wfn.org | ELCA Congregations Learn From Each Other

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF

February 11, 1997

ELCA CONGREGATIONS LEARN FROM EACH OTHER

Over 100 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America gathered Jan. 23-25 in  Las Vegas for "New Ideas for a
New Day," an evangelism "teaching congregation" conference
sponsored by the ELCA's Division for Congregational Ministries.
Pastors,  associates in ministry and other lay leaders attended
the conference to learn how their congregations can grow both
"deep and wide," said the Rev. Richard M. Webb, associate
director for evangelism.  Selected "teaching congregations,"
noted in their communities for their effective ministries, service
and growth, shared with conference participants their unique
style for proclaiming the gospel.  Through worship, guest
speakers, workshops and plenary sessions, participants
learned, firsthand, ways to organize, to prepare and empower
leaders, and to grow both spiritually and numerically.
"Congregations need to have a clear idea of who they are
theologically ... what drives their ministry," said Webb.  Four
"teaching congregation" conferences are scheduled this spring
for Salem, Ore.; Ashland, Ohio; Chicago and Dallas.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html