St. John Lutheran Church Transition Task Force Final Report€¦ · In the summer of 2018, Pastor...

St.JohnLutheranChurch

TransitionTaskForceFinalReport

May2019

StJohnLutheranChurch:715CollegeStreet,CedarFalls,IA50613

[email protected](319)268‐0165

St.JohnLutheranChurchTransitionTaskForceFinalReport Pageii

St.JohnLutheranChurchTransitionTaskForceFinalReport

TableofContents

“CommityouractionstotheLordandyourplanswillsucceed”Proverbs16:3

Introduction&Background..................................................................................................1

TTFTeamOperations&FocusGroupsOverview.........................................................3Mission/VisionFocusGroup......................................................................................................................3Self‐StudyFocusGroup................................................................................................................................3Staffing/LeadershipGroup.........................................................................................................................4Summary.............................................................................................................................................................4

Mission/VisionFocusGroup.................................................................................................5Observations.....................................................................................................................................................5TransitionWork–CoreValues.................................................................................................................6TransitionWork–Mission&Vision.......................................................................................................8CongregationalSurveyResults...............................................................................................................10PurposeandMission..................................................................................................................................10PurposeandVisionforSt.John’sFuture............................................................................................11

Self‐StudyFocusGroup........................................................................................................13Process.............................................................................................................................................................13Observations..................................................................................................................................................14Conclusions/Recommendations............................................................................................................17

Staffing/LeadershipFocusGroup....................................................................................20Process.............................................................................................................................................................20Observations..................................................................................................................................................21Conclusions/Recommendations............................................................................................................22

TTFTeamConclusions&Recommendations..............................................................26

Exhibits–Self‐StudyGroup................................................................................................28ExhibitA–St.JohnReflections&DreamsViews............................................................................28ExhibitB–SaturdayNightServiceFeedback..................................................................................29ExhibitC–St.JohnOctober28,2018Forum...................................................................................30ExhibitD–SurveyforSJFCTeams,Groups,Etc..............................................................................31ExhibitE–CongregationalSelf‐Study................................................................................................34ExhibitF–InitialOrganizationalBrainstorming............................................................................39ExhibitG–FinalOrganizationalChart................................................................................................40

Exhibits–Staffing&LeadershipGroup.........................................................................42ExhibitA–Staffing/LeadershipQuestionnaire–CurrentStaff................................................42ExhibitB–Staffing/LeadershipQuestionnaire–FormerStaff.................................................50

St.JohnLutheranChurchTransitionTaskForceFinalReport Pageiii

ExhibitC–Resource&MinistryTeamPositionDescriptions....................................................57ExhibitD–StaffPositionDescriptions.................................................................................................66

Exhibits–CongregationalExhibits..................................................................................78ExhibitA–St.JohnCongregationalSelf‐StudyResults.................................................................78ExhibitB–St.JohnOrganizationalStructureBanner....................................................................79

St.JohnLutheranChurchTransitionTaskForceFinalReport Page1

Introduction&Background

“So,Isaytoyou:Askanditwillbegiventoyou;seekandyouwillfind;knowandthedoorwillbeopenedtoyou.Foreveryonewhoasksreceives;hewhoseeksfinds;andtohimwhoknocks,thedoorwillbeopened.”Luke11:9‐10

St.JohnAmericanLutheranChurch(St.John)hasalonghistoryinCedarFalls,Iowa.ItispartoftheNortheasternIowaSynodoftheEvangelicalLutheranChurchinAmericaandwasorganizedin1867.St.Johnhasalong‐standinghistoryinCedarFallsandhashadthreechurchlocationstoaccommodateitsgrowth.Aspartofitscommunityoutreach,St.Johnofferspreschoolclassesandaddedchildcareservicestoitsoperationstoofferfaith‐basedpreschoolteachingandchildcare,aneededserviceinourcommunity.Historically,St.JohnhasbeenactivelyinvolvedwithandfinanciallysupportiveoftheLutheranStudentCenterattheUniversityofNorthernIowa,anearbystateuniversityinCedarFalls.St.JohncurrentlyoffersthreeSundayworshipservices,alongwithmosttraditionalLutheranofferingsofSundaySchool,confirmation,adultbiblestudies,youthmissiontrips,etc.Duringitsexistence,St.JohnhasoperatedwithbothaSeniorandAssociatePastorbuthasonlyhadonePastoronstaffinrecentyears.

AsnapshotofSt.JohnmembershipandworshipattendanceforthelasteightyearsasobtainedfromourELCAtrendreportisbelow.

Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Percent

Change*

BaptizedYouthConfirmed

24 16 28 18 19 10 14 4 23 N/A

ConfirmedMembership

1,499 1,455 1,483 1,655 1,212 1,187 1,187 922 * ‐38.5%

AverageWorshipAttendance

474 485 479 488 462 429 435 350 * ‐26.2%

Percentattendingworship

21.7% 21.1% 21.3% 29.5% 27.6% 25.8% 26.2% 29.0% * 7.3%

*Reflectsthechangebetween2011and2018;2019isnotyetcomplete

Overthepastdecade,St.Johnhasexperiencedmembershiprisesanddeclines.St.JohnhasoperatedasaPastor/staffledchurchformanyyears.Intoday’sworld,thereisanational


trendingdeclineinbothPastorsavailabletoacceptacalltoserve,andinchurchmembershipnumbers.Duetothistrend,St.Johnshiftoperationstoacongregationallyledmodelwithstaffsupporttobesuccessful.

ForthepastnineyearsPastorDaveKebschullledSt.John’sministry.Inthesummerof2018,PastorKebschulldepartedforanewcall.Atthattime,St.JohnhiredaninterimPastortocoordinateworkonwhoSt.JohnisandwhoSt.Johnwantstobemovingforward.St.JohnenteredanintentionalinterimperiodinSeptember2018andformedaTransitionTaskForce(TTF)teamtocompletethisimportantwork.TheTTFteamisnotaCallCommittee,andonewasnottobeformedtocallanewPastoruntiltheimportantTTFworkwasclosetocompletion;astheTTF’smainobjectiveistocompletethisworkandissueafinalreporttotheCongregationandChurchCouncilthatwillinformtheCallCommittee.Thisprojectwasestimatedtotakeapproximatelyninemonthstocomplete.

TheTTFiscomprisedofanInterimPastorand14congregationalvolunteersandisdividedintothreefocusteams:Mission/Visionteam,Self‐Studyteam,andastaffing/leadershipNeedsTeam.St.JohnisgratefulandgivesthankstotheTransitionTaskForceteammembersfortheirservice:

Mission/Visionteam:ScottLeisinger,CarolynMartin,LarryProhaska,SandraStavnes

Self‐Studyteam:CarleneGardner,PJMills,AdamPuls,KellyTurner

Staffing/LeadershipNeedsteam:MartyPostel,SamanthaTetmeyer,MelanieWirtz.

St.JohnalsogivesthankstoRobinAbraham,RecordingSecretary;andJoyceBroell,InterimRecordingSecretaryinJanuary2019;JimLangel,ChurchCouncilPresidentandTTFexofficiomember;PastorPaulSvingen,InterimPastorandTTFexofficiomember,andDeniseHanson,TTFFacilitator.


