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 (Associate in Ministry, Deaconess or Diaconal Minister) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or First Call candidates for rostered ministry. Congregations must complete the entire Ministry Site Profile. Church-related organizations may, with the concurrence of the synod bishop, complete only the required sections (1-4 and 8-19). Once complete, this form is submitted electronically to your synod bishop for review and posting to the "ministry opportunities" listing on the ELCA web Site. PART I WHO WE ARE 1. Name and Location CONGREGATION Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 10909 CONGREGATION/MULTIPLE POINT PARISH/ ORGANIZAITON NAME CONG ID Decorah, IA, 52101 CITY, STATE, ZIP US COUNTRY Northeastern Iowa Synod (5F) Congregation - Organized 1958 SYNOD TYPE OF MINISTRY SITE YEAR ORGANIZED Small town (under 10,000) SIZE OF COMMUNITY Date Completed: 2. Contact Information Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Call Committee 701 Iowa Avenue Decorah, IA, 52101 US ADDRESS LINE I ADDRESS LINE II CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY goodshepherd@q.com http://www.goodshe pherddecorah.org/ 5633823963 E-MAIL WEB SITE PHONE FAX Chairperson of Congregation or Head of the Organization Jim Fritz NAME 315 Riverview Drive Decorah, IA, 52101 US ADDRESS LINE I ADDRESS LINE II CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY 5633823705 DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL PHONE FAX jlfritz@mac.com E-MAIL Chairperson of Call or Search Committee John Moeller NAME 312 Day Street Decorah, IA, 52101 US ADDRESS LINE I ADDRESS LINE II CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY 5633828159 1/21/2015 10:50:56 AM Page 1 of 14
DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL PHONE FAX moellerj@luther.edu E-MAIL 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%) Hispanic (5%) LARGEST SECOND THIRD FOURTH Race/ Ethnicity (Surrounding Community) Caucasian (90%) Hispanic (10%) LARGEST SECOND THIRD FOURTH Gender comparison Age distribution 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% MALE FEMALE 19 YEARS OR YOUNGER 20-34 35-49 50-65 OVER 65 Number of Paid Staff 1 0 1 1 1 0 CLERGY LAY ROSTERED OTHER LAY PROFESSIONALS SECRETARIAL SUPPORT Congregational Information 51-150 0-25 Single site AVE WEEKLY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE AVE ATTENDANCE IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PARISH TYPE Distance members live from church facilities: 10% 75% 15% 0% 1/2 MILE OR LESS 1/2-1 MILE 1-3 MILES MORE THAN 3 MILES CUSTODIAL SUPPORT OTHER Community Type Bedroom community College or University Farming Inner City Mining/logging Ranching Industrial Resort Retirement 1/21/2015 10:50:56 AM Page 2 of 14
4. Budget of the Congregation/ Organization 2014 $189,113 $0 TOTAL BUDGET FOR THE LAST FISCAL YEAR LAST FISCAL YEAR $30,625 $85,000 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 5. Trends in the community Context of the Congregation or Organization Characteristics Context 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. Decorah has been recognized as one of the best small towns in America by several national publications. Located about 75 miles from the cities of Rochester MN, and LaCrosse WI, Decorah is a rural regional center. A vibrant small town of 8000, Decorah has a lively downtown and beautiful parks, trails, and other natural amenities. Major employers include Luther College, several industries, retailers, the Winneshiek Medical Center (affiliated with the Mayo Clinic), and Gundersen Health System. The town enjoys an active arts community, a food coop, a farmer's market, many good restaurants, and several community music groups. The public schools are rated highly by national standards. Town and gown conflicts seem minimal; indeed, several recent civic projects have shown good collaboration. There is a range of income levels in the county and in Decorah: at John Cline Elementary in 2012-13, 32% of the students qualified for free or reduced-price lunch. Nestled in scenic bluffs and valleys, the town and its surrounding countryside attract tourists and retirees while retaining an authentic small town character. 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. 1. The ICE raid on the Postville packing plant in 2008 (30 miles away from Decorah) had widespread effects in the community. The status of immigrants in our community and in our congregation continues to be a concern and a galvanizing focus for church efforts. 2. In 2009, a Decorah couple was part of the court challenge that resulted in Iowa becoming the fourth state in the country to legalize same-sex marriage. As a Reconciling in Christ congregation since 2007, the first non-campus ministry in Iowa to do so, our congregation affirmed our welcome to gay and lesbian persons wishing to marry at our church and support of our pastor presiding at weddings of all couples. 3. Our community includes traditional and organic farmers, college professors and construction workers, environmental activists and political conservatives. There's some history of disagreement in Decorah between left and right, town and gown, the new ways and the old. But historic lines of division may be softening--indeed, many people find themselves outside the traditional binaries. There might be farmers in the yoga class and the kids of crunchy granola types playing in the school band. Churches can provide a valuable place for people to come together. Trends List three changes or trends within the congregation or organization which have occurred in the last three to five years 1/21/2015 10:50:56 AM Page 3 of 14
