Support Team

ELCA-Southeastern Synod

Mission Statement: To assist congregations in the resolution of issues and conflicts that impair their call to live the Great Commission

Ephesians 4:15-16 NRSV

“Speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.”

These verses from Ephesians epitomize the ideal for which we strive in our congregations. Unfortunately, because of our human condition, congregations can find themselves experiencing conflict or stymied by certain issues. When this happens, our synod has a resource upon which congregations call.

What is the foundational principle of a Support Team process?

“A CALL TO PRAYER” is the foundation of the consultation process. Members are asked to remember their congregation in their daily intercessory prayers. Prayers and readings are suggested for use each day as the Holy Spirit’s guidance is sought for the future ministry of the congregation.

Suggested Prayers:

+Prayer attributed to St. Francis

+Prayer for “The Church” from the Lutheran Book of Worship, page 45

Suggested Scriptures:

+Ephesians 2:13-22

+I Corinthians 12:12-27

When should a congregation consider using the services of a Support Team?

During times of struggle, when leaders of a congregation sense there are issues that are hindering the building up of the Body of Christ and that are inhibiting the congregation’s movement forward in mission, it is appropriate to engage a Support Team. Some congregational leaders also seek the resource of a Support Team as an evaluation tool to determine the “climate” in a congregation.

What does a Support Team do?

The Support Team will listen carefully and clarify what they perceive they are hearing. This information will be reflected back to the congregation. Based on the scriptural injunction in Matthew 18:15-18, the process will seek to enable direct communication among members of the congregation in order to move forward in ministry and mission in Jesus name. The Team comes to the congregation on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

What process is used to gain an understanding of congregational dynamics?

1. On Friday evening and Saturday, there will be several small group meetings of 8-12 individuals (neither the pastor, staff, or their spouses and families will be present). Sign-up sheets are posted at the church. All will be asked to complete and sign a questionnaire at the meeting. Next, the Support Team will listen and record oral comments by the group. Nothing shared in the small groups will be regarded as confidential. Individuals will be expected to speak only from their personal experience. These listening groups are conducted over Friday evening and Saturday.

2. The Support Team will also meet with the pastor, staff, and their spouses and families (if they desire) for a similar session of listening. Nothing shared in these sessions will be regarded as confidential.

3. The Support Team will collate the information shared and develop a written reflection which will be distributed on Sunday at an informal gathering of all interested individuals in the congregation following morning worship.

4. Based on the information shared through the listening sessions and questionnaires, the Support Team will present some possibilities for response to the issues raised. The Team will offer to meet with congregational leaders about a month later to review alternative courses of action and to suggest resources. Six months later, a Team member will ask to meet with the council for additional follow-up.

How are members of the Support Team selected?

Recruited by the bishop’s office, individuals with the spiritual gifts of discernment and listening are trained in the Support Team process. Each Team consists of at least three individuals, including clergy and lay persons, with male and female members.

Who decides if and when a Support Team works with a congregation?

The congregation council and the pastor formally sign and issue the written request for this resource. It is not appropriate for the bishop’s office to make this decision. The initiative must come from the congregation. When the bishop’s office regards the request as appropriate, a Team will be formed within two weeks of the time that the request is received. In the third week, a time line will be developed by the Support Team Coordinator, in consultation with the pastor and council president, and the Team’s visit will be scheduled. Normally that visit occurs about six weeks after an appropriate request is received.

Who pays for this?

The congregation is asked to pay the Team’s expenses (travel, room, and board). The synod provides training, oversight, and materials. Each Support Team member offers his/her time, wisdom, and prayers as a volunteer.

What is the Support Team=s record of success?

... 100%!!! Of course, the Support Team only listens, reflects, and suggests possible ways to return to health and wholeness. The real work can be accomplished only by the congregation.

So, if the congregation has to do “the real work,” why bother with a Support Team?

Because the pastor, staff, leaders, and members are part of the emotional system, objective “eyes and ears” can give the congregation a systematic analysis from which to begin working on issues within the congregation. The Support Team is a “mirror.” They will listen to what is said by individuals and give an organized reflection of the congregation. The Support Team will not plan anything for the congregation nor set vision, mission, or ministry goals. This work will be done through the congregation as the Holy Spirit continues to call, gather, and equip you as the people of God.

If our congregation decides to seek the resource of a Support Team, how do we start the process?

Contact Rev. Bud Onstad, Pastor for Leadership, at 404-589-1977, ext. 236 or by e-mail at bonstad@elca-ses.org.

what is a support team

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