TTFTeamOperations&FocusGroupsOverview

“EvenastheSonofMancamenottobeservedbuttoserve,andtogivehislifeasaransomformany.”Matthew20:28

StartinglateSeptember,theTTFleadersconductedteammeetingseverytwoweeksandheldfocusgroupmeetingswhichoccurredinbetweenthefullTTFmeetings.DuringthistransitionalprocessthemeetingminuteswereavailableontheSt.Johnwebsiteathttps://www.stjohncf.org/transition‐news.

TheTTFleadershipprovidedprogresscommunicationtothestaffattheirmeetings,andtotheChurchCouncilandtheCongregation,bothinwritingandinpersonatSundayservices.DuringthoseeighttoninemonthstheTTFwasinformation‐seekingandreachedoutforinformationtoallwhoworshipedatSt.Johnand/oraremembersoftheCongregation.Theinformationwasgatheredthroughforums,surveys,interviews,phonecallsand/oremails.TheTTFteam’srequestsweresuccessfulandthecongregationrespondedtotheinquiries.TheTTFteamwasthankfulfortheinputsincetheyneededtheCongregation’sperspectivetobesuccessfulincompletingtheproject.

Thefocusgroupswereintertwinedandoftenoverlappedintheirwork.Belowisasummaryoftheimportantworkwithwhicheachteamwastasked:

Mission/Vision Focus Group

ThisfocusgroupconcentratedontheSt.JohnmissionandvisionandgatheredinputfromtheCongregationregardingwhatourmissionandvisionshouldbe.ThisfocusgroupcreatedstickynotedisplaysandheldSundayforumsontheirfocusareathatyieldedvaluableinformation.Thecongregationalself‐studysurvey,meetingswithmembersandorganizationalstructureworkaddedvaluableinputformissionandvisionfocusgroupoutcomes.

Self-Study Focus Group

Thisfocusgroupdidagreatdealofworkontheorganizationalstructure,andwhatthatshouldlooklikebasedonfeedbackfromtheCongregation,whichhasbeensharedvisuallyatservicesandinprintedmaterial.TheSelf‐StudyfocusgroupledthecreationandimplementationoftheSt.JohnCongregationalSelf‐Studysurvey;thegroupwasextremelygratefulfortheoverwhelmingresponseof337surveyssubmitted.TheSt.JohnCongregationalSelf‐Studysurveyinquiredabouthowimportantavarietyoftopicsaretothechurchandhowwellthechurchdoeswiththetopics.ThisinformationwasvaluableinputfortheTTFfinalreport.


Staffing/Leadership Group

Thisfocusgroupheldindividualinterviewswithpresentandpaststaffandchurchleaderstoidentifywhatisworking,whatmaynotbe,andwhattheidealstructurewouldlooklikebasedonthatfeedback.Theyalsoreviewed/recommendedchangesinstaffingandkeyvolunteerpositionsbasedontheorganizationalstructureandmission/vision.

Summary

TheresultsofthevitalworkoftheTransitionTaskForcefocusteamsshowedthevalueandtheneedforSt.Johntotransitionfromastaff‐ledchurchtoacongregation‐ledchurchwithstaffsupport.TheTTFfocusgroupsworkwastoidentifyaninitialstructure,mission/vision,andvolunteerteamneededtoaccomplishthistask,withtheapprovaloftheChurchCouncilandeventuallytheCongregation.WiththeconclusionoftheTransitionTaskForceteamworkaCallCommitteewillbeformedtocallaPastortojointheCongregationinserviceforSt.JohnLutheranChurchministry.

“Fromhimthewholebody,joinedandheldtogetherbyeverysupportingligament,growsandbuildsitselfupinlove,aseachpartdoesitswork.”Ephesians4:16


Mission/VisionFocusGroup

“ThegiftsHegavewerethatsomewouldbeapostles,someprophets,someevangelists,somepastorsandteachers,toequipthesaintsfortheworkofministry,forbuildingupthe

bodyofChrist.”Ephesians4:11‐12

Observations

Asweenteredthisintentionaltransitionperiod,manyinourCongregationhadthesequestionsontheforefrontoftheirminds.

“WhyisSt.Johnneedingtotakethisintentionaltimeratherthanjustputtingtogetheracallcommitteeandcallingapastor?”

“Whatarewegoingtodowithourfinancialcrisis?”

“Whyareweintheshapewearein?”

“Howarewegoingtogetthroughthis?”

“Whydidthepastissueshavetohappen?”

“Whyhavesomanystaffleftovertheyears?”

“WhyhavesomanymembersleftSt.John?”

“Whycan’twehavebackalloftheprogramsthatmadeSt.Johnthriveinthepast?”

“Whydidsomegroupsorindividualsdowhattheydidorbetteryet,whydidthesamegroupsorindividualsnotdosomethingtokeepthesethingsfromhappening?”

St.Johnclearlyneededsometimetoexpressthehurtsandfrustrationsandtoseekanswers.Thiswasevidentinourearlyforumswhereweheardspecificareasofconcernlike:

Thereisalackofcommunicationandconnectionsformemberstofindanswerstoquestions.

Therearenocommitteesinplacetohelporganizeareasofministry.

Ideasforministryneverreallygotagoodstartandjustfizzledout.

Thethirstforbeingspirituallyfedwasalsoexpressed.

Aswithanyissueinlife,thereweresomeflipsideperspectivesgiventotheabove‐mentionedconcerns.


Somefeltthatothersweremakingassumptionsastowhathadtranspiredovertimeandthatthoseassumptionsmaynotbethetruth.

OthersgaveacknowledgementthatweasaCongregationhadallowedourchurchtobecomeverypastorledratherthanCongregationledandthatourvolunteeringeffortshadfallenoffovertheyearswiththeassumptionthatstaffwouldtakecareofit.

St.Johnwasclearlylookingforanewstarttomanyaspectsofitslife.

“Youwillseekmeandfindmewhenyouseekmewithyourheart”Jeremiah29:13

Whiletherewereclearlyareastoworkon,theearlyforumswereatimetodiscussthestrengthsofSt.John.

WefeelourCongregationiswelcomingandthatweareagoodLutheranchurchsmall/mediumsizeoptionintheCedarValley.

Ourpreschooliswellknownandisthriving.

Ourfacilityandgroundswerealsoacknowledgedasbeingagreatassetbutunderutilized.

ThefirstquestionthatweastheTransitionTaskForceaskedandsearchedtofindinsighttowas“WhatistheWhyofSt.John?”Inotherwords,whydoesSt.Johnexistandwhyshouldorcanitbeathrivingchurch?Theteamheardwordslike:

“Attendtogether”,“Growinfaith”,“Shareinacommunityofbelievers”

“RemainachildofGodanddoHiswill”

“Toworship”,“Togrow”,“Toreachout”

“Tobespirituallyfed”

“BeingcalledbyJesustousethegiftsHegavemetoserveHispeople”

“Growinfaithandcommunity”

“ToBeanactivepartofGod’sfamilyandtoserveHispeople”.

