Ministry Site Profile - Southwestern Washington Synod … · Campus Ministry may have ready...

PART I: WHO WE AREName and LocationORGANIZATION Pacific Lutheran University Campus

MinistryCONGREGATION/MULTIPLE POINT PARISH/ ORGANIZATION NAME CONG ID

Tacoma, WA, 98447 US

CITY, STATE , ZIP COUNTRY

Southwestern Washington Synod (1C) Educational Institution - College or University

1890

SYNOD TYPE OF MINISTRY SITE YEAR ORGANIZED

Large city (250,000 or more)

SIZE OF COMMUNITY

Contact InformationMinistry Site (preferred contact information)

Pacific Lutheran University 12180 Park Avenue South


ADDRESS LINE 1 ADDRESS LINE 2 CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY

[email protected] http://www.plu.edu/campus-ministry/

(253) 535-7191

E-MAIL WEB SITE PHONE FAX

Chairperson of Congregation or Head of the Organization

Dr. Thomas Krise

NAME



MINISTRY SITE PROFILE

Pacific Lutheran University Campus MinistryTacoma, WA

Completed: 02/19/2016

The Ministry Site Profile (MSP) is intended for use by congregations and church-related organizations that are seeking to call an ordained or lay rostered minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or a First Call candidate for rostered ministry. Congregations must complete the entire MSP. Church-related organizations may, with the concurrence of the synod bishop, complete only the required sections (Part I, III and IV) .

Once complete, this form is submitted electronically to your synod bishop for review and posting to the “Current Openings” listing on the ELCA website (www.ELCA.org/call).

Summary DescriptionPacific Lutheran University seeks an ordained pastor of the ELCA to serve as University Pastor. The University Pastor serves as the Pastor of University (Lutheran) Congregation and a spokesperson for the Lutheran theological and liturgical tradition, especially the values of Lutheran higher education and service for the neighbor and the common good. At the same time, the

University Pastor works in partnership with others to inspire, promote, and provide a safe and welcoming environment for persons of many diverse religious traditions and spiritual understandings. The goal is to provide a "strong center and an open

door" for the spiritual life of the university.

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15

http://www.elca.org/call


(253) 535-7101

DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL PHONE FAX

[email protected]

E-MAIL

Chairperson of Call or Search Committee

Joanna Royce-Davis, VP for Student LifeNAME




(253) 535-7193 (209) 401-5034

DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL PHONE FAX

[email protected]

E-MAIL

DemographicsLanguage Spoken

In the congregation/ organization English

PRIMARY LANGUAGE SECOND LANGUAGE THIRD LANGUAGE

In the surrounding community English

PRIMARY LANGUAGE SECOND LANGUAGE THIRD LANGUAGE

Race/ Ethnicity (In the Congregation)

Caucasian (75%) African American (5%) Asian / Pacific Islander (10%)

Hispanic (10%)

LARGEST SECOND THIRD FOURTH

COMMENTS OR EXPLANATION

Race/ Ethnicity (Surrounding Community)

Caucasian (70%)

LARGEST SECOND THIRD FOURTH

COMMENTS OR EXPLANATION

Gender comparison Age distribution

38% 62% 5% 60% 20% 15% 0%

MALE FEMALE 19 YEARS OR YOUNGER 20 - 34 35 - 49 50 - 65 OVER 65

Number of Paid Staff

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15

Pacific Lutheran University Campus MinistryMINISTRY SITE PROFILE

1 0 1 0 0 3

CLERGY LAY ROSTERED OTHER LAY PROFESSIONALS SECRETARIAL SUPPORT CUSTODIAL SUPPORT OTHER

Congregational Information

1 - 50 Single site

AVE WEEKLY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE AVE ATTENDANCE IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PARISH TYPE

Distance members live from church facilities:

