The Augustana District

1. And How it Enhances LCMC The Augustana District

2. LCMC AUGUSTANA DISTRICT Congregations and Districts are free to do ministry apart from top-down, bureaucratic hierarchy. The Augustana District uses the freedom we have in LCMC to form an organization grounded in three principals to assist and augment the local church: • Commitment to classic Lutheran theology and ministry, • Assisting churches and providing accountability for pastors, • And joining in mission together. How Augustana Enhances LCMC

3. LCMC AUGUSTANA DISTRICT Congregations are responsible for, and control, their own call process. LCMC provides Internet postings for open pastoral and staff positions. Congregations use “informal” connections with other churches and individuals. LCMC provides a Call Packet for congregations: http://www.lcmc.net/files/callpacket_2013.pdf) Congregations control their own call process, but upon request, Augustana assists in a number of ways: • Provide call process overviews to the call committee, council, and/or entire church using its “Simplified Outline of the Call Process” document • Advise on interview techniques and questions • Provide telephone support and consultation • Assist with background checks • When requested, independently interview the candidate(s) and provide feedback to the call committee. How Augustana Enhances LCMC

4. LCMC AUGUSTANA DISTRICT Accountability and Oversight of the pastor is left to the congregation. LCMC Board of Trustees LCMC Board of Ministry Congregations can contact them for assistance in this area. Typically, they will refer it back to the congregation to resolve. LCMC provides Ministry Standards, http://www.lcmc.net/ministrystandards/281.html and the Trustees can remove a pastor from the Certified list. Accountability and Oversight are embedded in the structure of the Augustana “Endorsement” for pastors, and in the official Ministry Standards, which state expectations of pastors in detail. Three areas of pastoral accountability are highlighted: • Theological accountability that preserves the Lutheran witness • Personal morality • Professional competence for pastoral ministry How Augustana Enhances LCMC

5. LCMC AUGUSTANA DISTRICT The LCMC Pastoral “Certification” process might not include an in-depth theological conversation with candidates. Certification means candidates have met the academic requirements of LCMC and have stated a commitment to the LCMC Statement of Faith. It is possible for pastors to be “LCMC Certified” with minimal knowledge of, or commitment to, a Lutheran theology that informs the practice of ministry. Theological examination of pastoral candidates is the responsibility of the call committee, guided by suggested questions in the LCMC Call Packet. Augustana’s “Pastoral Endorsement” involves intentional theological and professional conversation with the candidate regarding his or her theological knowledge and his or her ability to integrate it into the practice of ministry. How Augustana Enhances LCMC

6. LCMC AUGUSTANA DISTRICT Churches experiencing conflict are expected to sort out matters on their own, or hire a third party mediator/consultant if necessary. Upon request by proper congregational leaders, Augustana is equipped to step into difficult situations in congregations and mediate, moderate, or advise as the situation and needs may warrant. How Augustana Enhances LCMC

7. LCMC AUGUSTANA DISTRICT Congregational Visioning and/or Church Council Training are the responsibility of the congregation, which may hire outside consultants if desired. LCMC provides periodic, regional workshops or presentations for congregations. Congregations can utilize the Augustana District for guidance through a visioning process, and/or to train Church Councils. How Augustana Enhances LCMC

8. LCMC AUGUSTANA DISTRICT LCMC has a relationship with 11 seminaries, only 5 are Lutheran. To hand the Gospel off to the next generations, we need a solidly Biblical and Confessional seminary to succeed. Augustana District is committed to the growing and continuing success of The Institute of Lutheran Theology. How Augustana Enhances LCMC

9. LCMC AUGUSTANA DISTRICT Churches in LCMC are responsible for finding educational materials on their own, from various sources. Augustana District is committed to the ongoing success of Sola Publishing, known for its faithfulness and commitment to solidly Biblical and confessional curricula. How Augustana Enhances LCMC

10. LCMC AUGUSTANA DISTRICT LCMC Districts are encouraged to form Women of the Word groups. Augustana has one of the strongest and most active Women of the Word organizations in LCMC. How Augustana Enhances LCMC

11. LCMC AUGUSTANA DISTRICT Churches are encouraged to forge relationships with independent missions entities, and support them directly. Augustana churches are also strongly encouraged to develop supporting relationships with independent missions entities. Additionally, Augustana vets missions agencies on behalf of congregations. Finally, Augustana helps us embark on joint missions projects that go beyond the scope of what churches can accomplish by themselves. How Augustana Enhances LCMC

12. LCMC AUGUSTANA DISTRICT LCMC has no unified way of connecting to other church bodies, and relies on individual congregations to build these relationships. http://www.lcmc.net/ecumenical-relationships/467.html • Through a Liaison and through the Board of World Missions, the Augustana District connects with: • The North American Lutheran Church (NALC) • The Canadian Association of Lutheran Churches (CALC) • Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY). How Augustana Enhances LCMC

13. What a blessing LCMC is! We are free in Christ! Augustana District embraces LCMC’s strong focus on the local congregation, and then helps/assists them by: • Protecting and promoting classic Lutheran beliefs that are grounded in the Scriptures • Assisting churches and pastors. • Joining together in Mission Theology. Church. Mission. How Augustana Enhances LCMC