Page 4 of 12

5 draft of a building addition, which would provide much needed education and ministry space, but that was set on the shelf for lack of spirited involvement. Other traditional events did not happen this year due to lack of a champion or leader. Partnership: How does this congregation or organization see itself as a member and active participant in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the synod? Resurrection began as a young, new, growing congregation focused primarily on the local community. The synod has been viewed as a very supportive and helpful partner during any call process. Developing greater awareness of the mission and work of both the synod and the churchwide organization is a growth area. As our congregation seeks to grow in missions mindset and involvement, possibilities are wide-ranging for learning more about the broader church s ministry and our potential role in that. We are financially committed to our partnership through our gifts to the St. Paul Area Synod. Members (primarily MLT members or retired clergy) and staff have attended synod assemblies and stewardship events. In 2015 and 2012, youth participated in the ELCA Youth Gathering. A staff member is a delegate to the CWA in August A new appreciation for the St. Paul Area Synod emerged during the interim period, and now, during this call process. 6/7/2016 1:28:46 PM Page 5 of 12

6 Ministry Site Characteristics A LOT LIKE US AS A COMMUNITY A LITTLE A LITTLE LIKE US LIKE US A LOT LIKE US We tend to be formal and programmatic. We tend to be informal and spontaneous. We have clearly defined goals and plans for our future. We have no stated goals or plans. We are racially and economically diverse. We are demographically homogeneous. We welcome ideas that are provoking and challenging. OUR LEADERSHIP STYLE We prefer ideas that are tried and true. We rely on our leaders for direction. We rely on group decision-making. We have learned how to use conflict constructively. Our facilities are often used by community groups. We tend to perceive conflict as something destructive. OUR PROGRAMMING Our facilities are only used for our activities. We train people to minister outside our walls. We train people to minister inside our walls. We focus on ideas and beliefs. We focus on skills and action. We are obviously Lutheran in identify and practice. OUR THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE We are less obvious about our Lutheran heritage. We participate in synod and ELCA activities. We are not very active in the synod and ELCA. We focus on Biblical studies and doctrine. We focus on contemporary issues and topics. 6/7/2016 1:28:46 PM Page 6 of 12

7 Purpose, Giftedness and Mission Purpose How does this congregation or organization understand its reason for being in the light of God's call to mission and service? Who are you? Why are you here? When Resurrection was launched as a ministry, it was intended to be the hands and lips of Jesus to the unchurched and underchurched of Woodbury. An un-scientific matrix of our faith community would be: 1/3 Lutherans, 1/3 former something else, and 1/3 non-believers and new Christians. So, from this perspective, we are a melting pot of folks who find joy being with one another, who strive to be disciples in a challenging world. We are broadly diverse in our theology and spiritual vitality. However, now that we are an adult congregation (we re turning 18 this year!), we may be rethinking our purpose. We ve got a congregation, we built ourselves a building; out of necessity, the focus has largely been upon ourselves. In other words, our worship and community-building have developed our capacity for the first part of The Great Commandment. We have done well at loving God, so perhaps the time has come to expand our grasp of the second part of The Great Commandment--to reach out beyond our walls and love our neighbor as ourselves. Giftedness What are your gifts and resources for fulfilling this purpose? What are the congregation s or organization's top three assets and how are they being used? Are there obstacles that must be overcome to be able to use these gifts and accomplish the mission? First among our assets is our location. We are smack-dab in the middle of the growth section of Woodbury. Acres and acres of developable property (perhaps some of our 24 acres?) mean that new neighbors have come, and will continue to come, but our missional purpose would be to go to them first! Our second asset is our church community. We were teethed on the practice of welcoming the visitor as family. It is in our DNA, that we are a large family, who cares for one another, who weeps with those who weep, and laughs with those who laugh. And we are a congregation who welcomes the stranger, and especially those for whom the church has been a harsh place. Third, we have the farm! Among the 17 acres that were gifted to us by the original homesteaders are the century-old family farm, barn and out-buildings. We are discerning how to best use this property for some unique ministry that God might have in mind. Mission In light of the way you have described your ministry context in this Ministry Site Profile, what are the top three mission priorities which, if accomplished, hold the most promise for the continued development of this ministry? As identified in the Holy Cow Survey, our three mission priorities are, 1. Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to reach new people and incorporate them into the life of the church. 2. Develop the spiritual generosity of the people to financially support the ministry of the church. 3. Develop ministries that work toward healing those broken by life circumstances. References Synodical Bishop The Rev. Patricia Lull Saint Paul Area Synod patricia.lull@spas-elca.org NAME SYNOD (651) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX 6/7/2016 1:28:46 PM Page 7 of 12

8 Inside Congregation or organization Rev. Ron Freimark (retired) Church Member NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE (651) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Outside Congregation or organization John Clark The James Company, President m NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE (800) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Member of the ELCA Clergy roster The Rev. Ted Vanderpan Zion Lutheran Church - Sr. Pastor ted@zionbuffalo.org NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE (763) (763) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Anyone else who knows your setting well Jay Hickey Church Member jay@powellmcgee.com NAME SYNOD (651) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX PART III: LEADERSHIP NEEDS The Leader we Seek Roster Type: Associate in Ministry Deaconess Diaconal Minister Ordained Clergy In Candidacy/First Call Solo Pastor Master's Degree (seminary or graduate school) Full time call POSITION TYPE: MINIMUM DEGREE REQUIRED: FULL TIME/PART TIME: Language Proficiencies English/Fluent PRIMARY LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY) SECOND LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY) THIRD LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY) Experience: 0-3 years 4-9 years years years 21 + years 6/7/2016 1:28:46 PM Page 8 of 12

