________________________________________________
Assisting God’s People with Pursuing His Mission
---
Freddy Finkelstein has left a new comment on your post "Divinely Called by Whom":
It appears he hasn't been called by anyone, certainly by no congregation. Maybe he claims an immediate call, directly from God? If so, where are the signs and miracles? Maybe he could proffer his source of funding as "miraculous"...
No, this isn't a "ministry" as much as it is a business for a washed up, former "Perish Services" consultant, currently without a Call. Consulting, if you didn't know it, is what "people who know better" do for "people who don't" -- who don't know what they are doing or why they ought to be doing it. Not that consultants actually do anything as consultants other than offer their opinions -- they offer advice because they know better, people believe it, and are willing to pay them money for it. How many of our pastors "don't know what they are doing, or why they ought to be doing it" and are willing to announce this fact by hiring the services of Rev. Stroh? I guess we'll find out.
I am a consultant by profession, but I would be ashamed to start such a business expecting that my family, friends and church members would be my primary customers -- that they would pay me for my opinions. This is the way multi-level marketing works in practice for most folks who try it -- buy into the program and then sell to your family and friends. Yes, I've been invited to share enough "cups of tea" to discuss a "business proposition" to recognize a scam, and this sounds just like another such "tea party." Maybe Rev. Stroh has spent too much time in the Scriptures to recognize that his business advisors are asking him to behave like an Amway salesman. Maybe he hasn't spent enough time in the Scriptures to understand that ministry isn't for sale.
Freddy Finkelstein
It appears he hasn't been called by anyone, certainly by no congregation. Maybe he claims an immediate call, directly from God? If so, where are the signs and miracles? Maybe he could proffer his source of funding as "miraculous"...
No, this isn't a "ministry" as much as it is a business for a washed up, former "Perish Services" consultant, currently without a Call. Consulting, if you didn't know it, is what "people who know better" do for "people who don't" -- who don't know what they are doing or why they ought to be doing it. Not that consultants actually do anything as consultants other than offer their opinions -- they offer advice because they know better, people believe it, and are willing to pay them money for it. How many of our pastors "don't know what they are doing, or why they ought to be doing it" and are willing to announce this fact by hiring the services of Rev. Stroh? I guess we'll find out.
I am a consultant by profession, but I would be ashamed to start such a business expecting that my family, friends and church members would be my primary customers -- that they would pay me for my opinions. This is the way multi-level marketing works in practice for most folks who try it -- buy into the program and then sell to your family and friends. Yes, I've been invited to share enough "cups of tea" to discuss a "business proposition" to recognize a scam, and this sounds just like another such "tea party." Maybe Rev. Stroh has spent too much time in the Scriptures to recognize that his business advisors are asking him to behave like an Amway salesman. Maybe he hasn't spent enough time in the Scriptures to understand that ministry isn't for sale.
Freddy Finkelstein
---
Jukjs2 (http://openid.aol.com/jukjs2) has left a new comment on your post "Divinely Called by Whom":
Its obvious this Stroh person wants to create the WELS version of Terry Tieman's semi-official Transforming Congregations Network in the LCMS. Tieman does a great job of destroying congregations and intimidating pastors in Missouri's Mid-South District.
Jukjs2 (http://openid.aol.com/jukjs2) has left a new comment on your post "Divinely Called by Whom":
Its obvious this Stroh person wants to create the WELS version of Terry Tieman's semi-official Transforming Congregations Network in the LCMS. Tieman does a great job of destroying congregations and intimidating pastors in Missouri's Mid-South District.
---
Scott E. Jungen has left a new comment on your post "Divinely Called by Whom":
WOW! What a racket! I don't have a call either, maybe I can start a consulting ministry too. It sure beats getting a "real" job.
WOW! What a racket! I don't have a call either, maybe I can start a consulting ministry too. It sure beats getting a "real" job.
---
---
September 2010
Dear people of God:
After prayerfully seeking God’s direction, receiving support and encouragement from many within WELS, and being contacted by a number of congregations after the decision was made to defund Parish Assistance and the news was widely announced (Together e-newsletter, Forward in Christ, etc.), I have decided to launch a new consulting ministry.
I plan to do this in partnership with our District Presidents, the Congregation and Ministry Support Group (CMSG), and others who have an interest in assisting our congregations. My goal, through these partnerships, is for this consulting ministry to be a blessing to congregations so that, in and through them, God is glorified and – by the Spirit’s power – more people come to know, love, serve, and share Jesus.
Crossroads Consulting Ministry will not be Parish Assistance (PA) with a new name, and it will not be a “synodical program.” I will continue to offer a comprehensive planning process, but it will be significantly modified based, in part, on the findings from the Turnaround Churches in the WELS research project. I will also offer a streamlined ministry planning process. Both processes will be custom designed around the needs and desires of client congregations and will include (1) an analysis of current reality, (2) the development of short- and long-range ministry goals, and (3) strategic implementation.
Additionally, services will be provided in response to specific requests. Examples of these services include developing multi-site ministries, coaching/mentoring, leadership development, organizational realignment, organizing staff for maximum effectiveness, team building, and assisting with conflict management. Some additional information – Core Understandings and Key Values – is attached.
If you would like to help me get the word out that the new Crossroads Consulting Ministry is now being launched, I would appreciate it. Also, if I can be of any service to you or your congregation in the future, please let me know.
