King of Grace Church Council Draft Document for Planning June 2010
The Mission, Vision and Long Range Planning Statements, along with the LRP Objectives, were adopted in 1994 and 1995. Regardless of the passage of time much of what was said then is applicable in today's church/school environment. It sets forth a working platform as we proceed ahead with a defined 3 year Long Range Plan.
Mission Statement
The purpose of King of Grace Lutheran Church is to further the growth of our Lord's Kingdom. We learn this from Article II of the present Constitution which states: The purpose of this Congregation is the expansion of His Kingdom in the hearts of the Congregation members and to all people throughout the world.
We believe it is the will of our Lord that His church on earth makes disciples. For this to be accomplished He has given us His means of grace, the Gospel in Word and Sacraments; His power for the salvation of all who believe. We believe that as we baptize and teach in His name, He will be present with his power and blessing.
Vision Statement
The Members of King of Grace Lutheran Church and School will be:
Faithful to the Word of God and will boldly confess our faith through traditional and progressive worship and ministries.
A membership equipped for evangelism to expand His Kingdom by bringing God's Word to our neighbors, our communities, and to the world.
Supporting our membership and serving our communities with innovative Christian studies and programs.
Recognized as an open, friendly, sensitive and caring congregation, focused on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Committed individually, and as a congregation, to Biblical stewardship principles.
A Lutheran Christian Education leader in Minneapolis and suburbs, with special emphasis on the Preschool through Eighth Grade.
Long Range Planning Statement
The purpose of a King of Grace Long Range Plan (LRP) is to provide a blueprint for continued organization/congregational growth and improvement which considers progress to date and newly identified membership needs with the Lord's counsel and to His glory.
Benefits of LRP Planning
It glorifies God through good stewardship of time, talents and treasure.
It creates awareness among the members of the church's work.
It promotes communication among members leading to better understanding.
It provides guidance and direction enabling members to work as a team.
It fixes a timetable for action.
It offers a means for measuring progress and achievement.
It contributes to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
LRP Objectives
Worship service attendance growth each year.
Enhanced worship services consistent with our doctrinal position.
Enrollment growth and program improvements in all Christian education ministries.
Increased membership retention.
Increased membership assimilation, nurturing and assistance.
Increased Christ-centered youth fellowship opportunities.
A congregation structured to provide improved administration and management.
Effective internal and external communications promotion the KoG ministry.
A unified budget based on well defined, prioritized ministries and capital projects including normal operating expenses.
Formally trained Christian stewards.
Formally trained lay leaders.
Formally trained Christian witnesses.
Increased individual involvement in congregational service, programs and social activities.
Greater participation in community outreach and educational activities.
Support for members who wish to attend Christian colleges, universities or seminaries that are in doctrinal agreement with King of Grace Lutheran Church.
Active fellowship and association with Lutheran Churches and Synods with whom we are in doctrinal agreement.
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GJ - I am trying to discover how this statement is different from Methodism, or perhaps anything more than a quick editing of Management Buy Objective (get the pun?) by Peter Drucker.
This statement simply reeks of Pelagian heresy. We are going to plan to grow by being known as friendly, caring, and sensitive! We are going to manufacture disciples! Plan it and all these dreams will come true.
This is the opposite of trusting the Word and Sacraments.
Where are the Confessions in this document? Peter Drucker is their Apostle - not the man who wrote "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gives the growth"!
After this passes, the brain-washed lay leaders will insist than any deviancy from Lutheran doctrine and practice is demanded by the statement they just passed. WELS pulled that under the Mischke-Gurgle administration. "We have to do this - the Mission Vision Statement mandates it!"
"God wants His church to grow." Who said that? Martin Luther or the founder of Church Growth at Fuller Seminary?
The non-confessional Lutheran congregations of the 19th century are United Church of Christ today.
Sending this out for approval means the congregation has already left the Lutheran Church.
But I am sure the ELS Bored of Doctrine Committee is on this like white on rice. Jay Webber was against Church Growth 23 years ago--on the surface--but he has been content with CG heresies all around him. Published articles against CG - zero. Activities with CG heroes - lots. That is how their Bored of Doctrine works - by posturing.
Be sure to look up Webber's website, where all kinds of fine things are quoted but never followed.
