Turnaround Synod Initiative
Helping Congregations Grow and Thrive
The Metropolitan Chicago Synod works to energize and renew congregations, supporting their efforts to “turnaround” and begin to grow and thrive. Our Turnaround Synod Initiative (TSI) is our program that invites these congregations to be inspired, challenged, and empowered to increase participation in their congregation and community and become more engaged.
Get more information and answers to questions, or a packet of information to share with your congregation’s leaders by sending an e-mail to the Rev. Sarah Stumme. If you don’t have access to the internet, phone 773-248-0021, ext. 13, to leave a message.
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Tools for Mission Planning
Congregational Mission Planning is grounded in listening: Listening to God; Listening to each other; and, Listening to community. Out of this listening comes the discovery of what God is already up to in your community and what God is calling you to do.
Here is a directory of resources to guide you through this process of discovery.
Resources for Listening to God and to Each Other
- Holy Conversations by Gilbert R. Rendle and Alice Mann
For those who have purchased Holy Conversations, there are several downloadable resources available on Alban.org
- Pathyway to Renewal by Daniel P. Smith and Mary K. Sellon
Resources for Listening to Your Community and to Each Other
These tools provide basic background and techniques in conducting one-to-one relational meetings "a natural but uncommon conversation with someone you want to know better" whether they be from a congregation or community.
- One-to-One: Training PPT
- One-to-One: Community Conversations Guide (PDF)
- One-to-One: Conversations (PDF)
- One-to-One Starter Kit (PDF)
More Mission Planning Resources