LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1998, Page 21

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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