Evangelism Initiatives — The Gospel compels the Church to always share the good news of Jesus Christ. Evangelism initiatives are meant to add and enhance more ways God’s people can engage in evangelism through congregations and synod work. These grants support Congregations, conferences and/or synods throughout the ELCA as they share the good news of Jesus Christ. Preference is given to lay-led initiatives and training opportunities for evangelism.

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Congregational Outreach Ministry (COM) — The purpose of a Congregational Outreach Ministry (COM) is evangelism. These are congregation-based and centered in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through intentional, invitational discipleship and/or outreach ministries located in congregations.

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Synod Authorized Outreach Ministry (SAOM) — The purpose of a Synod Authorized Outreach Ministry (SAOM) is evangelism. These are synod-based and authorized, centered in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through intentional, invitational discipleship and/or outreach ministries.

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Synod Authorized Worshiping Community (SAWC) / SAWC Exploration — Accompanying synodical initiatives to expand the reach of our church through the development of new congregations. These new communities of faith reflect our ELCA commitments to be evangelical, diverse, inclusive, and ecumenical working for peace and justice in society.

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Strategic Ministries — A mechanism to partner with churches in ethnic communities, communities experiencing poverty and others located in strategically important places to strengthen innovative, resourceful ministries enriching the whole church.

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Synod Vitality Strategies — A plan created in the synod that involves groups of churches working together to form a learning community and network for ministry over a specified amount of time (e.g., 1-3 years).

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Anchor Churches — An Anchor Church is one congregation willing to partner with one, two or several churches (which may include one or more new starts) or other ministries. They learn, collaborate and resource one another to move together into the future.

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Holy Innovations — Gifts through the ELCA Campaign have enabled investment in exciting ministry collaborations and experiments within and among synods.

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