Bishop Wayne N. Miller Metropolitan Chicago Synod ELCA

 When you think of the current condition of your congregational mission…  Are there signs of abundance?  Are there fears of scarcity?

 Can we imagine the territory of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod BLANKETED with Christian disciples joyfully bearing witness to the love and power of Jesus Christ?

 A creation reconciled to God through Jesus Christ by the way of the cross;  Realized through the continual generation of local Christian communities that are both FAITHFUL AND FRUITFUL

Can fruitfulness be faithful? Should faithfulness be fruitful? Can we reconcile the way of the cross with joy and abundance?

 Who Are We? (Identity)  Centered in the shared self- understanding that:  All that we are and all that we have comes by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone

 Why Are We Here? (Mission)  Centered in the shared mission to:  Bear witness to the love and power of Jesus  Invite others into the love and power of Jesus  Dismantle barriers that exclude others from the love and power of Jesus

 Words – Works = Nothing  Works – Words = Anything  Works + Words = Everything

 How Shall We Live? (Vocation)  Centered in the discipline of living with “open hands.”  Growing in confidence that God’s grace comes simply by opening our hands to receive it  Growing in the freedom to share God’s grace by opening our hands to release it

 Growth  How is your congregation growing?

 Generosity  How do you measure responsibility and generosity?

 Courage  How does your congregation demonstrate the courage to release attachments and risk adventure?

 Collaboration  Who are your partners in extending the reach of your mission?

 Inclusivity  Does the age, gender, racial and cultural profile of your congregation MATCH that of your mission field?

 Justice  How are you responding to the structures of sin that constrain dignity, freedom, and authenticity?

 Adaptability  Is your congregation adapting to changes in the mission field?

 Reproduction  Is your congregation preparing to give birth to new witnessing communities?

Bishop Wayne N. Miller Metropolitan Chicago Synod ELCA