A Pastoral Letter
Dear Saints in Christ,

In the seven years that I have been pastor at First Lutheran Church, this is only the third time that I’ve written a pastoral letter.  I reserve such letters for ministry concerns that are the most significant in nature.

This letter concerns only one thing . . . starting another Lutheran congregation in Eau Claire.

In my time in the Chippewa Valley, we have had an opportunity to be part of many exciting ministry ventures.  But in my view, all of them pale in comparison with what a new Lutheran church in Eau Claire means for mission.

I ask that you read my words, consider my thinking, and be in discussion with me and others.  I am deeply committed to a new church at a personal level.  I believe the time is right, the need is great, and the call to make disciples compelling.

A few months after I arrived in Eau Claire almost seven years ago, I attended a pastor’s conference where I participated in a discussion with other clergy about starting a new church in Eau Claire.  This discussion had been ongoing for numerous years, but to me it was new.

Shortly thereafter, I was with a group of folks from First and mentioned the discussion of a new church.  Immediately, someone said, “Well, why in the world would we want another church in Eau Claire when there are still empty pews in ours?”  You can be assured the conversation died immediately!
     That comment makes sense on the surface, but the conclusion it suggests simply cannot be supported.  Note this:

• There are an estimated 120,000 people in the Chippewa Valley.
•  Only 38,000 worship on Sunday morning.
•  If all the churches in Eau Claire, Lutheran and non-Lutheran alike, doubled their worship attendance, there would still be 44,000 unchurched.

     The fact is, all nine ELCA churches in Eau Claire are doing well.  None of us can handle much additional growth.
     Further, the most effective way to introduce more people to Jesus Christ and involve them in a community of faith is to start a new congregation.  Based upon projected growth in Eau Claire, it is reasonable to think that a new congregation could have as many as 500 to 600 new members in roughly five years.  And the vast majority of these people will be folks who would not affiliate with an existing congregation.
     Those who will be attracted to a new church will be those who will be drawn to begin a new ministry, to give it shape and an identity.
     Do we need another church?  Yes!

Called by God to Reach Out!
     So, why do I believe we should help start a new Lutheran church in Eau Claire?  Because the need is great, but even more, because we are called by God to “make disciples.”

     For a moment, set aside concerns about cost and the work it will take to begin a church because these concerns often make us timid or fearful.
     Consider this . . . 
Is there anything more important than to encourage people to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and be fed by Word and Sacrament in a community of faith?
	• Is there anything more clear than God’s call to share the Gospel, to be “fishers” for people, to reach out in the name of Jesus Christ?
	• Is there any reason why we shouldn’t do everything within our God given abilities to make a new church happen?
In my view, the call of God is clear, the need is urgent, and the solution is realistic, attainable, exciting!

What are the barriers?
	Most barriers in starting a new church involve fear and turf  protecting!  Won’t we lose some of our own members?  How can we provide financial support when we are trying to pay for this-or-that?  Shouldn’t we attend to strengthening our own church first?  What if providing support is controversial and creates conflict?
	Allow me to be blunt: I’m looking for vision and boldness, not self-protecting.  I’m looking for Spirit-filled people ready to reach out, not excuses as to why we can’t be involved.
	If you have reservations, I honor and respect your feelings.  But I invite you to step out in faith and catch the excitement of founding a new church!

What is being asked of you?

First and foremost, I ask that you pray for God’s guidance as we seek to start a new Lutheran church in Eau Claire.  Pray that the Spirit might inspire the nine congregations of our city and the 200+ churches of our synod.  Pray that we might be bold in mission!

Second, support this mission start generously with your financial gifts.  The first three years require extensive support; after than support should be minimal because the new congregation will become more and more self-sufficient.
     On Sunday, April 29, we will ask every member of First Lutheran to make a three-year financial commitment to this new church.

We’ve designated the day, Rainbow Sunday, because rainbows are signs of hope, new beginnings, and the promises of God.  How fitting as we seek to start a new church!

	As you prayerfully consider what your gifts will be, please consider the thousands of people who will be blessed in the future because we are helping establish a new
     community of faith.  Just imagine the lives touched and the ministries done in the name of Jesus!

Lastly, watch for future opportunities to be involved.  We can help the new church with publicity, door-to-door visitations, start up equipment and supplies, and more.  Look for occasions when you can provide hands-on assistance.

Thank you for carefully considering my word.  Obviously, I am very committed to this church-yet-to-be.  I hope you are as well.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Duane Pederson