Chapter 1 Tool 
Worship Resources
(pp. 71-73 in Our Mission)

Prayer for the planning process
Lord God, you have called us to be your people and to serve you in this time and place. You have given us this community of faith. We thank you for the many gifts we have received from your bountiful hand. Bless the work begun in this planning process, that we might be strengthened in our mission and ministry together. Give to all of us the joy of service and your constant care and guidance. Help us all to be both willing servants and thankful recipients of ministry, that your name be glorified, your people live in peace, and your will be done; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Call to worship
Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen
L:	As we gather for worship, we pray that God would open our hearts and minds to a vision of God’s will for us.
C: We gather with faith and hope as we seek to understand the opportunities for ministry God has set before us at the present moment.
L:	We gather now for worship, knowing that as we reach out to God, God creates us anew. 
C:	We pray for faith and courage to go forward and embrace the mission to which God calls us.
L:	“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
C: We gather as God’s hope-filled people, committing ourselves to knowing and doing God’s will. We gather to be empowered as Christ’s witnesses in the world.
L:	We gather as the body of Christ in this place to dedicate and celebrate our commitment to God’s vision and mission for us. We are frail and human, yet God has invited us to discern God’s vision and to put that vision into action. 
C: Let us rejoice and open our hearts to God’s calling, trusting that God is at work in us, enabling us both to will and to work for God’s good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

Prayers of the church
L:	Lord God, you have called us to ministry and mission, and you have set before us a vision of our calling as your people. Open our hearts and minds to see your will for us as a congregation. Bless the plans that are made, that we might be inspired, equipped, and more deeply committed to be witnesses to your love and care for all people. Lord, in your mercy.
C: Hear our prayer.
L:	O God, you created all things and showed your love in action in the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. Empower us with your Spirit so that in our words and actions we might communicate your love and care for all people. Forgive us when our words or actions exclude or divide. Make us ministers of your healing, reconciliation, justice, and peace. Lord in your mercy.
C: Hear our prayer.
L:	Grant us quiet hearts, that we might take time to stop amid the frantic pace of life to hear your Word. Grant us open minds that we might look and listen to your will. Grant us willing hands and feet that we might go forth to be your witnesses in the world. Lord, in your mercy.
C: Hear our prayer.
L:	Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 
C: Amen

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Chapter 1 Tool
A Liturgy of Blessing and Commissioning
(pp. 74-79 in Our Mission)

We STOP to prepare
Leader:	 In the name of the Father, and of the (=) Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen
L:	Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
C: We give thanks for the promised gift of God’s Spirit in baptism. In baptism, God calls us to be witnesses to the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
All: We gather to reflect upon God’s call for our mission and ministry. We pray to be faithful followers of Christ.

We STOP to confess
L:	Christ calls us to be witnesses to God’s love to the ends of the earth. Yet we know that we have not been faithful to that calling. Let us confess to God our failings and faithlessness. (Pause.) Almighty God,
C: We confess that we have fallen short of your vision for us as a congregation. We humbly acknowledge we have not always seen our mission, heard the cries of the needy, or reached out to others. Free us through your forgiving and compassionate spirit. Empower us to serve you with our whole heart, mind, and spirit, in the name of Christ. Amen
L:	Hear the good news. Through Christ’s death on the cross, we are forgiven and empowered to be God’s witnesses, bringing God’s healing and wholeness to the ends of the earth. Arise. Look anew. Walk in the light of the Lord!
C: Thanks be to God!

Opening hymn 

We STOP to give thanks to God 
The following litany is based on the hymn “For the Fruit of All Creation,” Lutheran Book of Worship 563. Text by Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000. Words copyright © 1970 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved.

L:	The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C:	And also with you.
L:	For the fruit of all creation,
C:	Thanks be to God.
L:	For God’s gifts to every nation,
C:	Thanks be to God.
L:	For the plowing, sowing, reaping, 
C:	Silent growth while we are sleeping,
L:	Future needs in earth’s safekeeping,
C: Thanks be to God.
L:	For the harvests of the Spirit,
C: Thanks be to God.
L:	For the good we all inherit,
C: Thanks be to God.
L: For the wonders that astound us,
C: For the truths that still confound us,
L:	Most of all, that love has found us,
C: THANKS BE TO GOD!

