Mission Support

Just as individuals support their congregations through their gifts of time, talent and treasure, congregations support the work of the synod and the churchwide organization through their ELCA Mission Support. In 2006, the projected mission support from synod congregations amounts to $2,305,000. This will be used to support synodical and churchwide ministries in a variety of ways.

FIFTY PERCENT of the mission support dollars that are received by the Saint Paul Area Synod are sent directly to the ELCA for churchwide ministries. This giving supports global mission in nearly 50 countries; new mission congregations in the United States; education at colleges and seminaries of the church; congregational support through worship, evangelism and stewardship materials, and youth and outdoor ministries. These donations also support the largest health and human service organization in the United States, Lutheran Services of America (LSA), an alliance of more than 300 social ministry organizations serving more than three million people.

FIFTY PERCENT of the mission support dollars are used for mission and ministry within the Saint Paul Area Synod. Of this amount—$1,152,000:

SIXTEEN PERCENT is used to support our ministry partners (Region 3; ELCA colleges and universities in Regions 3 and 5; Luther Seminary; Lutheran Campus Ministry; Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota; Minnesota Council of Churches; and Southeast Asian Ministry.)

TWENTY-SEVEN PERCENT enables the synod staff to under gird and support the work of the synod’s congregations in a variety of ways—assistance with children, youth and family ministries; call processes and consultations; staff ministry to congregations, rostered leaders and other ministries and partners of the church; and general administrative support and expenses

SEVEN PERCENT forwards the work of the synod’s threefold vision for mission, discovering ways and creating opportunities for synodical congregations and members to end poverty, identify and support new leaders, and invite all to hear the story of Jesus.

In addition, 100 percent of offerings received for designated mission projects, such as work with our companion synods in Guatemala and Iringa, Habitat for Humanity, and other projects are passed directly through this budget.