Shepherding Our Strays guides congregations through the process of intentionally caring for inactive members. Using the imagery of a shepherd and sheep, members are categorized as safe, at risk, straying, and strayed. This directly corresponds to how involved the members are, whether they are decreasing or increasing in involvement, and how frequently they attend church events. A CARE (concern, attention, re-engagement, encouragement) Team is formed that reaches out to these families and individuals with compassion and intentionality.
Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe and Rev. Clark Jahnke, Pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in West Fargo, North Dakota, discuss the often-sensitive nature of ministering to inactive members, the impact of the pandemic on this ministry area, and the blessings of creating a team to engage this important work together.
Bio:
Pastor Clark Jahnke has served St. Andrew Lutheran Church for the past 33 years of 35 years of ministry. There he has served as Associate Pastor, Sole Pastor and Senior Pastor. St. Andrew is located in West Fargo, ND, a part of a greater metro area of over 250,000 people including Fargo and Moorhead, MN. He and his wife, Susan are natives of MN, both graduates of Concordia University-St. Paul. They have four boys (three are married) and 6 living grandchildren spread from West Fargo to Baltimore, MD.
Resources:
- Learn more about LCMS National Mission lcms.org/nationalmission
- https://www.lcms.org/church-revitalization
Theme music: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling, used by permission, TheHymnalProject.com.
God’s Mission Here spotlights the work that God is doing through His people… and this work is closer to home than you might expect! Listen as we chat with some very down-to-earth people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty in God’s mission field. Get inspired. Be encouraged. Get involved! Learn more about LCMS National Mission lcms.org/nationalmission.
Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.