The prayer of the day
Gracious God, open our hearts and minds to your will for us. Open our eyes to see the opportunities for ministry you set before us at this present moment. Grant us faith and courage to go forward and embrace the mission to which you call us. Lead us and guide us. Grant us wisdom and discernment, and quiet and willing hearts that we might hear and know your will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

We LOOK in God’s word for our mission
First Lesson: Jeremiah 29:10-14
Second Lesson: Acts 1:1-8
Gospel: John 13:1-17

Sermon

Hymn

The Apostles’ Creed

The offering

The offertory 
The following is sung to the tune of  “Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds,” Lutheran Book of Worship 143.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God, the source of all our gifts.
Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts.
Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The offertory prayer

Installation of the strategic planning team members
L:	 We as a congregation are embarking on an exciting journey to discern God’s vision for our mission and ministry. Let us pray God’s blessings on our endeavors and on those who will lead us. Let us commit ourselves to prayer, the study of Scripture, and participation in the opportunities before us. 
A:  The following people have been appointed to serve as members of the strategic planning team.
L:	(Read Acts 2:1-4, 16-18.) You have been called to be open to God’s Spirit, to help us in prayer and study of Scripture, and to assist us in discerning God’s vision for our congregation and dreaming new dreams. Will you assume this ministry in the confidence that it comes from God?
Response:  I will, and I ask God to help me.
L:	Will you be diligent in your study of the Bible and faithful in prayer?
Response: I will, and I ask God to help me.
C:	Will you work together with other members to see that the mission and ministry to which Christ calls us is done in this congregation, in the community, and in the whole world?
Response: I will, and I ask God to help me.
(Those being installed face the congregation)
L:	People of God, will you support these brothers and sisters in Christ by praying for them and sharing in the mutual ministry that God has given to all the baptized?
C:  We will, and we ask God to help us.
L: 	Almighty God, who has given you the will to do these things, now graciously give you the strength, wisdom, and compassion to perform them.
C:  Amen
L:	I now commission you as the strategic planning team for this congregation. God bless you with the Holy Spirit, that you may be faithful servants of Christ.
C:  Amen

We LISTEN to needs—We LISTEN for God
The prayers of the church
L:	Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs. Lord God, you have called us to ministry and mission. Open our hearts and minds to see your will for us as a congregation. Bless the plans that are made and the journey upon which we embark, that we might be inspired, equipped, and more deeply committed to be your witnesses to your love and care for all people. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
L:	Be with those who serve on the strategic planning team, and grant them the gift of your Holy Spirit given to them in their baptisms: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord. Use this congregation to support the strategic planning team in its work. Lord, in your mercy,
C:  Hear our prayer.
L:	Grant us quiet hearts, that we might take time to stop amid the frantic pace of life to hear your word. Grant us open minds that we might look and listen to your will. Grant us caring hearts that we might hear the cries of those in need in our congregation and community. Grant us willing hands and feet that we might go forth to be your witnesses in the world. Lord, in your mercy,
C:	Hear our prayer.
L:	(Other petitions may be offered.) Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 
C:  Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

We GO to serve the Lord
Prayer of sending
L:	Let us pray.
C: Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen 
—from Lutheran Book of Worship, Evening Prayer, p. 153, copyright © Augsburg Fortress, Publishers.

Hymn of sending
L:	Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C:  THANKS BE TO GOD!

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Chapter 1 Tool
An Overview of the Strategic Planning Process
(pp. 80-81 in Our Mission)

STOP to pray and discern if the congregation is doing what God intends.
Objective: To develop a climate for discerning what God intends for the congregation.
Key question: How do we involve members in discerning what God intends for the congregation? 
Challenge:  To not move too quickly toward the tasks of the planning process.

LOOK at God’s word to understand the church’s mission, a mission that has not changed over the centuries. In his final instructions to his disciples, Jesus gave a mission mandate: 
“You will be my witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Objective:  To formulate a mission statement for the congregation.
Key question:  What is God’s mission for the church and the congregation?
Challenge:  To involve as many people as possible in the study of God’s word and review or development of the congregation’s mission statement.