TransitionWork–CoreValues

Likemanyorganizations,St.Johnhaddevelopedamissionandvisionstatementalongwithsupportingcorevalues.Thecurrentmissionstatementreads“InvitingandequippingpeopleofallagestobeandbecomedisciplesofJesusChrist”.Thevisionforthismissionreads,“LivingandsharingalifechangingandpassionatefaithinJesusChrist”.SupportingvaluesincludebutarenotlimitedtoWorshipingTogether,BeingandBecoming,


DiscoveringandReleasingtheGiftsoftheHolySpirit,andCelebratingLifeTogether.OneofthemajorpartsoftheintentionaltransitionperiodwastoexamineSt.Johnasitistoday,butmoreimportantlytodeterminewhatSt.Johnwantedtobeinthefuture.AllaspectsofSt.John’sfutureneedtoberootedinitscorevalueswhichultimatelyleadtoitspurposeandmissionforministry.Therefore,wecontinuedlisteningtotheCongregationinordertohearwhatcorevaluesareimportant.Weheldtwoforumsfocusedondefiningourcorevalues.Inthefirstweasked,“WhatChristianvaluesdoyouwantSt.JohntoengageinsupportoftheGospelofJesusChrist?”“WearethereforeChrist’sambassadors,asthoughmakinghisappealthroughus.”IICorinthians5:20a

Wealsoasked,“WhichofthesevaluesdoyouseeSt.Johnembodyingtodayandhowisthatoccurring?”and“WhatChristianvalueismissingfromSt.John?”Inthesecondforumweasked,“Whatdoyoulikeaboutchurch?”and“Listwaysand/orroleshowourCongregationcanliveintoourvalueswhilecreatingachurchthatwelike.”Wepulledthetablediscussionresponsestogetherandfoundfourthemesthatincludedallthecorevaluesthatweembodiedorwantedtoembody.Thosefourthemesandafewexamplesarelistedherealongwithagraphicalrepresentation.

LoveofNeighbors–Empowering/equipping,inspiring,service/servantleadership/engagedintheworld.Welcoming/accepting/inclusive,healingandstrengthening.“Youshallloveyourneighborasyourself.Thereisnoothercommandmentgreaterthanthese.”Mark12:13

Discipleship‐Lifelearningopportunities,bodyofChristreachingouttotheworldinneed,fiscaltransparency.“Youdidnotchooseme,butIchoseyouandappointedyousothatyoumightgoandbearfruit–fruitthatwilllast–andsothatwhateveryouaskinmynamethefatherwillgiveyou.”John15:16

ChristCentered–Biblicalgrounding,makingdisciples‐servantevangelism.“Come,followme”,Jesussaid“andIwillsendyououttofishforpeople”Matthew4:19

CreatingCommunity–Relationships.“Acceptoneanother,thenjustasChristacceptedyou,inordertobringpraisetoGod.”Romans15:7


Transition Work – Mission & Vision

Withthecorevaluesinplainsight,webeganlookingatwhatSt.John’smissionforministryshouldbebasedonthecorevalues.Fromallthatwaslearned,threemainpillarsofSt.John’smissionwereidentified.

1. CongregationalEngagement–Adventservices,Christmasprogram,donutholes,bookstudy,inviting,Wednesdaynightactivities,smallgroups.

2. BiblicalLearning–SermonsbyPastorsandothers,Sundayschool,confirmation,Wednesdayyouthactivitiesandadultlearning,smallgroups‐bibleandotherstudy

3. Service/Outreach,ActiveEngagement–Foodbank,habitatforhumanity,smallgroups,servicelearningtrips

Action–themissionneedsactiontogiveitlife,soweexaminedthevaluesandthethreepillarsofthemissionandfoundthattheactionsneededcouldbecategorizedintofourverbs–Connect,Care,ShareandGrow.

WeconnecttoGod,tochurch,topeople.“Sothattheremaybenodivisioninthebodybutthatthemembersmayhavethesamecareforoneanother.Andifonemembersuffers,allthememberssufferwithit:ifonememberishonored,allthemembersrejoicewithit.”1Corinthians12:25‐26

WecareforChrist,people,community.“Carryeachother’sburdens,andinthisway,youwillfulfillthelawofChrist.”Galatians6:2

WeshareChrist,love,life.“LetallthatyoudobedoneinLove.”1Corinthians16:14


WeGrowspiritually,numerically,relationally.“Ifanyofyoulackswisdom,lethimaskGod,whogivesgenerouslytoallwithoutreproach,anditwillbegivenhim.”James1:5

ItwasverypowerfulandreassuringtobringtheseactionverbstotherestoftheTransitionTaskForceandfindthateachteam’sworkwasleadingtothesesamefouractions.Eachteamcontinuedtoexpandontheseactions.WeonceagainaskedtheCongregationtohelpwithidentifyingwhatthesefouractionsshoulddoforSt.John.Usingposterboardsandstickynotesweaskedforinput.Thehopewastogetmanytocontributeincasetheyhadnothadanopportunitytoattendtheforums;additionally,itwasmoreofananonymouswaytogiveones’input.Aswasanticipated,manyofthenotesbroughtmoreconfidencethatweweregettingconsistentdirectionfromtheCongregation.Someofthenotesarelistedbelowforeachverb:

Connect–Fellowship,Zumba,Wednesdaymeals,peopleneedtobevalued,outreachandvisibilityofSt.John’sMinistries,potlucks,experiencethepresenceofGodinworship,preschool,mom’sgroup,newmemberactivities.

Care–ThereisaplaceforeveryoneatSt.John,preschoolandchildcare,openlywelcomeallGod’speople,communityoutreach,griefgroup,collegestudents

Share–Loveofallpeople,advertiseSt.Johnactivities,visitelderly,love,coupleclub,smallgroups.

Grow–Buildandsupportsmallgroupministry,mentors,familyevents,advertiseSt.Johnactivities,leadersthroughChrist,preschool,welcomebackpastmembers,youthministry.

Inoneoftheforums,manymembersembracedtheseverbsandonefoundacreativewaytoconnectthemalltogetherwiththelightofChristinthecenter.


Congregational Survey Results

TheCongregationcanbeapplaudedforthe337St.JohnCongregationalSelf‐Studysurveysthatwerecompleted.FromaMissionandVisionperspective,thefollowinglistofministries/corevalueswerethemostimportanttotheCongregation.ThereweremanyothersthatalsorankedhighlyandtheyallfitintothefourareasofCare,Share,ConnectandGrow.

1. ChristianeducationforourchildrenandyouthwasthenumberonepriorityforministriestoofferatSt.John.Educationwasalsoahighpriorityfortheadults.“Grow”

2. Strongandengagingpreachingalongwithaspirituallyupliftingworshipexperience.“GrowandConnect”

3. NurturingfaithandChristianvaluesinouryouthandlearningtoapplyfaithtoone’severydaylife.“GrowandShare”

4. Outreachtoourelderlyandtoourcommunity.“CareandShare”

Thesurveyalsopointedoutwhatwasheardintheearlyforums–thatSt.Johnhadbecomeastaffledcongregation,suchthat38%oftherespondentsvolunteeredzerohourspermonth.Weknowandacceptthateveryonehasseasonsinlifewheretheysimplycannotgiveoftheirtimeandothersthatonlywanttheworshipexperience.Thehopeisthatwitharenewedpurposeforbeingandtheformationoftheeightministryteams,ourCongregationwillbeenergizedintoministry.

