CHRIS OCKEN
Incarnation Lutheran Church, Milwaukee
Through decades-long involve-
ment in church-based organizing, inner-city Incarnation found itself reinvigorated by realistic prospects for change in its neighborhood. Organizing skills also helped the congregation become financially stable.
Average worship attendance: 85. Years in organizing work: 25.
Words that previously described this congregation: Engaged in pub- lic arena, at-risk of closing, isolated from other churches, conflicted, discouraged, mistrusting, in rough
24 The Lutheran •
www.thelutheran.org shape financially, dependent.
Words that describe this congre- gation now: Curious, discerning, small and vibrant, legitimately self- interested, committed to each other, generous, persistent, competent with money, focused, connected to the neighborhood, always fragile and always strong.
What’s visible? Together with other partners in the community, we res- cued a local park from disrepair and abuse by gangs. Our members know how to be effective change-agents in their day-to-day ministries outside the church.
Important outcomes that may be invisible: Avoiding pastor burnout.
Members know how to use their power for good and are acknowl- edged leaders in the community. We’re not financially dependent on suburban partnerships.
Surprises along the way: How well organizing principles helped us improve our financial stewardship.
Where congregation-based orga- nizing could lead: Taking part in community-wide efforts to reduce incarceration rates among young males, and including congregation- based organizing experience as an element in calling our next pastor.
Dennis A. Jacobsen, who recently com- pleted 26 years as Incarnation’s pastor
Doris Owens (walking with Jim McKinley) of Incarnation Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, was instrumental in revital- izing Lindbergh Park, which was overused by gangs. Due to the efforts of parishioners and residents, kids now play in the park Incarnation built. Owens is organizer of Incarna- tion’s “Holy Ground Task Force,” which has closed down drug houses, created youth activi- ties, subdued gang violence, improved landlord-tenant relationships and challenged city departments to deliver services.
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