LISTEN to the mission mandate of Christ and the needs of others in establishing specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely goals for the congregation.
Objective:  To identify goals that move toward mission.
Key question: How is God calling the congregation to live out its mission?
Challenge: To listen to the needs of the congregation and the community.

GO to implement the strategic plan with confidence and hope in God’s blessings. Go in the coming months and years, clearly focused on the mission mandate of Christ.
Objective:  To implement the strategic plan.
Key question: How do we put the strategic plan into action?
Challenge: To communicate and implement the strategic plan in such a way that members of the congregation are included, involved, and supportive.

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Chapter 3 Tool
Bible Study Series for Small Groups
Overview
(pp. 82-83 in Our Mission)

The series of three Bible studies in this book is designed to gather the congregation in small groups for Bible study, prayer, and discernment concerning God’s vision for the congregation. Ideally, these discussions will take place in small groups of five to ten people in the comfort of individual homes, but they can be adapted for a large group and other settings. The length for each session is 60 to 90 minutes. 

Organizing 
Facilitators: Have lay people facilitate the Bible studies, rather than clergy and other church staff members. If necessary, members of the council or governing board of the congregation can serve as facilitators, but it is better to utilize others in the congregation. Carefully recruit persons who can invite God’s Spirit to guide the discussion—those who are mature in faith and interested in building up the body of Christ.
Hosts: Select and recruit hosts to welcome people with genuine hospitality and warmth. Ideally, these are different people than the facilitators. Food is not a necessary component, but may be provided.
Small groups: To set up the small groups, provide a variety of days, times, dates, facilitators, and locations. Invite people to select the session that works with their schedule. Another option is to assign everyone in the congregation to neighborhood groups and mail out a list of the groups. This might work better in smaller congregation or in congregations that have high involvement from their members. Allow for people to change groups if necessary.
Follow up: Make arrangements to follow up with those who don’t sign up for a group or don’t attend after they have signed up. The strategic planning team, facilitators, or hosts can make these contacts. A call from the host or facilitator before the first session is also helpful.

Training
Gather the facilitators for training, perhaps in a home. Hosts also can be invited to attend the training. If the group is larger than twelve, break into small groups. Distribute copies of the participants’ sheets for the series and work through each session. Even though people might already know each other, it is helpful here and in the small groups to do the “getting acquainted”activities as warm-ups for more in-depth discussions. When it comes time for other activities (blessing cards, confession cards, the setting of goals, and so on), allow time for just a few ideas to surface. The goal is to expose the facilitators to the flow of the lesson plan, but not to complete all activities. Take a break after each of the Bible study sessions. After you have completed all three sessions, distribute the facilitator guide sheets (pages 89-94).

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Chapter 3 Tool
Bible Study Series for Small Groups 
Participant Sheets
(pp. 84-88 in Our Mission)

Session 1: What is the purpose of the church?

Opening prayer

Getting acquainted

Exploring Scripture
Read John 13. The setting for this passage is the last supper of Jesus with his disciples. At this meal, Jesus gave his followers some instructions (verses 14-15). What were they? 
•  	What did Jesus mean by these words to the disciples?
•  	What do these words mean for us today?

Read John 13:34-35. These are words from a man who is aware that he is about to die. Final words often carry much weight. 
•  	What is the new commandment given by Jesus? 
•  	Why is it important to Jesus that “everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another”?	

Read Matthew 28:16-20. This section includes the “Great Commission.” In these final words of Jesus to his disciples, what does Jesus ask his disciples to do? 
Read Acts 1:6-8. The book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke, written by the same author. Jesus gathers his followers together for final instruction. What does he ask them to do? 

Pulling it together
•  	In the scripture passages for this session, what is the theme of the final words of Jesus?
•  	Why do you think Jesus cares so much about making disciples?
•  	Why does Jesus still care about making disciples today?
•  	How are the final words of Jesus still relevant for disciples today? 
•  	Has the purpose of the church changed over time? Refer back to the Bible passages.

Making the connection
If your congregation has a mission statement, review it at this time. How is your congregation’s mission statement consistent (or inconsistent) with Jesus’ final instructions?
Celebrate ways the congregation lives out its mission. Celebrate ways your congregation has been a blessing to you and to others.

