What is Tool Kit?
Tool Kit is a training event for congregational leaders that features extended conversation with Bishop Rogness, networking opportunities with leaders from congregations throughout this synod, and workshops with information specific to leadership matters and concerns.
2013 Tool Kit for Congregational Leaders
2013 Tool Kit was held Saturday, February 23 at St. Mark in North St. Paul. Resources from this year's event will be posted here as they become available.
Morning Session:
1. Presidents’ Forum
New Format
A panel of current and past congregation council presidents will respond to questions about serving congregations in this role and participate in discussions led by Bishop Peter Rogness. Come ready to learn from others and to share your own experiences.
2. Care Ministries
Multiple congregations in our synod will share their experiences and insight on providing care and support to those “neighbors” within their congregation and beyond. Hear and learn how others are cultivating volunteers, identifying whom they serve, providing necessary training, and meeting the challenges and successes of these essential ministries.
Care Team Minstry I Lyngblomsten
3. Best Practices for Safety, Security, Background Checks and More
Karen Gieseke, Children, Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator, Southeastern Minnesota Synod
This workshop will provide information, resources and a place for conversation on the important topic of creating and maintaining safe and trusting spaces for all. Discussion will include establishing/updating policies and procedures.
4. Mission and Money
The Rev. Susan Miller, Saint Paul Area Synod
Narrative Budgets and Missional Spending Plans are two ways of presenting congregational budgets that tell the story about how offerings are used to sustain the mission of the church. Congregations using these budgeting methods will share their experiences and lead a conversation about the impact of a missional budgeting process.
Mission and Money handout (PDF)
5. A Quick Course on Leadership
Beth Helgen, Saint Paul Area Synod
How do you find good leaders for your congregation? Information on skill sets for ministry, expectations and accountability, confidentiality, using resources, communication, and how to get things done.
6. Working with Volunteers
Becky Benson, Incarnation, Shoreview
The people in our faith communities have full lives and less discretionary time than ever. How can we draw people into meaningful service, help them see their service as ministry, and celebrate their gifts as a part of the Body of Christ? Together we will share ideas and successes
Working with Volunteers powerpoint (PDF)
7. Listening Cross-Culturally
Synod Anti-Racism Task Force
How do we get to know our neighbors who are different from us? Come and learn how to engage in conversations shaped by courage, compassion, and curiosity, and then practice these skills with a diverse group of participants.
8. Compassion in Action—Lutheran Social Service
The Rev. Richard Andersen, Director of Congregational Relations, Lutheran Social Service
We are a meal and companionship for the older adult, a gateway to financial services and family counseling, a second chance to homeless youth, a key to independence for disabled adults, long term support to those rebuilding after a disaster. We are Lutheran Social Service. Learn how your congregation can benefit from LSS services as well as support the work of LSS!
About Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
Afternoon Session:
9. Balance Sheets and Bottom Lines
David Laden, Como Park, St. Paul
This workshop is for all congregation treasurers and financial administrators. The materials covered will provide a basic lesson on budgets, expenditures, cash flow, and balancing the books while keeping good stewardship of your congregation’s financial resources in mind.
Resources for congregational treasurers & bookkeepers
10. Leading Effective Meetings
Claire Hoyum, Gloria Dei, St. Paul
Learn tips for conducting a meeting that is productive and efficient and will get your council or committee home before dawn! Topics will include agendas, preparation, minutes, confidentiality, and follow-through.
Leading Effective Meetings powerpoint (PDF)
11. Who are the “Nones”?
The Rev. Jodi Houge, Humble Walk, St. Paul
Religious surveys report that increasing numbers of young adults respond that their religious affiliation is “none.” Come and hear from a panel of young adults who have been disconnected and now reconnected with a faith community. Listen and learn.
13. Engaging Mission through Social Media Ministry
Carrie Gubsch, Christ the King, New Brighton
Too often congregations sign up for Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms and then ask, “What next?” This workshop will help leaders embrace social media as a form of ministry, explore how it can breathe new life into your congregation’s mission, and learn how to encourage pastors, staff, and members to enter as digital seekers in a media savvy world.
Engaging Mission through Social Media Ministry powerpoint (PDF)
14. SHIFT Happens: The Power of Positive Emotions
Cathy Nordheim, Program Director, Well Within Holistic Wellness Resource Center
Does church negativity get the best of you? Strengthen your congregational life by shifting to practices of compassion, resilience and joy. Practical tools will be offered, as you explore how your congregation councils, committees, and programs can become wellsprings of positivity. SHIFT can happen, in your ministry together!
15. Communicating Change
Beth Helgen, Saint Paul Area Synod
Change doesn’t always come easily in congregations, and significant change requires continued, clear communication among leadership and members. Learn about ways to use clear communication to help effect change in your mission and ministry.