“Forasinonebodywehavemanymembers,andthemembersdonotallhavethesamefunction,sowe,thoughman,areonebodyinChrist,andindividuallymembersoneofanother.”Romans12:4‐5

Purpose and Mission

Buildingonallthatwaslearned,weturnedeffortstothecreationofmissionandvisionstatements.OnceagainaskedtheCongregationtohelpbyholdingaforuminwhichstatementswerecreatedbasedonlistsofkeywordsassociatedwitheachverb.Thereweremanygreatstatementsassembledfromthosewords.WesiftedthroughthesestatementsandalsopulledbitsandpiecesfromtheentiretransitionperiodtogeneratethefollowingPurposeStatement.WechosetohaveaPurposeStatementforSt.John’soverall“purpose”forexistence.

“MaytheGodofhopefillyouwithalljoyandpeaceasyoutrustinhim,sothatyoumayoverflowwithhopebythepoweroftheHolySpirit.”Romans15:13

Ourpurpose:

JoyfullytakingGod’sloveintotheworld.


OurpurposewillenvelopeveryministryinwhichSt.Johnparticipates.Inotherwords,allministriesofSt.Johnwillbemeasuredagainstthisstatementtoensuretheministryisfulfillingthatpurpose.Insupportofthatpurpose,wecreatedthefollowingstatementofmission.Everywordofthisstatementbringstolifeallthatweheardfromthecongregation.Allministriesmustfitwithinthisstatementtoinsurewearealwayslookingtowardsourpurpose.

Our mission:

Connecting Christ’s community by building relationships among all people,

fulfilling the call of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through

Caring, nurturing and supporting one another according to each one’s

needs

by

Sharing God’s love and grace through acts of service

while

Growing in faith through lifelong learning.

Purpose and Vision for St. John’s Future

St.Johnhasahistoryblessedwithmanyministriesthatservedbothitsmembersandreachedoutintothecommunityandtheworldaround.WetrustandhavehopethattheCongregation’sfutureministrieswillalsobeblessed.SomeoftheministriesfromthepastwillcontinuetobefruitfulgoingforwardbecausetheyfitintothepurposeandmissionestablishedbytheCongregationduringthisintentionaltransitiontime.St.Johnneedstobevigilanttonotonlyservewithinthewallsofthechurch.Whiletherearemanygreatself‐servingministries,weknowthattherearemanypeopleoutsidethewallsofSt.Johnwhoneedwhatwehavetooffer.Thesepeoplecomefrommanydiversebackgrounds,cultures,andcommunities.St.Johnmustbeopentoministrywithallpeoplewithnoexceptionsifthatministryfitswithourpurposeandmissionforministry.Weexistforthosewhodonotknowweexist.WetakethisstandbecauseitisexactlywhatJesustaughtusbycaringforanyoneHemet,whichincludedseekingoutthoseinneed.ToquoteourPresidingBishopEaton,“IfwewanttoattractpeopletoourCongregationstorebuildamemory,Godwillnotblessourefforts.Butifwe‐grabbedbytheSpiritinbaptism,changedbytheword,intimatelyandlovinglyconnectedtoJesusandeachotherincommunion,andsetfreebygracetoservetheneighbor‐inviteallpeopleintotruelife,thenweshallbecomepartoftheanswer.Thistakesattentionanddevotion.Worship,prayer,Scripturestudy,generosityandservice‐notin


ordertosavethechurch,butinresponsetothenewlifeGodhasgivenusinChrist.”Theworldischangingfasterthaneverbefore,St.Johnmustalsochangetosomeextent.Researchisprovingeverydaythatthosechurchesthatdonotembracethecultureoftodayandfindwaystoministertothisculture,willslowlyfail.Tothrive,St.Johnwillneedtokeepamixtureoftraditionalself‐servingministriesalongwithaddingmoretransformationalministriesthatstretchthecomfortzone,whilefittingperfectlyintothepurposeandmission.


Self‐StudyFocusGroup

“ForevenI,theSonofMan,cameherenottobeservedbuttoserveothers,andtogivemylifeasaransomformany.”

Matthew21:28

Process

TheSelfStudyTeam(SST)begantheirworklookingtoanswerfourquestionsofSt.Johnbyitscongregationalanalysis:

Identity–Whoweare?

Context–Whereweare?

Process–Howdoesithappen?

Program–Whatdowedo?

ThefirstdatacollectedbytheSelfStudyteamwasgatheredviatheReflectionsandDreamsSurvey(ExhibitA)October14‐28,2018.WeaskedourCongregationtoreflectonwho(Identity)St.Johnistodayandwhere(Context)tomoveinthefuture.

CarleneGardnerandP.J.MillsmetwiththeattendeesoftheSaturdayserviceOctober20&27,2018.Wediscussed,listened,andcreatedasurvey(ExhibitB)forthoseattendeestovoicetheiropinionsonremovingthattimeandmovetoonlytwoworshipservicesonSunday.

Next,theSelfStudyteamledtheopenforumonReformationSunday,October28,2018.WeaskedourCongregationto“ReformandRememberOurMinistrytoEmbracetheFuture”(ExhibitC).Thepurposewastoenableourattendeestodiscusstopicsincludingnewmembers,surroundingneighborhood,worship,andourministry.

ThenextseriesofmeetingsinNovemberandDecemberfocusedonreviewingthecurrentSt.Johnorganizationalchartandotherreportingstructures.TheteamstudiednumerousLutheranChurchesandotherdenominationsintheMidwest.OnDecember3,2018theteammetwithMartyPostelfromStaffingandLeadershiptobeginacollaborativeorganizationalbrainstormingsession.(ExhibitF)TheteamcontinuedtodiscussthisneworganizationalchartatthelargegroupTTFmeetingsandanotheropenforumonJanuary27,2019.ContinueddiscussionwithintheTTFoccurredthroughMarchwhentheversionwasfinalizedalongwiththeMinistryandResourceTeamdescriptions.

TheSelfStudyTeamdevelopedaquestionnaire(ExhibitD)todistributetoallknownMinistryTeamsforcompletionbyJanuary6,2019.Thegoalwastoidentifyallcurrentteams,functions,volunteers,responsibilities,objectives,challengesandbudgets.


OnJanuary27,2019,theSelfStudyTeamhostedanothercongregationalforumanddiscussedourproposedorganizationalstructure.ThisgaveustheopportunitytosolicitfeedbackandansweranyquestionsabouthowthismodelwillworkmovingforwardatSt.John.

OurfinalprojectwasthecreationandexecutionoftheCongregationalSurvey.TheTTFteamreviewedsurveysusedbyothercongregationswhohaveexperiencedthisprocess.Onceweselectedaformat,weadjustedquestionstofitourneedsandgatheradditionaldataonSt.John.WeutilizedSurveyMonkeytocreatethesurveyandprinted400papercopies.DuringallservicesonMarch10,2019,thesurveyswerehandedoutandcompletedwithintheservice.Afterwards,thecompletedsurveyswereturnedin,checkedoffalist,andenteredintoSurveyMonkeybymembersoftheTransitionTaskForce.ThosewhodidnotfilloutasurveyweremailedoneviaUSPS,andalinkwasavailableviatheSt.Johne‐newsletterandwebsite.AllresponseswereenteredbyMarch25,2019sofinalanalysiscouldbecompleted.