1. Our CTR statistics appear to suggest that there has been a sudden loss of membership, but that is not true. We have updated our rolls for the first time in several years, and our count now accurately reflects active members. Our membership is stable, and many of us have remarked that attendance has been growing. The church has been busy and lively, and not just on Sunday mornings. In the last couple of years, we have welcomed several new members into the congregation, including families with young children and retirees. 2. Our congregation has a long history of social justice ministry. In the 1970s and 80s, we were well known in the region for welcoming and assisting immigrants and refugees. Since the ICE raid, congregational ministry has again coalesced around these issues, in accompaniment with families and individuals (including some members of our congregation) who face challenges due to their immigrant status. These efforts have included both active involvement by individual members and significant financial contributions by many members. Our decision in 2007 to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation has also been important for us. Programs 3. The church has been working to improve our stewardship of the environment, in our buildings and facilities and in our outdoor landscape. Among other efforts, we participate in the Energy Stewards Program sponsored through the ELCA and the Northeast Iowa Synod. Starting in 2012, for two years Good Shepherd worked with an energy steward to reduce energy consumption 5% for 10 years. The Congregation Council formally adopted a policy several years ago that no herbicides or pesticides be used on the church lawn and landscape beds. We received the Environmental Protection Agency s Energy Star certification in 2013. Describe your congregation's or organization's current programs for mission and ministry 1. We are church. Our life as a congregation is grounded in our love of Christ, our confidence in God's love for us, and our commitment to sharing the good news of the gospel. 2. We are a Reconciling in Christ congregation. 3. Our immigration ministry is active and has achieved positive results; for example, we reached out to other local faith-based groups to form Pathway to Citizenship, a group that provides legal, financial, and personal support to immigrants, especially through quarterly legal clinics. 4. Our Sunday School is small, but lively. The children and youth have led the congregation through wonderful social justice efforts. We have an active Adult Forum program, and the Congregational Survey identifies a desire for more Bible study groups. 5. Our extraordinary music program includes the contributions of a choir and a brass ensemble, and regularly features original music composed by members of the congregation. Many members remark on how much they enjoy the congregational singing. 6. We participate in ELCA efforts to create school kits, baby layette kits, and health kits; our Prayer Shawl Ministry knits and crotchets shawls, scarves and squares and distributes them. 7. We have an active WELCA group and active circles. 8. We organize an annual "Welcome Neighbors" picnic. 9. We host a Waldorf-style early development center. 10. We make our facilities available for many other community events and meetings. 11.Good Shepherd co-sponsors and our members help lead several community organizations and efforts, including Habitat for Humanity, Spectrum Industries, Community Dinners, Walk for Hunger, Community Food Pantry, and the Aase Haugen Retirement Home. 12. We are partners in mission with the local community, with the synod, and with the global church. 13. Every single time there has been a call for help, for funds, for volunteers, the members of the congregation have responded generously. Goals If there is a Strategic Plan in place for the congregation or organization; what are the primary goals to which you are committed? 1/21/2015 10:50:56 AM Page 4 of 14