95% 5% 0% 0%

1/2 MILE OR LESS 1/2 - 1 MILE 1 - 3 MILES MORE THAN 3 MILES

Community Type

o Bedroom community x College or University o Farming

o Inner City o Mining/logging o Ranching

o Industrial o Resort o Retirement

Budget of the Congregation/ Organization 2016

LAST FISCAL YEAR

$150,733 $0

TOTAL BUDGET FOR THE LAST FISCAL YEAR TOTAL DEBT OF THE CONGREGATION/ ORGANIZATION AT THE END OF THE LAST FISCAL YEAR

$1,000 $24,392

MISSION SUPPORT TO THE ELCA/ SYNOD FOR THE LAST FISCAL YEAR

TOTAL SAVINGS, RESERVES, ENDOWMENT AT THE END OF THE LAST FISCAL YEAR

Trends in the Community Context of the Congregation or Organization

Characteristics:Write a description of your community in terms of socio-economic status, demographics, primary areas of employment and lifestyle. The Demographic ZIP Code report for your primary ZIP codes may be helpful.

Founded in 1890, PLU is located near the Puget Sound in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, six miles south of Tacoma, on a 156-acre campus in suburban Parkland, Washington. PLU is a regional university with approximately 3,300 students, over 300 of which are graduate students. The university consistently ranks among the top 15 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Universities in the West and recently was named by the Brookings Institute as one of the top 10 “value added” colleges in the U.S. It also ranks in the top 4 percent of Master’s universities nationwide by Washington Monthly College Guide.

PLU continually seeks to maximize the achievement of its mission and has been recognized as a model of the New American University, integrating a high quality liberal arts education with professional studies and civic engagement. Students develop skills in decision making, analysis, communication and reasoning that prepare them for a lifetime of success in their careers as well as service to others. Students are drawn to the academic rigor and the central role of the liberal arts in the curriculum. The university has produced 100 Fulbright Scholars since 1975. Students have many opportunities to participate in living/learning communities in the residence halls with many diverse and inclusive program themes such as Empowering Women, Arts and Culture, First Year Students and First Generation Students.

PART II: OUR VISION FOR MISSION

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15


Approximately 75 percent of PLU’s undergraduates reside in the state of Washington, although students from 40 states and 28 countries attend PLU, and there are more than 160 international students. The campus is residential, with about 80 percent of first year students living on campus. New freshmen enrollment is typically 600-650 students, and new transfer student enrollment is typically 230-240 students. The student body is 62 percent female, 33 percent of PLU first-year students are students of color (the overall student body is 26 percent students of color), 35 percent are the first generation in their family to attend college, and 20 percent are Pell Grant-eligible. PLU’s current first year retention rate is 82.8 percent and the six-year graduation rate currently stands at 68 percent.

Approximately 260 full-time equivalent faculty and 460 staff and administrators work at PLU. The annual budget of the University is approximately $139 million, about $48 million of which takes the form of PLU grants and scholarships to students.

Trends: List three changes or trends within the congregation or organization which have occurred in the last three to five years.

As a part of the 2015 Campus Ministry review process, the Review Team conducted a survey of students modeled after the surveys used at other Lutheran identified colleges in their recent review processes. PLU's survey results confirmed the changing demographics, practices, and forms of religious engagement that PLU students bring to and expect to experience at or through the university. Of the survey participants 14% of first year students identify as either Muslim, Buddhist, Taoist, Wiccan, Hindu, or Jewish; 13% identify as Agnostic, Atheist, or of no religion; and 73% identify with a Christian denomination. Of the survey participants who were continuing students, 4% identify as with Muslim, Buddist, Jewish, Wiccan, or Pagan; 20% identify as Agnostic or Atheist; 14% identify as Other; and 60% identify with a Christian denomination. Religion is present for students in their academic lives with 85% of 1st year students and 86% of continuing students describe talking with a friend about religion or faith multiple times a semester, if not multiple times a week. Likewise, 40% of first year students and 37.3% of continuing students who responded to the survey say that religion is important in their life.

