CHICAGO
URBAN MINISTRY
CLARITY PROCESS
Listening to our neighborhoods.
Learning from one another.
Exploring ministry together.
Why We are Gathering
Chicago Ministry Is Rooted in Christ
Ministry in the city has changed greatly since many of our Chicago congregations were founded.
Neighborhoods evolve. Communities change. New opportunities emerge.
Yet Christ’s Gospel and its power unto salvation remain unchanged.
The Chicago Urban Ministry Clarity Process creates space for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders of congregations in the East Region of the LCMS Northern Illinois District to prayerfully consider the gifts God has already provided and how those gifts might be strengthened, connected, and shared for the sake of the Gospel.
This is an opportunity to listen carefully to one another and to the communities we serve while
considering faithful ministry for the long term.
This is not a stand-alone seminar. Each gathering builds upon the work that comes before it.
Meeting 1
Saturday, October 24, 2026
9:30–11:30 a.m.
Resurrection Lutheran Church, 9349 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, IL 60620
1:00–3:00 p.m.
Messiah Lutheran Church, 6201 W. Patterson Ave., Chicago, IL 60634
Meeting 2*
Saturday, November 21, 2026
9:30–11:30 a.m.
Resurrection Lutheran Church, 9349 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, IL 60620
1:00–3:00 p.m.
Messiah Lutheran Church, 6201 W. Patterson Ave., Chicago, IL 60634
Meetings 3 & 4 — 2027
Dates and details to be
announced.
*Meeting 2 builds directly upon
Meeting 1.
What we will explore:
Listening. Learning.
Exploring Together.
Together, participants will explore:
Partnerships
How can congregations and ministries work together more effectively?
Relationships
What relationships within congregations, neighborhoods, and across the District can be strengthened?
Gifts
What people, experiences, facilities, relationships, knowledge, and other gifts has God already placed among us?
Neighborhoods
What is needed in particular Chicago neighborhoods for the sake of the Gospel?
Ministry Strategies
What sustainable strategies and ministry models could strengthen long-term Gospel ministry?
Shared Experience
What can we learn from the insights and experiences of those already serving in Chicago?
What makes this different?
This Is a Working Process
The Chicago Urban Ministry Clarity Process is not designed as another meeting where participants simply
come, listen, and leave. Participants will help shape the
conversation.
The process will include:
Prayer
Seeking the Lord’s guidance throughout the work.
Listening
Learning from congregations, leaders, neighborhoods, and one another.
Conversation
Sharing experiences, questions, ideas, and perspectives.
Collaboration
Exploring where ministry might be strengthened through relationships and partnership.
Continuity
The second meeting builds on the first, and two additional meetings in 2027 will continue the work.
Participation matters.
Your experience matters.
Your perspective matters.
Your congregation’s gifts matter.
Come ready to listen, contribute, build relationships, and explore what faithful ministry together can look like for Chicago.
Questions?
Contact Rev. Kris Whitby
kris.whitby@nidlcms.org
847-630-3357
