St. John's Evangelical Lutheran

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1 Bloomington, IL Completed: 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 CONGREGATION Summary Description We trust God for a senior pastor to guide our dedicated staff, council and volunteers so we can become a growing, Christcentered, Spirit-filled community. Are you a Shepherd leader ready to lead the largest church in our synod? Will you boldly embrace and welcome people where they are? Can you engage a church with multiple worship styles, vibrant children s and youth programs and strong caring ministries? If so, God has prepared you for St. John s. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church CONGREGATION/MULTIPLE POINT PARISH/ ORGANIZATION NAME CONG ID Bloomington, IL, US CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY Central/Southern Illinois Synod (5C) Congregation - Organized 1872 SYNOD TYPE OF MINISTRY SITE YEAR ORGANIZED Medium city (50, ,999) SIZE OF COMMUNITY Contact Information Ministry Site (preferred contact information) 1617 E. Emerson St. Bloomington, IL, US ADDRESS LINE 1 ADDRESS LINE 2 CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY shari@stjohnsbloomington.org ngton.org (309) (309) WEB SITE PHONE FAX Chairperson of Congregation or Head of the Organization Chris Magnuson NAME 305 Northbridge CC Ct. Normal, IL, US ADDRESS LINE 1 ADDRESS LINE 2 CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY (309) (309) (309) /11/2017 1:25:26 PM Page 1 of 13

2 DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL PHONE FAX Chairperson of Call or Search Committee Chris Magnuson NAME 305 Northbridge CC Ct. Normal, IL, US ADDRESS LINE 1 ADDRESS LINE 2 CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY (309) (309) (309) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL PHONE FAX cmagnuson@ilfb.org Demographics Language Spoken In the congregation/ organization English PRIMARY LANGUAGE SECOND LANGUAGE THIRD LANGUAGE In the surrounding community English Spanish Race/ Ethnicity (In the Congregation) PRIMARY LANGUAGE SECOND LANGUAGE THIRD LANGUAGE Caucasian (95%) African American (5%) LARGEST SECOND THIRD FOURTH COMMENTS OR EXPLANATION Our congregation ethnicity of 98+% Caucasian is reflective of our Swedish (European) heritage and 140+ years of Midwestern Lutheran history. (95% was the largest option available in the menu). However our Noah's Ark preschool has a large population of families from India who are employed by State Farm Insurance. Race/ Ethnicity (Surrounding Community) Caucasian (80%) African American (10%) Asian / Pacific Islander (5%) Hispanic (5%) LARGEST SECOND THIRD FOURTH COMMENTS OR EXPLANATION Gender comparison Age distribution 46% 54% 25% 15% 15% 25% 20% 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 9/11/2017 1:25:26 PM Page 2 of 13

3 Single site AVE WEEKLY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE AVE ATTENDANCE IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PARISH TYPE Distance members live from church facilities: 5% 10% 70% 15% 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 2016 LAST FISCAL YEAR $1,890,000 $665,000 TOTAL BUDGET FOR THE LAST FISCAL YEAR $140,660 $2,335,000 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. Bloomington/Normal is a vibrant Midwestern twin city community (population 132,200) conveniently located between Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis along historic Route 66 with a diverse and strong agribusiness, healthcare and education economy. We are listed among the Top 10 College Towns in America by Business Insider. We have a deep and rich history in progressive agriculture with ties to Abraham Lincoln. We are home to State Farm Insurance, Beer Nuts, two universities, a community college and two hospitals. We have a dynamic arts community, extensive parks system and numerous family recreation facilities. Both communities have recently invested in revitalizing the core city centers by encouraging small business and core residential development. This has resulted in an active and bustling uptown Normal and historic downtown Bloomington full of family activities, numerous music and arts festivals and farmers markets. Residents are highly educated and enjoy the convenient transportation systems available - including rail (Amtrak), local airport with three international carriers and three interstates. We are a very welcoming community that has two award winning public school districts; four private school options; nationally recognized youth athletic programs; extensive trail and park system with an environmental and sustainability focus. Bloomington/Normal boasts the lowest unemployment in the state with a small town Midwestern cost of living and the amenities of a larger city and proximity to major population centers. Trends: List three changes or trends within the congregation or organization which have occurred in the last three to five years. Trends in the past five years are a greater emphasis on youth programming, more passionate caring for one another and a more professional organizational structure better aligned with our mission, vision and values. 1) As our world has become more complicated and our lives, more busy, St. John s recognizes the need to reach out and embrace 9/11/2017 1:25:26 PM Page 3 of 13

