ELCA Handbook
Download the ELCA Companion Synod Handbook.
The ELCA Handbook includes five orientation sessions
The orientation for the 2013 ECSW Trip to the Western Diocese followed this outline in general:
Orientation One: Initial Information Session ...........................................................................39
Leader: Pastor Mark Ziemer, Grace, Tomahawk
An introductory information session on the Companion Synod Program, the companion country, and likely traveling conditions, to help potential participants discern whether they want to commit:
• To provide an overview of the trip and its challenges;
• To introduce potential travelers to one another;
• To introduce the Companion Synod Program and your relationship;
• To introduce the accompaniment model of mission; and
• To give you a taste of the country and church you will visit.
Orientation Two: First Cross-cultural Session.........................................................................43
Leader: Rev. Brian Konkol, pastor at Lake Edge, Madison, WI; former Director of YAGM in South Africa
A cross-cultural orientation that equips participants to identify and set aside “typical” American values that may color their encounter:
• To identify typical U.S. cultural values;
• To contrast those values to those held by other cultures;
• To understand how those values influence the way we encounter other cultures;
• To become aware of the cultural values of your companion and country; and
• To understand the importance of developing cross-cultural relationship skills.
Orientation Three: Second Cross-cultural Session.................................................................46
Leader: Rev. Barbara Berry-Bailey, Manager for Relationships - Africa
A second cross-cultural orientation helps participants begin learning how to “cross” cultures:
• To understand the concept of cross- cultural competency;
• To explore cultural differences between the U.S. and your companion; and
• To begin to understand the effect of white privilege on companion synod relationships.
Orientation Four: Companion Church Session .......................................................................51
Leader: Chuck Steinbach, Chair of ECSW Global Mission/Companion Synod Task Force
An orientation to the companion, its ministries, members and context, including its history, current situation and country conditions:
• To acquaint participants with the culture and cultural values of your companion, as well as its history, structure, ministries, and current situation.
Orientation Five: Pre-trip Planning Session ............................................................................53
A pre-departure orientation focusing on trip detail:
Possible Leader: Conference Coordinator
• To review the trip itinerary and other final details; and
• To draft a trip covenant.
Download the ELCA Companion Synod Handbook.
The ELCA Handbook includes five orientation sessions
The orientation for the 2013 ECSW Trip to the Western Diocese followed this outline in general:
Orientation One: Initial Information Session ...........................................................................39
Leader: Pastor Mark Ziemer, Grace, Tomahawk
An introductory information session on the Companion Synod Program, the companion country, and likely traveling conditions, to help potential participants discern whether they want to commit:
• To provide an overview of the trip and its challenges;
• To introduce potential travelers to one another;
• To introduce the Companion Synod Program and your relationship;
• To introduce the accompaniment model of mission; and
• To give you a taste of the country and church you will visit.
Orientation Two: First Cross-cultural Session.........................................................................43
Leader: Rev. Brian Konkol, pastor at Lake Edge, Madison, WI; former Director of YAGM in South Africa
A cross-cultural orientation that equips participants to identify and set aside “typical” American values that may color their encounter:
• To identify typical U.S. cultural values;
• To contrast those values to those held by other cultures;
• To understand how those values influence the way we encounter other cultures;
• To become aware of the cultural values of your companion and country; and
• To understand the importance of developing cross-cultural relationship skills.
Orientation Three: Second Cross-cultural Session.................................................................46
Leader: Rev. Barbara Berry-Bailey, Manager for Relationships - Africa
A second cross-cultural orientation helps participants begin learning how to “cross” cultures:
• To understand the concept of cross- cultural competency;
• To explore cultural differences between the U.S. and your companion; and
• To begin to understand the effect of white privilege on companion synod relationships.
Orientation Four: Companion Church Session .......................................................................51
Leader: Chuck Steinbach, Chair of ECSW Global Mission/Companion Synod Task Force
An orientation to the companion, its ministries, members and context, including its history, current situation and country conditions:
• To acquaint participants with the culture and cultural values of your companion, as well as its history, structure, ministries, and current situation.
Orientation Five: Pre-trip Planning Session ............................................................................53
A pre-departure orientation focusing on trip detail:
Possible Leader: Conference Coordinator
• To review the trip itinerary and other final details; and
• To draft a trip covenant.