Observations

ReflectionsandDreams:

TheSelfStudyTeamreceived80completedReflectionsandDreamssurveysduringOctober14‐28.Thesuggestionsreceivedweredividedinto18categories.Next,wecountedthenumberofresponseswithineachcategoryandgaveanumericalvaluewhichrepresentedascore.Thetopfivetopicswiththeirrespectivescoreswere:

1. VolunteerOpportunities Score21

2. AdultEducation Score16

3. StrongerYouthPrograms Score12

4. WednesdayNightActivities Score12

5. BibleBasedSermons Score12

ReflectionsandDreamssurveysalsohighlightedthemusicaltalentsandserviceincorporation,acceptingandfriendlyatmospherecombinedwithaqualitypreschoolandchildcareprogram.Lastly,italsorevealedmanymisstheWednesdaynightmeal,activitiesforchildren,andadulteducation.WednesdaynightactivitiesresumedforAdventandLentasaresultofthefeedbackreceived.

SaturdayNightService:

ThesurveyresultsshowedthatiftheSaturdayeveningservicewerediscontinued,themajorityofattendeeswouldattendaSundayservice,mostlythe9:30.Thisservicewasnotfinanciallyfeasiblebasedontheaveragenumberofattendees.DuringAdventandLent,


PastorPauldidincludeathirdserviceat10:45todrawmanyoftheSaturdayeveningworshipers.

OpenForumobservations:

TheOct.28forumbroughttolightdisconnectwithinourcurrentstructureofcoordinatingserviceopportunitieswithvolunteers.Communicationofwhotocontact,whatteamsarecurrentlyoperating,whereonecanhelpandhowtostartanewteamsurfaced.AlsodiscussedwereideasonhowtoreachnewmembersandwelcomebackformermemberstoSt.John.

MinistryTeamSurveyObservations:

TheSelfStudyteamnoticedcommonthemesfromtheMinistryTeamsurveysandtheOpenForums.TherewasanevidentandconcerningdetachmentbetweencurrentMinistryTeams,wholeadswhat,whotocontact,dotheymeetregularly,budgets,andfunctions.

CongregationalSurveyobservations:

Wereceived337surveys:198returnedonSunday,March10and139returnedviamailedcopiesorthedirectSurveyMonkeylink.Thiswaswellaboveourexpected270‐280estimation.Thereisawealthofinformationthatcanbedrawnfromthe72‐questionsurvey.Onceagain,wesawsimilarthemesdescribedinthesurveyaswedidduringReflections&Dreamssurveysandopenforums.

Thekeypointswere:

ProvideastrongChristianeducationforchildren,teenagersandadults

NurtureChristianvaluesinouryouth

Providestrong,engagingandspirituallyupliftingworshipexperiences

Providesupportandlovetomembersexperiencinghardships

Involvementinprojectsandprogramstohelpotherpeople

Wednesdaynightmeal,activitiesandeducationwasacontrastingresultfromourpreviousfindingslastfall.Itranked39/48inthecongregationalsurveybutpositionedmuchhigherduringtheReflections&Dreamssurveysandopenforums.

TheSelfStudyTeamanalyzedandupdatedtheorganizationalchartovertheperiodoffourmonthsuntilthechartfitStJohnforpresentandfuture.TheSelfStudyTeamworkedwithTiffanyTott,agraphicdesigner,forthefinalformatthatwasprinted.BradGrieves,fromPrintInnovations,createdabanner(shownbelow)todisplaythroughoutthechurchandduringactivities.


St.JohnBanner(CongregationalExhibitB)


Conclusions/Recommendations

FromReflectionandDreamsSurveys:

ReflectionandDreamssurveyresultsrevealedreoccurringthemes.St.Johnneedsamoreorganizedwayforleaders,volunteers,andprojectstobealignedanddetailscommunicated.

ItwasalsoclearthatmanymisstheWednesdaynightmeal,activitiesforchildren,andadulteducation.ServiceopportunitieswerecommunicatedduringworshipandWednesdaynightactivitiesresumedforAdventandLent.

ItisourrecommendationthatSt.JohnexpandWednesdayeveningactivitiesinthefallof2019tonotonlyincludeamealandyoutheducation,buttoalsoincorporatesmallgroups,adulteducation,pastoral‐ledclasses,andgames.

FromSaturdayEveningServiceSurvey:

ItwasrecommendedtotheChurchCouncilandapprovedtoendSaturdayeveningserviceonNovember17,2018.

ItisourrecommendationthatSt.JohnofferstwoservicesfortheCongregationatthistime.Theservicetimescanberevisedwhenwehaveafull‐timepastorhired.Untilthattime,weshouldkeepthecurrentSunday8a.m.and9:30a.m.servicetimes.

FromMinistryTeamSurveys:

Theneworganizationalchartwillgiveeachministryteamandresourceteammoredefinedstructureandcommunicationchannels.EachTeamwillhavesevenmemberstomeetregularly:oneliaisonfromtheJointCouncil,oneTTFmemberandfiveadditionalmembers.TherestoftheservicevolunteerswillcomefromtheSt.JohnCongregation.Theseteamswillhaveactiverolesinrecruiting,planning,andexecutingactivitiesatSt.John.

CongregationalSurvey:

The72‐questionsurveyandhandwrittensuggestionsleadtoarankingoftopicsthattheSelfStudyTeamusedforourorganizationalchartconsideration.Ofthe337returnedsurveys.308peoplerespondedtotheagequestion.TheresultsofthisquestionbelowshowSt.John’smembershipagedynamicsofthosewhoresponded.

Ageinyears 14‐29 30‐39 40‐69 70andover

Respondents 11% 12% 57% 20%

ItisourrecommendationthatSt.Johncoordinateopportunitieswithourpreschoolandchildcarefamiliestoinvitethemtoadditionalactivitiesofworshipandservice.


Anotherfindingthatrequiresattentioncamefromthequestion“Howmanyyearshaveyouattendedthischurch?”Thosewhorespondedindicatedthe74%haveattendedSt.John11+years,andonly10%haveattendedfiveyearsorless.

ItisourrecommendationthatSt.Johnwillneedtoincreaseitsoutreach,invitation,andfootprintintheCedarValleytoencouragemoreparticipationandengagementfromadditionalpeople.

OnelastnotablequestionthatleadstoourfuturemodelatSt.Johnwas,“Onaverage,howmanyhoursoverthelastyearhaveyouvolunteeredatchurchtoteach,lead,serveonacommittee,orhelpwithsomeprogramorevent?”Ofthosewhoresponded38%haveserved0hoursandanother31%haveserved1‐2hourspermonth.

ThenewOrganizationalStructurewillempoweracongregationallyledchurchbyofferingmultipleserviceopportunitiesthroughdiverseofferings.

OrganizationalChart

BasedontheresultsfromtheReflections&Dreamssurveys,openforums,Saturdayeveningsurveys,ministryteamsurveys,andCongregationalsurveys,theSelfStudyfocusgrouprecommendsandtheTTFteamsupportstheformationoffournewministryteamsandfournewresourceteams.ThisstructurechangewillenableSt.Johntoshiftfromastaff‐ledchurchtoacongregation‐ledchurch.

MinistryTeams:

Worship&CelebrationMinistryTeam

Serving&DiscipleshipMinistryTeam

FaithFormation&LifelongLearningMinistryTeam

Hospitality&CongregationalCareMinistryTeam

ResourceTeams:

Technology&CommunicationResourceTeam

FinancialResourceTeam

HumanResourceTeam

PropertyResourceTeam


TheSelfStudyTeamrecommendsthenewOrganizationalStructure(ExhibitG)toempoweritspeople,offermanydiverseserviceopportunitiesandbeacongregationallyledchurch.