4 young families with programming to help them grow in their faith. By inviting them to participate in activities that enhance their lives, we are given an opportunity to express our love for them. Our preschool, Noah's Ark, and our Vacation Bible School have been especially well-received in the community and have served to increase young families coming to St. John's. 2) Our church understands that we best serve our neighbors beyond the boundaries of our church home when we are unified and healthy within. Our recognition of members in need has become more intense and our response, more passionate with the growth of our BeFriender ministry. A focus on connection has led to the development of a four step process that begins with a new member class followed by guided steps through the use of PLACE assessments, coaching and a next steps event that helps all members to engage and be equipped through life giving service and connection through small groups. 3) We are in year three of implementing recommendations intended to reorganize and clarify staff efforts and responsibilities, redirect Council leadership around strategic conversations and goal setting, and Ministry Team activities aligned with our mission, to engage and equip people to embrace Jesus Christ. 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. Bloomington/Normal is one of the few communities in Illinois that continues to see population growth. A broad economic base including healthcare, insurance, education, agriculture and agribusiness, and numerous innovative entrepreneurs has allowed us to not only survive, but thrive through the recent challenging state budget period. The past decade has witnessed the revitalization of the core uptown Normal and downtown Bloomington centers - including the construction of new hotels, multiple residential properties, a new multi-modal transportation center and a sports/entertainment coliseum. There are plans for a new library in Normal and a library expansion in Bloomington. We are home to award winning history and children's museums, Miller Park zoo, a performing arts center and extensive bike/walking trail system. There has been steady growth in enrollment at Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University and Heartland Community College. Our communities have always been welcoming and forward thinking, represented by the development of the "Not In Our Town" organization years before the recent national issues of divisiveness and exclusion. We are poised for additional growth through Bloomington Normal Advantage, an economic development plan and implementation strategy promoting collaboration by engaging all segments of the community to achieve economic growth and diversification through entrepreneurship, expansion of underrepresented employment sectors, and attraction of complementary businesses while building upon the region's superior quality of life. Programs: Describe your congregation's or organization's current programs for mission and ministry. St. John's current programs for mission and ministry are organized through Ministry Teams. Following are the current programs: - Worship Arts: The Worship Arts Ministry Team coordinates worship throughout the year. Senior Choir, Bell Choir, numerous children's choirs, Saturday Evening Service band and the Community of Joy band lead at four weekend services with three distinct styles of worship and at special services offered to our community. - Parish Life: Over 180 volunteers provide service through fellowship events and meal preparation for new babies, families in need and funeral luncheons; an active health and wellness ministry; prayer ministry and care ministries, including the growing BeFriender ministry. St. John's Women's groups include three circles and a quilting ministry. - Adult Discipleship: St. John's has hundreds of small groups, a weekday pastor-led bible study and a Sunday adult bible study. In addition the team recommends church wide book reads that enhance sermon series and often hosts authors or events. - Dinnertime is an inter-generational meal and fellowship opportunity. - Children: Our Sunday School program (2-5th) includes large group with music and activities followed by small group time. Vacation Bible School hosts nearly 300 children (many nonmembers from the community) with 150+ volunteers. In 2016 a Family Christmas Eve Experience was added. - Noah's Ark, our weekday preschool for 2 - Pre K, is NAEYC accredited and faith based. -Junior High (6th-8th grade) - Thrive is our Wednesday night small group (confirmation) ministry and Genesis is the Sunday mornings study. Summer camps and retreats are held at LOMC. - Sr. High (9th-12th grade) - The Sr. High weekly small and large group program is Ignite. Sunday mornings are CHAOS - Choosing Him as Our Savior. Over 70 youth serve through our annual mission trip with Group Work Camps and through activities such as our Jesus Gloves You project, homeless night simulations and sponsoring a prayer room during Holy Week. - Local and Global Missions: We serve our strategic mission partners both in our local community and across the world. -Guest Experience Team: Our core value of being a welcoming community is lived out through the work of the guest experience team-ushers, greeters and most recently by implementing a new connection process using the PLACE assessment tools and hosting next step events. 9/11/2017 1:25:26 PM Page 4 of 13