Here's our mission statement: We are a congregation empowered by the Good Shepherd to: Nurture and support Christ s flock through Christ centered worship. Welcome all, offering trust and respect while sharing God s unconditional love. Reach out to the broader community through service and responsible stewardship of all God s creation. Energy Partnership What is your congregation or organization really excited about right now? The congregational survey indicated clearly that members of the church are proud of our history and excited for the future. They are looking forward to new leadership that builds on our strong sense of fellowship, our commitment to social justice, and our love of music. They are excited to have a church family, to hear the gospel message proclaimed, and to share the good news with the waiting world. How does this congregation or organization see itself as a member and active participant in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the synod? We have historically been strong leaders in support of the ELCA and our synod. We regularly exceed the synod s expectation that we will set aside 10% of our budget for synodical support. In 2014, for example, we provided the synod with $23,000, on a budget of $189,113 (12%). And our commitment to our Benevolence funding goes beyond our synodical support. In the same 2014 budget year, we also contributed an additional $7625 to other Lutheran efforts and organizations, such as Lutheran Services in Iowa, and Mary Beth and Bayo Oyebades' missionary work in Nigeria. We also made special contributions to organizations such as the Decorah Free Clinic, and the ELCA Disaster relief funds. We also contribute to local needs through our Mission Assistance Fund, which members of the congregation fund with contributions above and beyond their pledges. In 2014, we disbursed $9896 through this fund. Thus, in 2014 our combined benevolence and community support amounted to $40,521 which would be 21% of our budget for that year. For 2015, our budget projects support for synodical benevolence at 13%. According to the Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Anderson, "Good Shepherd has for many years been the pride of the synod for their generous support of the mission of the church and their heartfelt concern for global mission and justice." We are proud of our faithful financial support of the synod and the ELCA, but financial support is only part of the picture. We have been generous as well with our time and our talents. We also understand our efforts with immigrants and refugees, our participation in local efforts such as the Decorah Community Meals, and our status as a Reconciling in Christ congregation, to be part of our witness to the synod and the ELCA, helping to pave the way to a more inclusive and more welcoming church. PART II: OUR VISION FOR MISSION 6. Ministry Site Characteristics A LOT LIKE US AS A COMMUNITY A LITTLE A LITTLE LIKE US LIKE US We tend to be formal and programmatic. We tend to be informal and spontaneous. A LOT LIKE US We have clearly defined goals and plans for our future. We have no stated goals or plans. 1/21/2015 10:50:56 AM Page 5 of 14
We are racially and economically diverse. We are demographically homogeneous. We welcome ideas that are provoking and challenging. 7. Purpose, Giftedness and Mission OUR LEADERSHIP STYLE We prefer ideas that are tried and true. We rely on our leaders for directions. 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. 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? Here's our mission statement We are a congregation empowered by the Good Shepherd to: Nurture and support Christ s flock through Christ centered worship. Welcome all, offering trust and respect while sharing God s unconditional love. Reach out to the broader community through service and responsible stewardship of all God s creation. 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? 1/21/2015 10:50:56 AM Page 6 of 14
Mission 1. Love for each other and for the church, and gratitude for the good news of the gospel. being used--lively worship, lively coffee/fellowship hour 2. A commitment to social justice being used--outreach to and support of immigrants 3. Reconciling in Christ congregation 4. Music talents and appreciation being used--choir, brass band, historic organ, commissioned music, and you should hear this congregation singing 5. Beautiful grounds and attractive, well kept building being used-- Welcome Neighbors picnic, occasional outdoor events, big garden supplying congregants and food pantry with fresh vegetables and flowers, windows in the sanctuary that look right out into the back yard and the world 6. Diverse talents in the congregation, and an overall sense that we can step up to do what needs to be done being used--everywhere and all the time 7. Generous and willing members being used--for the glory of God, the betterment of the church at home and abroad, and sometimes to mow the lawn. 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? Hmmm. Good question. We're looking forward to exploring this with our next pastoral leader. 