Concordia Lutheran Church Transition Team Report August 2016 A. Transition Team Members and Goals of the Process 2 B. Listening 2 1. Congregation Survey 2 2. Joining the Journey 3 3. Focus Groups 4 4. Demographic Insights 4 C. Themes from Listening 5 D. Mission Plan Document 6 1. Mission 6 2. Vision 6 3. Core Values 7 4. Goals & Objectives 7 E. Recommendations 11 F. Appendix 12 1. Appropriate Goals for the Interim Period 12 2. Transition Advisory Team Job Description 13 3. Transition Work Groups 14 4. Responses from Congregation Survey 15 5. Areas of Congregational Life 15 6. Assets, Challenges, Goals, and Process from Focus Groups 17 7. Shared Ministry Options 22
A. TRANSITION TEAM MEMBERS AND GOALS OF THE PROCESS A major transition began at Concordia Lutheran with the retirement of Pastor David Tryggestad on May 31, 2015. Pastor Loren Anderson-Bauer began his time as Intentional Interim Pastor at Concordia Lutheran on August 1, 2015. After a time of orientation, the Church Council approved the appointment of a Transition Advisory Team, including Rachelle Anderson, Scott Hoecker, Patti Martenson, and David Wedin. This team reviewed the tasks and goals of the transition in order to plan how to best accomplish them at Concordia (see Appendix Appropriate Goals for the Interim Period and Transition Advisory Team Job Description ). The major task of the Transition Team was to engage the congregation in a self-evaluation process in which the congregation could reflect on three questions: Where have we been? Where are we now? and Where are we going? The first two questions lift up the congregation s strengths and challenges. The last question moves into mission planning, and would include reviewing the congregation s mission and vision statements as well as specific goals for the congregation for the next few years. All this self-evaluation provides clarity to the Call Committee so that they will be able to identify a pastor that will be a good fit for Concordia. Pastor Loren worked with this Advisory team before that team appointing a larger group that would do the major work of the self-evaluation. That larger Transition Team was appointed in February, creating a Transition Team that included: Rachelle Anderson, Karin Cummings, Scott Hoecker, Chandi Katoch, Patti Martenson, Kurt Michalicek, Paula Nelson-Guenther, David Wedin, and Craig Witchall. The original plan was that this group would be divided into two work groups, (see appendix Transition Work Groups ) but the number of volunteers was not sufficient to divide the work and so the team worked as a single unit to guide the congregation through the self-evaluation process. B. LISTENING In order to understand the priorities and direction for the congregation the Transition Team first needed to listen to the congregation. There were four basic ways that the Team did this. In January people at Concordia had the opportunity to respond with a Congregation Survey. In April the congregation was invited to an event we called Joining the Journey, that included conversations about Concordia s strengths, challenges, and goals. In May the congregation was invited to participate in focus groups that identified goals for the different areas of congregational life and ministry. Finally the Team reviewed demographic information about the area surrounding Concordia to gain insight from these statistics. 1. CONGREGATION SURVEY The Congregation Survey was mailed to members in early January and was made available as a bulletin insert for several Sundays. The Survey included three questions: 1. Please list up to three things that you see as strengths of Concordia. 2. What hopes do you have for Concordia in the next five years? 3. Where do you think God is leading Concordia? The survey also included an opportunity to volunteer to be part of the Transition Work Groups that with the Advisory Team would complete the self-study work of the Transition Team. The surveys were 2
to be returned by February 1, and twenty-eight were returned. The Transition Team reviewed the responses and found some clear patterns in how people evaluated the strengths of Concordia and the hopes they had for the congregation. It was harder to see patterns in the question about where God is leading Concordia, simply because it was a much harder question. The transition team reported in the March Messenger the three strengths and five hopes that were listed in some form on many of the surveys. These were: Strengths 1) Worship and music 2) People at Concordia are welcoming, caring, involved, and friendly. 3) Our building with its grounds located in a residential neighborhood. Hopes 1) Grow participation in church, especially bringing in young families. 2) Grow the youth ministry of the congregation. 3) Increase outreach to the community service and evangelism. 4) Strengthen lay leadership and expand volunteer recruitment and opportunities. 5) Achieve greater financial stability. (A more detailed report of these responses is included in the appendix.) The Transition Advisory Team also reviewed the list of those who had volunteered to be part of the Transition Work Groups. The number of volunteers was too small to create two separate work groups, so the whole team worked together to complete the transition self-study work. 2. JOINING THE JOURNEY The second listening event, Joining the Journey, was held on April 24 following worship. This was a series of conversations to identify congregational assets, challenges, goals, and the process to achieve those goals. Forty people attended this event, gathering at six tables for small group discussions. A set of poster-boards was prepared identifying specific areas of congregational life: Worship and Music, Youth and Education, Outreach and Service, Community and Caring, and Ministry Support (a detailed description of these areas of congregational life was provided for participants and is included in the appendix). Each table focused each of four conversations on a different area of congregational life. Transition Team members moved the poster-boards from table to table as the conversations progressed. After refreshments and orientation four rounds of conversations focused on the following questions: Assets: What are Concordia s assets for this area of congregational life? Challenges: What challenges does Concordia face in this area of congregational life? Goals: What would you like to see happen at Concordia in this area of congregational life in the next five years? Process: What needs to take place at Concordia in order to achieve these goals? After each conversation, participants attached post-it notes to the poster-boards to record their conversation. After each conversation the poster-boards were moved to the next table so that each table had the opportunity to discuss several areas of congregational life. The event ended with a review of all the ideas that had been gathered in the conversations. The last question presented to participants was What am I willing to do to help Concordia achieve these goals? They were invited to place their answer with their name on one of the poster-boards. 3
