King of Kings Lutheran

Discerning Our Future

King of Kings, Ann Arbor

This is the summary document from the Discerning Our Future process started this April and carried on through a follow-up team in two subsequent meetings. In order to set the context for what you read below, please look over these two passages that have been integral in our "worshipful work" in planning for our future: "I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert…for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise." Isaiah 43:16-21 "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the son of God?" I John 5:4-5

The following draft values statements were developed at the Discerning Our Future retreat on 4-21-01:

The Four Strategic Priorities

Christ-Centered Worship

We have many forms of Christ-centered worship that connect people to each other and to God.

Inviting (Outreach, Evangelism)

We have equipped King of Kings People to be the church in meaningful, diverse ways, wherever they are in the world.

Our Physical Space, Our Building

Our physical space is actively used by all as a vivid proclamation of Christ to the world.

Inreach

We have built a Christ-centered community that renews, nurtures, supports, and communicates with all who are in its midst, as we recognize and celebrate the multiple ways people serve the church.

The image statements listed underneath each priority are small group work at the retreat. They are "preferred future" images intended to inform, but not limit the understanding and planning of how each strategic priority may be carried out in action steps the years ahead. Planning and implementing action steps for these priorities are up to the individual ministries and council and as well as individuals in the King of Kings community. A full set of notes from the retreat is also available to assist future planning. Contact Deb Nystrom.

Christ-Centered Worship

1. Celebratory worship
2. Alternatives to Sunday a.m. services for worship
3. Worship and fellowship are together
4. Have worship diversity: different types of worship, different types of people leading worship, diverse staff, adding more contemporary music, worship/fellowship
5. Themes for Wed. night, identities, including meals, all ages night, youth, other special focus Wed. nights, have included full diversity of King of Kings community
6. All nations/all people experience welcome. It has become the center for how we plan worship using our multiple gifts.
7. In kind offerings are a regular part of worship i.e. foster care, Habitat for Humanity (other housing), hunger, etc.
8. We are doing worshipful work in council and various ministries

Inviting (Outreach, Evangelism)

1. Programs to meet specific needs (i.e. after school small groups, discussion, study groups)
2. Acceptance of faith where people are and also expecting growth, enabling growth
3. Social space and happenings and support for all ages and all (diverse) people
4. Themes for Wed. night, identities, including meals, all ages night, youth, other special focus Wed. nights, have included full diversity of King of Kings community (also listed under #1 Worship, above)
5. Choice groups for all the above
6. Continued involvement and specific linking in larger church community groups –(i.e. faith-based youth center)
7. Involvement and commitment to other religious-based social justice
8. Tremendous involvement with community: health care, youth activities, recovering community, activism, partnering with other groups

Our Physical Space, Our Building

1. Building used to the max
2. Grounds (gardens) used to the max for meditation, and recreational growth
3. Spaces for individuals and groups
4. Accessible to all
5. Active youth (little thru teen) opportunities

Inreach

1. Coordinate a recycling program for computers to link K of K households - our own internal network system would then coordinate activities, jobs, needs assessment and so on.
2. Communication
3. Increased opportunities and increased participation
4. Identify what gifts members and newcomers can offer and what spiritual needs they have
5. Acceptance of faith where people are but also expecting growth and enable growth (also listed under #2 Inviting, above)

Deborah Nystrom

Council President

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Last updated: August 20, 2001