For the next session
Ponder the following question: Our congregation has been blessed, but how have we fallen short of reaching our mission? How could we expand our mission? (Be specific.)

Closing prayer

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Session 2: Blessings and confessions

Opening prayer

Getting acquainted

Exploring Scripture
Read Acts 2:1-24. After Jesus ascended, his followers stayed in Jerusalem and devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 2:12-14). No doubt they were still sorting out the recent events involving Jesus: his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The time was Pentecost, an annual festival for the spring harvest. Jews from many lands, speaking many languages, gathered in Jerusalem to offer their words of thanksgiving. The disciples were filled with God’s Spirit and began to speak in languages they had never learned. 
Peter’s sermon stands in stark contrast with his earlier denial of Jesus. (See John 18:15-18, 25-27.) Peter denied Jesus on the night of his betrayal, yet Peter was blessed on Pentecost. Others were blessed through Peter’s proclamation. Look at Acts 2:41-42 to learn how many people welcomed Peter’s message, believed, and were baptized.
•  	Read Acts 10:1—11:18. What were the issues Peter struggled with?
•  	Review Acts 10:34; Acts 10:47; and Acts 11:17.
•  	What might it have meant for the early church to realize that God shows no partiality?
•  	In your opinion, was the early church restricting the message? If so, how?
•  	How was Peter hindering God (Acts 11:17)?

Pulling it together
•  	Can we relate to Peter?
•  Do we in our own lives ever hinder or block God? If so, how?

Making the connection
How has our congregation hindered God’s vision from becoming a reality? 

For the next session
Keep in mind the final words of Jesus (studied in session 1) and the mission of the church. How are we to carry out God’s mission for the church in our congregation? What is God calling us to do? (Be as specific as possible.)

Closing prayer 

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Session 3: Setting goals

Opening prayer

Getting acquainted

Exploring Scripture
Read Acts 28:16-31. Paul felt called by God’s Spirit to take the gospel message to Rome. Acts 27 describes Paul setting sail for Rome. Violent storms forced Paul’s boat to be shipwrecked. Three months later, Paul set sail again and finally arrived in Rome. 
In this passage, we read about Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem and the opposition he faced from the Jews. None of the local Jewish leaders in Rome had heard about Paul, so a meeting was arranged. Paul shared his faith and met a mixed reaction. Some believed and others did not. Nevertheless, Paul lived in Rome for two years (Acts 28:30), “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:31). Why did Paul keep on proclaiming the faith despite persecution and hardship?

Pulling it together
•  	Have you every done something bold for the faith?
•  	How might we as individual people be bolder in our witness to Christ?
•  	How might we as a congregation be bolder in our witness to Christ?	

Making the connection
What is God calling this congregation to do and to be?

Closing prayer

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Chapter 3 Tool
Bible Study Series for Small Groups
Facilitator Guide
(pp. 89-94 in Our Mission)

Session 1: What is the purpose of the church?
Objectives: To spend time in prayer and study to discern God’s vision for the congregation, get acquainted with others in the small group, discern the purpose of the church by studying the final instructions of Jesus in the Bible, and celebrate blessings received through the ministry of the congregation.
Supplies:  Bibles, pens or pencils, a “blessing card” for each person. For blessing cards, write the following words on brightly colored cardstock: “BLESSINGS—Ways you and others have been blessed through the ministry of our congregation.”

Opening prayer

Getting acquainted
Invite each person to share the story of how he or she came to your congregation.

Exploring Scripture
Invite people to open their Bibles to John 13. Read this chapter like a play. Ask for volunteers to read parts: the narrator, Simon Peter, Jesus, and the disciple whom Jesus loved (verses 23-25). 
At this meal, Jesus gave his followers some instructions. What were they? (To wash one another’s feet, to be an example.) 
Read John 13:34-35. Why is it important to Jesus that “everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another”?
Read Matthew 28:16-20. This section includes the “Great Commission.” In these final words of Jesus to his disciples, what does Jesus ask his disciples to do? (Go, make disciples, baptize, teach, and remember.)
Read Acts 1:6-8. The book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke, written by the same author. Jesus gathers his followers together for final instruction. What does he ask them to do? 
(Be witnesses.)