The poster-boards from this event were displayed in the church narthex and the congregation was invited to add their ideas with post-it notes during the next weeks. This gave people who were unable to attend the Joining the Journey event an opportunity to participate in this part of the process. 3. FOCUS GROUPS In May we had five focus group conversations that reviewed and clarified the ideas that had been gathered from the Joining the Journey event. The congregation was invited to participate in these groups, and over twenty people were involved in these conversations. Each focus group dealt with one of the areas of congregational life. The Transition Team used the results of these conversations to develop the mission, vision, goals and objectives statements in the congregational mission plan. (The results of these conversations are detailed in the appendix) One idea that surfaced during the Joining the Journey event was the possibility that Concordia might explore some form of shared ministry with other congregations. In order to help the Transition Team explore what this could mean for Concordia, Pastor Loren wrote a paper (included in the appendix) detailing what options for shared ministry might look like, including the strengths and weakness of each option. If the Transition team were to recommend certain of these options, it would change how the call process would proceed. After reviewing these options, the Transition Team felt that sharing a pastor with a neighboring congregation was not an appropriate option at this time. They recommended that we explore ways to work together and that the option of sharing a Youth Director would be worth exploring after a new pastor begins at Concordia. 4. DEMOGRAPHIC INSIGHTS The NEMN Synod office provided the Transition Team with demographic information about the area surrounding Concordia. Below is a summary of that data. Summary of Data/Discussion 1.5 mile radius of Concordia Population: 12,828 Population projected to decline (-0.3% over the next 5 years). Current Projected Under age 18: 15.64% 14.82% 18 24: 31.08% 28.43% 25 34: 10.46% 13.12% 35 44: 10.72% 8.31% 45 54: 9.84% 8.40% 55 64: 11.44% 11.20% Over age 65: 13.65% 15.73% Households: 4,034 Households expected to increase by 1.3% over the next 5 years. Households w/children 25% or 1 out of 4 (3 out of 4 households do not have children) 1 in 5 or 20% are living alone. College Students (18-24) largest age concentration 4
General Income: Upper middle class neighborhood income is significantly higher than national average. Housing: Primarily detached single units 76.7% owner-occupied. Predominantly white (92.76%), and English speaking (95.74%) Education: BA or advanced degree significantly higher than national average. Woodland Avenue Visibility over 10,300 cars daily C. THEMES FROM LISTENING The Transition Task Force compiled and reviewed responses from the congregational survey, the Joining the Journey event (with ongoing opportunities for comments), and the five focus groups. The following themes from our listening were lifted up as important themes for shaping mission plans for Concordia s future. 1. WORSHIP: Worship is at the center of what we do, and at the center of worship is God. Our gathering around Word and Sacrament will form, nourish, sustain, and transform our life of faith and send us to live our faith in the world. We will be attentive to inviting and welcoming new people, we will continue to celebrate our rich liturgical tradition, and we will explore different styles and times for worship. 2. YOUTH: We will strengthen and expand our ministry to youth and families with dedicated staff resources committed to this ministry (possibly in conjunction with other congregations). 3. COLLABORATION; We will explore ways to work together with other congregations to strengthen our ministry. 4. WELCOMING COMMUNITY: We will be a welcoming and caring community so that we faithfully support one another and the various ministries of the congregation and provide opportunities to deepen relationships among our members. 5. OUTREACH AND SERVICE: We will strive to be a blessing beyond our congregation, attentive to the many needs that are present in our community, actively seeking ways that we can provide assistance to address those needs, and advocating for social justice. 6. PARTICIPATION: We will seek to increase energy, active participation, and grow our ministry through leadership development, educational opportunities, volunteer training and support. 7. VISIBILITY: We will increase our visibility by welcoming outside organization to use our facilities, ministry partnerships, and publicity (signage, website, social media, advertising, etc). 8. STUDENT POPULATION: Our proximity to UMD and the student population in our neighborhood provides an opportunity for us to support the spiritual lives of these students and young adults. 9. EDUCATION: We will seek to grow in faith through participation and commitment to Bible Study and other Faith Formation and Faith Renewal opportunities. 10. CREATION CARE: Caring for creation is a significant value for the congregation and we seek to incorporate creation care in all area of congregational life and ministry. 11. MINISTRY SUPPORT: We commit to supporting all our congregational ministries through effective congregational / council structure, facility management, committed stewardship, leadership development, and careful attention to administration and planning. 5