Staffing/LeadershipFocusGroup

“Intheirheartshumansplantheircourse,buttheLorddirectstheiractions.”Proverbs16:9

Process

Theteambegantheirworkwithathree‐prongapproachtoassessandaddressthestaffingneedsforSt.JohnLutheranChurch(St.John):

Reviewingcurrentpositiondescriptions Creatingandadministeringthreeuniquequestionnaires,specifictocurrentstaff,

keyvolunteers,&formerstaff Conductingface‐to‐faceinterviewsofallcurrentstaff

ThisapproachwaschosenbecausewebelievethatwhileourfocuswasonthefutureofSt.John,weneededtounderstandhowwegothere,whatwere/aretheperceivedpitfallstoavoid,andwherewearestartingintermsofstaffandneed.WealsoledacoupleoftheopenforumsinFellowshipHalltogatherinputfromtheCongregationmembersinattendance.

First,copiesofallexistingpositiondescriptionswereobtainedfromtheOfficeManager.Thesewerereviewedtogainanunderstandingofthecurrentassignments,individualareasofresponsibility,qualificationsneeded,potentialgapsinprocessesandreportingrelationships.

Wealsoreviewedthecompletestaffcomposition.Specific/individualsalarieswerenotdiscussed.Full‐timestaff,part‐timestaff,benefitsoffered,reportingstructure,training,andperformanceevaluationswerethefocus.

Next,theteamdevelopedthethreeQuestionnaires(ExhibitsA,B&C).Thefeedbackreceivedintheresponseswasreviewedandsummarized.Thisinformationaidedusindevelopingsomeofthequestionsaskedduringtheface‐to‐faceinterviews.

ThegoaloftheCurrentStaffQuestionnairewastobetterunderstandtheeverydayworkingsoftheChurch.Areasincluded:staffingFTE’s(FullTimeEquivalentemployees)comparedtothenumberofpart‐timestaffpositions,tenure,reportingstructure,support,training,areasofresponsibilities,expectations,accountabilities,successinpromotingGod’sworkatSt.John,compensation,interactionswithotherspecificgroupswithinSt.John,andcommunicationeffectiveness.

ThegoaloftheKeyVolunteerQuestionnairewastoidentifywhatmotivatesourcurrentteammembers,dotheyfeelsupported,anddotheyhaveclearstructureandguidance.Howcanwe“tapintothiswell”toincreaseserviceactivityatSt.John?


ThegoaloftheFormerStaffQuestionnairewastodeterminewhatcanbelearnedfromthoseteammembersthatchosetoleave.WhatcanbechangedtomakeSt.Johnabetterplaceofworship,work,andcommunity?Whatpitfallsshouldwelookforandavoid?

Finally,wedevelopedtheface‐to‐faceinterviewprocess.Basedontheknowledgegainedduringthepositiondescriptionreviewandquestionnairereviewwetargetedourfocusfortheface‐to‐faceinterviewstoidentifyrealandperceivedroadblocks,searchformethodstoimprovecommunication,createsoliddevelopmentandgrowthopportunities.

Observations

FromPositionDescriptions

OneofthefirstobservationswasthelackofanycentralizedHumanResourcestructureorsupportforstaffmembers.

AnotherglaringobservationwasthefactthatSt.Johnhadbecomeverymuch,staffdriven.Staffhasbeenstretchedverythin.Manyteammemberswereasked/chargedwithhandlingfunctionsthatfelloutsideoftheirresponsibilities.ThiswasnotedbothintermsoflackofaformalHumanResourcestructure,andlackofastandardperformanceevaluationprocess.Basedonthestaffdrivenfocusoftheministry,volunteer,andserviceopportunitiesandparticipationhavedeclinedgreatly.

FromQuestionnaires

CurrentStaff–Therewere29responsesreceivedfromtheon‐linequestionnaire.Thecurrentstaffisverydedicatedtotheirworkandverydedicatedtomakingadifference.Theyaregenerallypositiveabouttheinteractionswithotherteammembers.TheygenerallyfeelsupportedintheireffortsatSt.John.

Thepreschool&childcareteamsfeelverysupportedbyKathyThompson.Theyare100%dedicatedtotheworktheydoandthechildrentheycareforandteach.ThelackofaconsistentHumanResourceprocesswasbroughtupasaconcern.

SeveraloftherespondentsnotedthatattimesthelackofastrongvolunteerbaseplacedtoomuchdemandoncurrentstaffandlimitedtheprogramsandopportunitiesforSt.John.

KeyVolunteerStaff–Therewere24responsesreceivedontheonlinequestionnaire.TheprimarytakeawaysfromtheKeyVolunteerinformationwasthattheyallhaveagreatdesiretoserve.MostresponseswerefromvolunteersintheSundaySchool/Confirmationgroupsthatdealwithouryoungermembers.Thefamilyfocusoftheseservantscamethroughloudandclear.

Theprimarydetractionswerewhenothermembers,notstaff,commentingandcomplaininginanegativefashion.Therealsowasanunderlyingdesireforadditionaltraining/coaching/mentoring.


FormerStaff–Therewerenineresponsesreceivedontheonlinequestionnaire.TheprimarytakeawaysfromtheFormerStaffgroupwasverydivided,whichwasnotunexcepted.Therewasacleardistinctionbetweenthosewholeftontheirowntermsandthosewhowereremovedorfeltpushedfrompositions.However,therewereacoupleofcleartakeaways;communicationneededimprovement,teamworkneededimprovement,amoredefinedstructurewasneeded.Inaddition,committeeswerenonexistent,andcontactwithCouncilwaslookedatastaboo.

FromOpenForums

Therewasagreatdealofconfusiononthesizeofourcurrentstaff.Congregationconcernregardingbudgetingandexpenseofaperceivedlargestaffwasmentionedseveraltimes.Specificconcernsregardinghoursworked,compensation,andbenefitswerealsomentioned.

BrainstormingonsolutionstoincreaseCongregationvolunteerismandserviceopportunitiestookplace.Thebottomlineconsensuswastocreate,betterdefine,andtobettercommunicatemoreserviceopportunities.Communicateexpectationsandsettermlimitsforthosereoccurringtasks/opportunities.Mostsimply,askforhelpandtheCongregationwillrespond.

FromFace‐to‐FaceInterviews

Weinterviewed17ofthecurrentstaffmembers.Acopyoftheinterviewquestionsisattached(ExhibitD).Theinterviewswereanoutstandinguseofourteam’stime.Ittookseveralhoursanddaystocomplete.Therewereafewrecurringtrendsbroughtupduringtheinterviews.Communicationneedstoimprove.Thereneedstobecommunicationbetweenofficestaff,custodialstaffandpreschool/childcarestaff.

Ourchildren,youth,andyoungadultministriesneedmorefocus,betterdesign,andmorebodieswillingto“walkthewalk”.

Thereisadesireforbetterpartnershipbetweenthepreschool/childcareteamandthecustodialstaff.ThepreschoolandchildcarefamiliesareawonderfulsourceforincreasedparticipationforSt.John.Weneedtotapintothatgrouptoshareandgrowourministry.

AcompleteHumanResourceprogramisneeded.Policyandproceduresneedtobedeveloped,andcontinuingdevelopmentneedstobeafocus.Consistentimplementationandapplicationofpoliciesandproceduresneedstobeenforced.

