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LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2001, Page 27

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

SYNODICAL REPORTS 27

* More than 150 youth and adults participated in regional consulta-
tions, building relationships between Districts and the Synod and
between Districts and one another.

¢ Subscriptions to new electronic Youth Ministry E-Bulletin ex-
ceeded 1,200, providing updated information on teens and trends,
District programs, and resources for effective youth ministry.

Relationship to Synod Objectives: The above contribute to syn-

odical objectives 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (Handbook, pp. 9-10).

Some Future Goals (Hoped-for Outcomes)

¢ Encourage leadership growth in three target audiences.

* National Youth Gatherings will continue, though perhaps with a
new program design.

* Look for ways to provide resource help, including a more inclu-
sive use of electronic media.

* Build relationships among Districts regionally.

* Increase the effectiveness of the total youth ministry network.

The following ministry areas were eliminated in July 2000:

Adult Ministry projects involving development and promotion
of materials for personal and group Bible study with Concordia
Publishing House were completed.
¢ Advocacy for men’s ministry, singles’ ministry, and directors of

Christian education was the primary role of this ministry until its
completion.

Leadership Development Ministry training of Your Congrega-
tion’s Future (formerly known as Faithful Christians—Faithful
Congregations) facilitators completed in 2000 and is now serviced
by Lutheran Brotherhood.
¢ Provided consultation on leadership issues to District staffs as re-

quested. This function is now part of every ministry area in Con-
gregational Services.

V. Present

As a result of the extensive assessment/evaluation process with
Districts, the Board has proposed a name change, adopted a new
purpose statement, established a set of core beliefs and core val-

ues, and identified critical targets (priorities), outcomes (goals), and

a comprehensive strategic plan.

Critical Targets and Outcomes:

1. Brokering/Evaluating Resources: District leaders are readily ac-
cessing a pool of dynamic, innovative, and appropriate re-
sources that have been recommended, reviewed, and evaluated
by national and District staff. [Objectives 2, 6, 7]*

2. Celebrative Events: Districts and congregations are engaging in
churchwide or “regional” events to proclaim, celebrate, witness,
and share their common salvation through Jesus Christ. [Objec-
tives 2, 4]*

3. Discipleship/Servanthood: Districts and the congregations they
serve are nurturing their communities and diverse populations
to bring a word and deed expression of the saving Gospel to the
sinful world. [Objectives 2, 4, 5]*

4. Leadership Development: District staffs are assisting congrega-
tions in recruiting and developing lay and professional leaders.
[Objectives 3, 5, 8]*

5. Networks: District staffs and other partners in ministry are (a)
experiencing a positive and mutually beneficial working rela-
tionship, and (b) accessing timely and resourceful information.
[Objectives 6, 7]*

[* These Critical Targets and Outcomes address the LCMS Con-

stitution, Article IIT, “Objectives.”]

The staff of Congregational Services and its ministry areas—
Child, Evangelism, Family, Schools, and Youth—remain commit-
ted to the concept that first emerged in 1992: to better meet the
needs of Districts and those of their congregations and to under-
take the challenge that remains to bring usable, relevant service and
support to the Districts.

Congregational Services will continue to assess critical targets
and outcomes to better respond to the changing needs of Districts
and congregations. Congregational Services serves with Districts
which assist congregations to develop and foster vibrant ministries
to bring the saving, life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ to the sinful,
dying world. (Purpose Statement)

Darwin Karsten, Chairman
LeRoy Wilke, Executive Director

LCMS-CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES CHILD MINISTRY
SUNDAY SCHOOL-BIBLE CLASS STATISTICS
1995-1999
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a an ad aD AW aAW aD AD nn 7) aA” an AR
1995 65,361 6,160 37.612 48,071 60,807 59542 55,841 51,893 46,833 173,732 2,151 22,917
1996 62,272 6,557 36,446 46,579 60,042 58,333 54,673 51,336 48,094 171,719 2,343 24,342
1997 61,837 6,295 35,428 45,632 59,017 57,867 54,029 51,298 48,090 168,386 2,306 23,050
1998 53,485 6,846 33,742 43,777 55,523 55,944 51,125 48,111 45,760 157,994 2,384 16,374
1999 49,470 6,604 31,774 43,299 53,515 55,026 50,303 46,761 45,965 154,373 2,349 15,088

2001 Convention Workbook