A New Beginning
Mission  2001

A New Congregation in Eau Claire
											
If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak anymore in his name, then within me there is something like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.”
	Jeremiah 20:9  

As people of Christian faith, we believe it is God’s plan for us to be actively involved and intentional in providing opportunity for people to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.  This is accomplished through each of us as individuals, within our congregations, and by the work of the synodical expressions of the ELCA.  In the words of our denomination, the task is “Making Christ Known: Hope for a New Century.”  This statement provides information concerning our work; call it our ‘burning desire.’

God’s Call

By water and God’s Word, we receive the gift of God’s grace that leads to the challenge and promise of Jesus.  By the power of the Holy Spirit leading us to commitment and guiding us in prayer, we are moved to participate in God’s work throughout our world.  Through Baptism, God has made us members of the priesthood we all share in Christ Jesus, that we may proclaim the praise of God and bear his creative and redeeming Word to all the world.
	Rite of Holy Baptism, LBW page 124

“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 everything that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age.”
	Matthew 28:19-20

“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold.  I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.  So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
	John 10:16

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed?  And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard?  And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?  And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent?  So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
	Romans 10:13-15a, 17

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.  The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.
	Proverbs 16:3, 9

An Opportunity to Grow
The last mission start in Eau Claire was The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, on the west side, over 45 years ago.  This simple fact is part of the impetus behind our mission.  The development of a new ministry in Eau Claire is our driving concern.

In the past fifty years, new congregations have been initiated and planted by denominational national offices.  Prior to that time, the norm was for local congregations to begin new communities of faith.  Churches were ‘born’ into existence as offspring of an established church.  Support of all types was grounded in the local community of faith.

Our desire is to combine the best of both mission developments styles.  Following conversation with Pastor Carm Aderman, Assistant to the Bishop, it became clear that a partnership of synodical, churchwide, and local resources would be an effective support system for a church start in Eau Claire.  This new congregation would be built on the gifts and talents available at every level of the ELCA working together as the body of Christ, bringing new life to birth.

To the ELCA churches of Eau Claire, as fellow members of the body of Christ and partners in the ELCA, we invite you to share our excitement.  The power of the risen Christ will move through your congregation as this new life is brought to birth.  History has shown that congregations which start new congregations experience spiritual maturity, renewed passion and commitment, increased attendance, and increased giving.

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•	Imagine how the grace of God will be experienced in your congregation, as we work together to accomplish far more than we could ever do alone.
•	Imagine the blessing to making Christ known.
•	Imagine how the Holy Spirit will work in your congregation, leading to a revival of mission and outreach right in our own community.

It is a big challenge.  It requires commitment.  It demands hard work.  It depends on God.

Who?
In 1990, when the Eau Claire County population was 85,183, 61.9% claimed adherence to some community of faith (52,697).  This leaves 32,486 (38.1%) who identified no relationship to a community of faith.

More significantly, the number of confirmed or communing members reported by churches was only 24,394 (32.1%).  This results in 57,789 (67.9%) of the total population of as non-participants, either not connected at all to a church or connected in name only.  This indicates that 3 out of every 4 people we encounter each day are not actively involved in a community of faith.
These figures are ten years old.  Although detailed 2000 census figures are not yet available, all trends indicate population has increased with little change in the percentage of folks involved in churches.  Eau Claire County’s population estimates are as high as 120,000.  There is mission to be done!
						
Where?				
There are two compelling reasons for starting a new church on the west side of Eau Claire:
•	Plotting locations of all churches (including specifically ELCA) indicates less saturation on the west/northwest side.
•	West/northwest is growing faster than any area of Eau Claire and surrounding borders, with hundreds of single family lots already plotted, permits issued, and construction started.  City services (sewer, water, electricity) are readily available.  Plans for road improvement and enhancement are anticipated.  There are few geographic constrictions to growth in this direction.

The west side’s anticipated growth explosion brings with it new opportunities.  Jesus says in Mark 2:22, “No one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.”  A new mission start is the new wineskin for the new wine.  As young families, both churched and unchurched, establish themselves in new neighborhoods, they will be open to spiritual opportunities.  It is easier to enter something new than something that is already existing.

How Much?
There are two categories of expenses to begin a new Lutheran church:
•	Initial expenses
•	Annual ongoing expenses

Initial Expenses – $55,000
	There are initial costs, which are up-front, one-time expenses associated with beginning a new church.  These items include such things as sound system, songbooks, multimedia equipment, Bibles, worship supplies, chairs and tables, hospitality supplies, education material and supplies, office equipment (furniture, computer, software, etc.), cleaning equipment, extensive start up publicity, and pastor’s moving expense.
	If all of the above were purchased new, the total would be an estimated $55,000.  This amount would be less if local churches provide some of the needs or if used items are secured.  In addition, while most of the items will be needed immediately, a few could be postponed.

Ongoing Expenses
	There are budgetary items, which will be annual expenses for the new congregation–the same kind of expenses existing churches have.  The 2002 estimates for these ongoing expenses total $115,000 annually.
	Ongoing expenses include salary and benefits for a full-time pastor, compensation for part-time staff of secretary, musician, and volunteer coordinator, rent, utilities, water, sewer, garbage, insurance, phone, copier lease, office supplies, postage, etc.
	The actual amount in 2002 will be less than the full $115,000 because expenses will not be incurred until well into the calendar year (the full annual amount is noted for illustrative purposes).  The pastor’s compensation is based upon synodical guidelines (five year experience level).  Other staff expenses could be less if volunteers are available or if local churches provide personnel for a period of time.  Facility expenses could vary depending upon the location selected for temporary site.

Looking Ahead
It is the goal to bring this new congregation to birth with its initial worship service the fall of 2002.  The calling of a mission developer pastor will take place approximately six months in advance of the first service of worship.

What do we need to make this happen?

•	The birth of this church needs financial support.
Money will be needed for initial development and for ongoing support during the first few years.  Individual congregations are asked to consider financial support of this ministry for at least the first three years.

•	The birth of this church needs people support.
People will need to be trained to go door-to-door.  There will be the opportunity to be ‘launch team’ members, the seed of new growth.  It is likely that help with simple things like cleaning and moving furnishings will be necessary.  Involvement from our members will be important until the new church has the people-power to support itself.

•	The birth of this church needs prayer support.
Prayer is needed now!  We cannot hope to accomplish this ministry expansion without prayer.  We must place our dreams and plans in conversation with God.  This need is a critical one and the one thing that all of us can start immediately.  Will you and your congregation commit to praying for this venture?  Will you offer ongoing prayer support through the appropriate groups of your congregation?  The need for prayer will continue until this church is a reality and God’s kingdom comes!

This will be a partnership.  Together, local congregations, the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have abundant resources to support the development of this new mission congregation.

Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.
	2 Corinthians 4:1

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

	Romans 15:13