Students are engaging in worship in the community surrounding PLU, but may not be participating as fully in on campus worship opportunities. 25% of first year students and 56% of continuing students report participating in worship with an off campus congregation or religious community. While 47% of first year students and 44% of continuing students are interested in more campus based worship opportunities, their interests suggest that Campus Ministry may have ready opportunities for collaboration in co-hosting activities that already exist on campus in some form. Students identified interest in expanded opportunities to participate in yoga, meditation, contemporary services, small group prayer, and community service.

Finally, 50% of first year students and 70% of continuing students report being interested in opportunities to participate in interfaith learning and experiences. More specifically, 36% of first year students and 32% of continuing students have an interest in participating in interfaith dialogue.

Context: List three ways that the community in which you are located has been challenged by change and transition in the last three to five years.

The percentage of students who identify as ELCA has decreased and is currently around 16% of the student body. At the same time the number of students who identify with other denominations, other faiths, and other, non-institutional spirituality has increased. PLU is in the "None Zone" and our student body and faculty reflect that reality.Attendance at "chapel" (formerly held three times/week) as well as University Congregation has decreased.There are myriad opportunities for partnership and collaboration in ministry both within the university and surrounding community.

Programs: Describe your congregation's or organization's current programs for mission and ministry.

University Congregation celebrates a weekly service of Holy Communion in Ness Chapel.Wednesday Morning Prayer is held weekly from 10:30-11:00 AM in Ness Chapel. Potential exists for other worship opportunities in the same time slot on Mondays and Fridays.Wednesday Evening Prayer (student-led) is held weekly in Ness Chapel.C.H.A.O.S is a student-led, campus ministry-sponsored group that meets weekly for conversation, social time, song and prayer.University Congregation participates in a variety of local and international mission efforts, mostly through financial support."Theology on Tap" is a weekly program at 208 Garfield in partnership with Trinity Lutheran Church meets Wednesdays during J-Term.

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15


Goals: What are the primary goals of your ministry site (please refer to any Strategic Plan that has been adopted).

The goals for Campus Ministry and the University Pastor are laid out in the Affirmations and Recommendations from the campus ministry review conducted in partnership with the Southwestern Washington Synod in the spring of 2015 and fall of 2016 and in the University Pastor job description. (See Part IV Commentary)

Energy: What is your congregation or organization really excited about right now?

PLU and University Congregation are excited about calling a University Pastor and beginning a new chapter in Campus Ministry in a changing context that is more multi-cultural and inter-faith sensitive. At the same time, we recognize that the University Pastor will operate out of the best parts of the Lutheran tradition. We see these two realities (diverse religious and spiritual expression and strong center in the Lutheran tradition) as being complimentary rather than contradictory.

Partnership: How does this congregation or organization see itself as a member and active participant in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the synod?

Opportunities for partnership and collaboration abound. The Campus Ministry review process initiated by PLU was carried out with the full support and in partnership with the Southwestern Washington Synod which also provided an intentional Interim Pastor and is assisting with the search and call process. Area clergy, both ELCA and from other denominations and faiths (e.g. Temple Beth El, Tacoma Ministerial Alliance, Associated Ministries of Pierce County) are excited about potential partnerships.

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15


Ministry Site CharacteristicsAS A COMMUNITY

A LOT LIKE US

A LITTLE LIKE US

A LITTLE LIKE US

A LOT LIKEUS

We tend to be formal and programmatic. x o o o We tend to be informal and spontaneous.

We have clearly defined goals and plans for our future.

x o o o We have no stated goals or plans.

We are racially and economically diverse. o x o o We are demographically homogeneous.

OUR LEADERSHIP STYLEWe welcome ideas that are provoking and

challenging.x o o o We prefer ideas that are tried and true.

We rely on our leaders for direction. o x o o We rely on group decision-making.

We have learned how to use conflict constructively.

o x o o We tend to perceive conflict as something destructive.

OUR PROGRAMMINGOur facilities are often used by community

groups.x o o o Our facilities are only used for our activities.

We train people to minister outside our walls. x o o o We train people to minister inside our walls.