Conclusions/Recommendations

ThefirstrecommendationwastheneedforaFinancialResourceTeam.Thecollecting,counting,andpreparationofdepositsfromtheofferingshasfallenontheOfficeManager.Itisabestpracticeforseveralreasonstohavethecounting,deposit,anddisbursementof


fundssegregated.TheFinancialResourceTeamneedstoensuretheseproceduresaredocumentedandfollowedtoeliminaterisk.

ThenextrecommendationwasforthecreationofaHumanResourceteam.Therecurrentlyarenoconsistent,documentedproceduresthatprovidestaffwithguidelinesforrequestingtime‐off,orotherleaves.Thereisnostaffgrievancepolicyandnoformaltraining,mentoring,ordevelopmentprocess.Thereisnopolicyorprocessforregularemployeeevaluations.Again,abulkoftheHRrolewithinthechurchfellontheOfficeManager.

WorkingwiththeSelf‐StudyandtheMissionandVisionFocusGroups,weagreedthatanewoverallstructurewasneededtoaccommodatetheproposedchanges.Collectively,andafterincorporatingthefeedbackandinputfromalltheopenforumsweagreedtoembraceastructurethatwillmoveSt.Johntoacongregationallyledchurchinplaceoftheexistingstaffdrivenorganization.Fournewresourceteamsandfournewministryteamswerecreated.

ResourceTeams

HumanResourceTeam FinancialResourceTeam PropertyResourceTeam Technology&CommunicationResourcesTeam

MinistryTeams

Hospitality&CongregationalCareMinistryTeam Serving&DiscipleshipMinistryTeam Worship&CelebrationMinistryTeam FaithFormation&LifelongLearningMinistryTeam

Thestructureofeachteamissimilarandwillconsistofseven‐personteams.Initially,therewillbeonememberoftheJointCouncil,onememberfromtheTTF,andfiveadditionalmembers.Most,ifnotalltheremainingmemberswillbeselectedfromactiveparticipantsatSt.John.Thegoalwillbeforteammemberstoserveuptotwoconsecutivethree‐yeartermswithtwonewmembersbeingaddedeachyear.Annuallyateamfacilitatorwillbeselected.OneoftheJointCouncilmemberswillalwaysbeapartofeachteam.WeneedtobetterengagetheCouncilwiththeCongregation,andthisisonebigstepinthatdirection.

Eachoftheresourceandministryteamswillhaveactiverolesinthedaily/weekly/monthlyplanningandactivitiesatSt.John.

Withthecreationoftheresourceandministryteams,wewillbeabletomakeafewadditionalchangestotheexistingstaffstructure.ThecurrentWorshipTechpositionwillbeeliminated.Thefull‐timeCustodianpositionisbeingreplacedwithafull‐timeFacilityManagerposition.TheFacilityManagerwillassumeresponsibilityfortheoverallphysicalwell‐beingandmaintenanceofthechurch.TheremainingCustodianpositionwillremainapart‐time,20hoursperweekposition.


Withthecreationoftheseteamsandnewpositions,thesupportneededfortheOfficeManagerrolewillbemovedtoapart‐timeposition.

AnewMusicMinistryDirectorpositionwascreated.ThisindividualwilloverseeallmusicprogrammingatSt.John.WiththecreationofthisroletheContemporaryWorshipLeaderrolewillmovefromastipend/compensatedroletoavolunteer/servicerole.Fromthecongregationalsurvey89%respondedthatprovidinginspirationalmusicinworshipwasimportant.Thispositionwillensurewehavethatconsistencyforallservices.

AnewChildren’s,Youth,&YoungAdultMinistryDirectorpositionwascreated.Thisindividualwilloverseeallchildren,youth,andyoungadultprogrammingatSt.John.Thisfull‐timepositionconsolidatessomeoftheexistingroleswithinSt.John.ThispositionwillhaveresponsibilitiesfortheexistingSundaySchoolandConfirmationleadershiproles.Fromthecongregationalsurvey,therewereseveralquestionsthataddressedthistopic.Anaverageoftheresponsestothosequestions,showsthat92%respondedthatprovidingtimeandprogramsthatsupportouryouthandfamilieswasimportant.Thispositionwillensurewehavethatfocus.

Thesenewpositiondescriptionsarea“work‐in‐progress”.Thatsaid,thereisnopositiondescriptionthatcanlisteachrequirementorareaofresponsibility.Positiondescriptionsarefluid.ThenewHumanResourceTeamworkingwiththeJointCouncilandPastorwillalsohavetoreviewand“tweak”asneeded.Policyandproceduredocumentationwillhavetobecreated.Asthesechangesandenhancementshappen,additionalchangeswilllikelybeneededonsomeofthepositiondescriptions.

Intotal,wereviewed,created,andrewroteallpositiondescriptions.CopiesoftheeightnewteamspositiondescriptionsandelevenstaffpositiondescriptionscanbefoundinExhibitE.

St.JohnStaffPositions

Pastor ExecutiveAssistant OfficeManager PastoralCare&VisitationDirector MusicMinistryDirector Children’sYouth,Youth&YoungAdultMinistryDirector FacilityManager Custodian KitchenDirector Accompanist Preschool&ChildcareCenterDirector

OnefinalrecommendationisthatthecommunicationbetweenthenewJointCouncilandSt.Johnstaffmembersonthenewresourceandministryteamsneedstobeimproved.Councilcurrentlymeetsonceamonth,andthereislittleformalinteraction.Aswemovetoa


congregationally‐ledversusastaff‐ledchurch,theroleoftheCouncilwillalsoneedtochange.

TheteamdidnotmakechangesdirectlytothePreschool&ChildcareCenterDirectororPreschoolStafforChildcareStaffpositions.TheDirectorwillcontinuetoreportdirectlytothePastor.TheDirectorandteachers/leads/staffwillinteractdirectlywiththeFacilityManagertoensureallneedsaremet.TheDirectorwillalsobeastakeholderwiththeHumanResourceteamincreationofthenewpoliciesandprocedures.


TTFTeamConclusions&Recommendations

“Foruntowhomsoevermuchisgiven,ofhimshallbemuchrequired"Luke12:48

AstheTransitionTaskForceteamponderstheinformationwehavegatheredandwhatithastaughtus,onethingisclear:

St.JohnLutheranChurchmembersvaluenurturingallpeoplebyprovidingstrongChristianeducationandspirituallyupliftingworshipexperiencesforallages.

Inordertoaccomplishthisimportantobjectiveinourworldtoday,St.Johnmustbeaservantcongregationtosurviveandthrive.Tothatend,theTransitionTaskForceteamhasthefollowingrecommendationsforSt.JohnChurchCouncil.ThislistisnotallinclusiveandstemsfromtheTTFworkaccomplishedthatwasbasedoncongregationalfeedback.Thefollowingisrespectfullyrecommended:

Newpurposeandmissiono Ourpurpose:JoyfullytakingGod’sloveintotheworldo Our mission: Connecting Christ’s community by building relationships among all

people, fulfilling the call of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Caring, nurturing

and supporting one another according to each one’s needs by Sharing God’s

love and grace through acts of service while Growing in faith through lifelong

learning.

