CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Income for the10,889 congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in 1997 was $2,006,953,384, up $133,397,469 or 7.12 percent from 1996, reported the Rev. Lowell G. Almen, ELCA secretary.
Of total congregational receipts, $1,384,266,794 was received in regular, unrestricted offerings -- up 3.88 percent. For 1996 the increase in regular giving by members over the year before was 2.68 percent.
"Words of thanks and voices of gratitude can be heard throughout the congregations," Almen said. "Increased support for the strategic work that we share through synodical and churchwide ministries touches the lives of many with the Gospel."
The average regular giving per confirmed member increased from $401.39 in 1996 to $423.23 -- up 5.44 percent or $21.84 per confirmed member.
Total disbursements by ELCA congregations for local operating expenses was $1,289,625,392. That amounted to an increase of $50 million or 4.06 percent over 1996.
Regular "mission support" -- that is, monies passed from congregations to the 65 synods and to the churchwide organization to support the national and international ministries of this church -- increased four times what it had from 1995 to 1996. Total "mission support" funding for 1997 was $123,573,865, up $2,646,555 from $120,927,310 in 1996, for an increase of 2.18 percent.
What is known as "Specific Mission Support" -- formerly called Designated Gifts -- increased by 3.59 percent or by $176,960 to $5,097,339 in 1997.
Contributions reported by congregations to the World Hunger Appeal and Lutheran Disaster Response jumped 23.37 percent or $2,288,649 from $9,792,901 in 1996 to $12,081,550. Funds for 1997 Red River Valley flood relief in the Dakotas and western Minnesota were seen as a significant factor in this increase, Almen reported.
Funding for missionary sponsorship grew by 8.58 percent to $4,971,079 in 1997. At the same time, Mission Partner giving increased 11.83 percent last year to $3,685,468. Through the ELCA Mission Partners program, established congregations give financial gifts, loans or gifts of equipment and supplies to new ministries, or they can share time and skills through volunteer projects. Gifts go directly to the new ministry without administrative costs.
"Special Benevolences" related to the ELCA's 65 synods increased 14.27 percent from $14,696,720 in 1996 to $16,795,037 in 1997.
Money for community benevolent causes was up 2.36 percent or $544,603 to $23,610,146 in 1997.
Congregations reported a 12.49 percent increase in other expenses, up $8,456,493 to $76,110,950.
More than 63 percent (63.58%) of ELCA congregations reported that they had no debt in 1997.
Congregations reported $1,230,771,759 in savings and investments, endowments and memorial funds for 1997 -- up $150,845,301 from the previous year.
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director 1-773-380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
