For Pastors

This is a summary of Winning on Purpose by Richard Kurth, pastor of St. Mark in Cleveland and Secretary of the Ohio District.

Winning on Purpose - summary by Richard Kurth

A pastoral vacancy is often a difficult experience for the Congregation. It can also be a time of growth, as God's people step forward to keep ministries going and even increase their support. It is a great time for self-examination and goal setting.

This pastoral vacancy is also an opportune time for a Congregation to look at its strengths and weaknesses, ministry priorities, and vision for the future.

The 2010 Ohio District - LCMS Compensation Guidelines are now available. In order to allow each congregation and school to set salaries for their workers based on their local economy, the Guidelines were developed based on starting salaries of your local public school district.

There is more to providing for your workers than just salary. Please spend sufficient time reviewing the Guidelines in their entirety as they address the entire spectrum of Human Resources.

If your congregation is unable to meet these Guidelines, we strongly encourage that a plan be put in place that will meet the Guidelines in three to five years. Please do not put them aside as "impossible." Our Professional Church Workers are a great asset to our congregations and schools and deserve to be compensated in a fair and equitable manner.

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is pleased to announce its summer 2009 series of workshops for pastors, professional church workers and interested laypersons.

The 2009 National Conference will be held in Milwaukee from August 2 – 5.

The Family Life Program at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in conjunction with Focus on the Family, will present a Family Champion Training™ seminar on April 25, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

A brochure designed for ordained and commissioned Ministers of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod covering topics relating to clergy taxes.

Use this link to visit the LCMS website and the pages for the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance.  These pages are designed to provide up-to-the-minute information about the work of the task force, including answers to frequently asked questions and all the latest resources.

2008 Junior High Gatherings - what an overwhelming, awesome experience!

Six new youth will be added to the Ohio District Youth Ministry Team.  Their terms begin in June!

An opportunity for high school youth (and mature eighth grade students) to be trained in planning basic service projects in their home communities as well as enjoy the friendships of other youth in the greater Cleveland area.

Have you ever considered that your churchs' organizational structure may be preventing you from reaching your ministry goals?  Policy Governance may be an answer...

To learn more about the model, visit John Carver's web site at www.policygovernance.com.

To see a copy of the Ohio District's Policy Manual, click this OD-LCMS Policies link.

Turning inwardly focused congregations outward.  A transformational process for plateaued or declining congregations offered by the Ohio District, LCMS.

Percept Group, a full-service demographic information company, proves to be a valuable resource for churches that provide the latest demographic information about your ministry area.

12 Step Process to a Successful Building Project

The ODLCEF has developed a 12-step process that is a helpful guide to congregations, schools and other district organizations interested in a building or renovation project.  Following the guide and making use of the resources available from the ODLCEF will make the difficult task of building go smoother.

Blank PIF form for Pastors to download and complete.

NEW! Youth Fellowship Handbook is now available!   There is a new/revised Lutheran Youth Fellowship Handbook: A Guide for Building Better Youth Groups.  This book is published by the LCMS Board for District Services for our synodical youth organization, Lutheran Youth Fellowship.

Contact any of these youth or adults of the Ohio District Youth Ministry Team for help in serving the youth and families of your congregation.

The LCEF Architectural Handbook is a step by step resource for congregations contemplating building or renovation projects. 

Resources and related information contained in the Architectural Handbook are available by contacting David Bowers, Executive Director of the Ohio District - CEF at 800-901-2297 ext. 22 or via email.

ODLCEF Loan Criteria  - basis for congregational borrowing and approval

Congregations interested in making a loan application to the ODLCEF will find convenient loan applications and instructions by utilizing these resources