Adopted by the Mission and Ministry Council on May 14, 2007, to take effect on June 1, 2007
Ascension Lutheran Church - Ascending to a Greater Level of Discipleship The word 'greater' is defined as "greater or more in size or importance or degree." It comes from the Biblical word "meizon.'
Jesus used this word often. He said, "
among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater
than he." Speaking of Himself, Jesus said, "I tell you that One greater than the temple is here." To Nathanael He said, "you believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see
greater things than that." We want to see greater things at Ascension. We are not saying we can be great only Christ is great. We want to be greater or more than we are to His honor and
glory. Ascension has always been strong on relationships. All the pastors who have been privileged to serve her have been relational-type men. Ascension has a history of informal but well-structured worship, dialogical
Bible studies, close-knit fellowship, and the ability to welcome new people into the family. Relationships and discipleship are one and the same for us. This strong desire for a deeper relationship with
the Lord and others is the "heart" of this congregation and the reason for some real heartache among many members. The heartache is felt most keenly in three areas at Ascension. The three heartache areas are: 1) Limited
time on Sunday morning for building greater relationships; 2) Limited staff for building greater relationships; and 3) Limited facilities for building greater relationships through worship, study, fellowship, and
outreach. Only the Lord Himself, working through Word and Sacraments, can bring us to a greater level. But, He also calls, gathers, and enlightens us to play a role in discipleship. Part of that role is
removing obstacles that inhibit a greater level of ministry. The following long-range Strategic Growth Plan is intended to remove limitations and help us accomplish, to a greater degree, our
Four-Fold Discipleship Purpose Worship, Study, Fellowship, and Outreach. WEEKEND WORSHIP/STUDY/FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH Responding to the congregation's expressed priorities, the
following schedule has been designed to maximize fellowship, study, and worship time. The schedule also reflects the congregation's value for outreach, matching what we understand to be the most appropriate style of
worship at the most appropriate time for attracting the unchurched. Each "Discipleship Segment" is a 2½-hour unit that includes 60 minutes for worship, 50 minutes for Bible study, and 30 minutes for
food fellowship, plus time to move from one to another. Saturday Evening Discipleship 4:50 p.m. 5:20 p.m. Food Fellowship
5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Traditional Worship 6:40 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Bible Study for All Ages Early Sunday Morning Discipleship 7:50 a.m. 8:20 a.m. Food Fellowship 8:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:40 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Bible Study for All Ages Later Sunday Morning Discipleship 9:40 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Bible Study for All Ages
10:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Food Fellowship 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Contemporary Worship and Spanish Worship How do we make this happen and sustain it long-term?
STAFFING ADJUSTMENTS/ADDITIONS Senior Pastor The Senior Pastor will oversee worship, the music and drama ministries, as well as the overall congregational administration. The Senior
Pastor will conduct regular meetings with the Staff and Ministry Area Leaders. He will take personal responsibility for all congregational communications. Our current Senior Pastor will also serve as
Director of Outreach
This ministry will include the outreach aspects of worship, as well as "Grow Groups" (home-based small groups designed especially for outreach) and communication to and with the community.
Director of Fellowship/Relationship Building (a.k.a Group Ministry) Megan Miessler assumes this full-time position. This ministry area will include the Food Fellowship connected to worship and Bible
study, as well as any and all large or small-group social events, classes, seminars, etc., that build relationships. Confirmation and Youth (6th
grade through high school) will continue to be part of her ministry. Director of Spiritual Growth (Christian Education) This part-time role will include Sunday school, VBS, and
adult Bible studies, including small groups for spiritual growth. (We are searching for this person.) Directors of Care Ministry Pastor Jerry and Marlyce Seaman. This part-time role
includes hospital visitation, administration of the shut-in ministry, and staff support for the Young-at-Heart ministry. FACILITIES We are convinced that the best long-term
strategy for Ascension is to remodel* the main Sanctuary so that traditional, contemporary, and blended services can be offered in one place of worship. Discussion to date (but no final plans) also include converting
the church office area to Bible study and Cry room, etc., so that there can be a direct people-flow between the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. Another place will be found or created for administration. Some
adjustments will also be made to the Preschool rooms for a greater level of effectiveness for our children. At this time, it also seems good to leave Zehnder Chapel/Capilla as it is for Spanish
Worship, Prayer Services, and an option for small weddings, funerals, and Confirmation, etc. *The cost and design of remodeling our facilities will be explored but not acted upon without Voters'
approval. Contemporary worship will remain in Fellowship Hall until the sanctuary has been remodeled. |
