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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

October 17, 1996

LUTHERANS LEARN ABOUT EFFECTIVE DISCIPLESHIP
96-23-067-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Equipping congregations to become
effective "discipling congregations" is the mission of the
education and evangelism team of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America.  The board of the ELCA Division for Congregational
Ministries learned more about the team's plan, "Developing A
Vision for the Turn of the Millennium," here Oct. 11-13.
     "We are changing the face of how Lutherans understand their
roles in evangelism and education," said board member the Rev.
Richard R. Campbell, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Charleston,
S.C.  "The mission of the team brings us to the roots of what
Lutheran Christians are all about," said Campbell.
     "The discipling congregation is a congregation that concerns
itself with reaching out to those who are unchurched and
deepening the faith life of all its members and guests,"
explained the Rev. David Poling-Goldenne, director for education
and evangelism.  "It is a balance between mission and formation,"
he said.
     The goal of the plan is to provide resources and training
events for ELCA synods and congregations in the areas of
Christian education and evangelism.
     The "discipling congregation" mission plan begins with the
idea that within each congregation are two distinct but
intersecting spheres of activity: evangelism and education,
explained the Rev. Marta Poling-Goldenne, associate director for
education and evangelism.
     "The outreach or evangelism sphere includes all the
ministries of the congregation related to hospitality and
invitational evangelism, intentional community outreach,
community public relations, and systematic efforts to disciple
[attract] people into the Christian faith," said Marta Poling-
Goldenne.  "It is in this latter area of evangelism ministry that
most directly connects with the entire Christian education of the
congregation," she said.
     The Rev. Theodore Schroeder, director for congregational
resource development, explained the second area of activity:
"Education features people active at establishing or affirming
baptismal identity -- teaching the content and language of faith
through Sunday school, Bible study and other learning
opportunities for the people of God to come to a better
understanding of God?s word and work."
     The education sphere helps people "to grow in their faith
and faith life response through sharing and learning experiences
with others in the faith community," he explained. In carrying
out this activity, "the congregation fosters a sense of ministry
in each member and encourages all to be active, not only within
the congregation but also out in the world," said Schroeder.
     "In the congregation neither education, evangelism, nor any
other part of church life happens in isolation," said board
chair, Richard Moe, Sioux Falls, S.D.  "All the pieces need to be
supported mutually and integrated," he said.
     "Developing A Vision for the Turn of the Millennium" will
build on four emphases in the next four years: adult
discipleship; children and family ministries; reaching younger
generations; and cross-cultural and culture-specific audiences.
     Recent research indicates that evangelism is not a high
priority for many ELCA congregations.  "A significant number of
ELCA leaders perceive their congregations to be most effective in
caring for their present members," according to David Poling-
Goldenne.
     The study, conducted by the division and the ELCA Department
for Research and Evaluation, measured congregational practice and
attitudes toward ministry and growth.
     "The study confirms that many ELCA congregations see
themselves as families rather than as moral beacons in the
community with a passion to reach out to their neighbors in
witness and service," said Poling-Goldenne.
     "The highest scored categories include supporting members in
need, maintaining congregational facilities, creating a
hospitable climate, and providing meaningful worship and
spiritual care," he reported.
     When asked if the findings of the study influence the
discipling congregation plan, David Poling-Goldenne said, "These
key congregational growth factors are integral to our
consideration and planning for training and the development of
resources."
     "The work of the education and evangelism team is cutting-
edge," said the Rev. Mark Moller-Gunderson, the division's
executive director.  "The board affirmed the direction and
efforts of the division staff and commended the fine work of the
education and evangelism team," he said.

For information contact: Ann Hafften, Dir., ELCA News Service,
(312) 380-2958 or AHAFFTEN@ELCA.ORG; Frank Imhoff, Assoc. Dir.,
(312) 380-2955 or FRANKI@ELCA.ORG