CANTON CITY LUTHERAN CHURCHES

STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR MORE EFFECTIVE MINISTRY

 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (Q & A)

Which congregations are committed to the strategic planning process?

Bethel, First, La Trinidad, Martin Luther, Trinity

What is the mission of the strategy team?

As stated in the covenant that each congregation signed committing themselves to fully participate in the strategic planning process the mission is: “To develop a  strategy for Canton City Lutheran churches that will facilitate better stewardship and more effective ministry.”

How are decisions going to be made?

The strategy team will bring forth recommendations to each of the congregations.  Each congregation will have the opportunity to thoroughly discuss the recommendations and will vote on whether or not to proceed.  The final decision rests with each congregation.  

What is the Northeastern Ohio Synod’s role in the strategy?

The synod representative to the strategy team is available for advice, consultation and identifying resources.  They will have no vote in the recommendations.  

To fulfill the mission of the strategy the planning team is looking at a cooperative parish model.  What would this look like?

The initial thought is to look at the feasibility of a shared office space, shared staffing and some shared ministries.  This would begin to address the issue of “facilitating better stewardship and more effective ministry.”

What is the time line for this to begin?

A shared parish could be implemented within 14 months (or less) of the start of planning (May,2008-July,2009). Much would depend upon each of the congregations and the scheduling of meetings to discuss and provide feedback to the plan.  Clearly we need to provide ample discussion within the congregations prior to any adoption.  

What will happen to the present pastors?

A determination will be made in consultation with the pastors considering their unique gifts and the present and future needs of the parish.

What is the role of the Joint Activities Task Force?

A group of members from each congregation, separate from the strategy team is interested in developing and facilitating interaction among the six congregations.  This will enable the congregation members to get acquainted so that more effective relationships can be formed.

What are the next steps?

The strategy team will be meeting monthly or more often as needed to determine how we can best fulfill its purpose of developing a strategy among the churches to facilitate better stewardship and more effective ministry.

Who are the members of the strategy team?

Bethel:  Tom Kratzer and Tom Jingo

First:  Ralph Reisinger and Steve Denayer 

LaTrinidad:  Pr.Abraham Allende

Martin Luther:  Pr. Tim Muse, and one to be named.

Trinity: Brian Leon