What do the disconcerting dynamics of a changing church, an almost forgotten model of a circuit rider (preacher, teacher, companion, consultant, and spiritual guide), and the collaborative frame work of a cooperative, have in common? Perhaps nothing…. OR,…..could they be just the right ingredients for something new, exciting, and life-giving that God through the innovative work of the Holy Spirit, is beginning in the NEMN synod of the ELCA!
Six churches in the Kettle River Conference have agreed to commit to a spirit of innovation, cooperation, mutuality, and open conversation. As they do so, they will put into practice the premise that while Jesus remains the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13: 8), the work of the church and ministry itself is ever changing, monitoring and adjusting, literally shifting in a way that works to faithfully proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in a unique time and place.
Beginning November 1st, 2023 with the blessing of Bishop Amy Odgren and the NEMN synod council, and under the guidance, support, and encouragement of the NEMN synod staff; Grace Lutheran in Sandstone, Emmanuel Lutheran in Dell Grove, Bethany Lutheran in Cromwell, Bethlehem Lutheran in Wright, Oak Lake Lutheran in Oak Lake, and Trinity Lutheran in Bruno, (a seventh church has also been in conversation and may also join following a period of discernment- Bethlehem Lutheran in Askov) will be forming a “Cooperative Ministry” with each other to share a full time rostered leader who will preach, lead worship, teach, empower and equip the churches in all areas of ministry life.
A key to the success of this cooperative ministry is to realize that this is not a 6 or 7 point perish model of the past. The cooperative ministry seeks to reclaim God’s intension for the church from its beginning….to be about empowering and equipping God’s people to be sent out and do “liturgy”- meaning public work, or work done for/by the people. Over the years, the church has shaped ministry to be focused, if not centered on, ordained clergy (or a paid professional such as a deacon or youth director) who does most of the ministry of the church for the people. A “hired hand” mind set, of one who is uniquely set apart, taught, and trained to lead and most often do the work of the church. All too often the rostered leader (paid professional) is expected to do and be everything to everyone. This model of church leadership, while common and familiar, isn’t always working in the healthiest of ways for a struggling church, in a changing world, or for its rostered leader (paid professional).
What would it look like to do church differently? To have a rostered leader who is uniquely set apart, taught and trained, who does some of the work of ministry, but also teaches and equips the people of the church to lead and minister when the rostered leader is in another place.
As St. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4, “I beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit, just as you have been called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. But each of us were given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” St. Paul goes on to say the gifts given are to be used to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
It is my hope, intension, and prayer that while I am not sure how all of this will be shaped, formed, and lived out over the next few months and years. I am certain and confident that God has a plan and vision of doing church differently than has been done in the past. In my experience of God, I am convinced that the Holy Spirit will lead and grow this ministry in a way that none of us can imagine right now in order that God’s name will be proclaimed to the ends of the earth. I am trusting God with this holy experiment, and extremely excited, and honored to be a part of it. I hope in some way you will be too. We are the church together! Thanks be to God now and always for God’s faithfulness and great love. Thanks be to God!
Pastor Tim Ehling
Mission Developer for the Holy Innovation of Forming a Cooperative in the Kettle River Conference