Vision

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9 (NIV).

STRONG – For God Is With Us

To be strong in our relationships with our rostered ministers and the congregations/ministry sites they serve. God is a God of relationships and our vision for the Virginia Synod will be rooted in relationships. Being present and engaged, providing support and resources in order that rostered ministers and congregations/ministry sites can continue to be whole and holy participants in the mission and ministry we share.

COURAGEOUS – For God Is With Us

To be courageous in our efforts to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion, in order to foster an environment of belonging for all rostered ministers and congregations/ministry sites. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are not only necessary, but essential to the mission and ministry of the Virginia Synod.

FEARLESS – For God Is With Us

To not be afraid to live into what and where we sense God is leading us. Discernment is both individual and communal. We have been discerning as individuals, congregations, conferences, and regions as to what God may be calling us to be and to do. The information collected from the rostered ministers and Synod Assembly voting members will be an integral part of forming the specifics of our moving forward in our Synod.

FOR GOD IS WITH US – Hope-filled, Confident Support 

To know that as we journey together, that our faithful and gracious God is with us, in every denominational, societal, and global situation we encounter.

• In the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• In Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who reveals to us the very heart of the Father.
• That we are saved by grace through faith — this is not our own doing, but it is the gift of God!
• That we are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ and raised in his resurrection power to walk in newness of life.
• Lutherans are a diverse group of people, convinced that the Holy Spirit is leading us toward unity in the household of God.
• As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we are connected to the faith of the church through the ages and around the world.
• We are part of God’s unfolding plan.
• When we gather for worship, we connect with believers everywhere and of every time.
• When we study the Bible and pray, we are drawn more deeply into God’s own saving story.
• When we serve others and address social issues that affect the common good, we live out our Christian faith.”