We Are 2025 Okay
In my first 90 days, I met with 90 pastors, deacons, chaplains and lay leaders of our congregations, camps, campus ministries and social ministries and this is what I learned:
1. Most said they were some version of being “2025 OK.”
Our leaders are faithful to their calling, dedicated to the ministry, and gifted to meet the challenges they face. Many (74%) described stable or growing ministries that were facing challenges of politics, aging buildings, finances, and capacity limitations, but they were hopeful and sustaining themselves now even while they wondered about ability to maintain what they were doing.
2. We are smaller.
COVID had a profound impact on our ministries. Most have fewer participants than what they were like before 2019, even factoring in the general decline trends. Online worship is nearly everywhere but engagement varies. Everyone has learned how to meet online, and we almost take it for granted now. 4 congregations closed and 1 left the ELCA in the last 18 months. We feel this deeply as we are a synod of 66 congregations and 1 Synod Authorized Worshipping Community.
3. There are more than a couple bright spots!
18% (12 of 66) congregations are growing, particularly with youth and young adults. They have some ideas that can help others to do the same. This is a moment when young people are returning to churches; it’s worth investigating which ones they choose and why.
4. Relationships with the synod vary widely.
While some feel strong connection or support, others experience distance, lack of visibility, or confusion about the synod’s direction and resources. There is hope for better connectivity for support among the vast majority of leaders.
5. Leaders carry high levels of personal and vocational stress.
Personal health varies greatly: some are thriving, but many are navigating burnout, family stress, surgeries, or long commutes. Several express vocational uncertainties. Mini Sabbath Grants have been well received.
6. We are less conservative, maybe a little more diverse.
On the whole, there is more desire to witness in faith to the current political realities, especially immigration, than was true in the past. I heard robust enthusiasm for lawsuits to protect human rights and religious freedoms. The Guardian Angels effort has been well subscribed. Sacred Grounds training is well received. There are still some who hold more “traditional” views on lots of issues, but this overall shift seems to be real. More congregations are RIC and there may be a small increase in ethnic diversity.
7. Synod Children and Youth Programing is uneven.
Some describe good support and participation with LYO and retreats, while others find it difficult to travel for programming that is far away. Small congregations appreciate assistance. This needs better understanding. Preschool programs in general may not be as closely aligned to congregational mission as in the past.
These conversations were as energizing as they were informative. It was great to meet new people and reconnect with those of you I’ve known for years. There is a real sense of hope despite all the challenges of this moment in the church and for our country. I know that with God’s help, we will find a strong direction and meet these days ahead together with the power and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Feel free to read the more detailed report on these conversations.
+Bishop Phil Hirsch