Calvary has outlined a bold picture of the vision we believe God has for the future of our church. It is a picture of Calvary reaching more people for Christ than ever before. It is a picture of growing ministries transforming individual lives and impacting our community and the world. It is a picture of praise and worship connecting the human soul with the power of the cross.

In order for this vision to become a reality, we need to have clarity about where we are today and a plan to get to the future. Through a series of questions, we have prayerfully researched, discussed, and prioritized the evolving needs of our members. We have assessed our current strengths, which are built on our rich history, and we have evaluated the many resources that God has placed in our midst. What emerged was the path to seize the opportunity that God has laid before us.

Membership

Trends in the American culture and the expectations of younger generations are reshaping the mission and ministry of the church. There are almost 2500 churches in the Twin Cities and only 14% are growing. Those growing churches have a reputation for relevancy and choices in preaching, worship and learning. While older members may have joined based on their denominational upbringing, the younger generations are attracted by a sense of belonging to an authentic faith community where they can find meaningful connections and opportunities to experience their faith by serving.

Amid our consumer-driven culture there is an increased yearning for spirituality and a search for meaning and purpose. During the past 5 years, Calvary membership has been growing at the rate of 3-5%/yr even though our local community has only grown at the rate of 0.5%/yr. Our worship attendance averages more than 2000 per week and has increased during the past year by 10%. This higher rate of growth reflects another trend of younger generations to become actively engaged in worship and congregational life for up to 2 years before seeking membership. Our church school and youth programs also continue to grow even as that age group decreases in our community.

88% of Calvary's 6800+ members live within 10 miles of the church. 42% have been members for more than 20 years; 23% have been members under 5 years. Our membership is balanced across all age groups and enjoys an attractive menu of programs and ministries to meet variable needs, interests and concerns. In contrast, most large churches are located in rapidly growing communities and draw their membership from a higher than normal percentage of young families with similar needs and expectations. They don't need the broad program options because of limited age groups.

Many visitors base their decision for membership on how they were handled during and after their first visit. The recent addition of an evangelism program, enhancement of our hospitality program, and implementation of our gifts discovery program have provided a path for early engagement that has accelerated member growth. Another key result of these efforts is the growing number of new members coming through adult baptism. 80% of new members join Calvary as the result of personal invitation. Others find us through worship experiences and connections with our programs, events and ministries.

Stewardship

Our giving profile is typical for our geographic community. With current contributions of approximately $4,000,000, Calvary has built effective and efficient operations strategies that have allowed us to grow to our current size and still contribute more than $1,000,000 annually to missions and outreach. This unusual generosity springs from our belief of who and Whose we are.

Contributions to the general fund, crisis needs and special appeals are increasing and so is our overhead. Studies show that new Christians typically belong to a church for two years before their belief system is developed to respond with a giving commitment that is spiritually based. Current members have responded sacrificially to cover the overhead required to support additional programs and services while continuing to invite and welcome new members.

Prayer and Worship

Our members believe that prayer is key to an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. We prayerfully invite God into our presence and seek His will and guidance in everything we do. This sense of God's presence among us is the foundation of our culture, attitudes and behaviors and drives our purpose to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Mixes of traditional and contemporary worship services provide meaningful expression for our diverse backgrounds and age groups. Our members appreciate the Lutheran traditions and inspirational sermons that communicate the unchanging message of the gospel in a changing world. The sacraments are revered and celebrated. Talented musicians lift our hearts in praise and celebration.
While there is a trend toward very large sanctuaries, studies show that more people prefer the intimacy of smaller spaces for worship. Rather than rebuilding sanctuaries, many churches are using technology as a more cost-effective method of accommodating more people and maintaining intimate space. Calvary has recently tested simulcast technology linking our sanctuary and chapel during overflow worship events. While this was a new experience for our members, the response has been very positive.

