Upcoming Events
Turnaround Synod Initiative
at the Synod Assembly
The Turnaround Synod Initiative (TSI) will be presenting two workshops at the synod assembly on June 1-2, 2012, hosting a display table with resources for congregations and leaders, and hosting a book give-away.
Getting Unstuck – Workshop led by Pr. Kathy Nolte
“Getting Unstuck” will introduce communication practices to help committees and teams discuss even contentious subjects in ways that move things forward. Looking for some new ideas on getting new creative ideas without getting bogged down or stuck? Then this is a great workshop for you. This workshop is an abbreviated version of the ½ day workshop Pr. Nolte led in January 2012.
Unbinding the Gospel – TSI Workshop
Looking for ways to share your faith that don’t feel like a trip to the dentist? Want to build relationships that reflect faith and the gospel? Looking for resources that are helpful for individuals, a small group, and congregations large or small? Then stop by this workshop that will share information about the series Unbinding the Gospel by Martha Grace Reese. Presenters are leaders from the synod currently using these resources and experiencing powerful result.
The Turnaround Synod Initiative is providing each congregation in the synod with a complimentary copy of Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism by Martha
Grace Reese, available for pick-up at the Synod Assembly, June 1-2.
Unbinding the Gospel is part of a series of resources that focus on the renewal of the congregation through evangelism. Martha Grace Reese offers a step-by-step process to help congregations grow in their relationship with God and their community. To learn more about the Unbinding the Gospel Series go to www.gracenet.info, attend the Unbinding the Gospel Workshop at the Synod Assembly to hear from local congregations who are using this resource, or contact Pr. Sarah Stumme at sstumme@hotmail.com.
Be sure to have someone from your congregation pick up your free book at the TSI display table at the assembly. If you are unable to pick-up a copy of Unbinding the Gospel at the assembly, please contact Vance Blackfox at vblackfox@mcselca.org or 773-248-0021 to request a copy for your congregation.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Evangelism = Root Canal
Evangelism books presume everyone wants to do evangelism, so they tell you how to do it. Six years of national research in nine denominations has demonstrated conclusively that most people would rather get a root canal than think about evangelism.
You can tell people to “go be missional” until the cows come home. They just won’t do it until they want to. If we answer the “WHY share my faith?” question, we’ll start wanting to know “HOW can God use me to help people move into faith?” Churches can’t share their faith until they’re loving, relational communities where people (1) pray, and (2) talk comfortably with each other about their own faith experiences. Once our churches make this shift, we’ll want to know HOW to share our faith. The Unbinding the Gospel Series addresses both the Why and the How.