D. MISSION PLAN DOCUMENT After identifying the most important themes, the Transition Team reviewed the congregation s mission statement and determined that a new mission statement would provide better guidance for shaping mission plans for the congregation. The proposed statement incorporates three words from the ELCA mission statement (claimed, gathered, and sent) and joins them to the major themes that came from the congregation listening process. The vision statement expands the mission statement including the themes from the listening process. The Core Values, Goals, and Objectives also connect to the mission and vision as well as the goals that were identified in the listening process. 1. MISSION Claimed by Christ, Gathered for Worship, Sent to Serve Claimed by Christ 2. VISION Because Christ claims and calls us, all that we do grows out of our relationship to Christ. Because Christ is the center of our life together, we are eager to understand our faith, grow as disciples, and nurture the faith of our children and youth. Because we are claimed by Christ in our baptism, we welcome children and youth to be involved in all areas of congregational life as they grow in their faith. Because Christ welcomes all, we seek to be an inviting, warm, diverse and intergenerational community for our neighborhood and a place for spiritual nourishment where all are valued as children of God. Gathered for Worship Sent to Serve Because God has filled us with grace upon grace, we worship and joyfully praise God, enlivened through the rich and varied Lutheran liturgical tradition and nourished weekly by Word and Sacrament. Because we are one body in Christ, a spirit of caring binds us together as a community as we deepen our relationships and support one another in our lives and in our ministries. Because God has blessed us in countless ways, we respond with joyful voices, committed spirits, and faithful stewardship. Because Christ meets us in our neighbor in need (Matthew 25), we engage in social justice ministries in our community and beyond. Because God created all things, caring for God s good creation is a priority in all areas of our life and ministry. Because the Holy Spirit inspires the church for God s work, we give attention to how our leadership, facilities, and collaboration with other congregations support and strengthen our ministries. 6
3. CORE VALUES 1. CHRIST-CENTERED: Christ is the center of our life and ministry. 2. LITURGICAL WORSHIP: Weekly Word and Sacrament worship in the Lutheran liturgical tradition expresses and nurtures our faith. 3. WELCOMING COMMUNITY: We welcome all people into the Body of Christ and a spirit of caring binds us together as a diverse, intergenerational community. 4. YOUTH MINISTRY: Ministry to and with youth and families encourages the involvement of children and youth in all areas of congregational life. 5. SERVICE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: Matthew 25 inspires the congregation to engage in service and social justice ministries. 6. CREATION CARE: All areas of ministry support care for creation. 7. DISCIPLESHIP: We seek to grow in our understanding and practice of faith. Goals 4. CORE VALUES WITH GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Specific Objectives 1. CHRIST-CENTERED: Christ is the center of our life and ministry. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 2. LITURGICAL WORSHIP: Weekly Word and Sacrament worship in the Lutheran liturgical tradition expresses and nurtures our faith. To strengthen and sustain Concordia s long heritage of vibrant liturgical worship, where we encounter God in Word and Sacrament and where we are formed and sustained for lives of faith in the world. Continue the tradition of quality music and liturgical leadership (organist, pianist, choir, cantors, Joyful Voices, altar guild). Enhance the congregation s understanding of the meaning and significance of Lutheran liturgical worship (education, newsletter, temple talk, etc.) Increase lay involvement in worship (lectors, ushers, greeters, musicians, altar guild, etc.) Explore alternative worship opportunities (schedule, times, styles, etc.) Develop or expand existing ensembles (hand chimes, instrumental groups, children s choir, etc.) Ensure that preaching provides a meaningful encounter between God s Word and our daily lives. 7
Goals Specific Objectives 3. WELCOMING COMMUNITY: We welcome all people into the Body of Christ; a spirit of caring binds us together as a diverse, intergenerational community. To become known as a place of hospitality that welcomes all people into a diverse, intergenerational, caring community. To deepen relationships among the people at Concordia as we show care and compassion for one another and as we support the various ministries of the congregation. Enhance our hospitality ministry with visitors at worship (greeters, intentional conversations, coffee fellowship time, follow-up correspondence, etc.) Find more effective ways to publicize our ministry in the community. Creatively enhance our on-line presence (social media, website, etc.) Encourage community use of the building. Explore opportunities to connect with college and university students and invite them to participate in our life and ministry (explore ways to support Lutheran Campus Ministry, help serve Dinner for a Buck, host a welcome back BBQ for UMD students, host a study night during finals week, etc.). Create a Hospitality / Outreach / Evangelism committee to organize and oversee this area of congregational life. Develop a process that helps integrate new members into the life and ministry of the congregation. Develop a process to identify when people have been absent from worship and follow up in ways that will help re-connect them to the congregation. Create fellowship opportunities to deepen relationships among people in the congregation. Support the work of the Caring Ministry Team in its role to bring care and support in the congregation (prayer chain, prayer shawls, caring cards, etc.). Keep members who are homebound or living in care facilities connected to the congregation through regular visits from the lay ministry team and pastor. Explore ways to maintain connections with congregation members who are away for extended time (college students, military personnel, snowbirds, etc.) 4. YOUTH MINISTRY: Ministry to and with youth and families encourages the involvement of children and youth in all areas of congregational life. To engage children and youth in faith formation activities that lead to life-long discipleship, and integrate their families more deeply into the life and ministry of the congregation. Strengthen and expand ministry to youth with dedicated staff resources. Maintain quality faith formation and education programs (preschool, elementary, middle school, high school). Create intergenerational ministry, fellowship, and faith formation opportunities (mentorships, game nights, adventure trips, service projects, etc.). 8
