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Mission Statement
The Lay Leader Network is a program of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA, designed to educate and train lay people for leadership in the congregation, the community and in the synod. It is intended to refine theological knowledge and leadership skills in addition to stressing personal enrichment, spiritual growth and the development of ministry skills |
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Welcome to the Lay Leader Network!
The Lay Leader Network (LLN)* seeks to provide educational and resource/skill building opportunities that embody the belief in the “priesthood of all believers.” As members of the body of Christ, we have been given gifts to share for the edification of the church as it engages God’s mission for the sake of the world. The LLN offers a Yearly Intensive Series, annual gatherings and various networking opportunities for lay persons throughout the NE MN Synod ELCA. Participation in the cyclical Yearly Intensive Series is highly encouraged but is not required in order to be part of the “network” itself. ANNUAL GATHERING Plans are underway to host an annual program/idea sharing gathering, offering presenters, resources and opportunities to engage with other Lutheran lay leaders. NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES The LLN is currently exploring social media avenues to share information and build more collaboration among lay leaders within the NE MN Synod and resources within the ELCA. OTHER OPPORTUNITIES LLN encourages members to attend the Luther Seminary KAIROS classes. * The Lay Leader Network was formerly known as “the School of Lay Ministry”. LLN Yearly Intensive Series As a life-long learning program, the Yearly Intensive Series is designed to give adult students opportunity to grow in their faith for the purposes of personal spiritual development, biblical and theological learning and enhancing missional leadership. It promotes intentional conversation for the discernment of gifts to be used in various ways in ministry and leadership within a person’s current congregation and in his/her community. YEARLY INTENSIVE SERIES “at a Glance” Each program year comprises four day-long seminars led by accomplished Synod theologians, various assigned readings and tasks, opportunities to engage in group learning between seminars, and exercises for the encouragement of individual discernment and spiritual growth, and skills enhancement. Content includes: Biblical Study/LutheranTheology (35%) Leadership and Spiritual Development (30%) Engaging Missional Context (20%) Specific Ministry Focus (15%) The Yearly Intensive Series’ biblical study content aligns with the ELCA lectionary, encouraging new students to enter the three-year program cycle at any year. FAQs Who can join the Yearly Intensive Series? Any person desiring a deeper understanding of God, with an open mind for biblical and theological learning through a Lutheran lens, and/or anyone seeking to build his/her capacity for living out his/her calling in their congregation and/or community as a leader and/or servant of Christ, is welcome to enter the Intensive Series! Why engage in the Intensive Series”? The Yearly Intensive Series may increase a student’s confidence and abilities to take on different or additional roles within his/her own congregation and/or community. Depending upon one’s individualized discernment process, it might also lead one to pursue additional education or training. Is the LLN Intensive Series is considered training to become a Deacon or Synodically Authorized Ministry (SAM)? No, involvement in the Lay Leader Network is for personal enrichment and it is not an avenue for rostered ministry within the church. Persons who wish to seek rostered ministry should contact the synod office and will need to complete candidacy requirements. What does it cost? There is no cost to be part of the LLN. There is, however, a $220 annual fee for the Intensive Series (does not include books, materials or student travel expense.) See specific fliers for fees pertaining to other events, gatherings, etc. FOR MORE INFORMATION Please contact: Sue Lyback, Lay Leader Network Coordinator 40868 47th Avenue Wahkon, MN 56386 320-333-1894 or susilyback@gmail.com |