Equipping People in Congregations:

A workshop for all congregational leaders/members, youth, pastors & deacons

Please review the the workshop descriptions below and select those you are interested in attending on the registration form. 

** A printable PDF brochure is available at https://ecsw.org/events/ ** 

Agenda for the day is also posted below.  

Workshop I = A 

Workshop II = B

Workshop III = C  

***Please note that some workshops are not scheduled for all 3 sessions.  Space is limited, so register early ***

 

1A, 1B, 1C     “A Sower Went Out to Sow: How to Get Away with Throwing Confetti in the Sanctuary”                                                                                                                                       

 How can you think creatively about accomplishing church vitality and ministry goals?  Much of the time when we struggle with moving forward, it’s because we are asking the wrong questions. This session will give you tools to work toward establishing a permission-giving environment within the church – but even more importantly, within yourself. 

 2A Synod Connections: “Review & Updating Your Congregational Constitution”                                                                                                                                                           

 Practical suggestions and checklist for updating your congregations’ constitution with your bylaws and continuing resolutions as well as bring it into conformity with the 2019 ELCA Model Constitution.

Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of their constitutions for reference.

 2B Synod Connections: “Serving as a Congregational President”     

Resources and information to help you in your role as council president.   Topics discussed will include Knowing your Congregational Constitution, Bylaws, Policies; Duties of Council; Productive Council Meetings; and time to share information and questions as a group.  Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of their constitution for reference.

 3A, 3B, 3C “Governance as Leadership”

Does any of this sound familiar?  You have difficulty getting members to serve on council.  Your council is mired in micromanaging and spends little to no time on visioning.  There is a lack of distinction between the roles and tasks of leadership and management.  The council simply rubber stamps decisions made by the pastor and/or executive committee.  There is little if any traction on plans and prior decisions.  If you experience any of these dynamics, then this is the workshop for you!  This workshop will explore key concepts of governance, leadership, and management and offer practical suggestions to begin to shift how your council functions and improve its effectiveness.

4A, 4B, 4C  “Noticing God: Guided by the Spirit”

Discover how individual and group spiritual direction can help us reflect on how to be beings in a doing world as we come closer to God.  We are busy being doers that we neglect God's presence and God's invitation to be the ones God created us to be.  Presenters will demonstrate, give you basic information, and resource materials that will help you consider getting started in spiritual direction.  

5A, 5B, 5C “Social Issues: What does the Church Have to Say?”

Explore how the ELCA exercises a public voice and where it stands on several current social problems, with a focus on caring for God’s creation.  Plus, Rev. Cindy Crane will share her recent experience at COP25 (Conference of Parties25), the United Nations annual climate change conference.  Most people are familiar with COP21, where the Paris agreement was signed.

 6A, 6B, 6C “Youth Are Part of Church NOW!"  

We all want our youth to be involved with church.  Camp can help!

  7A, 7B “Oh, the Places We Go!”

This workshop will take you on our pilgrimage to Israel/Palestine.   You will learn about the area and hear from the voices of those living there.   We will share our insights, and the work that we are continuing upon our return.  Resources will be provided to equip and support your own efforts for justice, equality and peace for all people.

7C “Walking Together in Faith: Our South African Connection”

What does accompaniment mean?  In this workshop, we will explore together what it means to be in relationship with our companion churches in the Western Diocese of South Africa, to be in accompaniment with them.  You will get a snapshot of our companions and be equipped to serve as great hosts for them when they visit the East Central Synod of WI later this year.  There will be ample opportunity to ask questions in readiness for their visit among us.  Whether hosting or not, you will learn about what engaging in this relationship might mean for the members of our ECSW churches and for our brothers and sisters on the other side of the world.

 8A, 8B, 8C “Fueling Mission through Endowment Ministry”

Learn how you can establish and grow an Endowment Ministry that will help to support a culture of generosity in your congregation, and provide a stable stream of income for mission and ministry into the future.  Key elements of an Endowment Ministry and the resources available to congregations through the ELCA Foundation with be covered. Specific topics covered include:  Endowment Fund planning and guidance, developing by-laws and gift policies, Investment management options, developing a promotional plan for growth Gift planning education through seminars and charitable gift planning services, Encouraging and equipping members to make a charitable gift plan.  Congregations, regardless of budget size, membership, or worship attendance, will benefit from engaging in this program as a part of ongoing stewardship. 

 9A, 9B, 9C “Boundless: God Beyond Measure 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering”

Every three years, 30,000 high school youth and their adult leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gather for a week of faith formation known as the ELCA Youth Gathering.  This workshop will be a great opportunity to learn more about the 2021 Gathering in Minneapolis, hear experiences from Gatherings past, and leave with valuable resources that will help equip and empower your congregation as it prepares for a week of work and worship.

10A, 10B, 10C “Managing Media and Increasing Public Communication”

Interested in spreading the message about your congregation beyond your four walls and into your community? Come to the workshop and learn more about how to leverage your local media, create engaging stories for social media, and develop the tools necessary to spread your message!

11A, 11B, 11C “Best Church Practices and Legal Concerns”

This workshop will be a time to discuss best church practices and legal concerns that come up in church, such as employee or independent contractor issues, employment tax issues for clergy, first amendment/free exercise claims, charitable deduction issues, real estate issues, and general liability issues.  This workshop will have an open format and a time to ask questions so come and share in conversations with others while learning about best legal practices of churches.  

 

Register Now!