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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

August 22, 1999

ELCA ASSEMBLY REVIEWS EFFECTS OF MINISTRY STUDY
99-CWA-55-FI

     DENVER (ELCA) -- In Kansas City, Mo., the 1993 Churchwide Assembly
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) struggled through
several days of debate and amendments to approve "Together for
Ministry," the final report and recommendations of a five-year study of
ministry.  Six years later, the 1999 ELCA Churchwide Assembly reviewed
the effects of that study.
     The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the
ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 16-22 at the Colorado Convention Center.
There are more than 2,500 people participating, including 1,038 ELCA
voting members.  The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ
Known: Hope for a New Century."
     "All church studies travel to the 'black hole' of church studies,"
said the Rev. Joseph M. Wagner, executive director of the ELCA Division
for Ministry.  The 1993 ministry study may be headed in that direction,
he said, but the church is "only just beginning to discover" the
possibilities the study created.
     In his oral report, Wagner touched on five of nine points made in
the written report, "The ELCA Study of Ministry: A Review of its Effects
after Six Years," which his division provided the assembly:
     -- The Ministry of the Baptized.  Wagner said the study has
strengthened the church's resolve to thoroughly equip all ELCA members
"to do this work of ministry as they go about their daily lives."
     -- Diaconal Ministry.  The Kansas City assembly created "a new
cadre of leaders in Christ's work," diaconal ministers, who have taken
their place alongside associates in ministry and deaconesses serving in
the "rostered" lay ministry of the ELCA, said Wagner.
     -- Bishops.  The 1993 study clarified that the office of bishop is
one expression of the office of pastoral ministry, said Wagner.
     -- Flexibility for Mission.  Wagner said the ELCA's new
"synodically authorized licensed ministry" made it possible for the
ELCA's 65 synods to temporarily provide congregations with sacramental
leadership, especially in economically-strapped areas of the church
where congregations may have a difficult time paying a pastor's salary.
ELCA congregations are also being served by 20 "non-stipendiary"
ordained ministers who are either financially self-supporting or make
their living from another job, he said.
     -- Implications of Ecumenical Agreements.  Wagner said several
changes to the ELCA Constitution facilitated implementation of
ecumenical agreements of full communion which make it possible for the
ELCA to exchange clergy with certain other Christian denominations.
     Other points made in the written report expanded on the roles of
associates in ministry, deaconesses and pastors.  It also described
"periodic consultation on major areas of ministry" the ELCA Division for
Ministry has enjoyed with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

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