We focus on ideas and beliefs. o x o o We focus on skills and action.

OUR THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVEWe are obviously Lutheran in identify and

practice.o x o o We are less obvious about our Lutheran

heritage.

We participate in synod and ELCA activities. o o x o We are not very active in the synod and ELCA.

We focus on Biblical studies and doctrine. o o x o We focus on contemporary issues and topics.

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15


Purpose, Giftedness and Mission

Purpose How does this congregation or organization understand its reason for being in the light of God's call to mission and service? Who are you? Why are you here?

The purpose of the university is "to educate students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership and care – for other people, for their communities, and for the Earth.” Campus Ministry and the University Pastor function within the overall mission to promote, encourage, and inspire the spiritual and religious life for students, faculty, administrators, and staff that provides the theological underpinnings of this mission. This happens in two complimentary ways. In the first place, the University Pastor is an ordained pastor on the roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and serves as the pastor of University Congregation, a minister of Word and Sacraments, and an articulate spokesperson to promote and articulate the theological and practical strengths of the Lutheran movement, especially the values of Lutheran Higher Education. At the same time, the University Pastor also serves in the role of a chaplain for the entire university in order to provide a place of hospitality and welcome for people of many different spiritual and religious understandings or no apparent spirituality at all. The challenge lies in knowing which role takes precedence in the various contexts of university and community life. This has been described as having a "strong center and an open door."

Giftedness What are your gifts and resources for fulfilling this purpose? What are the congregation’s or organization's top three assets and how are they being used? Are there obstacles that must be overcome to be able to use these gifts and accomplish the mission?

The rich, diverse gifts of the people at PLU is difficult to inventory. However, three that come to mind immediately include the goodwill and investment that people throughout the university and surrounding community have in a thriving campus ministry. This is reflected in the many opportunities for partnership and collaboration both within the university and the surrounding community. A third set of gifts includes the creative, energetic, and smart students at PLU along with their faculty and staff. Our greatest failing simply may be a lack of the necessary imagination for putting these gifts to work for the achievement of university mission and a common good that is defined through shared understanding.

Mission In light of the way you have described your ministry context in this Ministry Site Profile, what are the top three mission priorities which, if accomplished, hold the most promise for the continued development of this ministry?

1. Provide a strong center in Word and Sacrament while drawing on the best of the Lutheran tradition.2. Provide a place of welcome, hospitality, and safety for persons of diverse religious and spiritual understandings including those who currently have no firm spiritual or religious affiliation or commitment. 3. Support the educational mission of the university.

ReferencesSynodical BishopRichard Jaech Southwestern Washington Synod [email protected]

NAME SYNOD E-MAIL

(253) 535-8300

DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX

Inside Congregation or organizationSamuel Torvend University Chair in Lutheran Studies [email protected]

NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE E-MAIL

(253) 535-8106

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15



Outside Congregation or organization

Martha Spieker President, Associated Students of PLU [email protected]


(253) 549-3797


Member of the ELCA Clergy rosterMelanie Wallschlaeger Director of Evangelical Mission melanie.wallschlaeger@elca.

org


(253) 535-8300


Anyone else who knows your setting wellLynn Hunnicut Director Wild Hope Center for Vocation [email protected]

NAME SYNOD E-MAIL

(253) 535-7644


PART III: LEADERSHIP NEEDSThe Leader we SeekRoster Type:

o Associate in Ministry o Deaconess o Diaconal Minister

x Ordained Clergy o In Candidacy/First Call

Campus Ministry Master's Degree (seminary or graduate school)

Full time call

POSITION TYPE: MINIMUM DEGREE REQUIRED: FULL TIME/PART TIME:

Language Proficiencies

English/Fluent Spanish/Tourist

PRIMARY LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY) SECOND LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY) THIRD LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY)

Experience:

o 0-3 years x 4-9 years x 10 -15 years x 16- 20 years o 21 + years

Top Five Ministry TasksThe five most critical tasks required in this position.

