Originally published in FaithLink, March 2012
We who work with the leaders of congregations in this synod know how earnest congregations are about leadership. We live in a time when churches don’t thrive just by being carried by a cultural wave of popularity. Some congregations thrive. Some struggle. All congregations are aware of the crucial importance of strong and effective leadership.
So how are we doing?
Dear Partners in Ministry,
Another frequent stream of conversation over the past month has centered on Scripture. So let’s look at those conversations.
Within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a synod is an administrative and missional geographic region, overseen by a bishop who provides direction to staff, a synod council, and volunteers from its congregations for vision, support, and resources to carry out mission and ministry. The Saint Paul Area Synod is one of 65 synods in the ELCA and the second largest in the number of baptized members.
Curious about our mission, vision, core values, and main things? Learn about us
Find stories of ministry in and around the Saint Paul Area Synod about congregations, ministry partners, and the ELCA churchwide organization of growth, partnership, and how our church is living into "God's Work. Our Hands." Read FaithLink, a bimonthly publication produced in a .PDF format, or our weekly electronic newsletter, News and Events, containing announcements, events, and short ministry stories. See the newsletter page to stay connected.
We believe that we have been claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world.
Our synod is involved in local and global mission. Collaborative mission tables, mission renewal opportunities for congregations seeking to revitalize their ministry, companion synod endeavors, and supervision and mentoring for mission developers have sought to broaden partnerships among local congregations and the synod and spark and multiply mission opportunities.
Our staff is committed to supporting congregations in much the same way they support rostered leaders. In such roles, staff adopts a posture of collegiality and partnership, available to walk with congregations in ways that empower the whole work we do as the body of Christ.
Our staff is committed to supporting rostered leaders as they seek to carry out their calling in congregations or places of specialized ministry. Learn more about how we make connections and offer support.
As synod staff, we focus on doing those things you—congregations and leaders—need us to do in order to maximize the church’s vitality in every community. We are here to help and to connect you with resources to enhance ministry in your setting.
We seek to equip, resource, and support leaders and congregations by coordinating training sessions, workshops, gatherings, and seminars. This section highlights a few of the larger synod-sponsored events and provides resources, detailed schedules, information on speakers, and more.
Looking for something else? A full listing of events can be found on the calendar page.