Why should we work together? How can we work together?

This summer, a new spirit of cooperation is pulsing through the Toledo Area Lutheran Coalition. Eight congregations within 2-6 miles of downtown Toledo – I call them our “second ring congregations” – are meeting together to hope and dream together about the shared mission God might have in mind for them.

These eight congregations share many characteristics. They have all declined in worship attendance, between 14-40% in the last ten years. They are all in ZIP Codes that have declining populations. All the congregations are aging, losing leadership, and feeling their mission shrink in around them. What can they possibly do to counteract those trends?!

They can work together, as the body of Christ! In our first gathering, there were many wonderful ideas raised, ministry opportunities that could be pursued together, which could not be done alone. Some of the brainstorms are: a joint youth worship experience, shared facility usage, calling an outreach staff person jointly, adult day care, a senior drop-in center, and the list goes far beyond that. The lay leaders and pastors are reveling in dreaming of all that becomes possible, if they are willing to work in harmony.

How is this happening? Because these congregations have come together, in the Spirit of Christ, ready to truly work as a team. They have sacrificed their territorialism. They have had to develop new trust in one another. They must be ready to see that a shared ministry might bring more growth for another congregation than it does for them. But first of all, they have had to recognize their own sin that has made them adversaries in the past, and not co-workers in the Gospel. It is this confession which yields the Lord’s forgiveness, which then opens the door for new ministry to take place.

Please pray for our “second ring congregations” in Toledo. I hope they continue to dream the dreams that are in the heart of God for them. Let’s all watch expectantly to see what new fruit comes from this effort. And by all means, if you are feeling called to strengthen the whole church through shared ministry, it’s time to pick up the phone and get to it! But remember, before you get to work, you’ll probably need to begin with your own confession.