Join Us for Our Congregational Workshop!

Dear friends and members of our congregation,

We are taking an important step on our journey to call our next pastor—and we need your voice! At a time to be announced, we’ll gather for a Congregational Workshop, a time to prayerfully reflect on who we are as a church and how God is calling us forward.

This workshop isn’t just a meeting; it’s a spiritual check-in and an opportunity for every member to help shape the future of our congregation. Here’s what we’ll be up to:

1. Digging into Scripture – We’ll form small groups to reflect on Bible passages that reveal our shared calling as Christians. Together, we’ll discern how God’s Word speaks to the qualities we need in our next pastor.

2. Assessing Our Ministry – We’ll take an honest look at our strengths, growth areas, and current reality. By naming and celebrating what we’re doing well—and learning from what needs work—we’ll set the stage for a healthy ministry partnership with our future pastor.

3. Fostering a Covenant Relationship – Calling a pastor isn’t the same as “hiring an employee.” It’s more like a marriage, rooted in covenantal commitment. We’ll discuss how we can strengthen our unity, cooperation, and mutual support as we embark on this new relationship.

4. Visioning for the Future – The North American Lutheran Church (NALC) encourages congregations to be:

   • Christ Centered

   • Mission Driven

   • Traditionally Grounded

   • Congregationally Focused

   We’ll explore practical ways to embody these core values together and ensure that our congregation is ready to welcome and work alongside our next pastor.

5. Gathering Input – From discussing leadership models to conflict resolution and discipleship initiatives, your insights matter. We’ll brainstorm the top ministry needs we have for our next pastor and narrow them down to a clear, prayerful vision.

At the end of the workshop, we’ll compile a summary for all participants, so we can continue the conversation in the days and weeks to come. This is your chance to ask questions, share hopes and concerns, and pray together for the future God has in store for us.

We urge everyone—from council and call committee members to long-time and new congregants—to join us. The more voices we hear, the better we can discern where God is leading our congregation.

THE DATE IS TBA. Thank you for being part of this important step in our call process. We look forward to seeing you on. Please spread the word, and if you have any questions, reach out to our church office or a member of the call committee.

Together, let’s seek God’s will for our next pastor and the future of our congregation. We can’t wait to see you there!

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thess. 5:11)