DENVER (ELCA) -- In Kansas City, Mo., the 1993 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) struggled through several days of debate and amendments to approve "Together for Ministry," the final report and recommendations of a five-year study of ministry. Six years later, the 1999 ELCA Churchwide Assembly reviewed the effects of that study.
The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 16-22 at the Colorado Convention Center. There are more than 2,500 people participating, including 1,038 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ Known: Hope for a New Century."
"All church studies travel to the 'black hole' of church studies," said the Rev. Joseph M. Wagner, executive director of the ELCA Division for Ministry. The 1993 ministry study may be headed in that direction, he said, but the church is "only just beginning to discover" the possibilities the study created.
In his oral report, Wagner touched on five of nine points made in the written report, "The ELCA Study of Ministry: A Review of its Effects after Six Years," which his division provided the assembly:
-- The Ministry of the Baptized. Wagner said the study has strengthened the church's resolve to thoroughly equip all ELCA members "to do this work of ministry as they go about their daily lives."
-- Diaconal Ministry. The Kansas City assembly created "a new cadre of leaders in Christ's work," diaconal ministers, who have taken their place alongside associates in ministry and deaconesses serving in the "rostered" lay ministry of the ELCA, said Wagner.
-- Bishops. The 1993 study clarified that the office of bishop is one expression of the office of pastoral ministry, said Wagner.
-- Flexibility for Mission. Wagner said the ELCA's new "synodically authorized licensed ministry" made it possible for the ELCA's 65 synods to temporarily provide congregations with sacramental leadership, especially in economically-strapped areas of the church where congregations may have a difficult time paying a pastor's salary. ELCA congregations are also being served by 20 "non-stipendiary" ordained ministers who are either financially self-supporting or make their living from another job, he said.
-- Implications of Ecumenical Agreements. Wagner said several changes to the ELCA Constitution facilitated implementation of ecumenical agreements of full communion which make it possible for the ELCA to exchange clergy with certain other Christian denominations.
Other points made in the written report expanded on the roles of associates in ministry, deaconesses and pastors. It also described "periodic consultation on major areas of ministry" the ELCA Division for Ministry has enjoyed with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
