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Spring 2004
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The successful realization of this Plan for Mission depends on four things: continued prayers, financial resources, alignment of the churchwide organization to serve the mission of the ELCA, and vibrant partnerships among this church’s three expressions – congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization – and our strong institutions and agencies. The 5 million ELCA members, the 11,000 ELCA congregations, and the 65 ELCA synods are richly diverse and gifted by the Holy Spirit. Together, we are doing great things. Together, we are growing in mission and ministry. Together, we are showing what God is up to in and for the sake of the world. Because we are in partnership, all ELCA synods and congregations have access to the best resources of this church. All ELCA synods and congregations spread Jesus’ message of salvation and hope in homes, small towns, and urban centers; on farms, college campuses, and the radio. And all ELCA synods and congregations work with our global and ecumenical partners in ministry and service. Your benevolence dollars, your support for mission, the portion of your congregational and synodical budgets that you designate for churchwide ministries, makes all this possible. Thank you. Nevertheless, in spite of some generous giving, the ELCA is facing significant financial challenges. While many ELCA congregations have experienced increased giving from their members, the overall percentage allocated for mission support has decreased. Without your benevolence dollars, our shared mission is tragically impaired. So, even as we restructure the churchwide organization so that it is in line with the ELCA Plan for Mission, I challenge you, as leaders in this church, to be in partnership with us and with one another. When you make decisions about budgets as individuals, congregations, and in synod assemblies, do not lose sight of how this church in its three expressions is making a difference in the world in Christ’s name. Together, we must encourage creativity and seek clarity about how we can be mutually supportive. Together, we must identify what dimension of shared mission belongs most clearly to each expression. Together, we must deepen our collaboration, collegiality, and accountability. Together, we will find unity and purpose in the identity and mission we share as Lutherans in this time and place. As Lutherans, we give thanks for God’s gift of grace. And because we experience this gift of grace, we are not afraid to ask, nor are we threatened by, difficult questions. The voting members at the 2001 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, trusting in God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit among us, asked this church to study some tough issues. Now, together, we are engaged in thoughtful and respectful conversations on human sexuality. We are listening to each other, searching the Scriptures, and praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By completing the study, sending in feedback, encouraging others to do the same, and by praying for the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will meet this challenge, and others, together. Pray that, whatever the 2005 Churchwide Assembly voting members decide on this issue or any other, we emerge strengthened in our faith and our commitment to mission and ministry in Christ. God’s blessings to you as you gather for your synod assembly. As you worship, greet friends, pray for God’s presence, and discuss issues that are important to this church, may the words of Apostle Paul bring you strength and hope: “Peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 6:23, NRSV). In God’s grace, |
The ELCA Plan for Mission identifies who we are and what we do (the mission statement), where our ministries will lead us (the five strategic directions), and how we will work together in faith to carry them out (the four commitments for implementation).