This Week: Community Outreach and Service
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 previous emails:
- Youth and Family Engagement, click here to read.
- Worship/Spiritual Growth, click here to read.
Findings
People define ‘outreach’ in several ways. Some focus on serving the needs of the community. Others look to invite people to come to worship.
Congregations are excited about the ways they engage in their communities. Many congregations step outside their walls, engaging the needs of their local communities. ‘Community Needs’ fell in the top three congregational priorities, and many comments reflected joy for the way local congregations make an impact.
In the survey, people identified ‘decreased commitment to organizations’ as a significant change in their communities. Congregations step in to provide support in these gaps.
Outreach as evangelism proved more challenging, an area of needed support.
Interpretation
Community service is a tangible way that congregations impact lives. It can be difficult to rate how ‘effective’ a congregation is in helping people grow in faith. It’s much easier to report on the number of meals served through a food pantry.
Critical Questions
How does faith play a role in a congregation’s community service?
How does a congregation personally engage with those served?
How does a congregation avoid turning community service as ‘us vs. them?’
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