5 Goals: What are the primary goals of your ministry site (please refer to any Strategic Plan that has been adopted). Our strategic plan is an expression of our vision, to be a growing, Christ-centered, Spirit-led community, and guided by our mission to Engage and Equip people to Embrace Jesus Christ! In 2016 our Ministry Team Leadership Council which includes Council, staff and ministry team leaders identified our strategic priorities as: 1) be a unified faith community and 2) serve our neighbors. These goals have provided guidance to the staff and ministry teams as they develop their ministry plans each year resulting in action plans that include an emphasis on intergenerational and diverse ministry opportunities, and caring for one another, our community and our sister congregations. Energy: What is your congregation or organization really excited about right now? The congregation, staff and volunteers are very excited about what God has planned for us. There is a lot of energy around our children and youth activities, worship, our mission efforts and caring ministries outlined above and in the mission section of the profile. We have a devoted volunteer army who routinely step up to assist in each effort. The realignment of ministries with professional and dedicated staff has allowed us to capitalize on strengths and gifts each person brings to the table. 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? St. John's commitment to the ELCA is strong. As one of the largest congregations in our synod, we recognize our call to leadership in support of smaller congregations and respond by providing Mission Support benevolence. Shared ministry opportunities are limitless; one prime example of this is confirmed with our intention to facilitate the BeFriender program throughout our synod and offering worship space and joint youth programming to Resurrection Lutheran Church when their building became uninhabitable. Our commitment to global missions is real with vibrant partnerships with Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia and Lutheran World Relief. St. John s is blessed and thankful to have as members a former ELCA Bishop, a current Assistant to the Bishop, and a member of the ELCA Church Council! 9/11/2017 1:25:26 PM Page 5 of 13

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. 9/11/2017 1:25:26 PM Page 6 of 13

7 Purpose, Giftedness and Mission Purpose Giftedness 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? Following a period of discernment, prayer and spiritual guidance, our congregation has a clear understanding of who we are and what God wants us, and needs us to do in His world. With a commitment to meet our neighbors exactly where they are at in their life's journey, to accept them exactly the way they are and to love them with our whole heart, we envision a vibrant faith community in fervent service to our brothers and sisters. 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? We have a creative, professional staff who have worked very hard in recent years to apply the recommendations received through a discernment and consultation process with Susan Beaumont. A staff covenant was created based on John 13:35; "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Our committed volunteers of all ages complete the picture. Clergy and Council set the vision, our staff direct teams of volunteers who make the programs happen. Continuing to connect members to lifegiving service and learning opportunities is a challenge that we are working to overcome with our new connection process that utilizes the PLACE assessments and database tool started in Our facility is one of our strong assets as well. In addition to worship, the campus hosts Noah's Ark preschool, community wide VBS and other community organizations. Our challenges reflect those of many large congregations. We have many programs, many new programs we want to do and limited resources with which to do them. Our facility - God's house - needs repairs and renovations. Financial resources are an issue, especially after some members left after the adoption of the policy to allow same sex weddings at St. John's. 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? In all aspects of our ministry, we focus on our mission, to engage and equip people to embrace Jesus Christ. Our top three priorities are youth and family, caring for our members and serving our neighbors. 1) We are working to engage and equip children and families effectively through Vacation Bible School, Sunday School and family friendly worship experiences. We are always evaluating the ways we engage and equip our older youth through fellowship events, bible studies and service opportunities that meet the desires of today s generation to socialize with friends and make a difference in the world. We work to be as accommodating as possible to account for their busy schedules and cultural changes around church attendance. 2) We engage and equip our members by growing our BeFriender ministry and continue to develop a powerful connection process that will engage all in life-giving service opportunities. We just started a health ministry and have reorganized our staff to focus on aligning our Adult and Family ministries to provide cradle to grave discipleship opportunities. 3) We continue to devote time to identify who our neighbors are and how we might best serve them and engage and equip them to embrace Jesus Christ. We look forward to upcoming strategic conversations around local and global missions as a congregational focus and ways to engage members of all ages in being God s hands and feet in the world. We are working to help people lose the burden of debt with the church-wide Live Free initiative which will invite the entire community to attend Financial Peace University courses. 9/11/2017 1:25:26 PM Page 7 of 13

