The Synod of Lincoln Trails
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| The ministry and mission of the Synod of Lincoln Trails have moved to focus on leadership development during 2006. For some Presbyterians, one understanding of mission has been to send money to help spread the good news and to work for justice. Another way for mission to be understood has been to send mission workers into the world for God. The synod is responding missionally to presbyteries and congregations within its bounds. It has discovered that its passion for mission lies in developing, nurturing, and supporting leaders in partnership with its 8 presbyteries, 681 congregations, and 147,784 members.
In the area of vocational leadership, Lincoln Trails and the Synod of Mid-America have formed a team to provide interim training for pastors. This team has developed a four-day program for training interim executive presbyters. The synod provides a two-year training program for elders who want to serve as commissioned lay pastors. Since 1985 the synod has provided a program of support for newly ordained pastors. The synod is an active partner with its presbyteries in new church development and the transformation of existing congregations. Together with presbytery staff members, the synod learns and evaluates what is working in new church development and transformation and what challenges need to be addressed. Leadership development in stewardship and funds development has become intentional for the synod in its work with presbyteries and congregations. It is hoped that new energy in these areas will assist mission growth. McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago is within the bounds of the Synod of Lincoln Trails. |
Synod Staff |
 “Now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on [God’s] name” (Acts 22:16). |
 Ps. 25, 40, 84, 148 Hos. 4:11–19 Acts 21:37—22:16; Luke 6:12–26 |
