Mission Consultant

On behalf of the Northern Illinois Synod I seek to surface and evaluate potential mission development sites.  Generally, we look closely at growing areas that do not presently have an ELCA congregation serving them in the hopes of ultimately developing a new congregation.

Geographical Locations:

Presently, there are six specific areas under consideration for mission development in the Northern Illinois Synod (Elwood-Manhattan, Poplar Grove, Yorkville, Minooka, McHenry County, and near the junction of Rt. 47 and 167).  In addition two existing congregations are seeking to establish satellite missions.  The greater Chicago metropolitan area continues to extend south, west, and north into the eastern region of our synod, which is the primary reason these aforementioned sites are under consideration.

Currently, the work in these areas is in various stages of development.  In three of them we have persons doing door-to-door calling and working towards starting worship services by the end of the year (Elwood-Manhattan, Yorkville, and Poplar Grove).

Personnel:

We need laity and/or clergy willing to do outreach calling in new and developing areas and working toward gathering a faith community together within one year of entry into the field.  Training and support will be provided.  If you or someone you know feels called to this ministry of evangelical outreach, please give me a call.

Pastor/developers are also needed for mission outreach and the development of new congregations throughout the ELCA.  If you know of any pastor in our synod or anywhere in the ELCA who evidences a commitment to evangelical outreach, works hard, and is enthusiastic about sharing the Gospel, please share their name with me.

Pray that the Lord will provide the persons who can enable our outreach efforts.

Land Sites:

I am presently looking for congregations that would be willing to purchase and hold a land site for a new congregational development that might occur in three to ten years.

In the last five to seven years land costs have significantly appreciated in the growing areas of our synod.  Unfortunately, in many of these areas, if we do not have an advanced site purchase, we will not be able to move forward with the development of a new ministry because the cost structure becomes too prohibitive.  If your congregation would be willing to hear about this need and how an existing congregation can use its own equity resources to purchase a land site for a new ministry, please contact me.

Pray:

Pray that the Holy Spirit will open hearts and minds so that we might be able to proceed to develop new congregations in the growing areas of our synod and that the mystery of Christ might be proclaimed.

Thank you,

Ron Voss

Mission Consultant

Northern Illinois Synod

815-439-0700 (Followers of Christ, Plainfield)

630-554-4318 (Home)