o Administration o Building a Sense of Community x Campus / Young Adult Ministry

x Chaplaincy o Children's Ministry o Christian Education

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15


o Communications/ Media o Community Organizing o Conflict Management

o Counseling/ Social Work o Early Childhood Administration o Ecumenical Work

o Evangelism/ Mission o Financial Management o Global Service

o Innovation / Creativity o Interim Ministry x Interpret Theology

o Inter-personal Climate o Ministry in Crisis o Ministry in Daily Life

o Ministry with Seniors o Multicultural Ministry o Music / Worship / Arts

o Outdoor/ Camping Ministry o Parish Nurse / Health o Participant in the Larger Church

o Pastoral Care and Visitation x Preaching / Worship o Public Policy / Advocacy

o Recruit and Equip Leaders o Self Care / Family Life o Small Group Ministry

o Social Ministry x Spiritual Formation / Direction o Stewardship

o Strategic Mission Planning o Teaching o Volunteer Coordination

o Youth and Family Ministry

Gifts for Ministry The five gifts essential in this position, and the five that are very helpful in this position.

Top Priority

Very Helpful

Yes Help people develop their spiritual life.

Yes Help people understand and act upon issues of social justice.

Provide care and nurture.

Be active in visitation of members and non-members.

Be effective in working with children.

Yes Build a sense of community among the people with whom he/she works.

Help others develop their leadership abilities and skills for ministry. Yes

Be an effective administrator.

Be an effective communicator. Yes

Be an effective teacher. Yes

Encourage support of the Church's wider mission.

Work regularly in the development of stewardship growth.

Yes Be active in ecumenical relationships.

Be effective in working with youth.

Organize people for community action.

Be skilled in planning and leading programs.

Have a strong commitment and loyalty to the Lutheran Church. Yes

Understand and interpret the mission of the Church from a global perspective.

Deal effectively with conflict.

Bring joy and good humor to relationships.

Yes Be able to share leadership and work in a team.

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15


Be creative and innovative about his or her tasks.

Be able to use technology and media. Yes

Appreciate cultural diversity in language and customs.

Have talents in the areas of music, arts and writing.

Mutual ExpectationsPlease list the five primary areas of activity or focus that you wish your newly-called rostered leader to give special attention to during the first year of his or her ministry at this congregation or organization:

A. Preach, pray, preside at worship, provide pastoral care

B. Establish relationships with students, faculty, administrators, and staffC. Identify and cultivate ways to collaborate within and outside the university in support of student and campus

community religious and spiritual lifeD. Promote ecumenical and inter-faith partnerships (e.g., partner chaplains)E. Be willing to take risks in accomplishing a,b,c,and d above.

Please list the five ways that this congregation / organization will support and encourage the rostered leader during the first year in order to help her or him accomplish these responsibilities:

A. Help support University Pastor's efforts to establish relationships through introductions and providing opportunities for meeting a wide range of university and community personnel including ready access to the President and President's Council as well as the faculty and staff.

B. Ready partners for collaboration and cooperation on efforts of mutual interest.C. Regular support from the Vice-President for Student Life.D. A strong investment in the "success" of campus ministry, whatever that might look like. "Even agnostics want a

strong campus ministry at PLU!" (from a participant in the Campus Ministry stakeholder conversations last May.)E. Excellent schedule (academic year) and financial resources to carry on the mission of campus ministry.

CompensationNo No

PARSONAGE SOCIAL SECURITY TAX OFFSET

Synod Guidelines

MAXIMUM AMOUNT AVAILABLE FOR DEFINED COMPENSATION

BenefitsYes Yes 4 weeks

PENSION MEDICAL VACATION WEEKS

Yes Yes

SABBATICAL POLICY PARENTAL LEAVE POLICY

Yes

ARE BACKGROUND CHECKS REQUIRED

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15


Professional ExpensesYes Yes

AUTO / TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES ACCOUNT

Yes Yes

FIRST CALL THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION CONTINUING EDUCATION

Comments:Please offer any comment or explanation regarding the compensation package, especially as it compares to synodical recommendations or guidelines.PLU is committed to compensation at Synod Guidelines.

