LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2001, Page 69

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SYNODICAL REPORTS 69

Trends from Our Research

Over the course of the 10+ years of the existence of the CMGS
we have been tracking continuing education opportunities and chal-
lenges for our congregations and our workers. Among the trends
we have documented, as of our 2000 sample, are the following:

* Budgeted monies at the local congregation available for continu-
ing education activities of our clergy increased over the decade
well in excess of inflation.

* Budgeted monies at the local congregation available for continu-
ing education activities of our other commissioned workers kept
pace with inflation, but did not otherwise increase.

¢ Time allocated for the continuing education activities of both
clergy and other commissioned workers increased. However, 42%
of our congregations are still reporting no continuing education
time made available for clergy (other than required conferences)
in contrast to only 28% reporting no continuing education time
made available for other commissioned workers.

Available time is a bigger inhibitor of participation in continuing
education opportunities than is available monies both for clergy
and for other commissioned workers.

Significantly more teachers and other commissioned workers see
continuing education activities as an opportunity to gain support
from their peers (52%) than do clergy (38%).

The location of continuing education events is playing a much
more important role in participation.

Short term conferences, institutes, or workshops are the events
most likely to attract participation of both clergy and commis-
sioned workers.

The use of computer-based study materials is on the rise, but
presently only 25% of our workers appear to desire such materials.

Discussion or small group continuing education events and group
action projects are more highly valued by teachers and other com-
missioned workers than by our clergy. Similarly valued are on-
the-job training and internships/apprenticeship experiences.

The development of a shared vision of ministry between profes-
sional church workers and lay parish leadership is increasing sig-
nificantly, with 35% of the clergy and 27% ot the other commis-
sioned ministers reporting this (as contrasted with 26% and 10%
respectively in the 1996 study).

Overall satisfaction with ministry remains high (76% of teachers
and other commissioned ministers. 85% of clergy).

Use of leisure time, available time with friends. and amount of
exercise are areas of challenge both for clergy and other commis-
sioned ministers.

A formal assessment process for clergy is on the increase, with
40% of congregations utilizing some formal process (up from
23% in 1996).

Into the Future

The CMGS expects to devclop comprehensive strategies di-
rected toward the retention of the church’s workers by focusing on
vocational development and personal well-being. [t expects to do
that in partnership with any synodical group that has the growth
and support of the worker at the core of its mission.

We also expect to join together with congregations across the
Synod in fostering the development of ever-increasing support and
growth opportunities for our workers.

Bruce G. Schuchard, Ph.D., Chairman
Bruce M. Hartung, Ph.D., Executive Director

R6-01
Board for Human Care Ministries

“Divine Love/Human Care.” The mandate for the Board for
Human Care Ministries is to be the arm of the church that demon-
strates the love of Jesus by addressing profound human needs. Mo-
tivated by “divine love,” we bring “human care to persons whose
lives are compromised by poverty. illness, disaster, family conflict.
disability, addiction, crime, or oppression. We touch human bro-
kenness in order to imitate Christ’s ministry and to invite those in
necd into the body of believers.”

Known previously as the Board for Social Ministry. Human
Care Ministries is recognized for its work in LCMS World Relief,
Lutheran social services, health ministries. chaplaincies, commu-
nity development, and housing ministries. Through our efforts and
complex programming, our expected outcomes for Human Care
Ministry include the following:

* Enriched lives for all people, especially those whose lives are di-
minished.

Improved health for all people. including church workers and
congregational members.

* Recognized service organizations that extend the Church’s mis-
sion and ministry.

Congregations and individuals who care about others and express
that care through their actions.

* A caring society that reflects God's ongoing concem for all people.

In simplified terms. Human Care Ministries exists for two rea-
sons:
|. To serve as a channel for the church in caring for those in need.
2. To enrich the church by providing opportunities to express

Christian concern.

We achieve these goals through extensive networking with
LCMS Districts, congregations, agencies, and individuals and
through creative and cost-effective partnerships with others outside
of the LCMS.

Operations and Finance

Early in 2001, George Sears, longtime director of Human Care
operations and finance, died from cancer. His 15 years of service to
his Lord and his church were characterized by faithfulness and ded-
ication. He will be missed.

Until a full assessment of need is completed, financial manage-
ment will be maintained with increased levels of accountability by
program directors and the executive director. The program areas
consistently under-spend and stay within budget projections. Ef-
forts to improve fundraising and ministry interpretation are netting
gains in revenue.

Human Care Ministries was one of the first units to be tested
for the new accounting system. The adjustment has gone smoothly.

During the next triennium, the unit will be positioned to guar-
antec the continuance of the vital ministries offered under its juris-
diction. Creative and cost-effective partnerships, maxiinizing re-
sources through electronic availability. and increased utilization of
regional leadership will increase programming without corre-
sponding financial increases.

Human Care Ministries’ five major programs are as follows:

I. Districts and Congregations

This unit assists Districts and congregations to identify critical.
unmet, or under-served needs in their communities and to plan and
develop programs that meet those needs and open doors and op-
portunities to “Tell the Good News about Jesus.”

Past Triennium Accomplishments

¢ With a grant from Lutheran Brotherhood, 16 congregations in
urban/ethnic communities across the United States received on-

2001 Convention Workbook