1	Healthy Congregations and At Risk Ministries Pacifica Synod -- ELCA
2	Marks of a Healthy Church
3	Healthy Church Resources ELCA Constitution Variety of Study Documents Missional Teaching Congregations Leadership Resources from Alban and others
4	Healthy/Unhealthy Congregations Resource from the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA (30 Page Document) http://spselca.org/Building%20Healthy1.pdf
5	Synodical Resolution The Pacifica Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is committed to the viability of each of the congregational ministries within its jurisdiction. We will not advocate for the closure of any congregation. We will strive to assist and support every congregation in its mission and ministry, that it might be healthy and vibrant in its proclamation, worship, outreach, evangelism, education, and service.
6	Why? If we lose it, we probably lose it forever. “In the City for Good” – an ELCA initiative The value of congregational property and assets. We want to reflect in our congregations the demographic changes that continue to reshape our landscape (The Great Commission)
7	At Risk Criteria How many of the following apply to any given ministry?
8	Criteria (1) Less than 100 in worship and less than $100,000 in general offerings from congregational members (a dated formula?) Unable to support full time pastoral ministry and at least one part-time support staff Two-thirds or more of the budgeted spending plan is in support of the compensation package for the pastor
9	Criteria (2) Membership does not reflect the demographics within a 2-3 mile radius (ethnicity, age, gender) Congregational leaders are focused on maintenance, survival and self rather than mission, outreach, and others Congregational giving does not support the bare minimum budget. Congregation relies on rental, leases, or other outside funding sources to make ends meet.
10	Criteria (3) Congregation has withdrawn or is with-holding mission support for any of a variety or reasons. This puts the whole church “at risk,” offers the poorest of stewardship models for the membership, damages, even poisons, vital relationship with the congregation and the regional judicatory and churchwide expressions.
11	A Time for… Conversation Dialogue Consultations Resources
12	Marks of the Conversations Christ-centered Cross and Resurrection Missional Compassionate Sympathetic Truthful and honest Hopeful, but always realistic Pastoral
13	Addressing the Options Listening Posts (small group meetings) List all the possible options Narrow down to the most viable options Congregational meeting Discern, envision, and agree on the best option Create a plan or road map Craft a time-line Identify key participants Implementation--Making it happen
14	What are the Options? (General Categories) New Mission strategy (TRM, Mission Development or other) Shared ministry with another congregation (Parish models, two or more point) Merger Synodical Administration Adoption (Mission Partner) Stewardship Development Closure
15	New Mission Strategies Transformational and Redevelopment Ministry Requires an “adaptive” change, not only a “technical” change Training, In-depth study, special team(s) 100% pastoral support and leadership Knocking on doors Focus on “others,” outreach, and welcome
16	New Mission Strategies Mission Development New missional ministry models Sometime relocation enhances this effort Pastor developer Trained teams Ministries of outreach Focus on unchurched
17	Shared Ministry & Mergers Variety of models Two-point parish, one pastor Multiple point parish, several staff members including at least one ordained minister One ministry on two sites, using one site for specific program ministry Selling one site to enhance another site or develop new ministry site
18	Synodical Administration Consultation Options Council and congregational vote Administrative Team includes synod staff, conference dean, nearby leaders-lay and clergy-from neighboring congregations, and an equal number of congregational members SA Team has full authority to make all decisions Set goals and projected time line
19	Stewardship Development Every member visitation or consultation Testimonials Challenges Commitments and Covenants Worship and sacrament Study of Scripture, devotions, prayer Service and Ministry, volunteerism Weekly First-Fruits Giving Legacy gifts
20	Closure Closing Worship and Thanksgiving Care and counseling for membership Attending to the Church Records Honoring the Sacred Items Utilizing or disposition of equipment, furnishings Property issues (retain for other ministry, lease and hold on, sell) Distribution of all other assets Mission funding decisions regarding assets
21	Theological Perspectives Theology of the Cross The Empty Tomb and Resurrection to a New Day The Great Commission Pentecost Book of the Acts of the Apostles Study of Nehemiah
22	Thank You and God Bless You
23	A Time for Conversation
24	Healthy Congregations and At-Risk Ministries Bishop Murray D. Finck Pacifica Synod—ELCA mdfinck@aol.com