Goals Specific Objectives Ensure that children, youth, and families are welcomed, included, and involved in all areas of congregational life and ministry (worship, service projects, fellowship events, etc.) Establish a core curriculum (Bible, Prayer, Catechism, Ethics, etc.) Explore opportunities to collaborate with other congregations in Youth Ministry. Increase participation in youth events and activities beyond the congregation (VLM, Synod Middle School Gather, Cardia Deo, National Youth Gathering, mission trips, etc.). 5. DISCIPLESHIP: We seek to grow in our understanding and practice of our faith. To engage people in life-long discipleship practices. Encourage participation in faith-formation and faith renewal activities, studies, and events. Offer faith-formation and faith renewal studies. Nurture life-long discipleship practices. Increase visibility and use of the church library resources. Develop education programs for college, adult, and intergenerational groups. 6. SERVICE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: Matthew 25 inspires the congregation to engage in service and social justice ministries. To strengthen the congregation s involvement in service and social justice ministries. Provide opportunities for members to express their faith by responding to the needs of others. Work with other congregations or faith-based organizations to implement programs that serve the needs of others, while deepening the faith and life experience of the volunteers. (LSS, Safe Haven, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Union Gospel Mission, and various CHUM programs including Food Shelf, Steve O Neil Apartments, Drop-In Center, etc.) Increase participation in and awareness of advocacy ministries that seek to affect public policy in areas of peace and social justice (Lutheran Advocacy Minnesota, ELCA Advocacy, Joint Religious Legislative Coalition, Bread for the World, Lutheran Social Services, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, Lutheran Peace Fellowship, etc.) Strengthen community by building relationships within our neighborhood and across barriers that typically divide us (interfaith gatherings, neighborhood events, community meetings, etc.). Create a Social Justice committee to organize and oversee this area of congregational life. 9
Goals Specific Objectives 7. CREATION CARE: All areas of ministry support care for creation. To promote caring for creation as a discipleship practice, and to make environmental stewardship and sustainable practices an integral part of our lives and ministry. Provide education regarding caring for creation from a Biblical perspective, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices (newsletter, workshops, adult ed., etc.) Incorporate a creation care focus in worship on an annual basis. o Assure that decisions regarding building and grounds incorporate creation care, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices, (rain garden, LED lighting, etc.). MINISTRY SUPPORT: Ministry support includes all the ways and means that the congregation uses to support and facilitate it ministries. To support all congregational ministries through effective staff, congregational / council structure, facility management, leadership development, committed stewardship, and careful attention to administration and planning. Grow in our commitment to support the ministries of the ELCA, the Northeastern Minnesota Synod, and our ministry partners (CHUM, LSS, VLM, etc.). Strengthen our stewardship of financial resources and encourage our members to grow toward giving a tithe. Find creative ways to help people volunteer their time and talents for the life and ministry of the church. Evaluate and upgrade the technology that supports our ministry (sound system, signage, website, etc.). Develop a master plan for improvement to facilities and grounds (space use, environmental concerns, accessibility, health and safety, other current codes, etc.) so they better support our ministries, and develop a plan for funding these improvements Encourage participation in leadership development opportunities. Provide appropriate training and written instructions for volunteers. Explore ways to grow the Endowment Fund so that it can become a more significant tool for strengthening ministry. Regularly update policies and job descriptions. 10
E. RECOMMENDATIONS The Transition Team recommends that the Church Council adopt the Mission Plan of this report and that the congregation approve this mission plan at its next annual meeting. The team also recommends that the Church Council develop a process to review and evaluate the goals of this Mission Plan and identify for the congregation the goals that are met. While all the objectives in the above section are important for the future of Concordia, the Transition Team identified the follow ten goals as the ones they feel are the most important to address in the immediate future. As goals are achieved in each of the major areas, leadership is encouraged to use this document to identify next steps in bringing the vision of this mission plan closer to reality. 1. Ensure that preaching provides a meaningful encounter between God s Word and our daily lives. Quality preaching should therefore be a high priority as the Call Committee selects Concordia s next pastor. 2. Explore opportunities to connect with college and university students and invite them to participate in our life and ministry. 3. Develop a process to identify when people have been absent from worship and follow up in ways that will help re-connect them to the congregation. 4. Strengthen and expand ministry to youth with dedicated staff resources. 5. Nurture life-long discipleship practices by offering and encouraging participation in faith-formation and faith renewal activities, studies, and events. 6. Create a Social Justice committee to organize and oversee the Service and Social Justice area of congregational life. 7. Promote caring for creation as a discipleship practice, and to make environmental stewardship and sustainable practices an integral part of our lives and ministry. 8. Develop a master plan for improvement to facilities and grounds (space use, environmental concerns, accessibility, health and safety, other current codes, etc.) so they better support our ministries, and develop a plan for funding these improvements 9. Find creative ways to help people volunteer their time and talents for the life and ministry of the church. 10. Evaluate and upgrade the technology that supports our ministry, especially sound system, signage, and website. 11
