How do we create new congregations that really reach and serve new people? 

This was the first question asked at the Information Meeting on January 13th. An excellent answer comes from a book by Pastor Dave Daubert titled Living Lutheran Renewing Your Congregation. Here are some quotes from  the first chapter of the book:

“In the ELCA thousands of hours and millions of dollars were spent on evangelism and yet both membership and worship attendance declined. To find out why this happened, the ELCA Department of Research and Evaluation did a study of all the evangelism work that was done. The study showed that in spite of the overall decline, there were churches with vibrant, relevant, and growing ministries.

“What was the difference between these vibrant ministries and the more typical Lutheran congregation? The study showed that declining and growing congregations were doing the same things. Getting a better sign, adding a contemporary worship service, putting ads in the paper showed up in both fast growing and fast shrinking ministries.

“While similar techniques and tactics were applied by both groups of churches, the congregations that were vibrant and growing were almost always clear about two things. First, they were clear about their purpose or their vision for ministry. They had an understanding about what God was doing and how they could be part of that. It was known and shared by the membership. Second, these vibrant congregations showed an openness to change in order to be faithful.

“On the other hand, struggling congregations were focused most often on their own survival and not much else. These places reported little enthusiasm for change. They would try something if it would keep them alive, but it didn’t bring a sense of wonder and adventure. It was received as a burden.

“In short, evangelism simply to recruit members for the church doesn’t work. God isn’t interested in a bigger church as much as God is interested in a transformed world. A renewed congregation exists for others more than for itself. It sees partnering with God as exciting and adventuresome—a chance to extend God’s love to others and to meet new people who will be allies in God’s work.”

What has the TEAM done so far?

Since August 4^th the West Pasco Lutheran TEAM has:

·      Listened to members at Town Hall meetings in each church

·      Met five times in workshops and meetings

·      Studied the churches, community, and many examples of what other churches have done.

·      Learned how churches change and thrive

·      Studied 7 options and listed the advantages and concerns of each

·      Initiated Joint Confirmation classes for 24 young people from 5 churches

·      Sponsored the “Weave Us Together” worship on November 18^th

·      Conducted two meeting for all church council members

·      Communicated with members through meetings, announcements handouts, and a web site

 

What is the TEAM doing now?

After careful study and prayerful consideration, the TEAM has reached a consensus that consolidation is the most promising route for the 6 churches. In December and January the TEAM will share this concept further in each church. Each church is encouraged to continue informal meetings and listening sessions so members can evaluate consolidation thoughtfully. In January each congregation will hear an informational Temple Talk.

What is the difference between consolidation and merger?

In a merger two or more churches join into one congregation that is larger but basically similar to the prior churches. In a consolidation two or more churches join together to form a new congregation or congregations with a new name, a fresh approach to ministry, and a new image in the community.  

The consolidated congregation(s) can continue some of the best traditions and programs of the prior churches and at the same time provide new programs and a new way of operating that will hopefully be more effective and appealing to new members.

Why do we have this TEAM, and why are we talking about consolidation?

There are two major reasons. First, some of the six churches  are in very difficult financial straits. For these churches, consolidation can provide a much better solution that just closing.

Second, and more important, is fulfilling our Lord’s Great Commission to go and make disciples.   We believe that God wants congregations that are thriving and vital to  effectively reach and serve people of all ages by sharing the love of Jesus Christ. The TEAM and many members want to listen and respond to what God wants for his churches in West Pasco County.  In the Town Hall meetings last August you conveyed this message loud and clear.

Will the TEAM make all the decisions, or do members get a voice and a vote?

The TEAM’s role has been to pray, study, and discern God’s direction and make recommend-dations to be presented to each congregation.  In January, each congregation will have the opportunity to vote on the following resolution:

 We, the members of _________________Lutheran Church, wish to share the love of Jesus Christ with people of all ages in West Pasco County; we endorse the work of the West Pasco Lutheran TEAM as it has explored avenues of cooperation among the West Pasco ELCA churches.  Therefore, we now urge the TEAM to move diligently toward consolidation.

Before any consolidation is finalized there will be a second vote at special congregational meetings next spring or summer.

How many new churches will there be?

We’re studying this question very carefully and will make a recommendation in January. Our best guess at this time is that the recommendation will provide for two new churches 

Where will the new church(es)  be located?

This important question is also one that we are studying very carefully. We want to identify locations that will both serve current members and attract new members. We are examining where members live, population growth, traffic patterns, visibility, and the suitability of facilities.

Will the new churches use the current buildings?

The new churches will most likely start out in current church buildings because it is impossible to build or remodel overnight. The long range plan may call for  new buildings sometime in the future, or remodeling or additions.

What will happen to the churches that are not sites for a new church?

Those buildings will be evaluated and most likely sold. Some of them may be purchased by other churches and others may be used for other purposes.

Who will be the pastors of the new church or churches?

A church council for each new church will be elected well before the church starts. This council can serve as a call committee that will recommend a pastor or pastors, and their recommendation will be voted on by the prospective members.  We hope that this arrangement can allow each new church to start out with called pastors on the very first Sunday.

What will happen with Pastor Sally Cook and Pastor Jerry Nordsiek?

The TEAM anticipates and hopes that both Pastor Sally and Pastor Jerry will be candidates for a call by the new church or churches.

Many members are deeply attached to their current congregations and church buildings. How will the TEAM deal with these important attachments?

While there is no way to completely escape the pain involved in change, there will be several measures that can help:

·      Many of your friends from your current church will probably be part of your new congregation

·      The Ministries that you value now may continue in the new congregation in one form or another

·      The TEAM will offer small group meetings conducted by  trained grief counselors before and after the consolidation, to give members an opportunity to talk over their feelings