Other Supporting Resources

Are you able to supply the following items, if requested?

Mission and Vision statement of the congregation or organization Yes

Printed history of the congregation or organization Yes

Strategic Plan: Goals and Objectives Yes

Budget Yes

Annual Report Yes

Position description: Duties and Responsibilities Yes

Communications Piece (publicity, newsletter, etc.) Yes

You are encouraged to offer information or commentary that will help the reader appreciate the vision, opportunities, challenges and nature of your ministry site. Use this opportunity to creatively promote and commend your ministry possibilities.

University Pastor Job DescriptionGeneral Description:PLU’s University Pastor promotes worship, prayer, and mindfulness, critical inquiry and study, and social action in service to students, staff, and faculty; draws people together from diverse traditions in generous and respectful conversation; and nurtures community and communal bonds in a busy university setting. The University Pastor serves as the pastor to PLU’s University Congregation and as a member of the Student Life leadership team. The University Pastor’s grounding in the Lutheran tradition informs an appreciation for and commitment to serving the changing needs of PLU’s increasingly ecumenical and multifaith community.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:The University Pastor:1. Supports the educational mission of the university through study of the scriptures, gracious leadership in worship and prayer, and leading university members to recognize and act on the Lutheran and religious foundations of 'care for others, their communities, and the earth';2. Leads the worship life of the PLU community by organizing and/or serving as the presider for weekly chapel services and by coordinating resources to provide worship opportunities that meet the interests and needs of PLU’s ecumenical and multifaith community;3. Provides pastoral care for personal, practical, moral, and spiritual needs that may arise for members of the PLU community;4. Participates in the ceremonial life and events of the University;5. Advises the University President, President’s Council, Administration, Faculty Assembly, and Staff on spiritual and religious

PART IV: COMMENTARY

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15


matters pertaining to the university;6. In partnership with faculty and staff colleagues provides learning opportunities and experiences that support PLU’s mission “to educate students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership and care – for other people, for their communities, and for the Earth.” 7. In partnership with the leadership of Congregational Relations develops capacity and structure for PLU’s Partner Chaplain program and assists in creating opportunities for involvement of Partner Chaplains in University life and University members in the life of the communities of which Partner Chaplains are a part;8. In partnership with the Campus Ministry Council facilitates opportunities that enhance the appreciation, celebration, understanding of, and engagement with religious and spiritual diversity in the university;9. In partnership with Marketing and Communication, oversees office publications, website, and communication;10. Manages and stewards the Campus Ministry and affiliated budgets;11. Serves on relevant university committees and working groups.

Campus Ministry Review Affirmations and RecommendationsPLU Board of RegentsOctober 18, 2015

Affirmations: Support for Campus Ministry.We experienced and heard an outpouring of care and appreciation for the role of Campus Ministry as an integral aspect of the Lutheran higher education experience. This appreciation is magnified by a diverse group representing PLU, reflecting that being a part of a Lutheran institution is a broadly shared endeavor.

Responsiveness to Crisis.Emergency pastoral care during times of crisis is an important aspect of Campus Ministry. Faculty, staff and area ELCA pastors spoke to the responsiveness of the campus pastors during times of crisis (student suicide, murder on campus, the porch party accident, and other student crises). Pastoral presence in times of crisis is a vitally important role of the office of campus pastor at PLU. Numerous review participants shared that it is comforting to know that such a presence is readily available.

Variety of Chapel Speakers.Students and faculty shared appreciation for the variety of voices that are heard in weekday chapel.

Pastoral Stability The former pastors served a two-decade tenure, providing stability to the university community.

Lutheran Commitment to Vocation.The campus pastor’s involvement in shaping PLU’s shared commitment to vocational exploration has been an important aspect of campus ministry. This is exemplified by “What’s in a middle name” brochure that celebrates the distinctiveness of Lutheran higher education.