Pulling it together
In the scripture passages for this session, what is the theme of the final words of Jesus? (Witness; love; make disciples.)
Has the purpose of the church changed over time? (The overall purpose of the church does not change over time, but the opportunities for the church to carry out its mission do change.)
Optional activity: What makes someone a disciple of Jesus? Create a “help wanted ad” for the ideal disciple. Describe what a church full of ideal disciples would be like.

Making the connection
If your congregation does not have a mission statement, begin to list phrases and words which seem vital for a mission statement of a congregation. Collect these and give them to members of the strategic planning team.
Distribute a “blessing card” to each person. Ask the group to silently list ways God has blessed them and others through the work of the congregation. Be sure to explain that these cards will be taken to the church and displayed. Collect the cards and return them to the church office. 

For the next session

Closing prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer.

Follow up
Here are some ways for your congregation to use the blessing cards:
•  	Post on a kiosk in a narthex or gathering area.
•  	Display on a bulletin board for all to enjoy.
•  	Use as part of the prayers of thanks at a Sunday worship service.
•  	Compile a list of blessings to read at the next Bible study session. 
•  	Create a mobile to display in the church building.

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Session 2: Blessings and confessions

Objectives: To spend time in prayer and study to discern God’s vision for the congregation, study a time of discernment for the early church, and confess falling short of God’s mission for our congregation.
Supplies: Bibles, pens or pencils, a “confession card” for each 
person. For confession cards, write the following words on gray cardstock: “Confession—Ways our congregation has not been faithful to God’s vision.” 
	
Opening prayer

Getting acquainted
Invite each person to share a brief description of the church where he or she was baptized.

Exploring Scripture
Invite people to open their Bibles to Acts 2:1-24. 
Read Acts 10:1—11:18. Suggestion—Read this chapter like a play. Ask for volunteers to read parts: the narrator, Cornelius, angel of God/voice of God/Spirit, Peter, the men, and the circumcised believers (Acts 11:2). What were the issues Peter struggled with? (Eating unclean food, whether or not the gospel message and baptism were intended for Gentiles or just for the Jews.)

Pulling it together

Making the connection
Distribute the confession cards. Ask group members to silently and prayerfully list ways the congregation has hindered, blocked or fallen short of the mission of Jesus for the church. Be sure to explain that these cards will be taken to the church. Don’t write any names on the cards. Collect the cards and return them to the church office.
Invite group members to share the confessions. What themes (or consistent phrases) are mentioned? How does it feel to know we have fallen short of God’s mission? What is the role of forgiveness in all of this? (Allows us to confess, but also to trust that we are forgiven to move forward in Christ Jesus.) End on a positive note: People have been blessed through the ministry of the congregation, but there is much yet to be done.

For the next session

Closing prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer.

Follow up
Here are some ways for your congregation to use the confession cards:
•  	Lift them up to God as part of a worship service. 
•  	Make a cross out of wood. Drive a long nail through the back at the center, so the nail sticks out at the front of the cross. Collect the confession cards and place them loosely on the nail. Burn the edges of the papers with a match or lit candle so that the pages curl up to create a rose shape. We offer our confessions to God and in Christ we are forgiven and set free. God can bring good and blessings out of our shortcomings. Warning: This can create a lot of smoke, particularly if the paper has film or wax on it. It may help to use nothing heavier than 20-pound paper for the confession cards. 

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Session 3: Setting goals

Objectives: To spend time in prayer and study to discern God’s vision for the congregation, study an example of Paul’s bold mission activities, and prayerfully consider goals for our congregation.
Supplies: Bibles, pens or pencils, large sheets of writing paper, and markers.

Opening prayer

Getting acquainted
Invite each person to share something daring and bold he or she has done in life.

Exploring Scripture
Invite people to open their Bibles to Acts 28:16-31. 

Pulling it together

Making the connection
What is God calling this congregation to do and to be? List goals on large sheets of paper. Be specific. As a group, try to identify two goals that have the highest priority. Allow plenty of time for this activity. When done, celebrate the work of the group. 

