Central States Synod
Providing resources and tools so that we may live out God’s purpose, united with Christ, as we walk the way of Jesus.
A lab is a place of learning, a place to work with different “tools” or resources, to try things out and experiment to see what works.
In a time of increasing demands and challenges, we need to get into the lab and expand our capacity to do ministry.
Our Ministry Lab includes three areas of focus:
Topics in this area of the lab will include:
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Leadership
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Constitution/Policies
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Preparing for the Future
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Building Usage
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Stewardship
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Setting agendas and leading meetings
GOOD
ORDER
MEANS OF GRACE
Topics in this area of the lab will include:
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Worship and lay participation
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Healthy Communications
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Language/welcoming neurodiversity
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Biblical interpretation using Scripture to guide us in challenging conversations
Topics in this area of the lab will include:
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Connecting with community
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Social statements
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Collaboration (Collegiality in ecumenism)
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Use of techology including social media
LIVING
FAITH
Where do we find the time and appropriate resources to bring an honest word from God?
This lab series offers ideas for lectionary preaching through the seasons of the year. Sessions are geared toward lay leadership leading worship in our Synod. While not an exegetical exercise, it will lift up seasonal themes, explore ideas for worship, sanctuary art/environment, and activities for each season.
Participants may select any single session or attend all five.
April 4, May 23, Aug 1,
Oct 3, & Nov. 15 - 6:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Registration: $10/per session
LECTIONARY THEMES AND PREACHING
Perhaps your church has considered collaborative ministry with others around you, but you’re not sure how to get started. What sorts of conversations should all parties have in the initial phases? How do you come to a mutually beneficial agreement about working together? How do you handle the nuts and bolts—who, what, where, and how do we pay for this?
May 9, 2024 - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Registration: Free
Sowing the Seeds of CoLABoration
How as Lutherans should we understand our relationship to civic life, including government, both as individuals and as a church body? After studying these questions for the past three years, a social statement task force of ELCA has posted a draft social statement on civic life and faith.
You are invited to join Bishop Candea for a discussion of the latest social statement. These conversations are timely as we enter into an election year. You will find the draft statement on the ELCA website, www.elca.org/civicsandfaith
June 20 - 7:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Registration: Free
ELCA SOCIAL STATEMENT:
CIVIC LIFE AND FAITH
How do you tell your church’s story both within your building and to the community around you? Who do you want to hear your story and why does it matter?
Join this Ministry Lab to explore ideas for enhancing your presence in your local community. We will examine story telling methods that you can use to highlight your ministry. We will hear case studies from congregations of all sizes across the synod to discover what might be effective for your context.
Thursdays: August 22, September 26, & October 24 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Registration: $75