The third and fourth resolves of LCMS 2019 Convention Resolution 1-03 directed “the Office of National Mission (ONM), in collaboration with the Council of Presidents (COP), to study the critical issues that threaten the sustainability of small congregations” and called for “ONM, in collaboration with the COP, [to] prepare a report to the 2022 convention that includes recommendations to assist small congregations in developing strategies related to shared ministry.” The study of the critical issues that threatened the sustainability of congregations is an ongoing work of ONM, especially through its Revitalization Initiative and Rural and Small Town Mission (RSTM) program unit.
A. Revitalization Resources Resources developed by ONM that address issues of revitalization are available to LCMS congregations at no cost. These resources, which form the suite of resources with the title re:Vitality, include a self-assessment tool called CADDS (Congregational Assessment of Development/Decline Status). CADDS provides a benchmark for congregations in terms of their current development/decline status and guidance for addressing factors that are having a negative impact on vitality and viability. Training modules that aim to equip congregation leaders and members to address the factors identified by the CADDS assessment include the following: • Connect to Disciple: Engaging the Non church ed People in Our Community (Outreach)
- Serving in God’s Mission: Strategic Planning for Congregations
- Shepherding Our Strays: Actively Serving Our Inactive Members
- Members of One Body: Prospering in the Body of Christ (Assimilation and Incorporation)
- Beyond the Classroom: Outreach through Lutheran Schools
B. Partnership Resources
A collaborative effort between ONM and several districts, especially the Kansas District, produced resources for small congregations considering partnerships and mergers. These resources are available at no cost to LCMS congregations. They include the following: • Bible studies
- Gathered Wisdom (Pros and Cons, Considerations, Partnership Models)
- Ministry Agreements (Items to Address, Formalizing the Agreement, Sample Agreement) Mark A. Wood, Managing Director