Process Builders

Pastor Susan Engholm, Willmar, MN

As we speak, the ELCA is working on its 13th Social Statement.  (Information about past social statements can be found at www.elca.org/socialstatements.)  This latest social statement is entitled, "Women and Justice: One in Christ."  We are fortunate to have Pastor Bruce Berg, from Our Savior's, Dovray and Trinity, Westbrook, on the task force.

Some of the feedback the ELCA has received about social statements is that people have wished to have more input earlier into the writing process.  As a result, we have added an extra step to the writing process involving trained "Process Builders" who will lead listening sessions.  These listening sessions will be held over the next couple of years throughout the synod.

I was honored to be selected as a Process Builder.  For our training, nearly 40 of us from all the regions in the ELCA met at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, IL.  During our weekend together we learned about:  the history of social statements, some of the ideas that have surfaced already concerning this social statement, and about resources available as we study about women and justice.  It was delightful to meet each other and build a network amongst ourselves. 

If your congregation, group, or community would like to participate in a listening session, feel free to contact me: sengholm@gmail.com, (cell) 320-293-1811.
Or, you may contact Pastor Bruce Berg:  pastor.berg@yahoo.com, (cell) 507-401-6595.