LOOK TO THE FUTURE

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LOOK TO THE FUTURE

• What is the VISION
• for the
• Northwest Synod of Wisconsin?

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The 211 congregations are the Northwest
Synod of Wisconsin
TOGETHER
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We join 10,851 other congregations to become
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
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From Proverbs 2918

• Where there is no vision the people perish.

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• Consider Bishop Bergs mission statement
• We are partners in the Gospel called to proclaim
  the mighty acts of God who has called us out of
  darkness into Gods marvelous light.

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It means . . .

1. We will Make Christ Known.
2. We will mature in our faith and help others grow
   in theirs.

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Vision
What does this look like for our congregations?
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Lets dream about NEW WAYS to Make Christ
Known!1. called to proclaim the mighty acts of
God . . .
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Why is evangelism important?

• to Make Christ Known!
• to share the gift of our Lutheran understanding
  of Gods love with the unchurched.
• to provide encouragement and positive
  reinforcement to those who already are members of
  the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
  (ELCA).

Evangelism
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Evangelism

• We can be a welcoming community.

• Invite
• Introduce ourselves
• Refreshments
• Adequate parking

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We can communicate to others that they are
welcome

• Ads newspaper, TV, radio, website
• Signage
• Direct mail fliers
• Outreach newsletter

Evangelism
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TOGETHER . . . Many congregations in the
Northwest Synod of Wisconsin have used television
advertising as a way of Making Christ Known in
northern Wisconsin. By pooling resources, several
TV ads spots were contracted for through the ELCA
Identity Project.
Evangelism
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Lets dream about NEW WAYS to Make Christ
Known!2. Mature in our faith and help others
grow in theirs.
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We could talk about stewardship as giving back
to God in thankfulness.
Stewardship
Give time Share talents Give monetary gifts
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HOW? Do a Spiritual Gifts inventory to help
people find the gifts God has blessed them with!
Stewardship
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Talents abound within the congregation! Why not
share them with God?
Stewardship
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We could be tithing individuals.
It is our way of saying thanks to God for many
blessings.
Stewardship
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We could be a tithing congregation.
Stewardship
General mission support from congregations is so
important!
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A tithing congregation gives 10 to GENERAL
MISSION SUPPORT and hopefully another 10 to
specific ministries. In 2000, only 19
congregations in the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin
were tithing congregations. However, another 14
congregations were at 9 or above!
Stewardship
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Bishop Bergs vision includes by 2002, there
will be 50 tithing congregations! (will your
congregation be one?) by 2004, there will be 100
tithing congregations! by 2010, every
congregation will be a tithing congregation!
Stewardship
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Where does our offering go?
Stewardship
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Partnership with 11,000 other ELCA congregations
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Stewardship
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Synod Support 42Partnership with 211
congregations
Stewardship
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Helping congregations call pastors and plan for
the future
Campus Ministers at UW-RF, UW-EC, UW-Stout, and
across the state and nation
Creating resources for congregations in
education, evangelism, stewardship, and worship
Sharing our best resources with each
other! www.synodresourcecenter.org
Stewardship
Sending missionaries to international locations
to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to
those who have not heard it
Supporting Seminaries
Starting new congregations in growing communities
to attract the unchurched and de-churched . . .
Eau Claire!
Feeding and clothing those in need
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Luther took advantage of the new technology of
his time to communicate the gospel. Gutenbergs
printing press transformed the way information
was shared and Luther used it to help people
learn more about Jesus Christ. Today, computer
technology and the Internet have transformed how
we share information. Like Luther, todays
Church is using the gifts of the culture as tools
for communication.
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Computers . . . Internet . . . Fax machines . .
. New technology aids ministry
Communication and Technology
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In the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin there are
several congregations are using large screen
production in worship.
Communication and Technology
Beautiful Savior King of Creation Son of God
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Communication and Technology
The Northwest Synod of Wisconsin developed a
webcard which is a tool for ministry!
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• Began in 1993
• 170 people to date
• Class of 1999 pictured here

Lay Ministry
The Northwest Synod of Wisconsin Lay School of
Ministry provides a context for growing in faith
and participating in the life and mission of the
church.
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Synodically Authorized Ministry prepares lay
participants under ELCA guidelines for worship
leadership for a specific time period.
Lay Ministry
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Partners in the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Making Christ Known
Growing in Faith and Living it out
Together, Making a Difference
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The Christians in the ELCA Congregations of the
Northwest Synod of Wisconsin
www.nwsynod-wisconsin.org www.synodresourcecenter.
org