INVESTING IN CONGREGATIONS North Minneapolis is a highly diverse community with a number of complexities. While the area is often described as vibrant and close-knit, it also struggles with high levels of poverty. The ELCA is attempting to reverse this trend through a campaign-funded area strategy grant, which supports four congregations in the community that are working collaboratively to live out the gospel—which for them means
meeting the needs of their neighbors. “We believe our congregations can have a more
powerful impact together rather than separately,” said Deborah Stehlin, director for evangelical mission with the Minneapolis Area Synod. After spending time with each other and
listening to the needs of the community, these congregations—Redeemer, Salem Evangelical, Christ English and River of Life—decided to place emphasis on three areas: neighborhood youth outreach, meeting basic needs and evangelism. With the campaign grant, the churches have
made strides in each focus. The collective youth ministry program now brings in neighborhood youth who weren’t previously part of the congregations. When there was an uptick in gun violence last summer, the congregations opened up a gym so youth would have a safe place to play basketball. Stehlin said there is potential for the grant
to produce even more fruit. “I am grateful that the ELCA is investing in congregations that are collaborating for the sake of their surrounding neighborhoods,” she said. “When we work together, we have greater ability to bless and be blessed by our neighbors, and a greater understanding of God’s purpose for Lutherans in this part of our city.”
FROM THE DONOR’S PERSPECTIVE Currently a member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Palatine, Ill., Diane Hill is the daughter of an ELCA pastor and a member of the inaugural advisory board for the ELCA Fund for Leaders. Hill said she is delighted to have the opportunity to help support future church leaders. “I have a passion for
supporting and mentoring pastors in their journey of discernment, study and transition to serving the church,” she said. “It has never been more critical for the church to demonstrate such support through scholarships.” Hill’s inspiration to give and volunteer comes
directly from clergy themselves—those who are deeply devoted to their work, education, multi- and cross-cultural ministries, and an overall commitment to the church’s mission. She said nothing should come in the way of a person pursuing her or his call to ordained ministry, especially finances. Because of this, she is pleased that leadership is one of the campaign’s main goals. “We need to educate and mobilize the
church to raise the greatly needed funding for this mission that will help sustain and grow the church,” she said.
For more information visit
elca.org/campaign.
Jill Dierberg Clark is a freelance writer living with her husband and twins in the St. Louis area.
40 FEBRUARY 2017
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