Where we are in the process!

ELCA’s direction and priorities When we look to the future, we want to be clear about who we are and what is most important as we journey together as a church in today’s world.

What do WE see is important? Think of one thing that absolutely must be a priority in a statement about ELCA’s future directions

Your challenge is to find as many people as you can who identified the same thing as important – Basic etiquette Don’t change your mind just to fit in a group Join with other groups if you find they are also seeing your issue as important A coveted prize for the biggest crowd/group!!

Table conversation You are in the position of Church Council now… Thinking about ELCA as a whole, and knowing resources are always finite, identify up to 4 priorities that really should be “no-brainers”. Start by sharing your initial thoughts Share ideas about other priorities Write down 4 you can agree on

What the process will deliver A directional statement that positions ELCA for the future Some resolution of BIG questions Ownership of directions by church leaders A framework that guides and helps unify different levels of planning and decision making over the coming years

Called Forward Together in Christ Some of the BIG questions ELCA’s identity as a Lutheran church its most important ministries how to be diverse and inclusive future leaders – profile and preparation structures and relationships sustainability and resources unity and collaboration among leaders

Whose driving it? COB, Church Council and Churchwide Office own it Future Directions Table – advice to Bishop Eaton and leadership tables Presiding Bishop Eaton – a leading role Internal process group (Wyvetta, Jocelyn, Jon, Jodi) Many of you – bringing others into the conversation Consultant (Support and facilitation role)

Building ownership of the process Sept. – Nov Starting the conversation Dec – June 2016 Consultation phase July – Sept Take decisions & launch the directions statement Oct. – Nov Information pack, toolkit and surveys Directions Paper Draft Statement Process overview

Wide reach and presence Conference of Bishops Church Council Synod Assemblies Churchwide staff and leaders Other governing bodies and staff Ethnic Ministries Social Ministries Young adult networks Colleges, universities and seminaries Separately Incorporated Ministries ELCA Assembly & Grace Gathering

Multiple channels for input Via the website, social media and Conversations - congregations, synods, networks, boards and staff (toolkit to guide process) Rostered leaders survey Survey of young adults  Structured feedback and consultation on the Directions Paper

So far ….. Process (why and how) endorsed by COB and Church Council Website, toolkit, social media strategy in place Conversation stage underway Special session at COB and Council (Big questions) Staff discussions Lunch sessions, senior leaders, young adults, leadership development group, CSM gathering A range of other group/network discussions Preparing CWO staff to lead sessions at synod assemblies Planning other methods of engagement

What’s in the toolkit Purpose Provide information and support conversations across the ELCA Content Information on the process and timeline Introductory video from Bishop Eaton Q and A – anticipating what will be asked General information on what this church does as a whole Conversation starters – suggestions on process and questions A guided spiritual discernment Contact information

My observations Process is needed - desire for it to show a path forward Concern about “implementation” - how easy it will be to go down that path Concern about hearing minority/different voices and how perspectives are weighed up! Connectedness across this church a challenge (especially congregations) – Structure, relationships, resource sharing and communication So far, much common ground evident – COB, CC and staff

Download the toolkit, access the video and learn more online

CSM gathering What are you hearing and seeing across this church in relation to…… leaders hopes for the ELCA what constrains or dampens those hopes priorities around which leaders need to be more united? Help us tune into the voices and experiences out there!

Record the big messages you would like ELCA leaders to consider in shaping future directions and priorities 1 per post-it sheet These will be collected – important record