Value Goal Responsibility Funding Evaluation LITURGICAL WORSHIP Ensure that preaching provides a meaningful encounter between God s Word and our daily lives. Quality preaching should therefore be a high priority as the Call Committee selects Concordia s next pastor. Call Committee Pastoral performance review WELCOMING COMMUNITY Explore opportunities to connect with college and university students and invite them to participate in our life and ministry. Develop a process to identify when people have been absent from worship and follow up in ways that will help re-connect them to the congregation. YOUTH MINISTRY Strengthen and expand ministry to youth with dedicated staff resources. DISCIPLESHIP Nurture life-long discipleship practices by offering and encouraging participation in faith-formation and faith renewal activities, studies, and events. SERVICE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE Create a Social Justice committee to organize and oversee the Service and Social Justice area of congregational life. CREATION CARE Promote caring for creation as a discipleship practice, and to make environmental stewardship and sustainable practices an integral part of our lives and ministry. MINISTRY SUPPORT Develop a master plan for improvement to facilities and grounds (space use, environmental concerns, accessibility, health and safety, other current codes, etc.) so they better support our ministries, and develop a plan for funding these improvements Find creative ways to help people volunteer their time and talents for the life and ministry of the church. Evaluate and upgrade the technology that supports our ministry, especially sound system, signage, and website. Council / Evangelism Council / Evangelism Council / Youth & Family Council / Education / Pastor Council Council / Creation Care Council / Building Grounds Council / Stewardship New funds Funding for specific projects Identify activities & student involvement Process developed, implemented, & evaluated Youth staff position created & funded Activities planned, implemented, evaluate, & continued Committee organized Annual evaluation by Creation Care Team Master plan developed, with annual review process created Identify increase in volunteers Council New funds Completion of each project 12
F. APPENDIX 1. APPROPRIATE GOALS FOR THE INTERIM PERIOD 1. Maintain the Viability of the Congregation The ongoing ministries of the congregation must continue throughout the interim period. The interim pastor works with the church board to make sure these ministries remain vital and takes responsibility to oversee the various programs of the congregation. 2. Provide a break for the Congregation, especially following a long pastorate Especially after a long pastorate, a congregation needs a break before beginning the process of calling its next pastor. The break helps the congregation get used to functioning in a different way and adjusting to other patterns for carrying out mission and ministry. Without this break, the next called pastor often ends up as an unintentional interim. 3. Resolve Feelings of Grief The relationship developed between pastor and parishioners is significant; so when a pastor takes a new call or retires, there is grief at this loss. For some, it is hard to imagine not having that pastor present, especially during times of crisis or life transitions. The interim period is a time to deal with those issues, so that the congregation will be ready to fully receive the pastoral ministry of the next called pastor. 4. Reinforce the Ministry of the Laity The ministry of the laity is the life of the congregation. Congregations can become dependant upon their pastor to do ministry for them, but the vision of the church is that all God s people have their part in carrying forward the mission and ministry of the church. The interim time is an opportunity to strengthen lay involvement in all aspects of the congregation s ministry. 5. Come to Terms with History The interim period is a time to reflect on the congregation s history and identity Who are we? What are we known for in our community? Sometimes there is unresolved conflict that needs to be addressed. Sometimes there are important visions from the past that have been forgotten. The interim is a time to celebrate the congregation s heritage as the congregation re-members who they are. 6. Clarify the Mission of the Congregation It is important that congregation keep focused on the specific mission they have within the greater body of Christ. The interim time is a good time to work through a discernment process that includes identifying strengths and opportunities for the congregation. If possible the interim will include a full strategic planning process to identify vision, mission, and specific goals, together with plans to achieve those goals in the next five years. 7. Develop a Healthy Congregational Lay Leadership Healthy congregations function in ways that are open and where decisions are made through constitutional processes. It is easy for unhealthy systems to infect the mission and ministry of the congregation. Healthy Congregations is a series of workshops designed to help leaders keep the church healthy, and its use for lay leadership is recommended during the interim. 8. Deal with Special Needs of the Congregation Each church is different. Part of the work of the interim pastor is to discern the specific issues that need to be addressed by the congregation. 13
