“The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is an ecology of interdependent ecosystems.” - Craig Dykstra Senior Vice President, Religion Lilly Endowment

ECCLESIAL ECOLOGY CONGREGATIONS JUDICATORIES INSTITUTIONS AGENCIES RELATED PARTNERSHIP

Living Into the Future Together (LIFT) is a task force which is focusing on the renewal of the ELCA ecology.

To inform our work, the task force attempted to initiate a conversation across the ELCA.

Internal and external factors impacting congregations Lutheran identity Relationships across this church Expectations of various partners in the ELCA ecology The conversation focuses on -

What is God calling this church to be and do in the future? What changes are in order to help us respond most faithfully? LIFT’s Big Questions

Engaging in 2010 synod assembly discussions and forums Completing questionnaires Participating in surveys, focus groups and interviews Submitting hundreds of scenarios and suggestions for task force consideration Joining the blog conversation at People have responded by -

Theology and teaching is important to ELCA members The ELCA lacks clear identity; Lutherans are not distinctive Member connections with ELCA Lutheranism (the wider church) are important What LIFT has learned so far:

about a theology of justification by grace through faith focused on sharing the good news of the Gospel with the unchurched providing a strong system of theological education for pastors feeding the hungry and advocating for the poor We also heard people indicate that the ELCA should be-

Factors Impacting Congregations (Combined Lay Leader and Clergy Reports) Source: LIFT/Ecology Task Force Clergy and Lay Leader Questionnaire, Prepared by Research and Evaluation, ELCA, 2010.

Reasons for Attending an ELCA Congregations for Lay Leaders Source: LIFT/Ecology Task Force Clergy and Lay Leader Questionnaire, Prepared by Research and Evaluation, ELCA, 2010.

“Is There Anything Unique About ELCA Lutherans that Distinguishes Them from Other Christians?” Source: LIFT/Ecology Task Force Clergy and Lay Leader Questionnaire, Prepared by Research and Evaluation, ELCA, 2010.

Connections with the Church for Lay Leaders Source: LIFT/Ecology Task Force Clergy and Lay Leader Questionnaire, Prepared by Research and Evaluation, ELCA, 2010.

Connections with the Church Comparing Lay Leaders and Clergy (percent who indicated “strongly agree”) Source: LIFT/Ecology Task Force Clergy and Lay Leader Questionnaire, Prepared by Research and Evaluation, ELCA, 2010.

Top Five Factors Contributing to a Sense of Connectedness for Lay Leaders Source: LIFT/Ecology Task Force Clergy and Lay Leader Questionnaire, Prepared by Research and Evaluation, ELCA, 2010.

“How Connected Do You Feel to the Wider Church?” Source: LIFT/Ecology Task Force Clergy and Lay Leader Questionnaire, Prepared by Research and Evaluation, ELCA, 2010.

Expectations of ELCA Lutheranism for Lay Leaders Source: LIFT/Ecology Task Force Clergy and Lay Leader Questionnaire, Prepared by Research and Evaluation, ELCA, 2010.

Expectations of ELCA Lutheranism Comparing Lay Leaders and Clergy (percent who indicated “very important”) Source: LIFT/Ecology Task Force Clergy and Lay Leader Questionnaire, Prepared by Research and Evaluation, ELCA, 2010.

Relative Impact of Factors on Connectedness to the Wider Church for Clergy (Beta Values) Source: LIFT/Ecology Task Force Clergy and Lay Leader Questionnaire, Prepared by Research and Evaluation, ELCA, 2010.

Relative Impact of Factors on Connectedness to the Wider Church for Lay Leaders (Beta Values) Source: LIFT/Ecology Task Force Clergy and Lay Leader Questionnaire, Prepared by Research and Evaluation, ELCA, 2010.

Different Expectations Between Lay Leaders Who Are and Are Not Connected to the Wider Church (percent indicating item was “very important”) Source: LIFT/Ecology Task Force Clergy and Lay Leader Questionnaire, Prepared by Research and Evaluation, ELCA, 2010.

Different Expectations Between Clergy Who Are and Are Not Connected to the Wider Church (percent indicating item was “very important”) Source: LIFT/Ecology Task Force Clergy and Lay Leader Questionnaire, Prepared by Research and Evaluation, ELCA, 2010.

Priorities for the Expressions of the Church For Congregations ● Ensure worship provides a meaningful experience of God ● Ensure children and youth receive Christian education ● Ensure adults continue to grow in knowledge and faith ● Share the good news of the Gospel with the unchurched For Synods ● Assist congregations in finding a new pastor ● Assist congregations in times of conflict ● Start new congregations ● Provide for the education of new pastors For Churchwide ● Plan for and conduct the global mission of the church ● Provide for the education of new pastors ● Be responsible for the ecumenical relationships of the church ● Advocate with government agencies on behalf of the poor ● Provide charity and service to people in need Source: LIFT/Ecology Task Force Clergy and Lay Leader Questionnaire, Prepared by Research and Evaluation, ELCA, 2010.

Network / Collaboration Lutheran understanding of vocation Assist in developing lay mission schools Leaders explore new models of governance and relationship w/ Churchwide, Synods, & Congregations Congregations & Synods share Lutheran youth prospects w/ colleges Colleges

Emphasize theological education AND leadership development Synods/Churchwide are ready to support seminaries What Does the ELCA Need from its Seminaries? (document) Catalyst (w/ synods) in opening congregational imaginations Incorporate what’s being done in lay mission schools Seminaries

Watch for more information through Spotlights on the ELCA home page at Downloadable bulletin inserts at The blog page and links to FaceBook and Twitter conversations at News releases Articles in your synod’s newsletters, The Lutheran, Seeds for the Parish and other publications E-blasts to congregation and synod leaders Draft report and recommendations at your synod assembly