This Week: Worship/Spiritual Growth
March 4, 2025
Last summer and fall the Southwestern Minnesota Synod listened. Insights from a survey (with 182 responses), along with conversations in person (held in four locations), help shape synod priorities to equip congregations and leaders in this changing time.
Every week we will share findings, interpretations, and critical questions around each of the major themes. If you missed last week's email: Youth and Family Engagement, click here to read.
Findings
Worship stands as a top priority in most congregations. While there is some concern about how worship engages people in a changing world, overall congregations are pleased with their worship ministry. Unsurprisingly, diversity of worship styles excites some and makes others anxious. In the survey, ‘Worship styles’ fell in the top five priorities reported.
There is concern about how people engage with their faith outside the worship experience.
Interpretation
Congregational ministry grounds itself in worship. It is where the most people engage. While congregations throughout the synod engage in a wide variety of programs, every congregation gathers for worship.
Unsurprisingly, the people attending worship in local congregations appreciate the style of worship they experience.
Critical Questions
- How does worship engage the faith life of congregational members?
- How does a congregation’s worship experience help or hinder efforts to invite new people to worship?
- How can congregations support congregational members as they engage in spiritual practices outside of worship?
Click here for more information on the whole Synod Listening Process Summary.
The synod's leadership is committed to listening to you! This listening process was guided by Pr. Pete Reuss and the Synod Generosity Team. Interpretations were made by Pr. Pete Reuss.
For any questions or follow up please contact:
Pr. Pete Reuss, Synod Storytelling and Generosity
pete.reuss@swmnelca.org
Bishop Dee Pederson
dee.pederson@swmnelca.org
