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2002 Synod Assembly

Report of the Presiding Bishop, ELCA - Overview of Responses

Representing newly-elected Bishop Mark Hanson, Ms. Myrna Sheie presented a video greeting and report from the Bishop on video, and then turned things around by asking for the input of the assembly. The people were asked to divide into small groups, and discuss two key questions: "What are the three most important factors in the larger society in the last three decades that continue to have the greatest impact on the mission and ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as a whole - including congregations, synods, Churchwide ministries, and related institutions and agencies?"; and "In the context of these factors, what are the three most essential things that we need to do as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as a whole to move effectively into the future?" She compiled the responses and on Saturday morning presented an overview to the assembly, highlighting twenty overarching themes, listed below. This process will be repeated at all synod assemblies this year; the combined information will be presented to the presiding bishop and will be made available to the public at www.elca.org/planning. 

Factors in the larger society in the last three decades that continue to have the greatest impact on the mission and ministry of the ELCA

1. Economic factors

  • Rural economy

  • Gap between rich and poor

  • Increase in affluence

  • Women in workplaces

  • Impact on families, church, communities

2. Demographic change

  • Population shift: rural to urban

  • Impact on sense of community

  • Increasing complexity of society

  • Increased mobility

  • Aging churches/communities

  • Loss of young people in church/community

3. Secularization

  • Materialism

  • Individualism

  • Media influence

  • Marginalization of church

  • Time/stress

  • Declining values/morals

4. Sexuality/gender issues

  • Changing roles of women

  • Gay/lesbian people

5. Diversity/pluralism

  • Religious and ethnic diversity

  • Globalization

  • Racism

  • Lack of understanding/knowledge

6. Change in the church

  • Forms of worship

  • Roles of clergy/laity

  • Use of technology

7. Changes in families

  • Structures

  • Roles

  • Values

8. Violence

9. Loss of trust in/authority of institutions

Essential things the ELCA as a whole needs to do or be to move effectively into the future

1. Evangelism

  • Marketing/inviting/witnessing

  • Equip people to live the faith

  • Sharing the faith in everyday experiences

  • Consider new ways and tools

  • Rural communities as mission field

2. Leadership

  • Clergy shortage

  • Leadership development: Lay, clergy, youth

  • Equip and train youth for future

  • Proactive leaders for church of today

3. Concerns for ELCA

  • Large vs. small

  • Lutheran identity and ecumenical relationships

  • Social issues - caution and challenge

  • Communication issues

4. Worship - greater diversity

5. Strengthen families

  • Nurture youth

  • Equip parents

  • Family values

6. Root ELCA in the Word

  • Biblical Literacy

7. Openness to Change

  • Listen to what God is doing

  • Be proactive

  • Understand who we are

  • Be open/be faithful

8. Involvement in the world

  • Witness to the Word

  • Social justice

  • Global mission/relationships

9. Learn from others/partner with others

  • Best practices

  • "How-To"

  • Language

10. Use technology

11. Build relationships

12. Inclusivity/diversity

13. Attract youth/young adults

14. Focus on mission

15. Pray! Pray! Pray!