Rethinking North Woods Ministry
We were not unlike dozens of WELS congregations north of a line drawn from Green Bay to Wausau to Eau Claire. We were and continue to be a small northwoods congregation.
We shared a pastor with another church 90 minutes north of us. He spent at least 40 hrs a month on the road—almost as much as he spent in our community. Our building was in disrepair. Architectual engineers estimated it would take $150,000. to bring it up to code. Our numbers were static—well below what was needed to support a pastor. Our congregational meetings usually ended with different opinions on ministry and solutions to our building issues.
Our leaders were exasperated—tempted to plod along and just survive.
But then something happened. The Lord emboldened a nucleus of laypeople who pushed the issues and took action. Members were encouraged to unite behind solutions. A sense of urgency regarding our building developed.
Then, God opened our eyes. First, it was an idea we had never considered: What abou a different building closer to town that would be handicap accessible and provide more space for ministry? Then, He showed us a local Family Dollar store that came on the market. 8000 sq. ft of “vanilla box.” The price was not much more than the repair costs for our present building. Within a month we bought it. Next, we received a generous offer for our old building. Phase I of renovating the commercial building would eat up nearly $400,000. Our tiny group of average income retirees and wage earners said, “Yes.” An extremely low interest loan from L.A.C.E. made the mortgage payments managable.
The more we studied our dual parish arrangement, the more it seemed to hinder ministry to the community. Once again, the Lord opened our eyes to solutions. The congregation called a retired pastor in the congregation to serve part time. We called three lay leaders to serve as “vicars” to assist the pastor in leading worship. An Outreach Team made up mostly of women now organizes events to publicize our ministry in Price County.
The Lord blessed our efforts—not with large gains—but with individual souls. An unbaptized 19 year old came to live with his grandparents. His grandparents brought Ethan to worship services. In time, he studied the Creed and Baptism and asked to be baptized. Bill's mother invited him to a service. In time, he brought his girlfriend, Mari. They took instruction and were added to our congregation earlier this year. In May, they married. In the last 2 years we have had 3 baptisms. Ethan is currently finishing instructions for confirmation. Sunday Bible class attendance frequently exceeds 50% of the Sunday attendees.
A Northwoods Mission Strategy
A. Lay-led Worship leaders Perhaps we have been spoiled by the high caliber of pastoral ministry. The 1st century Church grew without highly trained theological pastors. Is the Holy Spirit's arm too short? Marty, Bob, Pete, our “vicars,” are not highly trained, but have a solid grasp of Bible teachings. They are growing in their ability to preach and lead worship.
B. Personal relationship outreach Jerry and Sandy are active in the community and are quick to identify people who would be open to our ministry. They are leaders on our Outreach Team.
C. Pastoral Supervision What if we reintroduced the “Circuit Rider” paradigm from our past? A theologically trained man to handle truly pastoral work and monthly preaching. (Great ministry for retired pastors!) Dedicated solid Lay Worship leaders to handle the other Sundays.
- Ret. Pastor Jim Naumann
