Introduction

A generous welcome and thanks to you for responding to the invitation to participate as a  Gabriel Messenger in implementing this project. This is primarily an information-sharing endeavor to help more LCMS members comprehend the extent and gravity of the resource-short plight facing seminaries and the ultimate implications of this for levels of seminarians’ enrollment and future member growth of Synod. You will find the effort interesting and can take satisfaction from helping to increase God’s Kingdom here on earth.

Seminaries appreciate larger gifts at any time. Their encouragement of these since initiation of tuition support in late 1990s helps explain the abbreviated enrollment growth. Hopefully, as this project expands the information dissemination, fund-raising efforts by seminaries will become even more productive. For this project the main thrust will be on expansion of aggregate participation in the hope this will offset suggested low initial contribution levels. Moreover, some individuals may show interest in major gifts and on the average, over time, many of the others will be moved to gradually increase their amounts 

Many LCMS members mention the proliferation of requests they have received following an initial contact with one of the agencies. Concordia, St Louis suggests anyone reluctant to contribute for this reason should be counseled to identify clearly with their gift, “Do Not Trade.”
 
Finally, a not insignificant component of visitations with (LCMS) members will be the opportunity to inform youth and young men of the God-pleasing, personally satisfying careers for church workers including serving as pastors.

I.  Procedural Suggestions  

1. In general prayers during services for entities in the Synod, it is often noticeable that seminaries are omitted. Especially given the present lack of information concerning the  status of seminaries, it is quite appropriate for GMs to occasionally suggest prayers be offered in regular services and at other church events. Individuals should be reminded more frequently as to the need for prayerful support as well as financial offerings. In such prayers we should be mindful of the teaching and administrative staffs, present seminarians and youth who may be moved to consider callings for careers in service to the church. 

2. Role of Pastors

Since this project is a lay person designed, led and conducted  project it is not intended to cause extra work and distractions for pastors. In general, however, his assistance would be appreciated  for guidance if not participation, in introducing the project content and methodology and in identifying candidates to serve as GMs. Beyond these steps, involvement by pastors will depend upon their perspectives and interests in coping  with problems of meeting future needs for pastors.
  

3. Identification of Gabriel Messengers (GMs)
 
Identification of GMs (men or women) should be done as soon as possible after introduction to the congregation. One or two members interested in seeing the problem solved could be encouraged to inform others of the opportunity to serve as GMs. The information sharing involved is not that onerous a task since listeners/viewers will soon realize every member has a stake in the outcome. Focus on information is so interesting and important it lessens what some people view as difficulties in discussing fund raising.

The number of GMs to identify depends, in part, on the congregation’s method of operation. An initial objective could be to have one for each 25-30 families (giving units). After a reasonable period of concentrated efforts, adjustments can be made.

As soon as GMs are chosen, it can be helpful if they have an opportunity to interact with an experienced GM. A seminar arrangement, with ample time allowance for questions, would be appropriate for this purpose.
  
4. Becoming Informed About Project

There are two aspects to this. The nature of the project will be considered by most GMs in deciding to become involved. Some details of the role are covered in sections below. But for each individual this will be fully shaped based on experience. Materials assembled for this project should be carefully read first. Beyond that, available periodicals should be utilized. The quarterly magazine, Focus, published by Concordia, St Louis frequently has very helpful information pertaining to similar issues. The  Summer 2005 issue has some particularly informative articles. Concordia Theological  Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN, publishes the magazine ”For The Life of the World”. The January 2005 issue contains an article, “Doctrine and Mission: not either/or but both/and!” Other suggestions for preparing to disseminate information on the situation are mentioned below. Experience will help to further define the content of our efforts.

5. Possible Role of Demonstration Groups

 This phase could be implemented as soon as the GM team has been formed and have had the seminar opportunity mentioned above. Eight to ten members of giving units, along with the new GMs could be the audience for presentation. This could be done by an experienced GM or a newly identified GM who has had similar experiences and has become informed through  background reading. Following the presentation both the invited members and new GMs could ask questions and participate in general discussions. Following the session, if there is an experienced visiting GM present another seminar could be held with the new GMs.

6.   Phase-in of Implementation 

The concept, purpose and operational procedures for the project can be introduced in a numbers of different ways. In most cases it should be initially introduced to the Pastor.
Following that it may be presented to the Council, Church Board or individuals the Pastors may suggest. The actual presentation could be made by a GM from another Congregation. If such a person  is not available, the presentation can be assembled by anyone using these printed materials to formulate their own program content. It is generally desirable for the Council or Church Board to consider the matter and pass a resolution approving visitations of members (singly or in groups) by the GMs.

7. Group or Single Approach?

Some individual members, for personal reasons, may prefer to visit with a GM on a solo basis. In terms of privacy issues there is no real difference between group and single approaches. The details of the transaction will be  known only to the donor, the receiving officer in the seminary and the Lord. Also, in both cases the donors receive receipts and reports needed for filing income taxes. In a practical sense the group approach has some particular advantages: 1) Discussions within the group often generates helpful dynamics; 2) Groups wishing to affiliate with the Adopt-A-Student program and opting for the $500 minimum annual threshold permits some individuals to participate who otherwise would be deprived; 3) The group approach can help economize on the GMs’ time both in original establishments and in future maintenance.

The group may be one already existing in the congregation’s practices or may be formed just for this purpose. If a group wishes to participate in the Adopt-A-Student program, one person would be identified as the group Correspondent. He/she would handle communications with the seminary as well as the student chosen by the seminary. The group may choose other ways to express their interests and concern for the student and family, if married. These could include observance of holidays and special family anniversaries. Progress of the student (and family) may be followed through residential studies, vicarage, ordination, installation and beyond.