2008 Synodical Inreach
Connecting through listening

One of the great challenges we have in a large synod is building relationships with our leaders and to help our leaders feel a shared ownership with synodical initiatives and emphasis. To begin work on building a shared leadership we are launching a synodical inreach which will gather the visions and passions of our leaders so that relationships of shared leadership of vision might be built. We are aiming at 1000 one-on-one visits to take place in our synod this year so that we may move forward together.

The purpose of this effort is to connect with you and other congregational leaders regarding our shared mission, by hearing about the kinds of hopes and dreams, motivations and visions that guide your own life and ministry. It is believed that our synod – our Church – is only as strong as the relationships that bind it together. This set of one-to-one conversations is a step toward strengthening those bonds and thereby making us more powerful and effective in our mission to bring a message of grace and the light of Christ to the world.

Inreach materials:

• Schedule
• Arranging the Visit
• Information for Synod Council
• Information for Table Leaders
• Information for Conference Deans
• Information for Youth Ministry Leaders
• Information for Transformation/Non-European Descent Leaders
• Reflection Form
• Inreach Commitment Form
• Visitor's Log
• Tips/Instruction Guide

For more information about the Synodical Inreach, please contact Michelle Reichow, synod vice president or Robera Battal, assistant to the bishop for ethnic specific ministries.

Arranging the Visit

Visits are usually arranged by phone. Here are some points to guide you as you prepare to make your phone calls.

• Remember that your call is simply to get an appointment and not to do an extended phone interview.

• Introduce yourself, explain what you are doing and ask if you can have 45 minutes or an hour of their time to get to know them better and to get their point of view as to what God might be calling our Church to do.

• Your opening sentence could go something like this: “Hello, my name is__________. I am part of the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA and a visitor for a synodical inreach that we are doing. We are visiting people to hear about their lives and to hear what they believe God might be calling our church to do. I received your name as a person who would be good to visit. Would you have 45 minutes to an hour in the coming month to meet with me?"

• Make it simple and general. Assure them that you are coming to hear their ideas and not to sell them on anything.

• Enjoy making the phone call and the opportunity to build a new relationship. Make your appointment calls as soon as you get your names.