9. Strengthen Denominational Ties The interim period is a time when the call process connects the congregation more deeply with the synod. Sometimes the denominational ties can grow thin as congregations focus on local needs and issues. The interim is a time to make sure the ties to the larger church are strong. 10. Increase the Potential for a Successful Ministry by the Next Called Pastor The primary goal of everything that happens during the interim is to increase the potential for a successful ministry by the next called pastor. All the work that is done during the interim is done so that the next called pastor will begin his or her call in a congregation that is ready to move forward in mission and ministry with a new leadership partner. 2. TRANSITION ADVISORY TEAM JOB DESCRIPTION The Transition Advisory Team is a group of 3 or 4 members of Concordia Lutheran Church who will meet with the interim pastor to oversee the transition process at Concordia. During the interim period a congregation has an opportunity to do some self-evaluation where have we been, where are we now, and where are we going. This usually includes one or more listening processes that involve the whole congregation. This can include an evaluation of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It can map the history of the congregation, its mission and ministry. It can engage the congregation in a strategic or long-range planning process. It can articulate a vision and / or mission statement to help the congregation move forward. All of these self-evaluation processes contribute to the call process so that as the congregation seeks to call new pastoral leadership it will recognize more clearly a pastor that will be a good fit for Concordia. The work involved in each of the pieces of congregational self-evaluation requires significant energy on the part of leadership. When congregations appoint a single transition team to lead the congregation through all these processes, those transition teams tend to focus on one or two pieces of the selfevaluation, and leave other work for council or other groups in the congregation. A Transition Advisory Team would not be that single team, but would oversee the work of other groups so that there is energy to more fully complete the tasks of the transition period. Specific responsibilities of the Transition Advisory Team are: Assist the interim pastor in oversight of the transition period at Concordia Become familiar with the dynamics and goals of the transition period Meet with the interim pastor as an advisory team to consult over issues that arise during the interim period Identify specific issues to be addressed and tasks to be completed during the self-evaluation process at Concordia Organize the teams that will complete self-evaluation tasks at Concordia during the transition time Report to the council and the congregation on the progress of the transition Make a final report to the council and congregation that includes all the findings and insights of the teams that have conducted the self-evaluation tasks Advise the council as to when the Call Committee should be organized Meet with the Call Committee at their request to assist in preparing the Ministry Site Profile for the congregation. 14
3. TRANSITION WORK GROUPS Transition Work Group A The primary responsibility of Group A is to articulate the current identity of Concordia Lutheran Church where have we been and where are we now? This will involve gathering information and listening to the congregation. Tasks that this group should complete include: a. A review of the congregation s history, identifying high points in the congregation s ministry and significant changes. This review should reveal patterns of ministry emphasis throughout the congregation s life. b. Gather demographic information about the congregation and the community and neighborhood. c. Engage the congregation in some significant way in order to identify the congregation s ministry priorities. This may take the form of a congregational survey, one or more congregational events, some form of SWOT (Strengths / Weaknesses / Opportunities / Threats) or SOAR (Strengths / Opportunities / Aspirations / Results) analysis that would involve a significant segment of the congregation. d. Evaluate how the congregation functions in relation to its size. e. Based on information gathered and additional congregational feedback, identify the congregation s top priorities at the present time. f. Summarize what the group has learned in a report that will assist Transition Work Group B and will become a part of the Transition Report for the Church Council, Call Committee and Congregation. Transition Work Group B The primary responsibility of Group B is to articulate a vision and a mission plan for Concordia Lutheran Church where are we going? This will involve working with the Synod Director of Evangelical Mission and engaging the congregation in mission planning based on the congregation s vision. Tasks that this group should complete include: a. Review the current mission and vision statements and assess whether they are still the best statements for the congregation s future. b. Engage the congregation in a mission planning process, making use of report from Transition Work Group A. c. Identify measurable goals for the next three years. d. Evaluate how the congregation s structure and decision-making can best achieve these goals. e. Assess the resources, staff needs, and pastoral skills needed to achieve these goals. f. Summarize what the group has learned in a report that, along with the report from Transition Work Group A, will make up the final Transition Report to be presented to the Church Council, Call Committee and Congregation. 15
4. RESPONSES FROM CONGREGATION SURVEY Strengths 1) Worship and Music 2) People Welcoming, caring, involved, friendly. 3) Building and grounds in residential neighborhood. Worship and Music (15) People/Friendly (12) Building/Grounds (7) Involvement/cooperation (6) Welcoming (3) Pastoral leadership (2) Service to Community (2) Caring people (2) Committed core (2) Location (2) Youth and Family Tradition Responsive leadership Sense of God Good use of assets Hopes 1) Grow participation in church, especially bringing in young families. 2) Grow the youth ministry of the congregation. 3) Outreach to the community service and evangelism. 4) Strengthen lay leadership and expand volunteer recruitment and opportunities. 5) Greater financial stability. Increase membership/young families (11) Increase youth ministry (5) Increase Sunday School participation all ages (4) Energetic pastor (3) Service to community (3) Better cash flow/financial stability (3) Stronger lay leaders/coordination (3) Energy in congregation (3) Half time youth director (2) Building maintenance (2) Diversity in worship styles (2) More social activities Larger choir Fill a niche in life Worship and Music o 5. AREAS OF CONGREGATIONAL LIFE Purpose: The congregation gathers for worship that nourishes God s people through Word and Sacrament and inspires faithful discipleship in daily life. o Including: Sunday Worship Sanctuary Singer Joyful Voices Altar Guild Worship and Music Committee Worship styles that enhance the worship experience Preaching Special Services (Funerals, Weddings, Prayer Services, Special Occasions) Lay involvement as readers, ushers, acolytes, communion assistants, etc. Distribution of communion to home-bound 16