Neworganizationalcharto RecommendshiftingChurchCounciltoJointCouncilmodelo Teams&descriptionswerecreated;eightteamswillhavefacilitator,joint

councilmemberliaison,andatleastfivemembers,withstaffasexofficio FaithFormation&LifelongLearningMinistryTeam Worship&LeadershipMinistryTeam Serving&DiscipleshipMinistryTeam Hospitality&CongregationalCareMinistryTeam Technology&CommunicationResourcesTeam PropertyResourceTeam FinancialResourceTeam HumanResourceTeam

Changeinstaffstructureo Operationaloversightfromjointcouncil/eightteamswithstaff

participationo Staffdescriptionsupdated/created

Callafull‐timePastor(vacantpositionatthistime) Additionoffull‐timeyouthleader Additionofpart‐timeworshipministryleader Additionoffull‐timefacilitiesmanager Reductionofofficemanagertopart‐time Eliminationofpaidworshipserviceleaders&technicians


TheTransitionTaskForceteamisgratefultoPastorPaulSvingenforhisguidanceandleadershipinourteamefforts,forwithouthisfaithfulandperspectiveservantleadership,ourteam’soutcomeswouldhavemostlikelysuffered.

“Theservantleaderisservantfirst…itbeginswiththenaturalfeelingthatonewantstoserve,toservefirst.Thenconsciouschoicebringsonetoaspiretolead.Thatpersonissharply

differentfromonewhoisleaderfirst.”‐RobertK.Greenleaf


Exhibits–Self‐StudyGroup

ExhibitA–St.JohnReflections&DreamsViews

St. John Reflections and Dreams

The self-study team of the Transition Task Force is seeking your reflections on how you see St. John today and how you envision St. John tomorrow. We invite you to be as specific and candid as you feel comfortable. Your comments will not be shared with the congregation and will only be seen

by the Transition Task Force. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!

Please complete and return on or before October 28th to the box in the atrium.

An online version of this form can also be filled out at stjohncf.org/XXXXXX

-Self-Study Team – Carlene Gardner, P.J.Mills, Adam Puls and Kelly Turner

St. John Today (Examples: community of believers, wonderful children’s programming, not very Bible based, etc.)

St. John Tomorrow (Examples: would like to see more Wednesday night activities, more transparent communication, fewer songs in services, etc.)


ExhibitB–SaturdayNightServiceFeedback

Saturday Night Service Feedback 1) Why do you attend this service instead of a Sunday morning service?

2) What do you want to see in a Sunday morning service that would make it more attractive to you? 3) Would you be more likely to attend the 9:30 Contemporary service if more traditional elements were added to it? Yes No If yes, what elements would you like to see added to, or removed from, the 9:30 Contemporary Sunday Service? Please check all that apply: Liturgy More scripture readings Traditional music Other additional (please indicate) Other removed (please indicate)

4) Would you be more likely to attend a Sunday Service if the 8 AM (Sanctuary) were moved to 8:30 and the 9:30 (Faith and Life Center) transitioned to 10 AM? Yes No If yes, would you be more likely to attend: 8:30 Sanctuary 10 Faith & Life Ctr


ExhibitC–St.JohnOctober28,2018Forum

St. John Forum

10/28/18 Leaders: TTF Self-Study Team

Carlene Gardner, P.J. Mills, Adam Puls, Kelly Turner

“On this reformation Sunday, what does St. John need to do to re-form and

re-member our ministry in order to embrace a new future?” Table Discussion: What dreams do you have for…

New Members:

Immediate neighborhood:

Worship:

Other:

Table Discussion: What do we need to do to re-form our ministry?

What do we need to do to re-member our ministry?


ExhibitD–SurveyforSJFCTeams,Groups,Etc.

St. John Lutheran Church St. John Lutheran Church ‐ Survey for Church Council, Ministry Teams, Action Teams, Task Forces, Groups, Etc. Thank you for completing this survey! The information you provided will assist the Transition Task Force in completing its work. Please return this survey to the St. John Administrative Office by January 6, 2019.

Self‐Study Group, October 2018

Name of Group: Name of Person Completing this Survey:

Leader's Name: Phone Number: ______________________________________________________________________________

1. Mission/Purpose of the group:

2. Responsibilities of the group:

a. Are these responsibilities appropriate to the size and mission of your group? If no, what are your suggestions for improvement?

b. Does this group meet on a regular basis? If so, when?

3. What are the key challenges the group has encountered over the past two or three years?

4. What challenges remain on-going for this group?

a. Are these challenges appropriate and manageable for your group? If no, what are your suggestions?

5. List other groups your group interacts with regularly and explain in what capacity.


a. What other groups should function under this group?

b. How does your group communicate with the other groups to provide coordination and avoid duplication?

c. Do you have any suggestions for improving coordination and communication? 6. Who provides staff support to the group?

a. Is this staff support appropriate and sufficient? If no, what are your suggestions for improvement?

7. What clerical support does the group receive from the church staff?

a. Is this support appropriate and sufficient? If no, what are your suggestions for improvement?

8. Who does the group report to and/or obtain permission from to complete tasks?

a. Does this process work well for your group? If no, what are your suggestions for improvement?

9. What types of decisions can the group make without seeking authority from someone else?

a. Are these decisions appropriate for your group? If no, what are your suggestions

for improvement?

10. Please indicate how many members are in the group, and how are members selected.

_________ Volunteer ________ Appointed _________ Elected ________ Other


a. If a member is appointed, who makes the appointment?

b. What are the terms of your members?

c. Do members of the group receive training? __________ Yes ____________ No

If yes, what training is required and who provides this training?

d. Is the training sufficient? If no, what are your suggestions for improvement?

11. How is the group’s work evaluated?

a. Who performs the evaluation?

b. What is the frequency of the evaluation?

c. Is this evaluation sufficient? If no, what are your suggestions for improvement?

12. Who budgets and provides money for the group to function?

a. What is the process for spending funds allocated to this group through the budget?

b. Is this process workable for your group? If no, what are your suggestions for improvement?

13. Please provide any suggestions that you or your group would like to make to improve our church organization and its operations.


ExhibitE–CongregationalSelf‐Study


ExhibitF–InitialOrganizationalBrainstorming


ExhibitG–FinalOrganizationalChart


Descriptions


Exhibits–Staffing&LeadershipGroup

Exhibit A – Staffing/Leadership Questionnaire – Current Staff


Exhibit B– Staffing/Leadership Questionnaire – Former Staff


Exhibit C– Resource & Ministry Team Position Descriptions

HumanResourceTeamFinancialResourceTeamPropertyResourceTeam

Technology&CommunicationResourcesTeamHospitality&CongregationalCareMinistryTeam

Serving&DiscipleshipMinistryTeamWorship&CelebrationMinistryTeam

FaithFormation&LifelongLearningMinistryTeam


Exhibit D– Staff Position Descriptions

Pastor

OfficeManagerExecutiveAssistant

PastoralCare&VisitationDirectorFacilityManager

MusicMinistryDirectorChildren’s,Youth,&YoungAdultMinistryDirector

AccompanistPreschool&ChildcareCenterDirector

KitchenDirectorCustodian


Exhibits–CongregationalExhibits

Exhibit A– St. John Congregational Self-Study Results

Survey scored results ranked in order of importance, 4 most important to 1 least important:


Exhibit B– St. John Organizational Structure Banner

St. John Lutheran Church Transition Task Force Final Report€¦ · In the summer of 2018, Pastor...

Documents

Transcript of St. John Lutheran Church Transition Task Force Final Report€¦ · In the summer of 2018, Pastor...