The Eastern North Dakota and Northwestern Minnesota synods are in the midst of preparation for the Congregational Leadership Academy’s November 5 launch of Focus 2- Stewardship. This focus is an opportunity for pastors to seek out congregation members with gifts for leadership in the area of stewardship; and to offer them tools/resources to use their gifts for the congregation’s ministry.
The initial focus, Evangelism, is at the midway point and going strong! 26 lay participants from EaND and NW MN Synod congregations are actively engaged in the sessions. One participant shares, “I’ve learned so much and am excited to bring all of this back to my congregation!” That statement captures the purpose of CLA.
FAQs — and answers:
Does the same congregational member attend all the focuses?
No. The CLA is designed to enhance specific gifts, so it is not the intention that the same person would enroll/participate in all four focuses (Evangelism, Stewardship, Education, and Worship). In fact, as the CLA moves forward, some of the focuses will run simultaneously! Over an extended period of years, it is feasible that one person could possibly participate in all four focuses, but that is not the framework under which the CLA was developed. Congregations are encouraged to see the CLA as an opportunity to engage multiple congregational members in growing their gifts. The more people enrolled from your congregation, the wider the benefit to your congregation.
How much time is involved in each focus?
Each focus is made up of six sessions held on Saturdays (10 am – 4 pm) in the Knutson Campus Center (Morrie Jones Conference rooms) on the campus of Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. Because the CLA includes an action/reflection component, the classes are not held on consecutive Saturdays. Rather, participants attend class followed by a break (3+ weeks) as participants are engaged in specific assignments, practical experiences, and interaction with their peer cohort. Therefore, each focus spans roughly 9 months.
Where can I find more information?
- Find updates and articles
- Download enrollment forms, recommendation forms, class schedules, and syllabi
- Contact Rev. Keith Zeh, Director for Evangelical Mission
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