8. Summary Description Please describe your ministry setting and position opening in 75 words or less. This is the brief description that will be publicized. Good Shepherd is a congregation with a long history of social ministry, members who frequently refer to their church as family and the expectation that excellent preaching and music will be at the center of worship. In our 50 years, we have had only 4 pastors. A smaller church located in a vibrant community with many amenities and a stunning natural environment, we have a long history of generosity, within and outside our own walls. We are seeking a pastor whose love of Christ and whose heart for justice will help ground us in lives of deeper faith and meaningful action. 9. References Synodical Bishop Steven Ullestad Northeastern Iowa Synod NAME SYNOD E-MAIL 3193521414 DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Inside Congregation or organization Judy Schoel Decorah Community Schools; Teacher (retired) NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE E-MAIL 5633823178 jschoel3@gmail.com 1/21/2015 10:50:56 AM Page 7 of 14
DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Outside Congregation or organization Linda Martin Luther College; Instructor in Music NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE E-MAIL 5633872148 martli01@luther.edu DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Member of the ELCA Clergy roster Steven Jacobsen ELCA Pastor (retired) NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE E-MAIL 5633826433 DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Anyone else who knows your setting well Mike Blair Luther College; Campus Ministries NAME SYNOD E-MAIL blairmic@luther.edu 5633794987 5633794987 DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX PART III: LEADERSHIP NEEDS 10. 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: EDUCATION: FULL TIME/PART TIME: Language Proficiencies English/Fluent PRIMARY LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY) SECOND LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY) THIRD LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY) Experience: 0-3 years 4-9 years 10-15 years 16-20 years 21 + years 11. Top Five Ministry Tasks 1/21/2015 10:50:56 AM Page 8 of 14
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 12. Gifts for Ministry 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 1/21/2015 10:50:56 AM Page 9 of 14
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. 13. 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. Preaching and leading worship The members of Good Shepherd place a high value on preaching that is rich, thought provoking, biblically centered, and that encourages us to reflect on how we live our daily lives. In the survey we administered, 78% of the responding members identified preaching as the most or second most important priority for the worship experience. B. Evangelism and outreach After a lull of several years, we are happy to be experiencing some new growth in membership. For as far back as most of us can remember, we have assumed that if we provide a rich, fulfilling worship experience people will find us. We always have been welcoming to new members but we seek a pastor who will help us be more intentional in reaching out to those who currently have no church home. C. Stewardship and building congregational capacity The Congregational Survey suggests that there is presently a positive opportunity for a renewed sense of mission and purpose at Good Shepherd. This would be a good time for all of us to step up our stewardship commitments. We seek a pastor who will lead us there. D. Strengthening internal fellowship and community, with special emphasis on visitation and youth and family ministry. We seek a pastor who will visit those members who cannot join us in the church, and will help them feel connected to us still. We also seek a pastor who enjoys being around young people and who can help those young people feel connected to and invested in our congregation. We have a strong, supportive community of faith, and we appreciate our church community; we seek a pastor who will help us develop even stronger ties. E. Community visibility and leadership Decorah is a small town, and we all wear many hats. We would welcome a pastor who brings experience leading the community in social justice initiatives. It would also be good to see our pastor out and around, led by his or her own preference to participate in local events, serve on local committees, catch a cup of coffee at the coffee house or a beer at the local pub, or attend school or community functions. Pastors can't be everywhere and they can't do everything, but once in a while we do love to run into them. 1/21/2015 10:50:56 AM Page 10 of 14
