Vital Congregations
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Throughout 2008 and 2009, various ELCA synods have been hosting 3-day training events that introduce participants to the principles of congregation-based organizing. Besides including training on some of the basic tools of the trade, an emphasis has been on the biblical and theological underpinnings of this work.
Following is a list of synods and dates where the events have been held:
1. Minneapolis: two joint events, a year apart, Jan. 15-17, 2008 AND Feb. 19-21, 2009
2. St. Paul: two joint events, a year apart, Jan. 15-17, 2008 AND Feb. 19-21, 2009
3. Central States: August 14-16, 2008
4. Alaska: Sept. 18-20, 2008
5. Indiana/Kentucky: Oct. 14-16, 2008
6. Greater Milwaukee: Oct. 16-18, 2008
7. Metro New York: Nov. 6-8, 2008
8. Delaware/Maryland: Nov 20-22, 2008
9. N. Texas/N. Louisiana: Nov. 20-22, 2008
10. Saskatchewan, ELCIC: Jan. 22-24, 2009
11. Sierra Pacific: Jan. 9-11, 2009
12. Southwest Minnesota: Jan. 22-24, 2009
13. Oregon: Jan. 23-24, 2009
14. Upstate New York: Feb. 10-12, 2009
15. Southeast Pennsylvania: March 5-7, 2009
16. Southeastern Synod: April 24-26, 2009
17. South-Central Wisconsin: June 19-20, 2009
18. Nebraska: September 27-30, 2009
19. Central/Southern Illinois: October 12-13, 2009
These events were made possible by a grant from the Conference of Bishops’ Ministry Among People in Poverty Committee (MAPP). Although the initial funds have been depleted, the model for these events is solid and can be adapted for use in additional synods. In consultation with the Director for Congregation-based Organizing, new funds can be secured and personnel deployed to do the training. Participating synods report varying degrees of effectiveness toward furthering congregational engagement in organizing efforts. At the very least, more Lutheran leaders have now been exposed to congregation-based organizing and are in a better position to determine what role this methodology and movement might have in their ministries.
Included on this website are the various materials developed for the 3-day
Vital Congregations – Just Communities events. These are offered as background information should your synod want to pursue a similar event. It is recommended that you be in consultation with the Director for Congregation-based Organizing if you intend to move forward in this direction, so that your efforts can be resourced by the Churchwide office and so that the office can keep track of where such efforts are occurring.