LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2001, Page 24

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24 SYNODICAL REPORTS

Department. Edwin was drafting his will and wanted to support the
Christian outreach of Lutheran Hour Ministries so that his own
family and many others could hear the life-changing message of
God’s grace. Through individuals like Edwin and thousands of oth-
ers who prayerfully support the ministries with their monthly gifts
or wills and estate plans, the outreach continues.

President Al Waldron believes there are five principle objec-

tives of the Int’] LLL:

1.An informed and enabled laity which exercises God's
reconciling ministry of witness in the world (Matt. 28:18-20, 2
Cor. 5:18-20)

. An informed and enabled laity which responds creatively and
responsibly to the changing opportunities for a life of service to
God and man (1 Peter 2)

3. An equipped laity which participates responsibly in the

organizational life of the church

4. Members in whose lives these objectives are realized and

demonstrated

5. Affiliated groups and administrative units whose existence,

function, and relationship to the league are determined by these
objectives
The International Lutheran Laymen’s League and its Lutheran

Hour Ministries is prayerfully supported by a volunteer organiza-

tion of about 130,000 members. The Int’] LLL is an auxiliary of

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church—

Canada. For more details about the league, call 1-800-944-3450 or

check www. lhm.org.

ined

Note

Lutheran Hour Ministries, “The Lutheran Hour.” “Bringing
Christ to the Nations,” “BCTN,” “By Kids ... For Kids,” “This Is
the Life,” “On Main Street,” “Ayer, Hoy y Siempre,” “Cristo Para
Todas las Naciones,” “Esta Es La Vida,” “Crosswalk,” “Living for
Tomorrow,” and “Woman to Woman” are registered marks or ser-
vice marks of the Int’] LLL. “The Puzzle Club” is a service mark
and trademark.

Alvin Waldron, President
Rodger Hebermehl, Executive Director

R2-01

Board for Congregational Services Synodical
Convention Report

I. Introduction

The 1992 Synodical Convention established the Conference of
Congregational Services and resolved to combine various boards
into the Board for Congregational Services effective with the 1995
convention.

Following formal approval at the 1995 convention, the Board
for Congregational Services identified ministry areas that would
gather information and feedback from Districts and congregations
on needs, expectations, and trends. The ministry areas were further
integrated to meet the expressed needs of Districts and congrega-
tions, receive communications from Districts regarding their plans
and their congregations (through the Conference of Congregational
Services), and continue to identify refinements that might need to
be made in view of continuing structural revisions at the District
and national levels. Congregational Services’ purpose, as identi-
fied in 1995, through its staff and in partnership with Districts, is to
support and serve congregations of the Synod in their varied range
of diverse and unique ministries.

Rev. Darwin Karsten, chairman; Mrs. Debra Herman, vice-
chair; and Dr. David Held, secretary, have capably led the Board.
The period following the 1998 Synodical Convention has been a
time of significant transition and change.

Personnel: Dr. David Mulder began his service in 1998 (suc-
ceeding Mr. Lou Jander),; Dr. Lyle Muller retired March 1999 as

2001 Convention Workbook

Executive Director; Rev. Jerry Kosberg accepted a call to the Pa-
cific SW District in 1999; Dr. Carl Moser retired in 2000; Mr.
Ralph Geisler accepted a call to the Missouri District in 2000; Dr.
LeRoy Wilke was installed as Executive Director in 2000.

II. Some Significant Transitions

¢ Church Membership Initiative projects were completed at the end
of 1998.

¢ The Conference of Congregational Services concluded in Sep-
tember 1999 due to budget reductions.

¢ A “Parish Packet” of various information pieces sent three times
per year to congregations was discontinued at the end of 1999.

¢ An annual planning guide for congregations with monthly em-
phases and resource suggestions ceased production in 1999.

¢ A Great Commission Convocation scheduled for 2002 was canceled.

* The unrestricted 1999-2000 fiscal year budget was reduced by
$225,000 from the previous year; the unrestricted 2000-01 fiscal
year budget was reduced by $600,000, resulting in terminating 7
staff positions.

* Transferred [outsourced] Stewardship Ministry to LCMS Foun-
dation in 2000.

¢ Adult Ministry/Leadership Development positions were elimi-
nated in 2000.

III. Some Significant Accomplishments

¢ “Tell the Good News about Jesus” emphasis coordinated by
Evangelism Ministry with Rev. Al Tormoehlen engaged as proj-
ect manager in 1999.

«Completed a market research of District and congregational
awareness and attitudes towards products and services of Con-
gregational Services in 1999.

¢ Initiated a major assessment/evaluation process of Congregational
Services in 2000 via on-site visits with District staffs.

¢ Worked closely with the Task Force on National/District Synod
Relations.

* Expanded electronic or hard copy newsletters for District leaders
and subscribers, including Web site expansion.

¢ Congregational Services display at 19 District conventions in
2000.

* Increased news items in LCMS Reporter.

¢ Mailings for Evangelism, Schools, Christian Education, and
Stewardship months with resource ideas to strengthen congrega-
tions’ ministries.

¢ Development of resources in collaboration with CPH continues
to increase.

* Church Information Center referred 26% of all inquiries during
1998, 1999, and 2000 to Congregational Services.

¢ Conducted orientations for new District staff and executives.

¢ The “Teachers of the Faith” conference for volunteer and profes-
sional Christian educators was held in Kansas City in 1998 with
over 1,200 participants.

IV. Ministry Areas

Child Ministry serves as a connecting resource for leaders and
workers as they affect children’s lives (birth through fifth grade)
with the love of Jesus, so every child may know and experience
His grace.

Some Significant Accomplishments

Goal: Child Ministry networks resources for leaders to grow
spiritually and professionally in their ministry with children.
¢ District early childhood consultants and education executives
have the tools to help congregations begin and maintain early
childhood education centers through the revised Jn His Hands
manual.