MNO Synod Vision Statement

Mission Statement

The MNO Synod Vision Strategy

AS THE EXPRESSION OF THE Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and its faithfulness to the Lord of the Church, this Synod shall facilitate and advance the mission of this church within its territory. Guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, it shall carry out its mission by shepherding its congregations and ordained ministers, and by engaging in other forms of ministry which proclaim God’s word and serve to bring reconciliation to the world.

God calls us, through Word and Sacrament, to be disciples and to make disciples. Our discipleship is defined by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Our mission is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people in Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario and around the world through the proclamation of the Word, the celebration of the Sacraments, and through service in Christ’s name.

a. In recognition that the congregation is the primary focus of the church’s activity, the MNO Synod affirms that the chief goal is to encourage, challenge, and support its congregations, pastors, and professional leaders.

b. That our synod recognize in its programming and planning the individuality of each congregation/parish and the uniqueness of their needs.

c. That our efforts to equip ourselves for the support of congregations be guided by the following acknowledged needs of congregations.

-The need for a sense of their place in a larger mission.
-The need for help when they are in trouble.
-The need to be challenged when they are off base.
-The need to be left alone when they are not actively seeking help.
-The need for pastoral care when issues affect their corporate life that require attention
from an outside caregiver.
-The need to know that pastoral care is available for their pastors and spouses.
-The need for help with leadership development.
-The need for technical assistance.
-The need for somebody who listens, listens, listens.
-The need to be affirmed.

d. That the Synod Council together with all the synod leadership will seek to get to know and understand the unique nature of our synod and all its constituent parts.

e. That our synod assemble a resource inventory of specific assistance available to congregations.

f. That our synod engage in other forms of ministry which proclaim God’s Word and serve to bring reconciliation to the world.