Youth and Education o Purpose: The congregation promotes faith formation activities for all ages, especially for children and youth that they might grow in faith and discipleship. o Including: Sunday School Youth Fund Raising events Vacation Bible School / VLM Day Trunk or Treat and other children s activities Camp College Scholarship through Endowment Fund Nursery Scholarships for youth events and activities Confirmation Adult Bible Studies (Sandwich and Scripture) High School Youth Group Adult Forums Voyagers Lutheran Ministry Faith Renewal opportunities (all ages) Synod and Church-wide youth events Library Outreach and Service o Purpose: The congregation seeks to welcome and invite all to know the Good News of God in Christ, and to respond to human need through service and in striving for justice and peace. o Including: Welcoming Matthew 25 Congregation New Member classes Support for ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Visitor follow-up Response appeals Advertising / visibility Support for Safe Haven CHUM Support for Lutheran Social Services Serving at Union Gospel Mission Home Delivery of Meals Food shelf / Food drive donations Use of space by community groups Donation of quilts Creation Care Team Giving tree Community and Caring o Purpose: The congregation comes together to form an interconnected community of faith o where people strengthen and support one another in living their faith together. Including: Fellowship Activities Congregation events Messenger (newsletter) Webpage / social media Bridges to Christ Quilting group Ministry Support o o 17 Mighty CLUCS (community softball team) Caring Ministry Team Prayer Chain Prayer Shawl Lay Ministry Team Home communion and visitation Purpose: In order to support and strengthen its various ministries, the congregation calls pastoral leadership, nurtures lay leadership, hires support staff, maintains buildings and grounds in good condition, encourages faithful stewardship, and practices sound financial management of congregation resources. Including: Pastor Church Council Personnel Committee Property Committee Stewardship committee Finance committee Endowment Fund Committee Secretary Custodian Church Building and Grounds Annual Stewardship emphasis Volunteer opportunities to use time and talents for ministry Administration and Policies
6. ASSETS, CHALLENGES, GOALS, AND PROCESS FROM FOCUS GROUPS Worship and Music 1) Assets. (Strengths) What are Concordia s assets for this area of congregational life? Concordia has a long history of liturgical worship in the Lutheran tradition, with attention to the quality of music, liturgical integrity, and theological appropriateness of music. A quality liturgical contemporary worship. Pastors who preach engaging sermons. Talented musicians and music leadership provide inspirational and worshipful music choir, Joyful Voices, cantors, organists, pianists & other instrumentalists, choir directors, Worship & Music Committee. Holy Communion is celebrated weekly. A dedicated Altar Guild that attends to the details of preparation of the altar for worship. A congregation that appreciates and supports the talents and commitment of musicians. The sanctuary has excellent acoustics. The Piano and organ are well maintained. There is strong lay involvement in worship. Special services are meaningful and well-planned Holy Week, Lent, Funerals, Weddings and other special services. College students in the neighborhood. 2) Challenges. (Concerns) What challenges does Concordia face in this area of congregational life? For people who do not read music, the varied liturgies used at Concordia may be difficult. The variety of music in worship may not allow for the singing of old and new favorites so that they can become familiar for people new to church. Limited opportunities for the involvement of youth and children in worship. The worship time may not be ideal for everyone. Some congregation members expect a contemporary worship to be more energetic and more in the style of a Praise Band. The lack of assigned greeters may mean that visitors are not welcomed and assisted as they enter the church. More volunteers are needed for altar guild and worship assistants. To what degree is the decline in membership connected to issues related to worship? The sound system is old and needs updating. 3) Goals. (Hopes) What would you like to see happen at Concordia in this area of congregational life in the next five years? Increase regular worship attendance. Increase Lay volunteers who participate in worship. Assure that visitors are welcomed and that worship invites new people into a time when they can receive spiritual nourishment through all aspects of worship. College students find Concordia a place of welcome where they can find a church home during the time at college. Lenten services provide an opportunity for meditative worship with greater congregational participation and attendance. Develop an alternative time during the week for worship. Update sound system. 18
4) Process. (Actions) What needs to take place at Concordia in order to achieve these goals? Explore how sharing a pastor may strengthen worship and ministry. Call a pastor with energy and enthusiasm. Experiment with alternative worship style and/or time. Develop an advertising/publicity plan to invite more people to worship. Develop intentional ways to coordinate worship volunteers and invite more people to participate. Youth and Education 1) Assets. (Strengths) What are Concordia s assets for this area of congregational life? Leadership: dedicated Youth and Family Committee, excellent High School Youth Group Leader, committed youth leadership, dedicated teachers, active Library Committee. Facilities: nursery, playground, youth room, library. Activities, such as confirmation cluster events, with other Churches Fundraising events are supported by the congregation. Excellent special events, such as VBS/Day Camp and Trunk or Treat. Excellent Synod and Churchwide youth events (Middle School Gathering, Cardia Deo, National Youth Gathering). 2) Challenges. (Concerns) What challenges does Concordia face in this area of congregational life? Low participation of youth and families for regular fund-raising events. A few families seem to do most of the volunteering for youth events. Intergenerational communication is a challenge. Sharing space with KinderMusik leaves no dedicated, child-friendly space for Sunday School. Low student numbers and age diversity is a challenge for Sunday School teachers. Adult Education opportunities are limited to Sandwich and Scripture. 