2009 Symposium on Congregational Health

“Where the Lord builds the church, the devil builds a chapel.” The reality is that Satan attacks Christians not only as individuals, but also as members of Christian congregations. His attacks are often overt, but more often subtle. Sometimes the wounds are obvious; more often they lurk under the surface as congregations become self-absorbed, self-satisfied, or self-interested. Congregational leaders and pastors struggle both to assess parish maladies and to treat them. When congregations lack overall spiritual health, the mission of the church is compromised or confused, and souls within and outside the church suffer.

The Symposium on Congregational Health intends to bring this very real aspect of parish life into focus. The symposium will be held on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary on Monday and Tuesday, September 21 and 22, 2009. Three essays will deal with evaluating wellness and treating illness. One will review biblical patterns and examples. Another will identify contemporary issues and suggest both possible and improbable solutions. The third will consider existing and improved structures for identifying and dealing with potential health problems.