Vision Passion Action

Phase 2

Implementation

VPA In Action

History– 2005 Call to Conversation: 16 gatherings– 2006 Workgroups develop plans: Identity,

Discipleship/Evangelism, Conflict– 2007 Phase 1: Developed Purpose, Goals &

Guiding Principles– 2008+ Phase 2: Alignment - Determine how we live

into our vision and guiding principles while making progress on goals.

How do we Align with our Purpose?

Alignment with our vision will depend on 2 things: – What we focus on– How we work together

In January 2009 Synod Council met to consider these questions.

What we focus on

GOALS

VPA Goals

• Identity

• Discipleship

• Evangelism

• Congregational Health

• Connections

Focus

After review current synod activities, three potential priorities emerged:– Connections (lay leaders, congregations,

conferences, ministries)– Healthy Leaders & Congregations– Faith Formation in congregations

Specific attention to each of these areas will build capacity for future efforts.

How we work together

Relationships & Roles

Relationships: Old

ELCA

Synod

Congregations

Accompaniment

Accompaniment means walking together in solidarity, characterized by mutuality and interdependence.

In this walk we share gifts, experiences, and resources, but also advice and admonition that will assist both companions for expanding and deepening the capacity for ministry.

Relationships: New

Road to Relationship

Obstacles along the Road to Relationship

Relationships

Role Models

LocalizedLocalized CentralizedCentralized

Activities coordinated by members.

Money goes from congregations to ministries.

Activities coordinated by synod.

Money goes through synod to ministries.

Roles

LocalizedLocalized CentralizedCentralized

•No one place is better than another.•Line moves with the needs and strength of synod

Weak Relationships & Roles

LocalizedLocalized CentralizedCentralized

•Core functions not Core functions not adequately fundedadequately funded•Flavor of the day Flavor of the day fundingfunding•Synod dumping Synod dumping responsibility on responsibility on congregationscongregations•Congregations Congregations unsupporedunsuppored

•Big BrotherBig Brother•Little say in decisionsLittle say in decisions•Little accountabilityLittle accountability•Feel out of touchFeel out of touch•Vote with Vote with walletwallet

Strong Relationships & Roles

LocalizedLocalized CentralizedCentralized

•Congregations choose Congregations choose priorities & resource thempriorities & resource them•Congregations Congregations collaborate to meet collaborate to meet emerging needsemerging needs•Congregations feel Congregations feel connected and supportedconnected and supported•People feel empoweredPeople feel empowered

•Ministry support Ministry support centralized and stablecentralized and stable•Less need for ministries Less need for ministries local fundraisinglocal fundraising•Less duplication of Less duplication of effort effort •More sharing across More sharing across ministriesministries•Economies of scaleEconomies of scale•People feel supportedPeople feel supported

Next Steps

• Improve relationships within synod structure

• Strengthen conferences and clarify role of conference Deans

• Council make recommendations about changes to assembly in 2010.

• Will you accompany me?