VITAL CHURCH MODULES

As part of our on-going rhythm of exploring “why” and “how” church, and equipping ourselves for leadership in ministry, Vital Church Gatherings will take place 3 times a year: Fall, Winter, & Spring. Gatherings will be in-person, online, or hybrid depending the topic and time of year!


UPCOMING EVENTS:



Why Lutheran? Why Church? 

This event will be rescheduled for a later date. 

If you are interested in facilitating this conversation within your congregation, please reach out to Deacon Erin Power.


75 years ago, the answer to “why church?” was simple- it’s just what we did! Faith communities today are challenged to create a more robust answer to the question “why church?” and “why Lutheran?” Together we will explore the unique and specific why of our shared story as ELCA Christians and have the opportunity to create the unique and specific why of your specific congregation- for the sake of sharing your story with new people!


Event Contact: Deacon Erin Power

    more about vital conversations for church leaders

    Needing a jump start of new ideas? Looking for conversation partners to explore options? Are you a new ministry leader? Join these vital conversations for church leaders to explore new ideas, learn in community, and foster creativity in ministry. The guiding principles for our vital conversations are:

    • Foster community and creativity
    • Facilitate spaces for co-creating and co-learning
    • Deepen Discipleship
    • Adapt/Strengthen Structures for Mission


    We will take a deep dive on various topics through 1-day gatherings, with in-person and digital options available. In addition, optional post-event conversation cohorts are available. 


    past events


    • church & politcs: Practicing Hard Conversations

      Saturday, January 24, 2026

      St. John Lutheran, Fargo


      Our world is wrestling with complicated realities, challenging policy divides, and global conflicts. How do we as church and congregation members talk together? How might the church be a good place to bring our worries and wonderings about politics and world realities? In this session, we explored why and how we as church can hold space for hard conversations, explore how church and politics intersect, and resources for talking together as congregations.  


    • becoming an inclusive church training

      Saturday, January 25th, 2025

      St. John Lutheran, Fargo


      ELCA congregations joined in a day of of learning and reflection to better accompany 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our midst. 

    • kids these days! Accompanying young people in a changing world (past event) 

      Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024

      Faith-Journey, West Fargo & on ZOOM


      In this session, we shared research around the beliefs and perspectives of young people, explored how the world has changed, and wondered about the shifts the church can make to make space for and accompany young people.


      If you would like to view the recording of this session, register for the Zoom option at this link. Deacon Erin will them email you the recording. 

    • VITAL CHURCH: COMMUNITY & WELCOME (past event)

      Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024,10am - 4pm

      Trinity Lutheran, Jamestown & on ZOOM


      This session focused on how we might create more accessible and community-centered spaces and gatherings. 

    • Vital Church: Models for Ministry Introduction (Past event)

      Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023

      ZOOM


      Both the church and the world look different today than they did 5, 10, 20, or even 50 years ago! What needs to be adjusted for the sake of a vital and sustainable witness? This shortened version will give an introduction to different models and structures for congregations and leaders interested in beginning this conversation.


    • Vital Church: MODELS FOR MINISTRY (past event) 

      Date: Thursday, October 26, 2023

      Trinity Lutheran, Cooperstown


      Both the church and the world look different today than they did 5, 10, 20, or even 50 years ago! What needs to be adjusted for the sake of a vital and sustainable witness? How might we shape and adapt how we do church to fit who we are today? Together we will explore structures for shared ministry, leadership, worship and community partnerships, learning with and from leaders who are exploring new ways to make ministry work!


    • Vital Church: Communication  & Community (Past event) 

      Date: Saturday, May 6th, 2023 10am-4:30pm

      Messiah Lutheran Church, Fargo

      This session focused on how we show up as leaders in our contexts and how to navigate and manage systems in order to foster healthier conversation and communities.