wfn.org | ELCA Campaigns to 'Turn Around Congregations'

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 20, 1999

ELCA CAMPAIGNS TO 'TURN AROUND CONGREGATIONS'
99-179-LS

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- In an effort to revitalize and renew
congregations, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Division for Outreach (DO) and Division for Congregational Ministries
(DCM) are implementing "Turn Around Congregations," a pilot program
beginning in five of the ELCA's 65 synods.
     "Congregations that are willing and wanting to be challenged to a
renewed vision for mission and ministry" were chosen to be "turn around
congregations," said the Rev. Kathie S. Bender Schwich,  ELCA director
of leadership for outreach ministries.  These are "congregations that
could use some assistance reaching their next level of growth and
development," she said.
     The program was a response to one of the seven "Initiatives for a
New Century," established at the 1997 Churchwide Assembly, said Schwich.
"Turn Around Congregations" is designed to promote the Initiative,
"Witness to God's Action in the World," she said.
     A project team of DCM and DO staff selected participating synods:
North Carolina Synod, Rocky Mountain Synod, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast
Synod, New Jersey Synod and Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod. Synods that
had congregations ready for a turn around, energy and resources to make
changes, and diversity in setting and population were chosen, said
Schwich.  Each synod chose five congregations to participate in the
program, she said.
     Congregations send their pastor and five to seven lay leaders to a
required training event. Event leaders from the DCM and DO staffs equip
congregational leaders with skills and resources, including a book and
workbook titled "Catch the Wave:  Visionary Leadership in the Turn
Around Church," Schwich said.  Mentors are also available to follow up
with congregations, she said.
     Schwich said congregations will develop a new passion for outreach
and evangelism through the program.
     It is not "just a focus on getting folks in the door," she said,
"but making them disciples."
     An actual "turn around" in a congregation can take from five to
seven years, Schwich said.  After one year, the program will be
evaluated to determine its progress.
     "Turn Around Congregations" was made possible in part through a
$27,000 grant from Aid Association for Lutherans, a fraternal benefits
society based in Appleton, Wis.

[*Lisa Smith is a senior at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa.  This summer,  
she is an intern with ELCA News and Information.]

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
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