Public/Institutional Role of Campus Pastor.Campus pastor’s involvement in public events provides a visible face for campus ministry to PLU students, alumni, supporters, and the public at large. Key points of pastoral public leadership include serving as the emcee of the PLU Christmas concert, also including involvement in convocation, graduation, orientation, and other events marking the seasons of the academic year.

Realignment of Campus Ministry with Student Life and the Wild Hope Center for Vocation. The Wild Hope Center is one place where Campus Ministry has converged with faculty, staff and student life in a way that is collaborative.

Recommendations:Relational Ministry Model. We recommend calling a pastor who will spend at least 50% of his/her time in relational ministry with students, staff and

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15


faculty. We recognize this to be a shift from institutional to relational ministry, striking a balance between the various roles and responsibilities of the Campus Pastor position. One specific need that a more relational Campus Pastor model addresses is the availability of pastoral care for students experiencing faith crises that are a natural part of spiritual development. A more relational pastor will seek strategic collaborative partnerships with other campus centers (e.g. the Diversity Center, the Center for Community Engagement and Service). If the Campus Pastor is not able to spend 50% of his/her time in relational ministry due to the administrative and institutional aspects of the Campus Pastor role, we recommend that additional pastoral staffing be added to respond to pastoral care needs and contribute to an environment of collaborative partnership.

Administrative/Programmatic Support. We recommend the creation of a full-time lay position to support the Campus Ministry office’s variety of programmatic efforts. Someone with a background in student development and/or an expertise in spiritual formation will be an important asset to the Campus Ministry office, strengthening the potential for student empowerment and leadership.

Space. Attention needs to be given to the creation of sacred spaces on campus. While Lagerquist Hall is a beautiful performance space, both students and faculty mentioned that the space is overwhelming for smaller groups and adds to a feeling of alienation when utilized for worship. Short-term and long-term solutions are necessary if campus ministry and/or the University Congregation are to be community building experiences. We recommend developing a task force that takes the following issues into consideration and finds potential solutions.The Campus Ministry office needs flexible small group and/or one-to-one space that can be utilized by honorary Chaplains that are available for pastoral care. Explore the possibility of creating dedicated space that can be available for faith conversation.Weekday chapel and University Congregation worship will benefit from relocating to a smaller space that harmonizes with the size of the worshiping community. The Ness Family Chapel is a prime location given the current size of the University Congregation. Such a move will allow congregants to hear one another sing and encourage relationships. With the right leadership in place, University Congregation as well as the weekday chapel attendance may grow beyond the capacity of the Ness Family Chapel. In addition to the Ness Family Chapel, other appropriate space should be identified for worship experiences that include 60-150 participants.Space for multi-faith expression needs to be identified so that prayer and meditation space is available for students of Christian and non-Christian faith backgrounds. The Spirituality and Faith Practice survey that is to be conducted in the fall of 2015 will provide insight into the various faith traditions on campus. Consider inviting students from various faith backgrounds (i.e. Muslim, Buddhist, and Jewish) to give insight and voice to identification of appropriate multi-faith space.Revisit the “Place for Grace” campaign that started under the direction of Pastors Susan Briehl, Dan Erlander, and Bishop Martin Wells. There is a yearning for dedicated space that can be used for religious and spiritual expression. One person mentioned that space on lower campus could be made into a covered outdoor area that could make beautiful sacred space. The yearning for dedicated sacred space, such as a chapel, comes not only from PLU’s identity as a Lutheran university, but also for space on campus that might fit medium-sized crowds. Numerous participants spoke to a need for space that can be used for religious experiences that are too large for Ness Family Chapel and uncomfortably small for Lagerquist Hall.

