wfn.org | ELCA Board Approves Outdoor and Men's Ministries Plans

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

November 1, 2000

ELCA BOARD APPROVES OUTDOOR AND MEN'S MINISTRIES PLANS
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     LAKE GENEVA, Wis. (ELCA) -- To help guide the outdoor and men's
ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the
board for the church's Division for Congregational Ministries (DCM)
endorsed multi-year "strategic" plans for Outdoor Ministries and
Lutheran Men in Mission, the men's organization of the ELCA, at its
meeting here Oct. 20-22.
     The purpose of Lutheran Men in Mission is to "strengthen men's
Christian faith, relationships and mission in their homes, church and
communities," said Douglas Haugen, director for men's ministries, DCM.
     The plan is designed to guide the work of the men's organization
and ministry in the next five years.  Goals articulated in the plan
include securing active participation by men "of all ages and cultures"
in the life of Lutheran Men in Mission, increasing financial support for
the men's organization, and building quality program resources for men's
ministry.
     The components of the plan include a mission statement, vision, a
list of "values," organizational strengths, weaknesses, opportunities
and threats, strategies and initiatives.
     "The plan is unique in that it looks realistically at strengths
and weaknesses of conducting men's ministries in the church," said the
Rev. John B. Mawhirter, Sandusky, Ohio, DCM board member.
     A strength of men's ministry illustrated in the plan is the
"number of resources, newsletters, Bible studies and other materials
that serve as a foundation for spreading the work of Lutheran Men in
Mission," said Haugen.  Another strength is the "mutually beneficial
relationships" shared, such as Lutheran Men in Mission and Women of the
ELCA, the women's organization of the church.
     "A large number of men in congregations of the ELCA still do not
know about Lutheran Men in Mission," Haugen said.  That is a weakness
articulated in the plan, he said.  "Name recognition and grassroots
support within all ELCA churches is essential to expand our witness and
outreach."
     In a separate decision, the DCM board endorsed the multi-year
strategic plan for ELCA Outdoor Ministries.  The plan is designed to
"enrich Christian faith and life through camping and retreat
experiences."
     There are 145 outdoor ministries in the United States and
Caribbean that operate independently but are related to the ELCA, said
Mark D. Burkhardt, director for outdoor ministries, DCM.  Outdoor
ministry is an "interdependent partner in the mission and ministry of
the ELCA," said Burkhardt.
     The 2001-2004 strategic plan for DCM's outdoor ministry consists
of five goals.  They are to develop well-educated, committed and diverse
outdoor ministry leaders; enhance the quality of outdoor ministry
programs; build and maintain a stable financial base for outdoor
ministries; strengthen outdoor ministry relationships and explore new
partnerships and alliances; and provide effective communication within
the outdoor ministries network.  The plan includes a time line
illustrating how goals will be carried out in the course of five years.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html