Sierra Pacific Synod

claimed...gathered...sent

Sierra Pacific Synod, ELCA May 14, 2009

Three Key Factors of a Dynamic Ministry, Part 1

The ELCA recently conducted some research to answer the question: "Why do some congregations grow and others do not?" The results were not surprising, but informative.

Growing, dynamic congregations are not a result of some great music programs, new housing developments built across the street from the church, or even beautifully crafted brochures and web pages. All may enhance a ministry, but they do not necessarily lead to growth or health.

The study found that there are three reasons churches grow. The first reason is because there is a clear vision of ministry. This is not the vision of the Pastor, the Council or even the vision of the Synod Bishop. Members of growing congregations have accurately discerned what God's dream is for them in their location at this time in their history.

Vision is the combination of a clarity of purpose, commonly held values which are discerned over time. The formula often used is this:

VISION = PURPOSE + VALUES + TIME

Some definitions may be helpful.

Purpose: This is the reason the congregation exists. There is clear evidence that when a congregation takes the surrounding world/community seriously and when that ministry is aligned with God's purpose as revealed in scripture, exciting things can happen!

Values: These are the guiding principles for the congregation. These are the elements which, when embraced by the members, assist in decision making when difficult choices arise. Values guide ministries in choosing to do some things and not others with no guilt or embarrassment. Since no ministry can be "all things to all people" clearly stated values lead to a ministry focus.

Time: Vision is always a product of the future, often dreamed but not yet. As God's people we are on a journey toward that vision. Sometimes it is difficult to see the vision as clearly as we would like. Often, however, the vision emerges over time as the purpose and values are taken seriously and lived out in a specific setting in timely and meaningful ways.

Next, the second of three reasons congregations grow.

Pr. Harvey Blomberg
Director for Evangelical Mission

Link

We remember in prayer . . .

Pastor Jack Ericson (retired), recovering from an emergency appendectomy

Pastor Gordon Hanson (retired), recovering from surgery

Denise Hamilton, wife of Pastor David Hamilton (Napa Vally, Napa, CA), recovering from knee surgery

Pastor Dan Severson (Faith, Castro Valley), hospitalized and recovering from back surgery

Pastor Roger Bauer, recuperating from heart surgery

The following synods as they meet in Assembly this week:

Northern Great Lakes Synod

Northwest Washington Synod

Southwestern Washington Synod

Northwestern Ohio Synod

Metropolitan New York Synod

Northwestern Minnesota Synod

Southwestern Texas Synod

Northeastern Ohio Synod

North/West Lower Michigan Synod

CONGREGATIONS IN TRANSITION

Key:
(1) New Vacancy/Seeking an

     interim pastor
(2) Forming a call committee
(3) Developing profile
(4) Preparing slate of candidates
(5) Interviewing
(6) Calling

Congregation                   Interim Pastor
Alameda, Immanuel (1)   Bruce Johnson

Aptos, Christ (4) Herb Schmidt

Davis, Incarnation (4) Stan Niemi
El Dorado Hills, St. Stephen's (3)
Fremont, Good Shepherd South

     Asian Ministry (2)           Ray Waespi
Fresno, Hope (6)                   Roger Lee
Half Moon Bay, Coastside (4)

Laurie Andersen
Hollister, Trinity (2) Scott Minke

Kingsburg, Concordia (3) Carl Bengston

Los Altos, Immanuel (3) Marcus Hess

Marysville, Faith (4)           Kirk Shipley
Merced, Shepherd of the Valley (5)
                                  Arlynne Turnquist
Mi-Wuk Village, Mt Calvary (3)
                                        Eric Yochheim
Oakland, Bethlehem (1)
Orland, First (2)                       Bill Kees
Redding, St. James (3)
Rio Linda, Calvary (4)        Todd Eckblad
Sacramento, Our Redeemer (6)

Dick Smith

Sacramento, St. Paul (1) Mike Kerrick

Salinas, El Buen Pastor (4)
San Leandro, Epiphany(5) Lori Eickmann
San Leandro, St. James(4) Ruth Lesher
Turlock, Light of Christ (4)

Frank Starkey
Visalia, Christ (Pastor of Discipleship)(5)

Link

MINISTRY/ROSTER CHANGES

R. Daren Erisman - Transferred to

Pacifica Synod

Link

A TRAINING WORKSHOP ON

THE CATECHUMENATE

"JOURNEY WITH CHRIST"

DATES: July 10-12, 2009

WHERE: San Damiano Retreat Center

710 Highland Drive

Danville, CA 94526

"Journey with Christ" is based on the ancient Christian faith-forming process called the catechumenate, adapted for the 21st century. In this process, people new to the church are paired with faithful members. Through small-group discussion and life-transforming worship, all involved grow in spiritual maturity and love of God.

COST:

For two nights, all meals and program:

- Single room $170

- Double room $140

Scholarships are available. For questions and information, contact Pastor Scott Guemmer at Pr. Guemmer.

Link

MULTIPLE STAFF WORKSHOP

ELCA Region 2 is sponsoring a Multiple Staff Workshop for congregational teams of clergy, associates in ministries, diaconal ministers and non-rostered staff, full and part-time.

There is no "one way" to do team ministry. This workshop will help you identify and implement what works best for you!

Date: September 22-24, 2009

PLACE: Christ the King Retreat Center

Citrus Heights, CA

COST: $350 Double Occupancy

$400 Single Occupancy

REGISTRATION/INFORMATION:

Contact Margy Schmitt Ajer at 619-867-1434 or by e-mail at Margy Schmitt Ajer.

Link

In This Issue

We Remember in Prayer

Congregations in Transition