Compelled by Christ’s love,
Elton
Pastor Elton C. Stroh, Director/Consultant
Crossroads Consulting Ministry
ecstroh@frontier.com phone: 608-837-3819
251 Luther Drive . Sun Prairie, WI 53590-1310
Core Understandings and Key Values
Crossroads serves with the following core understandings:
. God, through his Means of Grace (the Gospel in Word and Sacrament), produces saving faith and transforms lives when, where, and how he pleases.
. Church health is largely dependent on the spiritual growth of God’s people and Spirit-filled leaders are the most competent leaders.
. God desires that his people and his congregations have a sense of urgency and passion for sharing the Gospel in their communities and throughout the world.
. Congregations often grow larger audiences for the Gospel when they are willing to explore and implement innovative strategies appropriate within their changing ministry contexts.
. Those who are eager to learn and establish partnerships that promote Gospel ministry are often blessed and become a greater blessing to others.
Crossroads serves with the following key values:
. Biblically Grounded: Everything we say and do must be consistent with God’s Word. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)
. Outreach Oriented: God wants all to be saved and those who know him to be his messengers, so we proclaim Christ to the world. (1 Timothy 2:4, Mark 16:15-16, Matthew 28:19-20)
. Eager to Serve: Compelled by the love of Christ, we are eager to serve and sacrifice for the benefit of others, especially the lost. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
. Fully Committed: Because we serve the Lord, we do our best with whatever we attempt to accomplish. (Colossians 3:23-24)
. Ministry Partners: We view working with other believers as a partnership in the Gospel. (Philippians 1:3-8)
. Body Ministry: We strive to help all believers recognize and use their personal Spirit-provided gifts to serve one another and their Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:1-27)
Crossroads assists congregations by helping them identify their strengths, address their concerns, design and communicate a compelling vision, and develop intentional strategies for enhancing their outreach and nurture ministries.
We are convinced that kingdom-minded leadership and greater lay involvement are essential for prioritizing and pursuing Christ’s make-disciples mission.
Healthy congregations have a clear sense of mission, capable and spiritual leadership, an energized membership, and a strategic plan to reach the lost and grow people in Christ.
September 2010
Dear people of God:
After prayerfully seeking God’s direction, receiving support and encouragement from many within WELS, and being contacted by a number of congregations after the decision was made to defund Parish Assistance and the news was widely announced (Together e-newsletter, Forward in Christ, etc.), I have decided to launch a new consulting ministry.
I plan to do this in partnership with our District Presidents, the Congregation and Ministry Support Group (CMSG), and others who have an interest in assisting our congregations. My goal, through these partnerships, is for this consulting ministry to be a blessing to congregations so that, in and through them, God is glorified and – by the Spirit’s power – more people come to know, love, serve, and share Jesus.
Crossroads Consulting Ministry will not be Parish Assistance (PA) with a new name, and it will not be a “synodical program.” I will continue to offer a comprehensive planning process, but it will be significantly modified based, in part, on the findings from the Turnaround Churches in the WELS research project. I will also offer a streamlined ministry planning process. Both processes will be custom designed around the needs and desires of client congregations and will include (1) an analysis of current reality, (2) the development of short- and long-range ministry goals, and (3) strategic implementation.
Additionally, services will be provided in response to specific requests. Examples of these services include developing multi-site ministries, coaching/mentoring, leadership development, organizational realignment, organizing staff for maximum effectiveness, team building, and assisting with conflict management. Some additional information – Core Understandings and Key Values – is attached.
If you would like to help me get the word out that the new Crossroads Consulting Ministry is now being launched, I would appreciate it. Also, if I can be of any service to you or your congregation in the future, please let me know.
Compelled by Christ’s love,
Elton
Pastor Elton C. Stroh, Director/Consultant
Crossroads Consulting Ministry
ecstroh@frontier.com phone: 608-837-3819
251 Luther Drive . Sun Prairie, WI 53590-1310
Core Understandings and Key Values
Crossroads serves with the following core understandings:
. God, through his Means of Grace (the Gospel in Word and Sacrament), produces saving faith and transforms lives when, where, and how he pleases.
. Church health is largely dependent on the spiritual growth of God’s people and Spirit-filled leaders are the most competent leaders.
. God desires that his people and his congregations have a sense of urgency and passion for sharing the Gospel in their communities and throughout the world.
. Congregations often grow larger audiences for the Gospel when they are willing to explore and implement innovative strategies appropriate within their changing ministry contexts.
. Those who are eager to learn and establish partnerships that promote Gospel ministry are often blessed and become a greater blessing to others.
Crossroads serves with the following key values:
. Biblically Grounded: Everything we say and do must be consistent with God’s Word. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)
. Outreach Oriented: God wants all to be saved and those who know him to be his messengers, so we proclaim Christ to the world. (1 Timothy 2:4, Mark 16:15-16, Matthew 28:19-20)
. Eager to Serve: Compelled by the love of Christ, we are eager to serve and sacrifice for the benefit of others, especially the lost. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
. Fully Committed: Because we serve the Lord, we do our best with whatever we attempt to accomplish. (Colossians 3:23-24)
. Ministry Partners: We view working with other believers as a partnership in the Gospel. (Philippians 1:3-8)
. Body Ministry: We strive to help all believers recognize and use their personal Spirit-provided gifts to serve one another and their Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:1-27)
Crossroads assists congregations by helping them identify their strengths, address their concerns, design and communicate a compelling vision, and develop intentional strategies for enhancing their outreach and nurture ministries.
We are convinced that kingdom-minded leadership and greater lay involvement are essential for prioritizing and pursuing Christ’s make-disciples mission.
Healthy congregations have a clear sense of mission, capable and spiritual leadership, an energized membership, and a strategic plan to reach the lost and grow people in Christ.
