A New Beginning for
   Mission  2001

     Since the inception of the ELCA in 1988, our local synod has not established a new mission congregation.  The 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s saw rapid growth in many communities that enabled the establishment of numerous new congregations.  That opportunity now exists once again in various locations around northwest Wisconsin.
     Eau Claire is one of those communities.  Although Eau Claire already has nine ELCA churches, the explosive growth of the Chippewa Valley merited exploring the possibility of a new mission start.

Why start another church?
     The Chippewa Valley has experienced tremendous growth in the last 20 years.  The ELCA congregations of Eau Claire are all thriving but cannot accommodate or serve the expanded population.

What impact will a new congregation have?
     Fact:  If you start a new church, new people will become involved who would not otherwise join an established congregation.  Most of us see this phenomenon in our own congregations.  It is very difficult to involve new people in existing congregational ministries because they must “break into” existing structures and social groupings.  If you want to involve new people, you usually need to start a new ministry.
     The same dynamic happens when starting congregations.  Those who join new churches do so because they want to be part of building a new ministry and have the opportunity to give shape to its identity and direction.

Will existing EC churches lose members because of a mission church?
     No!  Current members have loyalty to their current community of faith and will be more interested in supporting a new ministry than becoming part of it.  Just think: our common goal is to introduce people to Jesus Christ and involve them in a community of faith.  A new church in Eau Claire will be a significant part of meeting our common goal.

When will the new Lutheran congregation be established?
     If 2001 is spent planning and securing funding, the first worship service for the new church could begin the fall of 2002.
     Pray for this “New Beginning” in ministry.  Pray that the new church might start strong and draw many new people into the mission of Jesus Christ!

Reaching out in the name of Jesus Christ!

 A New Beginning for
    Mission  2001
						As we make preparations for a new Lutheran congregation in Eau Claire, let us ground our efforts in prayer.  The steering committee for the mission congregation has established the following to guide our prayer life for this new mission venture.  Use it in the weeks and months ahead to give direction to your prayers.

Core Prayers

•   For the individuals on the steering committee that God will
    give wisdom and guidance as important decisions are made.

•   For the mission developer that God will guide us in finding a
    pastor, as well as touching the heart and leading a new
    pastor to us.

•   For the new congregation that God might work in the hearts
    of all those who will be members.

•   For the activity of the Holy Spirit that we may be inspired and
    given the energy necessary to do God’s work.

•   For attention to the details that God may guide us in even the
    most minute details, so they won’t be overlooked.

•   For empowerment that God may show us a new vision, that
    we may see it, recognize it, and bring vision into reality as we
    seek to bring God glory.

•   For discernment of God’s will that we might know what God
    desires and follow where it leads.

Reaching out in the name of Jesus Christ!

A New Beginning for
   Mission  2001

Questions
1. Which Eau Claire congregation was last founded and what year was it
    established?

2. Which area of Eau Claire is projected to grow the most during the next
     four years?

3. What percentage of the total population of Eau Claire do persons age 0
     to 34 account for?

4. In 1990, the population of the Chippewa Valley was just over 85,000. 
     What is the population now? 

5. How many people in Eau Claire attend worship on Sunday?

6. If every church in Eau Claire (Lutheran and non-Lutheran) doubled their
    Sunday worship attendance, how many people would still be unchurched?

7. Is there a compelling need for another Lutheran Church in Eau Claire?

Answers
1. The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd at 1120 Cedar Avenue.  It
    was founded in 1954.

2. West and Northwest.  Between 400 and 600 single family dwellings will be
    built in this area of our city in the next two years.  The city has planned for
    water, sewer, utilities, and streets to the west.

3. 55% of Eau Claire are age 34 or less.

4. Estimates are as high as 120,000.

5. 38,000 attend worship out of 120,000.

6. 44,000 would remain unchurched.

7. Yes!  More churches in Eau Claire are needed right now!

A New Beginning for
    Mission  2001

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:19-20

The Lutheran community has the opportunity to put flesh on the bones of the “Great Commission” of Jesus.  Starting a new Lutheran congregation will make many new disciples in the name of the Triune God.

To give birth to a new congregation, specific and intentional action on the part of many is needed.

The birth of this church needs prayer support
     Prayer is needed now!  We cannot hope to accomplish this ministry beginning without prayer.  Please remember this new venture in your prayers that God might guide and direct us.

The birth of this church needs people support
     Some people have already done research of the mission potential in Eau Claire.  Soon, people will be needed to assist in securing equipment and temporary facilities.  People will be needed to go door-to-door.  There will be opportunities for everyone to become involved.

The birth of this church needs financial support
     Initial capital outlay and ongoing support for the first few years will be crucial to starting a healthy, vibrant ministry.  Every congregation, every person, in the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin will be asked to assist financially while the new congregation becomes strong enough to support itself.