# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1998_S21 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) SYNODICAL REPORTS 21 gations, leading participants through the rationale for adult edu- cation, trends in adult education, how to teach adults, the role of small- and large-group ministries, networking, and resources— supported through grant funds from Aid Association for Luther- ans. * Development of an Internet home page for Adult Ministry and related areas of activity, resource, and involvement. Young Adults * Focus on the role of young adults (ages 18-35) through “Em- powered for Servanthood” weekend events—targeting single and married young adults, offering special training and resources for becoming empowered and more involved in the life and activities of the local congregation, assessing their spiritual gifts, and pro- viding a forum for idea sharing and networking. * Young adults “leadership training” events—a pilot project where young adults work together in developing and leading a vacation Bible school program or other type of service project, witness- ing to the community and learning about leadership opportuni- ties at home. Convened a Young Adult Task Force to discuss how to raise the awareness of the unique abilities of young adult Lutherans to serve in their own congregations. * Development of programs and materials geared toward young adults in partnership with Concordia Publishing House. Men’s Ministry * Concluded a survey of men’s ministry and men-specific activities within their congregations, family and community. * Convened a Men’s Ministry Task Force to discuss survey find- ings and develop preliminary ideas of how to encourage the growth and development of men’s ministry through Bible studies for men, programs geared specifically for men, developing a net- work of support and sharing of resources, and relating to other LCMS agencies like the International Lutheran Laymen’s League and Concordia Publishing House. Evaluated the impact of Promise Keepers and other such “mass event” programs for LCMS men and what follow-up materials are needed. + Internet home page: “Man to Men” is under development, which will provide a forum for sharing ideas and resources from local congregations involved with or interested in men’s ministry. Single Adult Ministry ¢ The 15th Annual International Lutheran Single Adults Confer- ence held June 4—7, 1998, in Cincinnati, Ohio. * Involvement of single adults in the life of congregations and min- istering to the diverse needs of singles is an ongoing and ever- changing area of challenge for the LCMS. Directors of Christian Education (DCEs) * DCEs are a vital and important segment of LCMS professional church workers, supported and encouraged by the Department of Adult Ministry. DCEpistle, the new quarterly publication geared specifically for the DCE in ministry and includes articles on areas of leadership, continuing education, and salary survey findings, resources for personal and professional growth, etc. * Ongoing relationship with and contributions from DCE program directors at each of the LCMS institutions certifying DCEs. * Support for annual Quad Schools Retreat for students enrolled in DCE training programs, bringing them together for study, growth, and fellowship. Significant Resources * “Congregations at Crossroads” National Study of Adults and Youth in the LCMS * Adult Ministry Network Bulletin * “Answers for Life” reproducible bulletin/newsletter insert (with CPH) DCEpistle newsletter for DCEs in ministry * “Reflections” on the National Study of Adults and Youth * “Assessment of Our Program” survey tool for congregations “Interactive Bible Study” kit for developing and leading “inter- active” Bible studies for adults “Energizing Your Adult Christian Education” Workshops ¢ Adult Ministry Internet home page V. Child Ministry Department Judith Christian is Director, Lori Aadsen is Child Ministry Spe- cialist, and Jane Haas provides editorial services. The Department of Child Ministry is responsible for relating to leaders and workers engaged in ministry with children from birth through fifth grade, including early childhood centers, Sunday school, church nursery, midweek, and vacation Bible school. The department affirms that the community of the Gospel is an inclusive baptismal community—‘Christ died for all.” Discipleship is maximized in a community in which the gifts of all are cele- brated and utilized. A passion for reaching others with the Gospel has no “special group” restrictions and is extended specifically to children. It is the responsibility of the faith community to minister to children and to support their families as faith nurturers. The urgent need to focus on ministry with children is evidenced in LCMS statistical reports, which reflect a steady decline in the number of children baptized; a disturbingly low 50 percent rate of entry into congregational life at age 5 among baptized children; a continuing decline in Sunday school attendance. Other trends in- clude a steady increase in the number of early childhood centers operated by congregations in the Synod (2,225 total, includes 993 early childhood centers operated by congregations with elementary schools)—the majority of children attending these centers (78%) are unchurched or nonmembers; a shortage of synodically trained early childhood educators and directors; staffing of director of chil- dren’s ministry positions by congregations. Purpose: The Department of Child Ministry serves as a con- necting resource for leaders and workers as they affect children’s lives with the love of Jesus, so every child may know and experi- ence His grace. Vision: Every child will know, experience, and respond to God’s grace through Christ-centered teaching/learning environments, Harbors of hope; Involved faith communities; Leaders united in purpose; Dedicated child advocates. Significant Goals Advocacy—the department staff and leaders/workers speak and act on behalf of children. Leadership—the department affirms, supports, and connects with leaders/workers so they are equipped to engage in effective ministry with children, and the department motivates leaders to train present and future workers for ministry with children. Resourcing—the department provides materials for children and their families that nurture their relationship with Jesus, and the department provides print and people resources that challenge lead- ers/workers to grow spiritually and professionally in their ministry with children. Significant Activities 1. The first Early Childhood Summit, held in 1996, was attended by key influential leaders from throughout the church body. 2. The first Children’s Ministry Conference was held in 1997. 3. A Midweek Training Event took place in 1997. 4. District Early Childhood Consultant National Conferences were held annually and a combined District education