A story of King of Kings Lutheran Church , Milwaukie , Oregon 
King of Kings Lutheran Church was organized in 1965. Over the next 30 years it experienced several cycles of growth and decline. Early in 1997, King of Kings was in crisis! The pastor had left unexpectedly about two years earlier, reopening wounds from previous congregational events that had never healed. The congregation was dwindling, finances were short, and the mortgage and other payments had fallen several months behind! The members had taken to an “adopt a bill” program, where the congregation’s bills were posted on the bulletin board, hoping someone would adopt it and pay it. Something obviously needed to be done, but what? After much soul searching and praying, a proposal was presented by several members of the congregation to the new pastor of five months, in her first call. She supported it and the proposal was sent to the church council and, finally, to the congregation. It was adopted in January, 1998 by the congregation, who supported it with hope, but also with much fear and trepidation.

The proposal was to acknowledge everything in our possession is God’s, and to stop trying to control the situation, to just let go and trust in God, as He tells us to do! Included in this acknowledgement was the commitment to tithe “off the top” to synodical mission support the first ten percent of all offerings received. Where $161.00 was given to mission support to the Synod in 1996, 1997 saw mission support grow to $9,566.00!

The Pastor, Pastor Solveig Nilsen-Goodin says,

Tithing was the first step-out in faith that we took together as a congregation, and it made all the difference.”

The congregation has tithed mission support to the Synod ever since!

God fulfilled His promise.

 

Between 1996 and 2001, worship attendance grew modestly by 34%, but regular giving increased by 219%, and by 2001 Synodical mission support had grown to over $16,000.00.

Perhaps more importantly, however, is that over the years since 1997, other benevolence ministries were also undertaken. These include significant involvement and support in JOIN, a ministry for the homeless in Portland and in the Metropolitan Alliance for the Common Good. The Micah fund was established to provide financial support for unknown future ministries. With the passing of the proposal in 1998, the focus of the congregation shifted from “paying the bills” to ministries. The congregational bills were caught up in about ten months, and the support of ministries grew.

Reflections on Leadership Development… Is Our Congregation Ready for a New Generation of Leaders?
By Keith A. Mundy –
Director for Area Ministry Stewardship Staff
Have you looked at the faces of the leaders in our congregation lately? Are the faces quite familiar? How many of those faces are under the age of forty? Is our congregation ready for a new generation of leaders?

For almost twenty years the leadership of most ELCA congregations has been strongly influenced by the boomer generation. However, starting this year the first of the boomers are reaching retirement age in their careers. This change in life focus often carries over into their leadership roles in the church. Research suggests that less than 4% of young adults serve as leaders at their church. Perhaps this is an opportunity to open the door for another generation of leaders to emerge.

Some congregations have discovered that people in their 20’s and 30’s are more likely to think of themselves as leaders than older adults. These individuals are often much more open to additional training to become leaders than the more mature generations. What traits do these new young leaders have to offer? Consider the following:
● A strong enthusiasm for Christ
● A passion to reach out and help others
● Communication skills that include the latest technology
● New and creative practices of hospitality
● A vision of a hopeful and positive future. However, these young adults often come in with some expectations.
● A worship that is alive and includes challenging preaching.
● A community centered on Jesus Christ, welcoming everyone and sharing leadership.
● A Christ like dedication that starts with leaders and is evident among all people in the worshipping community.
● A church that cares about community and places a strong emphasis on outreach and evangelism.

Do these points sound promising or threatening to the life and leadership of our congregation? How did our grandparents answer this question when the boomers were turning 30? If there was a lack of encouragement, perhaps this was the impetus for this generation to find a new church home or leave the church altogether. If there was a sense of trust, perhaps this was the small opening that encouraged a young family to stay and become part of our faith community.

How ready is our congregation to welcome a new generation of leaders? Will our current leaders hold on tightly to their roles and responsibilities? Or will we see our roles evolve into the mentors of tomorrow’s leaders? How open are we to embracing the hopes and dreams of a new generation? Our answers to these questions will reflect how we understand and embrace our role as stewards of god’s mysteries as they pass from one generation to the next.

Copyright © 2007 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. Salt Seasonings

Salt Seasonings Planning Calendar –
January, 2007
Here are activities your Stewardship Team may want to address this month:

Copyright © 2006 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. Salt Seasonings

• ELCA Mission Investment Fund
  • Oregon Synod Representative
• Luther Seminary
• ELCA Region I
• Share Save Spend
• Stewardship of Life
• Awakening to God’s call to Earthkeeping

Oregon Synod
Stewardship Committee Documents

• Synod Stewardship Strategic Plan
• Executive Summary of Stewardship Strategic Plan