MINISTRY FOCUS   2008-2011
Presbytery of Lake Michigan 

Scriptural foundation: Ephesians 3:14-21, Acts 16

Great Commission, Great Commandment

The Presbytery of Lake Michigan is a Christian community of congregations and clergy seeking as disciples of the Lord, Jesus Christ, to partner in mission and support one another in ministry as we collectively and individually:   

• Seeking God's Leading
• Sharing God's Love
• Spreading God's Light

The teams, committees and agencies of the Presbytery of Lake Michigan exist to provide resources, training, nurture and support to congregations, clergy and professional staff so they may be encouraged and strengthened for their ministry in their local communities and in the global community of God’s world.

As we carry out our mission, the members of Lake Michigan Presbytery continue to seek to be flexible in structure, dynamic in practice and imaginative in all things, as befits service to the Lord, engaging and sharing the many and various gifts God has given the members of our congregations. The Leadership Team, however, believes it is difficult to do all things well at the same time. While each serving body in the Presbytery has many responsibilities specific to its own area of concern, it seems to the Leadership Team that a common focus for our ministry together might make us more effective. After consideration of the many needs and concerns of clergy and congregations in the Presbytery, the Leadership Team is proposing that for a period of three years (2008-2011) the Presbytery teams, committees and agencies give special attention in their work to: 

Growing Congregations

In the twenty-first century, it is critically important that we take seriously the responsibility of growing faith and making disciples of a new generation, teaching them everything Jesus has commanded us. Lake Michigan Presbytery is committed to helping our congregations grow in faith, diversity, spiritual health and number. We embrace a holistic understanding of growth which seeks to understand one’s cultural context and to explore new venues for witnessing to the love and grace of God in Jesus Christ.

Caring for Clergy and Professional Staff

The Presbytery must play an essential role in equipping and caring for leaders in the twenty-first century church. This caring role extends to Ministers of the Word and Sacrament, Christian Educators, Commissioned Lay Pastors, Elders, Deacons, and professional church staff. Ministry can be lonely and exhausting, even amid its joys. Lake Michigan is committed to calling, enriching, and supporting competent and faithful lay and ordained leadership in the Church.