Local Mission Partnerships

The idea of partnership comes from a nautical term that refers to the timbers used to support the mast of a sail boat where it enters the deck. The partner must be secure for the boat to function properly. When winds pick up it is the partner that stabilizes the mast and makes sure the deck holds firm. In the Saint Paul Area Synod, mission partners exist for a very similar reason — to make sure that each is made stronger by the existence of the other; true partnership blesses both ministries.

Local mission partnerships are the lifeblood of new and renewing congregations in the Saint Paul Area Synod. Centered around the principles of prayer, presence, and presents, we recognize that new mission starts and redevelopment efforts could not happen without these principles. However, local mission partnerships go beyond that. They mean support, love, and willingness to learn together and share each other's experiences. In partnership, the established congregation grows from being part of something new just as much as the new congregation grows in its own life.

To learn more about how your ministry can engage in fulfilling partnership, contact the Rev. Justin Grimm at justin.grimm@elca.org.

Click here to offer your financial support the ministries of new and renewing congregations in the synod. (Look under "Synod Support" and enter your donation on the line indicating "Local Mission Partnership."