wfn.org | ELCA Board Approves Social Ministry for Congregations Plan

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

April 19, 2000

ELCA BOARD APPROVES SOCIAL MINISTRY FOR CONGREGATIONS PLAN
00-108-MR

     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