Session Eleven: The ELCA: Part Four (Current) IN AMERICA LUTHERANISM Session Eleven: The ELCA: Part Four (Current)

Last Week in Review Last session, we talked about… Ecumenical Relations Lutheran World Federation National Council of Churches World Council of Churches Full-Communion Relationships Lutherans Divide…Again The ELCA’s schisms caused by CCM & Human Sexuality Social Statement ELCA & LCMS relationships

Lutheranism in America Comments, Questions or Smart Remarks?

Model of Accompaniment GLOBAL MISSION Model of Accompaniment

Global Mission Centuries of colonialism had a deep impact on the method of “mission” Us vs. Them Saved vs. Lost Enlightened vs. Unenlightened The implication was that we needed to save these people

Global Mission A Changing World A form of the Christian church now exists in almost every nation on earth The geographical “center” of Christianity is no longer Europe or North America, but SOUTH of the equator

Global Mission The Model of Accompaniment A gift from the Christian community in Latin America Walking side-by-side Road to Emmaus Mutuality and Interdependence

Global Mission The Model of Accompaniment Begins with an understanding that BOTH parties are givers and receivers Language shift: Assist, not provide Help, not do Ask, not assume

Global Mission The model of accompaniment has had a dramatic impact on the ELCA’s approach to Global Mission The companion country dictates what kind of missionary personnel would be most helpful for them NOT VERY MANY PASTORS ANYMORE

Global Mission The greatest needs for ELCA Global Mission personnel are: Doctors / Nurses Teachers (especially ESL) Administrators / Accountants Resource Development

Global Mission The Model of Accompaniment also affects the Companion Synod Program Every ELCA synod is partnered with at least one other synod in a foreign country Not every country is represented…why?

Other Global Mission Areas of Involvement

LIRS One of ten national organizations that resettles refugees on behalf of the U.S. government Began in earnest after WWII, resettling refugees from Eastern Europe – one third of which were Lutheran

LIRS One of ten national organizations that resettles refugees on behalf of the U.S. government Began in earnest after WWII Today, they ensure protection for more than 30,000 migrants and refugees each year

ELCA World Hunger ELCA World Hunger 1 in 8 people in the world experience chronic hunger (50 million Americans) Ending hunger is about more than just providing food; it’s also about… Clean water Education Health care Sustainable sources of income

ELCA World Hunger ELCA World Hunger provides personnel and resources to address these issues internationally AND domestically ELCA World Hunger also funds Lutheran Advocacy Ministries

The Newest Resource for Worship in the ELCA THE ELW The Newest Resource for Worship in the ELCA

Hymnal History Lutheran Book of Worship (1978) Created with intention of one hymnal for all Lutherans; inclusive-language; RCL calendar Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006) Used by ELCA and ELCIC; Understands itself as a “core rather than a comprehensive resource” Service Book & Hymnal (1958) “The Red Book” unites most Lutherans in America, who eventually merge to form the LCA and ALC Common Service Book (1917) First published hymnal with Muhlenberg’s Common Service of 1888 With One Voice (1995) Created by ELCA, “intended to stand beside the [LBW] and to supplement its contents”

Notable Changes NOT A BOOK! A RESOURCE! 10 liturgy patterns offered All 150 Psalms Some language changes (e.g., “assembly,” not “congregation”) Continued and heightened emphasis on baptism The Small Catechism Daily Prayer More rites made public (not just occasional services)

Notable Changes Response has been mostly positive, but still… “Doesn’t include that hymn!” “They changed the Lord’s Prayer and the Creeds!” “What are we supposed to call it? We already have a ‘red book!’” “Why don’t they include the whole liturgy? Why do they refer me back to Setting 1 or 2?”

Lutheranism in America Finally, I want to hear a bit from you all… What did you get out of this course? What surprised you? What comments, questions or smart remarks do you still have?