Weekday Chapel Schedule.We recommend that Wednesday Chapel be the central weekday chapel service for the 2015-2016 academic year. We recommend that the Campus Pastor and Campus Ministry office be responsible for providing planning and leadership for Wednesday Chapel. As PLU’s academic weekday schedule is planned for future years, consider altering the academic schedule so that the Wednesday Chapel experience can be one hour in duration, rather than the current 30 minute window. We recommend maintaining the scheduled “chapel break” periods on Monday and Friday and opening these chapel times to other religious and spiritual expressions. For example, Monday and Friday chapel times might be primary times to invite honorary chaplains to plan and lead the service (not just speak) as well as the Tacoma area pastors that have participated in a pastors’ round-table with the Director of Multicultural Recruitment and the Director of Church Relations as well as in the Gospel Experience. Flexibility in spiritual expression on Monday and Friday could also lead to other spiritual activity, such as advocacy and/or other time to focus on faith practices. The hope for this recommendation is that it will lead to greater variety of spiritual expression on PLU’s campus to more accurately reflect and respond to diversity of the campus community and allow space for the Campus Pastor/Campus Ministry office to be more relational and collaborative with other campus partners.

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15


PART V: COMPLETION OF PROFILEDiscernment Process and AdoptionPlease describe the process used to gather information, formulate responses, and officially adopt this Ministry Site Profile. (Approximately 100 words maximum).This MSP was written and approved by the Nominating Committee and the Campus Ministry Council per the Campus Ministry Council Constitution which governs the call process for the University Pastor at PLU.

Enter the date on which this Ministry Site Profile was adopted by vote of the Congregation Council or organization's board:

2/19/2016

Call Process Contact PersonThe Rev. Kim Latterell Bishop's Associate

NAME TITLE

(253) 535-8300 [email protected]

OFFICE PHONE E-MAIL

Communication Campaign.We recommend a broad, university-wide communication campaign regarding Lutheran higher education philosophy to clarify connection with PLU’s core values and the Lutheran faith practice. While there is a broad range of appreciation for the Lutheran values of higher education, there was an expressed longing to have more clarity and language to express such values.

University Congregation Discernment.Given the current size of University Congregation’s worship attendance and concerns expressed by graduating seniors who have been active leaders of the congregation, we recommend that the University Congregation engage in a period of discernment (potentially of 3-4 months) regarding the congregation’s mission and ministry. Questions to be asked include but are not limited to: Who is being served? What is distinct about the University Congregation? What is God calling us to do and be in the next chapter of ministry? What is our ministry to PLU? Where do you see God at work?A resource such as Dwight J. Zscheile’s, The Agile Church or various other congregational development resources could provide a helpful framework for the Campus Pastor in leading this discussion.

Campus Ministry Council.We recommend that the Campus Ministry Council meet regularly and serve as the primary discerning body to work with the campus pastor in developing set guidelines and policies regarding ecumenical and interfaith group activity. This group should have regular dialogue and set standards for religious and spiritual practice on campus. For instance, any group seeking usage of chapel for services will be approved as long as its practice fits within guidelines established by the Campus Ministry Council. In addition to providing guidelines for spiritual and religious activity, we recommend that the Campus Ministry Council discern how interfaith dialogue might be practiced in a healthy and respectful manner.

Honorary Chaplains.We recommend rethinking the role of Honorary Chaplains and changing the title to “Adjunct Chaplain.” While honorary indicates the role is voluntary, it also indicates the role is symbolic or tokenistic. The title of adjunct indicates that the role is more of a helper or assistant. We recommend that the Honorary Chaplains be supervised by the Campus Pastor and utilized in a greater way to reflect the passion and partnership these colleagues desire to bring to PLU. As well, perhaps more chaplains could be identified and sought out by the Church Relations position so that pastoral services to students of various traditions are offered through the Campus Ministry office.

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15


Reference's RecommendationThe Rev. Jan Ruud [email protected]

NAME E-MAIL

DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE

CELL FAX

2/19/2016 6:21:39 PM of 15


Ministry Site Profile - Southwestern Washington Synod … · Campus Ministry may have ready...

Documents

Transcript of Ministry Site Profile - Southwestern Washington Synod … · Campus Ministry may have ready...