# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2001_S36 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) SYNODICAL REPORTS 35 nate, and expand Black Ministry throughout the Synod. Also, con- vocation resolutions help shape the direction and work of the board. Through this medium congregations and communities are reached, embraced, and encouraged in ministry. The acceptance of diversity and planning dynamics are major factors in the following goals: BWNrR Nn ¢ Professional workers’ ministry gifts are focused and nurtured The ministries of congregations and new ministry leaders are fo- cused and encouraged Baby Boomers, Xers, and Yers are actively using their skills as church leaders New congregations—new ministries—are vibrant and dynamic forces in community, District, and the Synod Congregations network and relate to African American denomi- nations, African immigrants, and Districts of the Synod Diversity exists and is accepted, respected, and encouraged in Black Ministry throughout the Synod All of God’s people fully participate at all levels of District and synodical administration with vision, mission, and passion for the sake of the Gospel Linking network for schools, educators, recruitment of profes- sional workers, and resources is provided on congregational, Dis- trict, and synodical levels The Board works these outcomes with five ministry strategies: . Communicate . Connect with White congregations in Black Ministry . Provide, support, encourage leadership training . Work with congregations in Black Ministry through District and synodical partnerships . Optimize convocations for inspiration, fellowship, networking, information, decision-making, servant events, worship, and motivation Effectiveness is measured against involvement, congregation participation and growth-knowledge, skill enhancement, new peo- ple, and leadership throughout the Synod. Black Ministry Units have been developed in the following Dis- tricts: Atlantic, Michigan, Indiana, Southeastern, Southern, Mis- souri, Texas, Mid-South, Northern Illinois, South Wisconsin, Florida-Georgia, Pacific Southwest, California-Nevada-Hawaii (commitment to organize), with contact persons in Oklahoma and Central Illinois. Report of the Unit’s Performance during the Triennium A. Professional church workers * Conference attended by 70 Black and White pastors serv- ing in Black Ministry Annual Black Clergy Caucus Conference Nurture, visit, and consult with congregations and leaders 23 African American students in various stages of semi- nary education 11 potential professional workers recruited through new church development ¢ Workshops, conferences, and consultations B. Congregations in Black Ministry ¢ White congregations are received and welcomed ¢ Black pastors serving as associate in White congregations ¢ 15 of 42 new congregations initiated ¢ 10 new mission sites targeted e Lay Planters, Urban and Church Planter Institutes held C. Districts ¢ Consultations as a regular ministry feature ¢ Officers, partnerships, visits ¢ Networking with Districts for new church development D. Schools ¢ 100 schools in Black Ministry with over 16,262 students ¢ Educators conference in conjunction with convocation ¢ Hand-In-Hand Workshop focused on outreach ¢ Early childhood centers as new church development tool ¢ Linking and networking LCMS school services with Black Ministry schools ¢ Consultations and visits E. Convocations Birmingham Statistics 55 pastors; 61 lay delegates; 35 advisors; 350 guests, 285 youths; total attendance 780 New Orleans Statistics 240 congregations; 28 Districts; 1,248 guests; 552 youths; 34 African immigrants; 13 mission planters; 42 educators; 111 lay delegates; 61 pastors; 7 District Presidents; 4 LCMS BOD mem- bers; 15 1C executives; 5 college and university presidents; 33 LCMS exhibitors; 6 vendors and several exhausted volunteers; total attendance 2,124. Future Plans—Top Priorities . Conference of Black and White Pastors in Black Ministry: This is a unifying and driving force in ministry for the sake of the Gospel. Seventy pastors have requested immediate action on this goal. The convocation has blessed it. . LCMS Black Ministry Census: The executives for the Board for Black Ministry Services are working on the assumption that the membership is increasing by 4,000 baptized members per year. We are confident that the census will show a big jump in the 53,000 African Americans in the LCMS, toward our goal of 100,000 by 2010. . Election of Board Members: The convention of the Synod will elect three members to our board, and the 2001 convocation will prepare a slate of 18 from which the President of the Synod will appoint six. Leadership will be a major concern. . Fund-raising: More and more boards of the Synod are requested to raise the funds necessary to do the ministry. Faith, prayer, persistence, steadiness, thankfulness, confidence, and joy in ministry will be a great strength for days ahead and for now, too. . Implement School Summit Outcomes which position schools in Black Ministry as vital. links in the chain for increasing the number of African Americans in The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod from 53,000 to 100,000 by 2010. . Resource Materials for Church Planting: One of the most effective strategies for reaching African Americans is through the planting of new cross-cultural ministries, targeting African Americans. The Office of Mission Networking for the Board will focus on identifying, training, and nurturing leaders for the purpose of church planting and compiling and providing resource materials to help in reaching the goal of 100,000 African Americans in the LCMS. Significant Accomplishments . Perfecting the Board for Black Ministry Services . Conference of Black and White Pastors in Black Ministry . Convocation growth to 2,124 . District partnership in new church development The formation of District units . 80 plus Black leaders leading at all levels of Districts and the Synod Highly motivated professional workers in Lutheran schools 15 of 42 new church starts toward the goal of 50 new starts . 10 new mission sites identified . Averaging 20 seminary students at various stages of semi- nary education toward the goal of 50 per year ANkWN— _ Seen Significant Goals for the Future 1. Positive, supportive leadership transition 2. Regularize Conference of Black and White Clergy in Black Ministry . Convocations with 2,500 to 3,500 people in attendance . 100,000 African Americans in the LCMS by 2010 . 50 professional church worker students at seminaries per year 6. Black professors teaching and leading at LCMS seminaries 7. Revitalized schools as mission arms of congregations mn SW 2001 Convention Workbook