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. Preaching: we are good listeners, and we appreciate a good sermon. Leading worship: our ministry team system allows for a wide range of members to participate in the services. We have a wonderful, deep voiced bell that calls us to worship, and that invites us to prayer at the end of the service. B. Evangelism and outreach: members of our congregation are well connected in the community and Luther College. We are eager for new leadership that will help us share our gifts and will welcome new members in. C. Stewardship: our commitment to sustainability helps us be good stewards. We have taken good care of our building, which provides an aesthetically pleasing place to worship. We have a history of generosity and rising to financial challenges. D. Opportunities for community visibility, action and outreach; visitation and building the community of faith; youth and family ministry As for social justice initiatives, the world provides many opportunities for us to work for change. The congregation is eager to share our efforts, and we are eager to get onboard to help make a new pastor's vision and leadership happen. As for community visibility, what appeals? Lunch at the Co-op? Community theater? Luther College lectures? Open mic night at T-Bock's? Trivia night at the Cellar? High school basketball? Mountain bike time trials? A reading at Dragonfly Bookstore? Contra dancing? Lawn chair nights? There's a lot to do in Decorah; getting out and about will be fun. As for visits--people in crisis will be grateful for pastoral care. And our elders who are in nursing homes are pretty interesting people--the pastor will learn a lot. As for youth and family ministry, our children and young adults feel like full members of the church. As much as they like our intergenerational emphasis, we know they also like doing activities with their peers and will be eager to introduce a new pastor to the Decorah they know. E. Our can do spirit: In our Congregational Survey, several members remarked on the "can-do" spirit of the congregation. Along with all our regular committees, we have volunteer teams who mow the lawns, make small repairs to the buildings, and maintain the beautiful landscaping. We have volunteers who lead Sunday School and Adult Forum, who make the coffee, and who read the lessons and the prayers during the service. We have an altar guild which keeps the sanctuary beautiful sets up for communion, and washes up after communion. All these duties and many, many others are spread over a surprisingly wide range of people. 14. Compensation No PARSONAGE $65,000 - $70,000 SOCIAL SECURITY TAX OFFSET MAXIMUM AMOUNT AVAILABLE FOR DEFINED COMPENSATION 15. Benefits 1/21/2015 10:50:56 AM Page 11 of 14
4 weeks PENSION MEDICAL VACATION WEEKS SABBATICAL POLICY PARENTAL LEAVE POLICY ARE BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIRED 16. 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 understand the synod guidelines for compensation to be a minimum. 17. 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.) No 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 promote and commend your ministry possibilities. To see some examples, please click here. If your congregation is a part of a Multiple-Point Parish, please click here. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa, is located on the west side of town, two blocks south of the Luther College campus. We have many members who have ties to the college, including alumni, current and retired professors, staff and administrators. We have several retired pastors in our congregation. We also have business people, retired shop owners, entrepreneurs, homemakers, school teachers, librarians, coaches, a food co-op manager, and at least four people who have worked with the national church organization. We have several poets, a couple of composers, folk artists, computer programmers, construction workers, hunters, organic gardeners, political organizers-- at least two blues musicians, and two opera singers -and some of these are actually the same people (and there may 1/21/2015 10:50:56 AM Page 12 of 14
be an "all of the above"). We do not have any particular requirement for our next pastor's academic training, but we seek one whose preaching comes out of a rich and deep theological grounding. But sermons should not be just Bible commentary, and we are not looking for academic lectures, either. We hope for a pastor who has a lot to share with us from the pulpit, who is grounded in the gospel texts, who can communicate easily with the wide range of people in our congregation, and who will see the "experts" among us as an asset. We are also a congregation with a rich history of social justice efforts. We are eager for new leadership there, to complement, encourage, and strengthen the ongoing work of several individuals and groups within the congregation, and to engage us in new action. Our buildings are not architecturally significant, but they are well cared for and beautiful in their own way. Our sanctuary features a communion rail that faces into the congregation, so that we form a circle while we celebrate the sacraments. Our floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the world. We enjoy good acoustics and a magnificent Hook and Hasting #1193 organ. We have a large fellowship hall, several rooms for Sunday school and youth programs. We have