Calvary has a unique culture of fellowship following worship events. These spontaneous gatherings are faith building as well as social. Current space limitations have begun to negatively impact the ability to enjoy personal connections and engage new members. This also adds to parking congestion. Recent surveys of our members have identified this as a critical issue to solve in order to protect our culture of fellowship and to ease access to and within our buildings.

Christian Maturity

Our life long learning programs are Bible based and Christ centered. They reflect our Lutheran understanding of law, gospel, human nature, redemption and Christian purpose. Education programs for all ages emphasize spiritual growth, Christian discipleship, service and stewardship as an outgrowth of faith and commitment.

Calvary is known for its youth and family Christian learning programs. The faith journey begins in early childhood and continues through Grace Place. Confirmation focuses on learning more about personal faith received in Baptism; senior high youth ministry emphasizes the importance of a Christian commitment as teens encounter difficult choices in the world. Parents are encouraged to build Christian homes and grow together in faith with their children.

Young adults come together in small groups for Bible studies on current issues they face in their lives and to develop supportive Christian relationships. Adults of all ages and stages of Christian maturity gather in small groups to share their understanding of Jesus Christ and the Christian approach to life's issues, opportunities and purpose. Pastors, leaders and experts provide insight and understanding for critical social and religious issues. Educational formats are available to provide a Christian perspective and support during life transitions and times of critical decisions.

Service

Christian maturity creates a desire to serve. Calvary is recognized by our community and other churches for its highly successful programs and ministries. The executive staff oversees the development of ministry plans and ensures that they are in alignment with the vision and mission of our church. The program staff develops the gifts and skills of the people that participate and assure that the work gets done. We equip our members for ministry and outreach by helping them discover their gifts and talents and then match them with opportunities that are personally fulfilling.

We minister to one another when we commit to supporting the internal congregational needs of our members. Members can use their gifts of teaching, childcare, youth mentoring, hospitality, music, healing and support. Leaders can serve with small groups, Bible studies, prayer ministries, fellowship groups and support networks. Many other opportunities need time and talent.

We minister to the rest of God's people when we reach out to our community and the world. Calvary has abundant opportunities to serve. We partner with Lutheran Social Services and other community organizations to support vulnerable families and transform neighborhoods. We partner in the ministries of the ELCA and support them by sharing our experiences, resources, and facilities. We partner to support and advance global missions and missionaries. Our members give their time to many other ministries, which is indicative of the pulse and heart of our congregation.

Churches today compete with a busy lifestyle for time and talent. Calvary currently needs increased member participation to support our existing programs as well as leaders who encourage and support new members in ministry engagement. It is important to increase spiritual maturity and to link the value of serving with the personal values of our members.

Planning

Calvary is growing, and will continue to grow, based on our ability to accommodate the changing needs and expectations of those that God has placed in our path. We are designing a strategic plan that continues to enhance our worship, learning, stewardship, service and fellowship opportunities. We are also evaluating and prioritizing the necessary resources to adequately manage growth. Plans are being developed for administration, communication and technology. We are also developing a human resource plan that optimizes the time and talents of our staff and allows them to serve enthusiastically with balanced personal lives.

Our facilities need major improvements. Calvary has made the commitment to stay where we are and has developed a facility plan that supports creative ways to continue growing within the limits of our property. A major study of our existing buildings, staff and ministry needs has been undertaken. We currently have a schematic design that allows us to dialogue about space usage in the context of our vision and to look at cost options. We have engaged a professional organization to coach us on the development of a capital fund campaign.
Now is the time for prayer. God is very active in our church and we must fervently seek His will for us. We believe in His promises and we believe in our purpose to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We pray that our members will consider the vision, claim it and commit to move it forward.

next, Strategic Assessment - Question 1 and Answer

Calvary Lutheran Church of Golden Valley
7520 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley Minnesota 55427 [see map]
Telephone: 763.545.5659 | Fax: 763.545.6953

Sunday Worship: 8:00 a.m.; 8:45 a.m.; 10:00 a.m.; 11:15 a.m.;
Thursday Worship: 6:30 p.m.

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