04/14/2016

'Called Forward Together in Christ' -- A process to decide the ELCA's future directions

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has initiated a process

“Called Forward Together in Christ” as a means to look into the future and ask whether we are clear about who we are and what is most important as we journey together as a church in today’s world. It is hoped that this process will help church leaders make decisions about future directions and priorities of the ELCA. As we engage in conversation, this information will guide the ELCA’s decision making bodies in forming the directions for the future of this church—who we are, what we do and what is most important. Together we will create a vision for the future ELCA, a church with solid foundations that shares the good news of Jesus Christ and makes a difference in the world.

In the three main stages of Called Forward Together in Christ, we will:

• Have a conversation across this church about the future.
• Consult on directions and priorities that emerge.
• Reach decisions as a church about the directions in which we will head.

Between now and June, people in ELCA congregations, synods, social ministries, educational institutions and the churchwide office are invited to take part in conversations by providing ideas and feedback—hearing from as many people as possible.

In July, a consultation paper on future directions of the ELCA (based on these conversations) will be released. It will present themes and ideas for the future that will be tested in August and September.

At its November meeting, the ELCA Church Council will consider and approve a statement to articulate the future directions and priorities for our church. The goal is to launch this statement in 2017 as part of the ELCA’s Reformation anniversary observance, and begin to move in the direction in which God has called us.

Here are some ways in which you and your congregation may wish to participate:

• Bible studies
• Sunday School
• Women’s & Men’s group meetings
• Special meeting of the congregation
• SOS Conference gatherings
• SOS Cluster gatherings

All of the resources you need to hold these discussions and share them with the ELCA can be found on the ELCA website at www.elca.org/Forward.