Title: Lutherans Set to Spread the Gospel in the New Millennium
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

November 5, 1999

LUTHERANS SET TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
99-271-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lay leaders and clergy from the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will learn how to transform
congregations into "vital faith communities," reach and serve great
numbers of people and invite others into a "deeper walk with Jesus
Christ" at the 1999 ELCA Domestic Mission Conference, "At the Name of
Jesus: Congregations for the 21st Century," Nov. 19-21 in Milwaukee.
     "The conference will focus on innovative ways for evangelism,
outreach, Christian education and discipleship among congregations of
the ELCA," said the Rev. Marta Poling-Goldenne, conference manager and
ELCA director for witness, evangelism and Christian education, Division
for Congregational Ministries.
     Highlights of the conference include Bible study, keynote
presentations, worship and workshops.
     "Participants will learn from other members of the ELCA the best
of what works in reaching people with the Gospel," said Poling-Goldenne.
Lay leaders and clergy will collect "innovative ideas for moving new and
lifelong Christians deeper into a life of discipleship," she said.
     Sponsored by the ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries and
Division for Outreach, the conference will offer more than 35 workshops.
Topics range from family ministry to rural and small town ministries,
from evangelism through drama to sharing faith in daily life.
     Keynote speakers include Millard Fuller, founder and executive
director of Habitat for Humanity International, Americus, Ga.; Sally
Morgenthaler, author of "Worship Evangelism: Inviting Unbelievers into
the Presence of God," Littleton, Colo.; and T. Garrott Benjamin, bishop
and senior pastor for Light of the World Christian Church, Indianapolis.

     The Rev. George Tan, St. John Lutheran Church, Cerritos, Calif.,
and Richard Nysse, professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary, St.
Paul, Minn., will lead Bible studies.
     The Rev. Norma Cook Everist, professor of church administration
and educational ministry, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa,
and the Rev. Timothy Lull, president and professor of systematic
theology, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Calif., will
preach during worship services.
     Three "enrichment tracks" will precede "At the Name of Jesus" on
Nov. 19.  The tracks, designed to highlight ELCA congregations noted for
their "distinct" areas of evangelism, are "Turning Around Your
Congregation: From Plateau to Growth;" "Neighborhood Outreach Strategies
in an Urban Setting;" and "Reaching Seekers Through Powerful Worship,
Communication and Discipleship Strategies."
     "Bridging the Gap: Reaching Post-Modern Generations," at the
Milwaukee Hilton, and "Sembrando la Semilla del Evangelio en Nuestra
Juventud y Ninez" (Planting the Seed of the Gospel in Our Youth and
Children), at Hotel Hyatt Regency, Milwaukee, will follow "At the Name
of Jesus," Nov. 21-23.
     "The target for 'Bridging the Gap' is to create awareness about
the possibilities for evangelism in the emerging post-modern, North
American scene," said the Rev. Richard A. Webb, ELCA associate director
for evangelism.
     Workshop topics at "Bridging the Gap" range from ministries within
the post-modern culture to worship and music strategies with post-modern
generations.
     Keynote speakers include the Rev. Todd Hahn, Forest Hill
(Presbyterian) Church, Charlotte, N.C.  Hahn is the author of "GenXers
After God: Helping a Generation to Pursue Jesus."  Gene Edward Veith,
dean of arts and sciences at Concordia University, Mequon, Wis., will
also deliver a keynote presentation at "Bridging the Gap."
     The Rev. Albert Starr, Ascension Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, and
Valora Starr Butler, director for evangelism and stewardship, Women of
the ELCA (the women's organization of the church), will lead Bible
study.
     At "Sembrando la Semilla del Evangelio en Nuestra Juventud y
Ninez," (Planting the Seed of the Gospel in Our Youth and Children),
participants will address the needs and challenges of Latino/Hispanic
youth and children from a spiritual, emotional and physical perspective,
said Lori Claudio-Viera, ELCA associate director for Latino/Hispanic
evangelism and discipleship.
     The church should see itself as the presence of Jesus Christ among
children and youth living in poverty, said Claudio.  "The church should
not limit itself to addressing the spiritual needs of children, but work
to meet the emotional and physical needs of children and youth as well."
     Workshop topics at "Sembrando la Semilla" include evangelism with
youth and children.
     Dr. Giacomo Cassese, author of "What Will You do with Your Life?"
will lead a keynote presentation called, "A New Generation: The Church's
Challenge." Hjamil Martinez, a seminary student at the Evangelical
Seminary of Puerto Rico, Bayamon, will lead a keynote presentation
called, "Allowing God to Speak to Unknown Generations."
     Bible study at "Sembrando la Semillia" will be lead by the Rev.
Margarita Martinez, an ELCA mission developer in Cayey, Puerto Rico.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
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