Closing prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer.

Follow up
•  	Arrange to display the goals generated by all the small groups.
•  	Compile the goals from all the groups and submit them to the strategic planning team to use in finalizing goals for the congregation. 

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Chapter 3 Tool
Fulfilling Our Purposes
(pp. 95-97 in Our Mission)

Look at your congregation’s mission and ministry in terms of the mission statement and purposes established by your denomination. The six purposes listed here are from the Model Constitution for Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, C4.02., but the same process could be adapted for use with other denominational constitutions. 

1. Worship God in proclamation of the Word and administration of the sacraments and through lives of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, witness, and service.

What the congregation is doing: __________________________
_____________________________________________________

How this mission and ministry could be expanded: __________
_____________________________________________________

2. Proclaim God’s saving gospel of justification by grace for Christ’s sake through faith alone, according to the apostolic witness in the Holy Scripture, preserving and transmitting the gospel faithfully to future generations.

What the congregation is doing: __________________________
_____________________________________________________

How this mission and ministry could be expanded: __________
_____________________________________________________

3. Carry out Christ’s Great Commission by reaching out to all people to bring them to faith in Christ and by doing all ministry with a global awareness consistent with the understanding of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier of all.

What the congregation is doing: __________________________
_____________________________________________________

How this mission and ministry could be expanded: __________
_____________________________________________________

4. Serve in response to God’s love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, and standing with the poor and powerless, and committing itself to their needs.

What the congregation is doing: __________________________
_____________________________________________________

How this mission and ministry could be expanded: __________
_____________________________________________________

5. Nurture its members in the Word of God so as to grow in faith and hope and love, to see daily life as the primary setting for the exercise of their Christian calling, and to use the gifts of the Spirit for their life together and for their calling in the world.

What the congregation is doing: __________________________
_____________________________________________________

How this mission and ministry could be expanded: __________
_____________________________________________________

6. Manifest the unity given to the people of God by living together in the love of Christ and by joining with other Christians in prayer and action to express and preserve the unity which the Spirit gives. 

What the congregation is doing: __________________________
_____________________________________________________

How this mission and ministry could be expanded: __________

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Chapter 4 Tool
Mapping the Needs of Your Neighborhood
(p. 98 in Our Mission)

1.	On a separate sheet of paper, place a symbol for your home at one edge of the page. Next, place a symbol for your church building at the opposite edge of the page. 
2.	Draw a map from your home to the church building, identifying the businesses, neighborhoods, schools, and hospitals along the way. (A rough sketch will be sufficient.)
3.	List some of the needs evident in the places included on your map. 
4.	Share your list with a partner or small group. Add to your list if you wish. 
5.	Offer a brief prayer (silently or aloud) for those in need along the routes shown on your maps.
6.	In a large group, combine the lists of needs you have identified. (You may want to verify these needs with information from the local school or school district office, Chamber of Commerce, social service agencies, or a neighborhood canvass.)
7.	How will the congregation proclaim God’s word and share God’s love in this time and place? As witnesses for Christ, what goals could you set?

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Chapter 5 Tool
Action Plan Worksheet
(pp. 99-101 in Our Mission)

1.	What is your congregation’s mission statement? _____________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

2.	Write down one of your congregation’s goals. _______________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

3.	What needs to happen? List the steps that need to be taken to reach this goal. ________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

4.	How will this be done? _________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

5.	Why will this be done? _________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

6.	Who will have primary responsibility for implementing the steps?
	_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
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7.	Which resources will be used? Identify the financial resources, equipment, and so on that are needed. Are these resources available now or will they need to be obtained?
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8.	When and where will the steps be completed? Identify the timeline for completion and (if needed) the location.
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9.	Evaluation: When will progress reports be given? How will you know that the goal has been reached?
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Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Chapter 8 Tool
A Season of the Church Year
(pp. 102-103 in Our Mission)

STOP
1. 	Call people to prayer. 
2. 	Announce the planning process utilizing images of the church season.
3.	Plan a significant worship celebration to launch the strategic planning process. (See “Worship Resources” and “A Liturgy of Blessing and Commissioning” on pages 71-79.)