9 Top Five Ministry Tasks The five most critical tasks required in this position. Administration Building a Sense of Community Campus / Young Adult Ministry Chaplaincy Children's Ministry Christian Education Communications/ Media Community Organizing Conflict Management Counseling/ Social Work Early Childhood Administration Ecumenical Work Evangelism/ Mission Financial Management Global Service Innovation / Creativity Interim Ministry Interpret Theology Inter-personal Climate Ministry in Crisis Ministry in Daily Life Ministry with Seniors Multicultural Ministry Music / Worship / Arts Outdoor/ Camping Ministry Parish Nurse / Health Participant in the Larger Church Pastoral Care and Visitation Preaching / Worship Public Policy / Advocacy Recruit and Equip Leaders Self Care / Family Life Small Group Ministry Social Ministry Spiritual Formation / Direction Stewardship Strategic Mission Planning Teaching Volunteer Coordination Youth and Family Ministry Gifts for Ministry The five gifts essential in this position, and the five that are very helpful in this position. Top Priority Help people develop their spiritual life. Help people understand and act upon issues of social justice. Provide care and nurture. Be active in visitation of members and non-members. Be effective in working with children. Build a sense of community among the people with whom he/she works. Help others develop their leadership abilities and skills for ministry. Be an effective administrator. Be an effective communicator. Be an effective teacher. Encourage support of the Church's wider mission. Work regularly in the development of stewardship growth. Be active in ecumenical relationships. Be effective in working with youth. Organize people for community action. Be skilled in planning and leading programs. Very Helpful 6/7/2016 1:28:46 PM Page 9 of 12

10 Have a strong commitment and loyalty to the Lutheran Church. Understand and interpret the mission of the Church from a global perspective. Deal effectively with conflict. Bring joy and good humor to relationships. Be able to share leadership and work in a team. Be creative and innovative about his or her tasks. Be able to use technology and media. Appreciate cultural diversity in language and customs. Have talents in the areas of music, arts and writing. Mutual Expectations Please list the five primary areas of activity or focus that you wish your newly-called rostered leader to give special attention to during the first year of his or her ministry at this congregation or organization: A. Congregational engagement of all generations B. Dynamic preaching, with humor and relevance C. Focus on stewardship and a financial plan D. Re-working our purpose statement and vision for ministry E. Please list the five ways that this congregation / organization will support and encourage the rostered leader during the first year in order to help her or him accomplish these responsibilities: A. PRAY for the shared ministry between pastor and congregation, and pray for the pastor (and family's) sense of welcome and belonging among us B. ENCOURAGE her/him in the many tasks, in a new place and with new faces C. AFFIRM our pastor for their call to our faith community, and the work that he/she does D. Be CONSTRUCTIVE in our feedback and in sharing concerns, speaking the truth in love E. PRAY again, for them; that they might serve faithfully, love us graciously, and enjoy the respect of the congregation Compensation No PARSONAGE No SOCIAL SECURITY TAX OFFSET $65,000 - $70,000 MAXIMUM AMOUNT AVAILABLE FOR DEFINED COMPENSATION Benefits 4 weeks PENSION MEDICAL VACATION WEEKS SABBATICAL POLICY PARENTAL LEAVE POLICY 6/7/2016 1:28:46 PM Page 10 of 12

11 ARE BACKGROUND CHECKS REQUIRED Professional Expenses AUTO / TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT FIRST CALL THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES ACCOUNT CONTINUING EDUCATION Comments: Please offer any comment or explanation regarding the compensation package, especially as it compares to synodical recommendations or guidelines. We are committed to meeting synod guidelines in all matters of compensation. The salary range above used the assumption of: Salary of $65,000 FICA offset of $5000 Health Insurance for employee at Gold+ level Professional expenses of $750 Continuing Education of $1200 Pension at 10% Other Supporting Resources Are you able to supply the following items, if requested? Mission and Vision statement of the congregation or organization Printed history of the congregation or organization Strategic Plan: Goals and Objectives Budget Annual Report Position description: Duties and Responsibilities Communications Piece (publicity, newsletter, etc.) PART IV: COMMENTARY No You are encouraged to offer information or commentary that will help the reader appreciate the vision, opportunities, challenges and nature of your ministry site. Use this opportunity to creatively promote and commend your ministry possibilities. PART V: COMPLETION OF PROFILE Discernment Process and Adoption Please describe the process used to gather information, formulate responses, and officially adopt this Ministry Site Profile. (Approximately 100 words maximum). 6/7/2016 1:28:46 PM Page 11 of 12

12 In February 2016, a Transition Task Force gathered to identify the strengths and needs at this point in our history. Using the book "Temporary Shepherds" we had honest conversations regarding the past and present, and were filled with gratitude for this church family. We invited Holy Cow Consulting to help us implement their CAT survey, and with 70% of our average worship attendance responding to the survey, we got a great glimpse of who we are as a congregation. On a parallel path, the Mission Leadership Team solicited nominations for the Call Committee, and on a very prayer-filled evening in May, we chose seven members who represent a wide demographic of our membership. Each of these stakeholders (Task Force, Membership, MLT, staff and Call Committee) weighed in on parts of this profile, and agreed that it is an honest representation of who we are, and what we want to be. Solo Dei Gloria! Enter the date on which this Ministry Site Profile was adopted by vote of the Congregation Council or organization's board: 6/1/2016 CALL PROCESS ADMINISTRATOR The name of the person on the synod staff that the bishop has designated as the Call Process Administrator for this call process. Noreen Stevens NAME Synod Associate TITLE (651) noreen.stevens@spas-elca.org OFFICE PHONE Reference's Recommendation John Clark NAME jclark@jamescompany.com (800) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX 6/7/2016 1:28:46 PM Page 12 of 12