CHICAGO (ELCA) -- To help equip congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) for "Christ-centered service," the board of the church's Division for Congregational Ministries (DCM) approved "To Serve as Jesus Served: Making Christ Known Through Social Ministry," a new multi-year plan for the social ministry for congregations program. The action was part of the board's meeting here March 24-26.
In the next three years, the social ministry for congregations program will focus on "violence, outreach with youth and young adults, families in crisis and organizational community development," said Loretta E. Horton, director for social ministry for congregations, Division for Congregational Ministries.
"Congregations must develop models of ministry that intentionally contribute to social transformation, congregational renewal, the health of a community, human fulfillment and church growth," Horton told the board.
Social ministry is meeting the physical, spiritual, emotional and material needs of people both within and outside the church, Horton said.
The social ministry for congregations program is designed to inform congregations of relevant social issues and trends; motivate congregations to serve "the least"; instruct congregations on the "how to" of social ministry development; and to develop print, video and electronic resources for congregation-based social ministry.
The board authorized the addition of one executive staff person to the social ministry for congregation ministry team. The authorization of the additional staff member will be done in consultation with the ELCA Office of the Bishop.
DCM is organized into ministry teams to carry out its work with and on behalf of the ELCA's 11,000 congregations. The division's mission is "to support ELCA congregations to be alive in Christ as they participate in God's mission by actively proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and welcoming all to living faith."
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
- - -
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