LOOK
4. 	Arrange small group Bible studies (see pages 82-94) to focus on the mission mandate of Christ. These Bible studies were developed for small groups but can be adapted for use in a 
sermon series, large groups or personal devotions.
5. 	Include blessings and confessions as part of the process.

LISTEN
6. 	Pray for guidance concerning God’s vision for your congregation.
7. 	Seek ways to LISTEN to the needs of the congregation and community.
8. 	Create preliminary goals as part of the small group discussions.
9. 	Gather the congregation for a large group session. Celebrate the work done in the small groups and reflect on the preliminary goals. Add any new goals to the list.
10. Prioritize goals.

GO
11. 	Form a task force to organize the work of the congregation into a systematic plan that reflects the mission mandate.
12.	Get affirmation for the goals from the council or governing board and the congregation.
13.	Allow the task force to create a feasible action plan to implement the goals. Indicate the person(s) or committee(s) who will have primary responsibility. 
14.	Celebrate the work of God within your congregation.

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Chapter 8 Tool
A One-Day Planning Session
(pp.104-106 in Our Mission)

Preparation
•  	Invite an individual or group in the congregation to lead prayers throughout the day that ask for God’s guidance. At each step along the way, turn to this individual or group to lead a time of prayer. 
•  	Ask two people to serve as scribes, one to write down responses on a flip chart and the other to keep notes for the strategic planning team.
•  	Photocopy Session 1 in the small group Bible studies, pages 84-85 for each person.

Prelude: Preparing to worship, plan, and pray
Leader: The Holy Spirit has gathered us together today to do the liturgy, the work of the people of God. Christ has called us to be his witnesses in the world. Today we will reflect upon that calling and plan how we can be faithful as followers of Christ. Let us pray for God’s guidance and blessing as we begin.

Opening hymn 

Call to worship (See “Worship Resources,” pages 71-73)

Confession: We STOP to acknowledge our failings
Gospel reading: Acts 1:1-4, 14
L:	Before beginning the mission work to which they were called, Jesus told the disciples to STOP, wait, and Pray. We, too, prepare for our task by taking time for prayer and confession.

An exercise or prayer of confession

Words of absolution 

Praise: We STOP to give thanks for blessings

A hymn of praise

The kyrie
Speak the kyrie, and after each petition, ask what needs are being spoken “for the peace of the world, for this holy house,” and so on. Write down the responses.

The collect: The prayer of the day
(Use the “Prayer for the planning process” on page 71, or use a similar prayer.)

Scripture: We LOOK to God’s word
(In small groups, work through Session 1 from the “Bible Study Series for Small Groups,” pages 84-85. Think about this question: “What do you hear God calling this congregation to be?” Then, in the large group, list your responses.)

Brief meditation or sermon 

Break for lunch or refreshments
(The strategic planning team will look at the words and phrases that have been gathered and group similar items together in a new list to be displayed later.)

Prayers of the church: We LISTEN to Jesus and to the community
(See “Prayers of the church” in “Worship Resources,” page 72)

The offering: Our response to God’s word 
(Display the phrases listed from the kyrie and Bible study. Discuss in small groups: How can we respond to the needs? What gifts do we have to offer? Write down all responses. The strategic planning team will use these responses to begin formulating either a mission statement or goals.)

Holy Communion: We are nourished for service 

Benediction and sending: We GO to witness and serve

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Chapter 8 Tool
A Prayer Retreat
(pp. 107-109 in Our Mission)

Preparation: Cut out huge letters from poster board spelling “C-H-U-R-C-H.”
Supplies: markers, scissors, glue, tape, and scraps of paper, fabric, and cardboard. For each participant, photocopy sessions 1-3 in the small group Bible studies on pages 84-88 and have three adhesive colored dots available.

Day 1
Supper or refreshments

STOP
Opening
•  	Begin with prayer, devotions, and singing.
•  	Distribute the C-H-U-R-C-H letters and markers. Invite people to remember their early experiences with “church” and draw something representing those experiences on the letters. When done, post the letters around the meeting area.
•  	Invite the participants to get into small groups with people they do not know well and create a “church” using scissors, glue, tape, and scraps. Provide time to view the results.

