CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lay leaders and clergy from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will learn how to transform congregations into "vital faith communities," reach and serve great numbers of people and invite others into a "deeper walk with Jesus Christ" at the 1999 ELCA Domestic Mission Conference, "At the Name of Jesus: Congregations for the 21st Century," Nov. 19-21 in Milwaukee.
"The conference will focus on innovative ways for evangelism, outreach, Christian education and discipleship among congregations of the ELCA," said the Rev. Marta Poling-Goldenne, conference manager and ELCA director for witness, evangelism and Christian education, Division for Congregational Ministries.
Highlights of the conference include Bible study, keynote presentations, worship and workshops.
"Participants will learn from other members of the ELCA the best of what works in reaching people with the Gospel," said Poling-Goldenne. Lay leaders and clergy will collect "innovative ideas for moving new and lifelong Christians deeper into a life of discipleship," she said.
Sponsored by the ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries and Division for Outreach, the conference will offer more than 35 workshops. Topics range from family ministry to rural and small town ministries, from evangelism through drama to sharing faith in daily life.
Keynote speakers include Millard Fuller, founder and executive director of Habitat for Humanity International, Americus, Ga.; Sally Morgenthaler, author of "Worship Evangelism: Inviting Unbelievers into the Presence of God," Littleton, Colo.; and T. Garrott Benjamin, bishop and senior pastor for Light of the World Christian Church, Indianapolis.
The Rev. George Tan, St. John Lutheran Church, Cerritos, Calif., and Richard Nysse, professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., will lead Bible studies.
The Rev. Norma Cook Everist, professor of church administration and educational ministry, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, and the Rev. Timothy Lull, president and professor of systematic theology, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Calif., will preach during worship services.
Three "enrichment tracks" will precede "At the Name of Jesus" on Nov. 19. The tracks, designed to highlight ELCA congregations noted for their "distinct" areas of evangelism, are "Turning Around Your Congregation: From Plateau to Growth;" "Neighborhood Outreach Strategies in an Urban Setting;" and "Reaching Seekers Through Powerful Worship, Communication and Discipleship Strategies."
"Bridging the Gap: Reaching Post-Modern Generations," at the Milwaukee Hilton, and "Sembrando la Semilla del Evangelio en Nuestra Juventud y Ninez" (Planting the Seed of the Gospel in Our Youth and Children), at Hotel Hyatt Regency, Milwaukee, will follow "At the Name of Jesus," Nov. 21-23.
"The target for 'Bridging the Gap' is to create awareness about the possibilities for evangelism in the emerging post-modern, North American scene," said the Rev. Richard A. Webb, ELCA associate director for evangelism.
Workshop topics at "Bridging the Gap" range from ministries within the post-modern culture to worship and music strategies with post-modern generations.
Keynote speakers include the Rev. Todd Hahn, Forest Hill (Presbyterian) Church, Charlotte, N.C. Hahn is the author of "GenXers After God: Helping a Generation to Pursue Jesus." Gene Edward Veith, dean of arts and sciences at Concordia University, Mequon, Wis., will also deliver a keynote presentation at "Bridging the Gap."
The Rev. Albert Starr, Ascension Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, and Valora Starr Butler, director for evangelism and stewardship, Women of the ELCA (the women's organization of the church), will lead Bible study.
At "Sembrando la Semilla del Evangelio en Nuestra Juventud y Ninez," (Planting the Seed of the Gospel in Our Youth and Children), participants will address the needs and challenges of Latino/Hispanic youth and children from a spiritual, emotional and physical perspective, said Lori Claudio-Viera, ELCA associate director for Latino/Hispanic evangelism and discipleship.
The church should see itself as the presence of Jesus Christ among children and youth living in poverty, said Claudio. "The church should not limit itself to addressing the spiritual needs of children, but work to meet the emotional and physical needs of children and youth as well."
Workshop topics at "Sembrando la Semilla" include evangelism with youth and children.
Dr. Giacomo Cassese, author of "What Will You do with Your Life?" will lead a keynote presentation called, "A New Generation: The Church's Challenge." Hjamil Martinez, a seminary student at the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico, Bayamon, will lead a keynote presentation called, "Allowing God to Speak to Unknown Generations."
Bible study at "Sembrando la Semillia" will be lead by the Rev. Margarita Martinez, an ELCA mission developer in Cayey, Puerto Rico.
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
