 The LIFT report, approved by the 2011 Churchwide Assembly, recommends, among other things, that congregations be invited, in partnership with synods, to begin, develop, review, or redefine their unique mission plan by the end of 2012.
What does it mean to “be church”?
What are we called to do, to be?
How does our structure support our sense of mission and call?
The resources on this page may be helpful for congregations rethinking mission and church structure.
What is your congregation doing?
Do you have other suggestions for resources?
Thanks
Contributors to this page include:
|
Resources
Crafting a Narrative Budget A Narrative Budget ‘translates’ each lineof the budget into a portrait of mission. A Narrative Budget is an inspirational tool.
Renewing Congregations, coordinated by the Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission unit’s Renewal Team, provides support and assistance through transformational ministry.
 Martha Grace Reese’s Unbinding the Gospel Series is one place for congregations to begin considering who they are and what they are called to do.
Natural Church Development is a process for helping leaders focus on church health and mission. Their site has mini-seminars, video clips, books and tools.
 The Alban Institute continues to provide help of all kinds for rethinking congregational life and mission. They also offer a free online guide to congregational resources.
TransformingChurch.com, a project of the ELCA-Southeastern Synod Commision for Transforming Congregations, is a web community connecting transformational leaders across and beyond the Lutheran church. Be sure to check out their Resource Toolbox.
 Take it to Heart is a road map for evaluating and enriching your congregation's ministry with children, youth, and families.
Living Faith Congregation Planning Guide Assists congregation leaders to prepare for and lift up the ELCA-wide Call to Discipleship.
 Stories of Faith in Action contains dynamic stories of how God is changing lives through the mission and ministry of the ELCA.
God's People Building Bridges lays out a framework for conducting basic cultural awareness workshops.
Praying for Renewal gathers the stories of faithful people who are grounded in the Scripture.
Living the Faith is a compilation of stories, advice, and reflections about creating and nurturing multicultural relationships, for individuals and congregations seeking to reach out to people whose race is different than their own.
Multicultural Mission Strategy is a re-commitment that the ELCA shall establish membership of at least 10 percent people of color and/or primary language other than English.
Renewing the Passion: A Guide to Spiritual Revival offers resources for spiritual refreshment and renewal.
One Body, Many Members Brochure & DVD is a web-based resource designed to equip congregations to reach out and fully welcome individuals whose race, culture and class is different than their own.
Talking Together as Christians Cross-Culturally is a practical, "how to" field guide to cross-cultural conversation and moral deliberation. |
Books
 The Evangelizing Church: A Lutheran Contribution (Richard Bliese and Craig Van Gelder, eds.)
Boundary Leaders: Leadership Skills for People of Faith (Gary Gunderson)
Welcoming the Stranger: A Public Theology of Worship and Evangelism (Patrick Keifert)
 Discovering Hope: Building Vitality in Rural Congregations offers practical help by telling stories of 26 effective congregations.
Beyond Maintenance to Mission: A Theology of the Congregation (Craig Nessan)
Shalom Church: The Body of Christ as Ministering Community (Craig Nessan)
 Field Guide for the Missional Congregation: Embarking on a Journey of Transformation (Richard Rouse, Craig Van Gelder, Martin Marty, foreword)
Several titles by Mike Foss
Several titles by Doug Pagitt
LUTHERAN VOICES
CONGREGATIONAL LEADER SERIES
Links
Augsburg Fortress, the Publishing House of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Eastern North Dakota Resource Center
Northwest Synod of Wisconsin
Resource Center
ELCA Resource Catalog
Book of Faith
Discipleship at the ELCA website |
Living Lutheran: Renewing Your Congregation