8 References Synodical Bishop NAME SYNOD DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Inside Congregation or organization NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Outside Congregation or organization NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE (309) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Member of the ELCA Clergy roster NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Anyone else who knows your setting well NAME SYNOD DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX PART III: LEADERSHIP NEEDS The Leader we Seek Roster Type: Minister of Word and Sacrament Minister of Word and Service In Candidacy/First Call Senior Pastor / Head of Staff Master's Degree (seminary or graduate school) Full time call POSITION TYPE: MINIMUM DEGREE REQUIRED: FULL TIME/PART TIME: 9/11/2017 1:25:26 PM Page 8 of 13

9 Language Proficiencies English/Fluent PRIMARY LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY) SECOND LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY) THIRD LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY) Experience: 0-3 years 4-9 years years years 21 + years 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. Very Helpful 9/11/2017 1:25:26 PM Page 9 of 13

10 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. 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. Become acquainted with our members, staff, volunteer leaders, current ministries and multiple worship styles as a way to understand and lift up our foundational core value of welcoming people where they are. B. Work with staff and council to evaluate and build up the attendance, volunteer engagement and financial giving impacted by current cultural trends and the decision to allow same sex weddings. We experienced an approximately 25% decline in worship attendance; 10-15% decline in giving and 2% decline in membership during the summer of C. Continue to develop a year round stewardship strategy building on the Find your PLACE connection process (initiated in 2017) and the Live Free (Financial Peace University) all church initiative (Completed in 2018). D. Define, grow and lead our local and global mission ministries through strategic planning discussions and develop best practices and procedures as we explore ways to live into our goal to serve our neighbors. E. As head of staff, review and affirm current staffing positions and changes resulting from our recently developed five year staffing plan and pastoral changes. 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. Our staff and leadership will help to identify a priority list of contacts for relationship building; educate you with regards to our mission, vision, culture and core values and orient you to the current ministries and multiple worship styles. B. The impact of the wedding policy on finances and attendance has stabilized. Our staff and finance team will commit to provide necessary data and analysis to clarify our financial position and giving results, and identify attendance patterns as we work together to develop a model for growth. C. We have an active stewardship ministry team that is focused on developing a year round message about stewardship and the PLACE connection process that will provide the foundation for a faith based stewardship strategy. 9/11/2017 1:25:26 PM Page 10 of 13

11 D. We have a generous congregation and dedicated staff and volunteers that provide a strong foundation for our mission ministries who can help develop a strategic plan and structured processes to build up church-wide mission activities. E. We have a dedicated, professional staff recently reorganized as a result of a five year staffing plan. We are open to further evolution of the plan and the consideration of a call to a second Associate Pastor. Compensation No PARSONAGE SOCIAL SECURITY TAX OFFSET Synod Guidelines MAXIMUM AMOUNT AVAILABLE FOR DEFINED COMPENSATION Benefits 4 weeks PENSION MEDICAL VACATION WEEKS SABBATICAL POLICY PARENTAL LEAVE POLICY 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. 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 9/11/2017 1:25:26 PM Page 11 of 13

12 Strategic Plan: Goals and Objectives Budget Annual Report Position description: Duties and Responsibilities Communications Piece (publicity, newsletter, etc.) PART IV: COMMENTARY 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. While always committed in word to be a unified faith community, our congregation has matured to truly understand that unity can be achieved only through the Spirit s guidance, a knowledge of Jesus love and in complete reliance on God s promises. Unity does not mean that we all think alike and agree on everything; it means that we search together to discern His will for His church. We understand that mainstream churches are in decline in our country, but as heirs of Luther s legacy, we are committed to boldly engage and equip people to embrace Jesus Christ. 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). In an attempt to provide an opportunity for everyone s input so that this profile best represents our church, all members were asked to fill out synod survey forms, A Look at Our Congregation and Pastoral Priorities. These results are reflected on this profile. Staff and Council members provided input to specific questions on this profile and the information included in this Ministry Site Profile includes all of this input. Enter the date on which this Ministry Site Profile was adopted by vote of the Congregation Council or organization's board: 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. Shari Buckellew NAME Executive Director of Business Operations TITLE (309) shari@stjohnsbloomington.org 9/12/2017 OFFICE PHONE Reference's Recommendation Doretta Herr NAME director@bnfia.org (309) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE (309) /11/2017 1:25:26 PM Page 12 of 13

13 CELL FAX 9/11/2017 1:25:26 PM Page 13 of 13