The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) envisions a world experiencing the difference that God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation. And yet, overall, the ELCA continues in a pattern of macro decline, with aging members and a membership profile that does not reflect the diversity of the United States. As ministry challenges and opportunities only become increasingly complex, congregations must be grounded in Lutheran faith practices and be equipped and inspired to adapt and innovate for the future -- not just to survive, but so that their communities may thrive. In collaboration with strategic partners, including four ELCA synods, and through a congregational team cohort model, the ELCA churchwide organization seeks to unleash and harness the collective genius of congregations as they discover new and useful ministry innovations for the sake of this world God so loves, sparking the ELCA “innovation denomination” movement. By the end of this project, more new, young, and diverse people will know about life in Christ through the bold, faithful, courageous witness of these congregations — so that all might “have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10 NRSV).
Congregations Lead: Innovation Denomination
Chicago, IL
National
Mikka McCracken