Transformed Lives
Transformed Congregations
Transformed Communities
Implementation

Live Transformed
Peoples lives transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ
The intended outcomes and goals include:

• evangelism that makes disciples of Jesus Christ

• discovery of new meaning for life that stems from relationship with Jesus Christ

• behavior modeled after Jesus; priorities based on the Gospel

• Christ-centeredness, rather than self-centeredness

• discipline in prayer, Bible study, worship and stewardship

• cultivation of spiritual gifts and use of those gifts in church and community

• service to God in daily life through the priesthood of all believers

• a spirit of hospitality with strangers, guests and one another

• participation in reaching others with the message and importance of salvation

• changing people's hearts from the hardness of cultural norms to the reality of the love of Christ

The Action Plan for Transforming Lives
to move us toward the outcomes and goals:
Provide resources through the divisions, synods and regions of the ELCA to:

• create culturally relevant worship opportunities that engage people at a spiritual level and help them to know Jesus Christ

• provide study opportunities for people of all ages to support the idea that leaders of congregations need to be involved in weekly study of the Word

• establish small group ministries as a way to gather people for spiritual nourishment and growth

• use spiritual gift inventories that aid people in discerning their role in the mission of the church of Christ

• promote ministry in daily life

Congregations Transformed
Congregations transformed into lively, viable and effective places of ministry
The intended outcomes and goals include:

• congregations whose priority is making Christ known in word and deed

• ministries that are able to speak to their communities and attract people for worship, growth in faith and service

• congregations that change in response to their community's need

• pastoral leaders with he ability to envision the future and bring people into the vision

• spiritual vitality seen in Bible study, prayer ministry, celebrative worship and ministry suited to the community

• music that is spiritual, contextually alive and dynamic as part of worship

• ministries committed to outreach with the Gospel, advocacy for justice and addressing of human need

• congregations that are responsible and responsive partners in the community

The Action Plan for Transforming Congregations
To move us toward outcomes and goals:

• provide trained leaders to help congregations assess their mission and plan (pilot in nine synods)

• offer workshops and training in redevelopment, racial transition, consolidations, collaborations, parish development, ethnic-specific outreach, spiritual growth, Bible study and faith formation, small group ministry, hospitality and church growth

• develop a network of urban church advisors to help synods and congregations make crucial decisions, plan and implement ministry

• help congregations with redevelopment grants

• help congregations with ministry adjustment grants

• begin new ethnic-specific ministries and plan for their self-reliance

• help congregations in communities of racial and ethnic transition with grants and other resources

• support congregations with teaching and mentoring programs

• develop processes for identifying new urban pastors

• work to improve salaries and benefits for urban ministry leaders

• cooperate with he Commission for Multicultural Ministries and ethnic communities to develop and implement mission strategy

• identify successful models (based on outreach and growth) for cross-cultural congregations

• support development of Bible school models for training lay ministries encourage development of local training centers for urban ministry

• work with seminaries to develop special urban training events and opportunities

• increase urban internship sites

• encourage congregations to work in mutual ministry and to support one another

• identify educational resources and training opportunities in the area of conflict resolution and mediation

Communities Transformed
Communities transformed and renewed into desirable places to live and work. The intended outcomes and goals:

• church buildings that are used for community organizations and community improvement/development

• safe neighborhoods in which to live and work

• places where the health of the church in the city creates strong healthy, and environmentally aware communities

• urban and suburban partnerships that recognize the interdependent nature of the metropolitan area

• adequate housing

• jobs that pay living wages

• adequate social services and sound educational opportunities

• people participating in community life and decision-making

• churches that are active in neighborhood stabilization and improvement

• economic investment in city neighborhoods

• drug free communities with reduced crime

The Action Plan for Transforming Communities
To move us toward the outcomes and goals:

• provide opportunities for pastors and congregations to learn the ingredients of healthy communities

• encourage urban church buildings to be open as safety zones for all

• encourage suburban and urban congregations to develop mutual ministry relationships establishing covenant commitments

• seek ecumenical partners to address human needs

• work collaboratively with social ministry organizations throughout the church to serve human needs

• work with the Division for Church in Society, the Office of Governmental Affairs, and synodical social concerns committees to change the ways poverty issues are addressed

• promote development of effective church-based community organizations

• enhance and promote the Women and Children Living in Poverty strategy: "A Plan to Listen and Act"

• provide training for urban church leaders on community/congregational improvement projects

• encourage cooperation with civic and private agencies for economic development, housing rehabilitation and construction, jobs and business development

• encourage youth ministry opportunities through summer jobs, youth Corps, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, etc.

• help congregations serve emerging community needs with regard to changes in welfare programs of states and territories

• cooperate with neighborhoods in creating drug-free zones

The Action Plan is part of the In the City for Good binder; available from Augsburg Fortress; 1-800-328-4648
In the City for Good
Item #: 6000105142
Format: 3-Ring Binder
Price: $6.99 plus postage and handling

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