LOOK
Bible Study Session 1: “What Is The Purpose of the Church?”
Use the Getting Acquainted activities, then assemble in small groups for study and discussion. (It would be advisable to keep people in the same small groups for the entire retreat.)

Evening worship 
Use the “Worship Resources” (pages 71-73). 

Day 2
Breakfast and a brief devotional time 

Bible Study Session 2: “Blessings and Confessions”
Study and discuss Session 2 in small groups and present the confessions to God in worship. Provide some time to wander, ponder, pray, and study.

Lunch

LISTEN
Bible Study Session 3: “Setting Goals”
Have small groups list their goals on large pieces of paper. 
Make these goals specific. Discuss goals in the large group. Then take a break, pray, and discern. What is God calling the congregation to do?

Prioritizing goals
Distribute adhesive dots. Ask that each person place dots on the top three goals he or she believes God is calling the congregation to establish. Note the priorities that emerge.

GO
Final worship
Conclude your time together with a worship celebration. 

Follow-up after the retreat
•  	Fine-tune the language of the goals and publicize them.
•  	Give the congregation opportunities to review the goals and approve them. 
•  	Expand the goals through the development of action plans.

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.

Chapter 8 Tool
A Yearlong Process Involving Resource People
(pp. 110-112 in Our Mission)

The summer could serve as a time of preparation, allowing the strategic planning process to become part of the congregation’s fall activities. Begin by identifying and inviting persons to serve on the strategic planning team. These people can be identified by the congregation council, pastor, and lay leaders using the guidelines suggested in chapter 1.
Throughout the year of strategic planning, communicate what’s happening with reports from the strategic planning team at each congregation council and committee meeting and in newsletters and bulletins. Include the strategic planning process in the prayers of the congregation.

STOP—Fall
•  	Introduce the approach and enlist support and commitment for the strategic planning process. (This commitment could be very specific, such as a commitment to participate in a Lenten Bible Study or to daily pray for the congregation’s ministry.)
•  	Install or commission the strategic planning team during Sunday worship.
•  	Have the strategic planning team review the present mission statement of the congregation, if there is one. Review the mission statement of your denomination and synod or judicatory.
•  	Identify the time frame and theme to be used in the strategic planning process.
•  	Set aside time for intentional prayer. See chapter 2 for ways to call the congregation to prayer.
•  	Set aside an all-committees night, a congregation council meeting, a youth meeting, and a Sunday school session to identify blessings and confessions. Have members of the strategic planning team serve as scribes at these meetings.

LOOK—Spring
•  	Reflect upon the mission and ministry of the congregation. The small group Bible studies (pages 82-94) could be used as the basis for mid-week Lenten services. 
•  	Through prayer, Bible study, and conversations from meetings about blessings and confessions, begin to look and listen for key words, phrases, and themes. Have the strategic planning team gather these into a draft mission statement that articulates the 
mission mandate in the language of the congregation.
•  	Present this draft statement to committees and the congregation council. Publicize it in bulletins, newsletters, and so forth.
•  	Present the draft statement for discussion and adoption at a special congregational meeting in the spring.

LISTEN—Summer
•  	Set goals based on the adopted mission statement. One Sunday each month could be dedicated to a certain theme of the mission statement. Focus on the theme in worship and offer a time for fellowship and discussion (perhaps a potluck lunch). If desired, outside speakers and resource persons could be enlisted for these days.
•  	Listen to the needs and concerns of the congregation. Listen to the needs and concerns of the community.

GO—Fall
•  	Have all committees meet together to identify goals that reflect the mission statement. Have each committee rank their goals in order of significance.
•  	Communicate these goals to the congregation and provide times for discussion.
•  	Present these goals for discussion at the congregation’s annual meeting. Identify goals for the coming year, for three years, and 
for five years. Commit to the goals as part of the meeting. 
•  	Identify specific committees that will take responsibility for oversight of each goal.
•  	Include a review of the mission statement, an evaluation of the action plans, a celebration of goals reached, and a re-commitment to the mission and vision in each year’s annual meeting.

Our Mission: Discovering God’s Call to Us, copyright © Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use.