Forward in Faith

February 25th, 2021

Continuing reflections on Christ Our Savior’s Strategic Operations Workshop

Linda Waara

Things were astir within the Christ Our Savior congregation before the onset of the COVID-19 era. Talk of new ministries and new pastor additions, as well as updates within the facility were taking place. Changes, excitement, and tension were in the air.

Then COVID turned our lives (spiritual, included!) upside down and inside out. New priorities and focus were necessary. Our dedicated pastors and church staff went into high gear developing an on-line church presence—from worship services, to Bible studies and Sunday school—keeping their flock spiritually nourished. We all had to step up our technological ‘know-how’ a notch to stay spiritually connected to ‘church’.

Breaking through our COVID lethargy came a church announcement of a “Strategic Operations Workshop” coming to Christ Our Savior. “YAWN,” I thought as I planned to sit on the sidelines. But there were more announcements, more chatter, and I started to feel a nudge to participate in it. (“You’re a long time, active member, Linda,” I was thinking to myself, “you should attend, you have an investment in this church”.) So, I offered my interest, rather unenthusiastically, to Pastor Davenport and Arlo Wiltenburg.

The group in discussion

Three long days: lots of listening, talking, thinking, strategizing about Christ Our Savior’s past, present and future. What an interesting and enriching experience/journey this turned out to be!

I didn’t know where we were headed at the outset (probably none of the other participants did either), but we all knew Christ Our Savior has outstanding assets in its people, pastors, and staff, particularly under the guidance of the Holy Spirit!

Five work groups were formed to focus in on: 1. Staffing & Governance 2. Communication Plans 3. Gap-Assessment 4. Spiritual Gifts Assessments 5. Community Outreach/Needs Assessment. These five groups will be reporting back to the congregation on their findings throughout 2021.

“With utter dependence on God”, Pastor Eden wisely reminded us, Christ Our Savior can be bold in moving forward in hope and with enthusiasm!