Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church

Metanoia Ministries submitted the "Spiritual Progress Report on Spiritual Renewal at Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church" at the congregational meeting held June 6, 2007. The report recommended:

1. NELC recognize and commission Bob Wallace, Cheryl Doely, and David Doely to serve as an Intentional Interim Pastor Team at NELC for the next two years.

2. The pastoral team establish and present to the Body a list of key priorities to complete through the two-year transition.

The questions and answers that follow may help clarify what is before us with the two-year period of transition and transformation.

Q The LifeSpeak process affirmed each of the pastors and Sally Young. Why does the Spiritual Progress Report say the pastors have to leave?
A The recommendations set forth in the Spiritual Progress Report are an affirmation of Nazareth’s pastoral team. The pastoral team is being asked to lead Nazareth for a two-year period of transition and transformation. The witness from other congregations shows that, in order to provide the necessary spiritual authority for the work of reconciliation and spiritual renewal, it is necessary for them to leave at the conclusion of the transition period.

Q What is meant by the term "Intentional Interim Pastoral Team"?
A What Metanoia Ministries meant by this term is found on page 11 of the Spiritual Progress Report. Since the Lutheran Church uses this term somewhat differently, we propose the term "Intentional Transition Pastoral Team." We would keep the same objectives set forth in the Spiritual Progress Report.

Q How will the two-year transition period work?
A The council appointed a special task force to work with the pastors and representatives from the Northeastern Iowa Synod to put together a covenant of mutual understanding. When completed, the council and pastors will endorse the covenant. This covenant will be reported to the congregation.

Q Does this covenant require a congregational vote?
A Since the terms of the call are not being changed, a congregational vote is not required. Our pastors believe the Metanoia proposal is how God wants them to serve Nazareth. They are committed to providing spiritual and servant leadership for the two-year transition beginning September 30, 2007. At the end of the transition period, they will resign.

Q So, when will Nazareth form a search committee?
A Most likely the congregation will appoint a search committee some time early in 2009. Until then, it is vital to focus our attention on more immediate matters of reconciliation and spiritual renewal.

Q What is the focus for the two-years?
A The two-year transition is a season for "jubilee and spiritual renewal." In the Bible, God instructed his people to set aside certain years where all debts are forgiven. For Nazareth, we envision jubilee as the time when we release our indebtedness to behaviors and attitudes that divided the congregation and distracted us from the Kingdom life and service that God desires for us.

Q Will there be a plan for the two-year transition for spiritual renewal and jubilee?
A Yes. The Core Leadership Team, made up of the three pastors, Operations Director Sally Young, Leadership Director Enrique Ochoa, and Student Ministry Director Dave Bartlett, have put together a set of priorities for the two years. These priorities came out of the discernment gathered from the Metanoia process, Table Talk dialogs, the Spiritual Progress Report, scripture study, and prayer. The priorities went through several stages of formation that included dialogue with the Council and with Staff.

Q How will the priorities impact Nazareth’s ministry?
A Ongoing week to week ministry continues. However, these priorities will serve the pastors, staff, and volunteer leaders by helping them focus on what is most important during the two-year transition of spiritual renewal and jubilee. The priorities envision transition and spiritual renewal in six key areas. Our purpose statement defines three of the key areas – how we "Know Christ, Grow in Christ, and Make Christ Known." The other three areas are "Invite and Welcome God-centered Worship, Align the Organizational Structure, and Resolve Pressing Issues."

Q Are there specific objectives for each priority?
A Yes. Some of these objectives are tasks with a clear starting point and a clear ending point. Some of the objectives are changes in the way we behave, relate, and function as an evangelical Christian congregation with a Lutheran heritage.

Q Who carries the responsibility to see that we continue on the path for spiritual renewal and jubilee?
A The Core Leadership Team has the responsibility for leading the congregation in addressing the priorities and objectives. The Church Council has the responsibility for holding the Core Team accountable for providing this leadership. The Staff and volunteer leaders have the responsibility for managing various aspects of the stated objectives. Specific goals and timelines will be established over the next two to three months. Communication to the congregation will be ongoing through Table Talk dialogues, The Messenger, and Mission Moments during worship services.

Q What happens after two years?
A At the end of the transition period, the pastoral team will leave, but we expect them to leave well. Leaving well means Nazareth will celebrate God’s goodness and mercy for giving us such a season for spiritual renewal and jubilee. It also means transition objectives are being accomplished. Nazareth will have a shared vision of God’s preferred future, and the call committee will function with a clear understanding of the kind of shepherd leader needed for the next stage of the journey. All of this is to God’s Glory.

Monday, January 14 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 153
Thursday, January 17 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 153