At The Water's Edge

A Strategic Vision for the next chapter of Green Lake Lutheran Ministries

For over 80 years, Green Lake Lutheran Ministries has been sharing the life-changing love of Jesus with campers and retreaters. GLLM has, for decades, been recognized as an organization on the cutting edge of outdoor ministry. From establishing its identity as a multi-site corporation, to its commitment to growing the next generation of church leaders, to building a retreat center that would serve “all ages in all seasons,” GLLM has a reputation for being not only a leader, but a pioneer in the world of Christian camping. This organization has a long history of stepping out in faith, even when the next step is scary and uncertain.

As the year 2020 approaches, the GLLM Staff and Board of Directors have a renewed vision for how this organization might serve the next generation of campers and retreaters. We continue to claim the traditional summer camp program as central to our ministry, while also recognizing the need to change in order to accommodate new audiences with varying expectations around the guest experience. The radical hospitality of Jesus drives our vision and stirs our imagination for how we might welcome everyone as Christ, listening carefully to the needs of others, and going above and beyond to serve generously, graciously, and humbly.

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries’ “At the Water’s Edge” vision launches the organization into a five-year strategic plan that will, once again, place GLLM on the cutting edge of camping and retreating ministry. This vision recognizes the rich blessing of resources that already exists within GLLM’s three physical sites and community of friends, and seeks to enhance the ministry through significant facilities projects, radical hospitality efforts, growth of our support base, communication advancements, and innovative programming.

This five-year strategic vision, “At the Water’s Edge,” will position Green Lake Lutheran Ministries as a premiere Christian camp and retreat center in the nation, inviting all to experience the life-changing love of Jesus through vibrant settings in community and creation.

We believe that GLLM is poised at the edge of great possibility. We are ready to dive deep into the next chapter. God is calling. Grace is waiting. With trust and excitement we take our next steps. Let’s go swimming!

Goals

Serve the Neighbor - GLLM strives to welcome all as Christ, offering radical hospitality rooted in the way of Jesus, and providing exceptional customer service. We aspire to enhance our capacity to grow retreating, conferencing, and camping at all three GLLM sites.
Grow the Community - From campers and retreaters, to staff and alumni, to donors, GLLM seeks to engage every member of its community more deeply, with the aim of growing Christ’s church more widely.
Tell the Story - A renewed commitment to sharing the life-changing love of Jesus is at the heart of GLLM’s mission. We will do this through innovative programming, new communication strategies, and reliance on the love, grace, and Spirit of God.

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