3/16/2017 9:10:00 AM

ITASCA (March 16, 2017) – The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) emphasized leadership development and congregational growth when it met here March 2-7.

The conference is an advisory body of the ELCA that includes 65 synod bishops, the presiding bishop and secretary. The Rev. William O. Gafkjen, bishop of the ELCA Indiana-Kentucky Synod, is conference chair.

In her report to the conference, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton highlighted major initiatives happening across the church, including “Called Forward Together in Christ: Strategic Directions 2025.” Finalized by the ELCA Church Council in November 2016, the document provides a framework for shared leadership across the ELCA to attain common goals and meet challenges the church may face in the future.

“Leadership and congregations need to be our primary emphasis as we begin the ‘Called Forward Together’ in Christ process,” said Eaton.

The bishop also spoke of another focus around leadership development that was introduced last fall. “Bishop Eaton’s Leadership Initiative” seeks to inspire members to encourage gifted people in their congregations and communities to consider a call to the ministry of the gospel.

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