# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2007_S91 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) SYNOD REPORTS 91 Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support— Convention Report LCMS Convention 2007 Highlights Accomplishments during past triennium: 1. Completion and distribution of the “Let’s Talk It Over’ DVD and study resources; . Completion of the Coaching Principals Initiative; . Completion and approval of the CMGS Policy Manual; . Establishment and “staffing” of five action teams; . Exploratory sessions held in five different districts researching “Next Steps” components; . “Healthy You” campaign as a retention effort in conjunction with the What a Way Initiative; 7. Installation and orientation of a full-time executive director; 8. Strategic planning produced articulation regarding the Commis- sion’s Purpose Statement, Critical Targets, Goal Statements, and Core Values. tA fe Wb los Goals for the future: (Note: Every one of the following goals is pursued in collabo- ration with at least one, and in most cases several, other entities of our Synod.) 1. Equip congregations receiving “first-call” pastors for their unique role in the inauguration of healthy pastoral careers; 2. Formalize continuing education and vocational development re- sources, also at local levels; 3. Host “Worker Wellness Conference II” continuing to reinvigo- rate and motivate a network of Advocates for Ministerial Well- ness; 4. Increase awareness to the severity of the issues surrounding in- debtedness for LCMS professional ministers, implementing strategies to be engaged by every entity of Synod in pursuit of economic vitality; 5. Increase the commitment to and motivation for healthy relation- ships among professional ministers and within congregations; 6. Increase the effectiveness of PALS by adding strategies to en- hance “people skilis” and “relational competencies” as a part of the transition from seminary campus to parish life; 7. Recruit LCMS individuals to receive special training for assist- ing LCMS professional ministers (ordained and commissioned) in and immediately after a time of crisis, providing spiritual and personal care, and a fraternal presence; 8. Successfully complete the Indiana Pilot project to formalize a proven and accepted set of standards and procedures for effec- tively and strategically connecting the gifted passions of retired ministers with the ongoing ministry and mission of the church. Resources provided: 1. Continuing Education Awards ($250 each) through the What a Way Initiative; 2. Continuing education information and announcements in the Reporter and on the CMGS Web site, 3. “Healthy You” motivational awards and suggestions for “small steps” to decrease daily caloric intake and increase daily phys- ical activity; 4. “Let’s Talk It Over: 10 Conversations on Supporting Church Workers”; 5. Redesigned e-newsletter offering brief articles related to self- care for busy ministers, with encouragement and insight in some of the psychological aspects of ministry; 6. Relationship-strengthening resources distributed to principals and District education executives; 7. Report sharing research discoveries and related suggestions re- garding strategies for retaining professional church workers in parish ministries; 8. Tools and resources for raising the level of financial literacy among professional ministers placed on the CMGS Web site; 9. Two new learning modules for the PALS program—“Biblical Foundations for Lutheran Catechesis,” and “The Pastor as Stewardship Leader”; 10. The “Wellness Incentive Grant” in conjunction with LCMS Human Care. R6-01 LCMS World Relief and Human Care Vision Statement ¢ One Mission—showing Christ’s mercy to all with fidelity. * One Message—reflecting Christ’s love in Word and deed with in- tegrity. * One People—united in Christ with capacity to show mercy. One Message: Christ! The Gospel of free forgiveness in Jesus changes things. LCMS World Relief and Human Care has under- gone a radical, even revolutionary, shift in the past two triennia, by prioritizing and focusing all its work of mercy in light of, in con- nection with, and in proximity to, the proclamation of the Gospel. This has also brought a tremendous strengthening of programs and capacity to act. If we are serious about reaching 100 million people with the Gospel by the anniversary of the Reformation in 2017 (Ablaze!), the status quo will not suffice. Jesus spoke forgiveness and cared for people in need (Luke 5:17—26). He sent His apostles to do the same (Luke 9:2ff.). The earliest church zealously com- bined proclamation and mercy (Acts 6). St. Paul spent more than a decade organizing and collecting funds for poor Christians in Jerusalem as he traveled about preaching Christ (2 Cor. 8-9). Luther’s rediscovery of the Gospel revolutionized the church’s life of mercy at the time of the Reformation. Dr. Walther strongly ad- vocated mercy in the life of the congregation, also as a chief con- cern of the pastor. This is a great moment to be a Lutheran! This is a fantastic mo- ment for the LCMS. Opportunities are opening all over the world. Church after church is seeking out the LCMS because of our strong confession, care for the needy, and desire to reach those who don’t know Christ. With Jesus we say, “Let’s GO!” (Mark 1:38). International In the past, LCMS World Relief and Human Care functioned as a granting agency with no operational capacity of its own. Over the last triennium, the ministry has begun building operational ca- pacity internationally through the recruitment of international staff and the development of international partnerships with distinctly Lutheran partners. Humanitarian and development grants and pro- grams are now administered and monitored more closely, improv- ing accountability. By partnering directly with implementing agencies in the field, LCMS World Relief and Human Care can send more of each donor dollar directly to needy people in the 46 countries in which we currently have programs. These programs range from medical mission teams in Africa to orphanages and scholarships for tsunami orphans in India and Sri Lanka, all linked to “One Message: Christ.” LCMS World Relief and Human Care is transforming into a bona fide international Lutheran relief agency, warmly received by traditional, as well as new LCMS partners. Past Triennium Accomplishments: * Nurtured budding diakonic relationships overseas that have re- sulted in at least two Lutheran churches inquiring about full fel- lowship with the LCMS. 2007 Convention Workbook