Bethany Lutheran Church

Church Solutions-Summary of Dialogue Sessions - Group 2

Dialogue Participants: Don Brendeland, Rita Thorson, Larry Kallem, Mike Robinson, Jean Loynachan, Barb Kaltenhauser, Ray Ringgenberg, Kevin Thompson, Phil Ringgenberg, and Trace Houge Brakke

Bethany ’s Assets:

• Caring, talented, inspiring congregation
• Beautiful church
• Location on paved road serving rural, small, and large communities
• Financial stability
• Many involved in worship service
• Christian education on a positive trend

Bethany ’s Challenges:

• Provide spiritual education for all ages
• Involve surrounding community(ies) in ministry efforts
• Expand our membership
• Inspire volunteerism in all members
• Create more opportunities for fellowship
• Blend the “old” with the “new”

Bethany ’s Resources:

Existing:

• Congregational talents and expertise
• Welcoming, faithful, dedicated members
• Financial stability
• Church with land for room to grow if necessary

Needed:

• “Getting the word out” about Bethany: marketing
• Volunteer and recruitment system
• Youth revitalization commitment
• Family and friendship focus

Bethany ’s Strategies for Action:

• Form an outreach team to get the word out about our wonderful church and to make a difference in our community(ies).

Suggestions

*create a brochure, website, newspaper advertisement(s)

*reach out to community, ex: military families

*form/restructure groups (service, prayer, Bible study) as needs arise

*recommit to “Wednesday church night” or “Sabbath Day” for the entire family with faith, fellowship, and food

*commit to drawing-in new members with a particular focus on younger families to balance our congregation

• Form a worship committee to explore ways to meet the needs of members of all ages, genders, etc.

Suggestions

*include on the committee: pastor, choir/music directors, young people, long- time members, etc.

*explore ways to blend the traditional worship service and music with new and/or contemporary ideas

*re-establish a nursery/toddler room

• Make Christian education a priority for all.

Suggestions

*expand current Parish Board of Education to represent church demographics

*create/strengthen Christian educational programs for youth: Sunday School age, confirmation age, teen/young adult

*continue to offer and expand positive Christian programs: Alpha, VBS, SS,

Bible Studies

*inspire volunteerism to assist with programs

*invite non-members in surrounding community(ies) to be part of Bethany’s Christian educational experiences

• Maintain our beautiful facilities and plan for our future.

Suggestions below are driven by the results of the above strategies

*consider hiring an architect to assist with our future vision

fellowship room on ground level

expand entryway of church

appropriate parking

Our Vision for Bethany Lutheran Church: