wfn.org | ELCA Lutherans Sponsor Rural Evangelism Seminars

[ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF

June 2, 1997

RURAL EVANGELISM IS POSSIBLE

"Mission Possible," a one-day evangelism seminar, gathers rural
congregation leaders to examine methods for effective outreach in
rural and small town communities.  Sponsored by the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, five seminars are scheduled for the fall:
Sidney, Mont., Sept. 15; Havre, Mont., Sept. 16; Ritzville, Wash.,
Sept. 17; Eugene, Ore., Sept. 18 and Deshler, Ohio, Sept. 20.
Participants will "review their congregation's attitude toward
membership growth and discover keys to motivating growth in their
setting," said the Rev. David Poling-Goldenne, ELCA director for
evangelism.  "It is possible to be a spiritually and numerically
growing congregation in a rural setting," said Poling-Goldenne.
"These seminars provide an opportunity for congregations to gather
resources and ideas about effective rural evangelism from the wider
church, and connect with others to discuss local strategies and models
that work," he said.

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