new coffee makers, which make the ministry teams, as well as those who like good coffee, very happy. Our worship services have been fairly traditional, but not entirely so. Our music director has led us through the new settings in the LBW and he regularly introduces newer hymns from that collection. Our Saturday service (5 pm) has been using the Holden Evening Prayer (non-communion weeks) and Feast and Celebration (communion weeks), and we have used Feast and Celebration the first Sunday of each month. Composers in the congregation regularly create new music for us, and the congregation demonstrates openness to new forms of worship. We have had "Prayers Around the Cross" services, outdoor Easter vigils, a bluegrass liturgy, and our organist/pianist plays a terrific jazz waltz that sounds like what you might hear if J S Bach crossed paths with John Coltrane. That these variations in our worship life have been instigated and largely led by people in the congregation reflects the quality of our lay leadership. Perhaps most significant in our worship life are the contributions made by members of the monthly ministry teams. Every service has a lay volunteer as an assistant minister. Because of this system, every member gets an opportunity to participate, and we all get to hear from the pulpit the voices of a wide range of people over the course of the year. As for our challenges, the Congregational Survey reflects that several of our members are concerned about the average age of our members. Good Shepherd was established in 1958, at the tail end of the baby boom, and our longest-term members have memories of the Sunday School classrooms bursting with children. Now, like the rest of the nation, we seem to have aged quite a bit. Sunday school classes are small, even with consolidated classes. Our senior members, who bring a lot of great energy into the church, are worried about who will step up next. We think our youth like Good Shepherd, in part because they feel like equal members. We think their love for Good Shepherd would be even stronger, though, were there more of them and were they able to have their own events and activities. Along with concerns about the average age of the membership, concerns about the budget are voiced in the survey. We have made our budget, but it's been pretty flat over the last few years. The exact cause is not entirely clear. It could be a symptom of the aging population, and the fixed income of retirees. It could be a reflection of the tightening of the economy since the 2008 financial crisis. It could reflect on the sense some members have had that the church has lacked energy and clear leadership in the past few years. These challenges are serious, but we believe they are not unusual--indeed, they reflect trends in the larger church as a whole. The call committee was impressed by the readiness of the congregation members, as expressed in the survey, to meet these challenges, and more. We are in the fourth month of supply pastors and now an interim pastor, and where many congregations experience a decline during an interim, we already see renewed energy and goodwill. Indeed, the major note hit again and again in the survey was enthusiasm for the church and for our future. It's clear to those of us who have read through the survey responses that the members of the congregation are ready and eager for new leadership. We know that with God, nothing is impossible--and we are convinced that with the Good Shepherd congregation, a whole lot is completely possible. 1/21/2015 10:50:56 AM Page 13 of 14
PART V: COMPLETION OF PROFILE 19. 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). We created a Congregational Survey, which was offered to the congregation both electronically and in paper copies. More than 80 surveys were completed. The call committee met to analyze and summarize the results of the survey. We presented a rough summary of the survey to the congregation. The President of the congregation provided information necessary for the MSP. The call committee co-chairs met with the interim minister to discuss the MSP. A summary of the MSP including much of the narrative commentary and remarks was shared with the congregation through the newsletter. The call committee held two "listening posts" with the congregation--providing opportunities for feedback from the membership. The MSP, revised according to suggestions from the congregation, was brought again to the council for endorsement. The council brought the summary of the MSP to the congregation at the annual meeting; it was endorsed unanimously. Enter the date on which this Ministry Site profile was adopted by vote of the Congregation Council or organization's board: 1/13/2015 20. Call Process Contact Person Linda Sue Hamilton NAME Secretary, NE Iowa SYnod TITLE 3193521414 OFFICE PHONE E-MAIL 21. Reference's Recommendation Richard Simon Hanson NAME E-MAIL DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX 1/21/2015 10:50:56 AM Page 14 of 14