Healthy Congregations

Healthy, flourishing congregations require a lot of moving pieces, like relationships with the staff and pastors, managing growth and crafting a long-term vision. Even when congregations can balance all of these, things eventually change, which can lead to uncertainty or stress. The Missouri District offers many avenues to help congregations achieve their best health, to promote sharing of the Gospel.

The 2017 District Convention encouraged every congregation to look at the resource, “Everyone His Witness” available through Concordia Publishing House. Responding to the pandemic, our District Commission on Mission and Ministry (CMM) developed a simplified lay training experience using portions of these materials. The commission’s simplified training relieves fears and empowers people in the simplicity of witnessing--irrespective of their personality, gifts and Bible knowledge. The District provides congregations and circuits with facilitators, online tools and resources to encourage personal witnessing.  Contact Rev. Bill Geis for more information.

The Missouri District believes every congregation--in every setting and of every size—can take new steps with the Gospel into their community. We partner with congregations through coaching, demographic research, shared ministry models, assessment tools, workshops, resources and grants customized to the needs of congregations. Contact Rev. Bill Geis for more information.

We have a variety of resources available to assist and support your congregational work. These modules cover caring for church workers, leading change, and developing leaders. Contact Rev. Marty Hasz, LPC to learn more.

If your congregation is struggling with conflict or indecision, needing reconciliation, or have questions on how to proceed during challenging times, please contact Rev. Marty Hasz, LPC  for assistance.

Even though Elders take on significant responsibility, few receive any training or preparation for this crucial role. Our elder training workshop strengthens the bond between elders and pastor(s) and addresses topics such as church worker care, managing expectations, evaluations and more. Contact Rev. Peter Kirby to discuss arrangements for an elder training workshop.

Increasingly our pastors and congregations are seeking support for developing lay leaders in their congregations. The needs are as diverse as the people we serve. From officer training to board development, children’s ministry to senior ministry, community engagement to multi-ethnic experiences, small groups to servant events, the Missouri District works to provide training to respond to the needs. Our services include District and Regional training events, as well as consultation with congregations seeking specific needs. Contact Rev. Peter Kirby  to learn more.

We are blessed! Every one of our congregations contains an abundance and diversity of God’s gifts. Leaders see the opportunities, and they see the burdens for educating and raising up generous disciples in their congregations. The Missouri District supports congregations with resources which are biblical, faithfully Lutheran, holistic and simple in stewardship education and mobilization. Coaching support for congregations is available to address your specific needs. Contact Rev. Peter Kirby for more information.

The Missouri District has also developed a six-week stewardship Bible Study resource for your congregation to use. To access this study contact Colleen Backer.

People come to church yearning for clarity and direction. This kind of vision doesn’t happen on its own. The Missouri District offers strategic planning services to help you articulate and shape it for ministry that resonates with your flock and endures over time. This can help you:

  • Appeal to prospective pastors and other church workers
  • Uncover your congregation's gifts and specialties
  • Adapt to a changing neighborhood
  • Address stewardship or membership stagnation

Learn more or contact Rev. Peter Kirby for a consultation to discuss an approach that will fit your needs.