Every interim period within a congregation is unique. In 2010 Kris Bjorke served as Interim Director of Youth Ministry with Christ Lutheran Church in Blaine, Minnesota. Her short-term position included working alongside volunteers in ministry to discover where they wanted to go with their ministry to young people.“We conducted surveys, focus groups, did training, as well as kept the ministries going,” Bjorke explained.“The result of our work led to the hiring of Jenna Bergeson who at the time was a college graduate. Jenna still serves at Christ Lutheran with a thriving ministry to young people.”
Recently, Bishop Ann Svennungsen announced that the Minneapolis Area Synod will partner with InterServe to expand synodical support for leaders and congregations in their “First Third of Life” ministries. Interserve is uniquely qualified to help the synod staff expand its work in this area. “Between them, the two Interserve directors have nearly 30 years of experience in youth ministry — plus a wealth of relationships with leaders and congregations of our synod,” explained Svennungsen. “Their expertise will be invaluable as we support this ministry so essential to the church, and as we envision how the synod can most effectively support First Third of Life work into the future.”
“Our role is primarily at the congregational level,” explained Megrund. “We see ourselves networking with all stakeholders in a congregation and providing resources that will help them thrive.” She added that they curate information for staff and volunteers that help them work within the context of their congregation so they can find the best model for them.
“Kris and Sue will help us to relate to the leaders of young people in our synod,” explained Pastor John Hulden, assistant to the bishop, including programs related to the first-third of life. “The synod now has experienced leaders concentrating for 10 hours each week on how best to do Children, Youth, and Family ministry in the congregations of our synod.” InterServe will work with Hulden to strategize alongside Children, Youth, and Family leaders in the synod and to strengthen the flourishing of all First Third ministries.
Bjorke is now co-director of InterServe Ministries, an independent ministry that serves congregations in their work with children, youth, and families. InterServe has worked with congregations in several ELCA synods while they are experiencing changes in their children’s or youth ministries. Its co-directors, Bjorke and Susan Megrund, provide interim youth ministry staffing: assisting with Sunday school and childhood faith development, providing stability during a congregation’s transition times, and partnering with existing committees to plan for future programs and staffing.
Recently, Bishop Ann Svennungsen announced that the Minneapolis Area Synod will partner with InterServe to expand synodical support for leaders and congregations in their “First Third of Life” ministries. Interserve is uniquely qualified to help the synod staff expand its work in this area. “Between them, the two Interserve directors have nearly 30 years of experience in youth ministry — plus a wealth of relationships with leaders and congregations of our synod,” explained Svennungsen. “Their expertise will be invaluable as we support this ministry so essential to the church, and as we envision how the synod can most effectively support First Third of Life work into the future.”
“Our role is primarily at the congregational level,” explained Megrund. “We see ourselves networking with all stakeholders in a congregation and providing resources that will help them thrive.” She added that they curate information for staff and volunteers that help them work within the context of their congregation so they can find the best model for them.
“Kris and Sue will help us to relate to the leaders of young people in our synod,” explained Pastor John Hulden, assistant to the bishop, including programs related to the first-third of life. “The synod now has experienced leaders concentrating for 10 hours each week on how best to do Children, Youth, and Family ministry in the congregations of our synod.” InterServe will work with Hulden to strategize alongside Children, Youth, and Family leaders in the synod and to strengthen the flourishing of all First Third ministries.