Executive Director Don Johnson will occasionally post reflections as he travels to Lutheran Outdoor Ministry sites. Here is his latest entry from his travels on October 26-28, 2015:
A very interesting retreat took place on October 26-28 at Cross Roads Camp in New Jersey. It was a gathering of church leaders from throughout ELCA Regions 7 and 8 whose work includes a focus on the faith formation of persons who are in the first third of their lives. Most of the group was comprised of outdoor ministry leaders, campus ministry leaders, and youth ministry leaders. Organizers of the event were Anthony Briggs, executive director of Cross Roads Camp, and Chelle Huth, director of Theological Education with Youth (TEY). Making presentations during the event were Molly Beck Dean, director of the ELCA Youth Gathering, and our own Mark Burkhardt, the ELCA director for congregational centers for mission.
The event began with a review of the document, “A Framework for Faith Formation in the ELCA”. This document became the reference point for much of the ensuing discussion and work that transpired during the next two days. This included an audit of faith formation activities and programs taking place in Regions 7 and 8, an assessment of where the “gaps” are, and an analysis of what could be more effective with deeper collaboration among a wide range of ministry colleagues.
There was much satisfaction expressed about the consensus around the value of more intentional efforts to collaborate. There was especially strong enthusiasm about the relationship-building that took place at this event and plans were hatched for a similar event at around the same time next year.
My day ended on Wednesday, October 28, with a visit to Rev. Paul and Carol Howells in Frederick, PA. Paul was the director for outdoor ministries of the LCA, one of the predecessor bodies of the ELCA. He was a mentor for me and I know many others during the 70’s and 80’s. It was great to reconnect with Paul and Carol and to “pick Paul’s brain” in regard to the challenges of providing leadership for an organization that encompasses the whole ELCA. My day was enriched by this visit just as my whole career has been enriched by Paul’s friendship throughout virtually my whole career.
A very interesting retreat took place on October 26-28 at Cross Roads Camp in New Jersey. It was a gathering of church leaders from throughout ELCA Regions 7 and 8 whose work includes a focus on the faith formation of persons who are in the first third of their lives. Most of the group was comprised of outdoor ministry leaders, campus ministry leaders, and youth ministry leaders. Organizers of the event were Anthony Briggs, executive director of Cross Roads Camp, and Chelle Huth, director of Theological Education with Youth (TEY). Making presentations during the event were Molly Beck Dean, director of the ELCA Youth Gathering, and our own Mark Burkhardt, the ELCA director for congregational centers for mission.
The event began with a review of the document, “A Framework for Faith Formation in the ELCA”. This document became the reference point for much of the ensuing discussion and work that transpired during the next two days. This included an audit of faith formation activities and programs taking place in Regions 7 and 8, an assessment of where the “gaps” are, and an analysis of what could be more effective with deeper collaboration among a wide range of ministry colleagues.
There was much satisfaction expressed about the consensus around the value of more intentional efforts to collaborate. There was especially strong enthusiasm about the relationship-building that took place at this event and plans were hatched for a similar event at around the same time next year.
My day ended on Wednesday, October 28, with a visit to Rev. Paul and Carol Howells in Frederick, PA. Paul was the director for outdoor ministries of the LCA, one of the predecessor bodies of the ELCA. He was a mentor for me and I know many others during the 70’s and 80’s. It was great to reconnect with Paul and Carol and to “pick Paul’s brain” in regard to the challenges of providing leadership for an organization that encompasses the whole ELCA. My day was enriched by this visit just as my whole career has been enriched by Paul’s friendship throughout virtually my whole career.