3) Goals. (Hopes) What would you like to see happen at Concordia in this area of congregational life in the next five years? More involvement with other churches. Evaluate how Sunday School space is shared with KinderMusik. Host community / family events More use of the library, more books for youth and young adults. More youth outreach to the community (possibly a community garden). Offer adult Bible studies (one for beginning level, one for more advanced). Peer ministry Have a youth director (possibly shared with another church). Call a pastor who has experience in and energy for youth ministry Develop a confirmation program that includes more parent involvement. 4) Process. (Actions) What needs to take place at Concordia in order to achieve these goals? Develop ways for the congregation to value and welcome youth. Create regular planning / focus groups to keep the conversation going and work towards goals. Strengthen intergenerational relations in the congregation (during worship, find someone at least 10 years older or younger and share highs / lows.) Increase congregational financial responsibility for youth ministry so that it does not depend as much on youth fund-raising events 19
Host community events Improve marketing / advertising. Plan one big event every quarter to involve community and congregation Outdoor movies on the church wall. A golf outing. Midsummer family game night Homeless youth vigil as a community event hands on music? Mayor? Supply faith-formation resources for parents of children (0-3 years). Sponsor college age bible study at Bulldogs or other restaurants. Participate in the Dinner for a Dollar at Hope United Methodist Church. Outreach and Service 1) Assets. (Strengths) What are Concordia s assets for this area of congregational life? The congregation includes people dedicated to a number of social ministries such as CHUM, the Union Gospel Mission, Food Drives, Quilters, and other ministries. Church members notice visitors and do a good job of welcoming them during and after worship. KinderMusik and Trunk & Treat bring people who are not members into the church. 2) Challenges. (Concerns) What challenges does Concordia face in this area of congregational life? We are involved in more social ministry organizations and projects than we have members to adequately support. Welcoming of visitors at worship depends on everyone noticing the people around them and taking the time to welcome them. We do not intentional have Greeters who take on this responsibility. In the area around Concordia 25% of the households include children. The area also includes many college students. Neither of these groups significantly participate in worship at Concordia. 3) Goals. (Hopes) What would you like to see happen at Concordia in this area of congregational life in the next five years? The congregation intentionally gathers and incorporates new people into the Body of Christ at Concordia Lutheran Church. The congregation coordinates and encourages involvement in social justice ministries so that many people at Concordia become involved in these ministries. The congregation becomes more intentional in welcoming new people, especially families with children and college students. The Signs, website and other means through which the congregation seeks to invites people should be attractive and engaging and effective draw people to become involved in the life of the congregation. Participation of College students at Concordia as their church home during their college years. 4) Process. (Actions) What needs to take place at Concordia in order to achieve these goals? Establish a Social Justice committee to coordinate and encourage congregational involvement in social justice ministries. Establish an Outreach / Evangelism committee to oversee the inviting / publicity / welcoming / hospitality / integrating ministries of the congregation. 20
Plan a congregational service project for God s Work. Our Hands. Sunday, September 11, 2016. Install a new sign to invite people to Concordia. Update the website to attract more people. Have coffee fellowship after worship to welcome visitors and strengthen the congregational community. Intentionally invite UMD students to make Concordia their church home during their time at college. Host National Night Out with activities / meal at Concordia. Host a free BBQ Welcome Back for UMD students. Community and Caring 1) Assets. (Strengths) What are Concordia s assets for this area of congregational life? The people involved in the Caring Ministry Team and the Lay Ministry Team are dedicated and involved in those ministries. Bridges to Christ brings the women of the church together for support and service. The Prayer Chain involves people in a very supportive ministry. The Messenger is a well-organized church newsletter that keeps people informed. People in the congregation express genuine care for one another and offer assistance as they are able. 2) Challenges. (Concerns) What challenges does Concordia face in this area of congregational life? Participation in fellowship activities is low when offered, and so there are fewer organized community building activities. The church building could be utilized by groups in the community. While many Concordia members live in the Woodland neighborhood, there are many who no longer do, so the church is less connected to the neighborhood than it once was. 3) Goals. (Hopes) What would you like to see happen at Concordia in this area of congregational life in the next five years? Plan four events every year that will create stronger fellowship ties one involving the neighborhood, one involving other congregations, and two events primarily focused on building community at Concordia. Community groups make regular use of the church facilities. 4) Process. (Actions) What needs to take place at Concordia in order to achieve these goals? Host National Night Out with activities / meal at Concordia. Organize a Hymn Sing and Beer event with other congregations. Intentionally reach out to invite local groups to use the church space (college final-week study nights, AA, Boy Scouts, etc.) Repair the basketball hoop in parking lot to invite local youth to use it. Upgrade and repair the playground. Share a youth pastor / director with other congregations to engage more youth and young families Ministry Support 1) Assets. (Strengths) What are Concordia s assets for this area of congregational life? Lay ministry group 21