Ablaze! for God’s
Mission
in partnership with
Fan into Flame
is a movement to inspire individuals
and congregations in
the Southeastern District to respond as recipients of God’s abundant
grace through the sharing of resources in the work of mission.
Congregational Mission Funding Campaigns About to Begin
Beginning in January 2007, a first group of congregations will pilot the congregational campaign. Each Southeastern District congregation will have the opportunity to participate in the Ablaze! for God’s Mission campaign. There will be three opportunities. The first group begins in January and will complete in April. The second, begins in April and completes their campaign in July. The third round of congregational campaigns will take place during the summer.
If you would like additional information about the congregational campaigns, contact Peter Black, campaign staff, at the Southeastern District Office or email:pblack@ccsfundraising.com
Ablaze! for God’s Mission District Effort
Glossary of Terms
The following are terms used in the campaign and many have asked "what do they mean?" The glossary below is provided to assist you with these terms.
Campaign-Fan into Flame is the capital fund raising campaign endorsed by the 2004 Synodical Convention that will secure $100 million dollars in new money to fund vital new and enhanced mission programs around the world, throughout the United States and in participating Districts and congregations to help Districts, congregations and individual Lutherans reach the Ablaze!movement goal.
Effort-By resolution of the 2006 District Convention, delegates endorsed the Ablaze! for God’s Mission district effort to support mission projects and programs that will advance the District’s Ablaze! goals to share the Gospel with 2.5 million people in our five-state region.
Appeal-Each congregation within the District will have an opportunity to participate in the District effort by planning a meaningful, intentional congregational appeal to reach educate members about Ablaze! for God’s Mission and invite their support.
Pilot Congregations-A group of congregations to lead the District effort
by running their local appeal first. They will serve as the models for all
other congregations, demonstrating both support for the case and effectiveness
of recommended appeal plans.
Congregation Appeal Plans-Each
congregation’s method
to participate in the District effort will vary. The options to meaningfully
participate may include 3 plans as detailed in the Congregation Plan manual;
a combined appeal- where a tithe of a capital campaign is offered; and a
guaranteed goal- where a specific amount is guaranteed through the budget
over a 3 to 5year period. The goal is to implement the best plan for
the congregation.
“Start-Up to Ablaze!”- Start-up material provided by LCMS World Mission provides multiple resources such as “Friendship Ablaze!, a four (4) week program of spiritual enrichment and worship. It also contains a one page list of resources garnered from congregations (such as “50 Days Ablaze!”) that are proven strategies to get members involved.
Circuit Mission Advocates (CMAs)-CMAs are responsible for encouraging Ablaze! education activities in congregations throughout the District effort timetable by utilizing the “Start-Up to Ablaze!” resource kit.
Circuit Ablaze! Coordinators-Leaders identified throughout the District who serve to speak to congregational leadership to encourage participation in Ablaze! for God’s Mission, provide materials as requested, and lend a local presence to district’s efforts within their respective circuits throughout the effort’s timetable.
Circuit Counselors- Circuit Counselors offer their support to the District effort by inviting and encouraging Pastors and lay leaders to attend workshops and encourage discussion about Ablaze! for God’s Mission at circuit meetings.
Ablaze! for God’s Mission Steering Committee-The District effort Steering Committee serves as the campaign’s recognized leadership body to promote Ablaze! for God’s Mission and its importance to the Ablaze! movement, encourage others to participate in the effort’s fundraising plan and timetable, and oversee the success of the Ablaze! for God’s Mission. The Steering Committee consists of the District President, Campaign Co-Chairs, Mission and Ministry Executive, and key lay leaders in the District.
Ablaze! for God’s Mission Co-Chairs-The District Campaign Co-Chairs serves as the District effort’s point-person during Ablaze! for God’s Mission, providing leadership, oversight, advice and encouragement during the District effort.
Major Gift Committee- The District Major Gift Committee provides leadership to the Ablaze! for God’s Mission Major Gift effort, seeking gifts of $50,000 and above over 5 years. The Committee members are prominent, well-known and respected individuals who possess relationships with potential District major gift prospects.
Communications Officer-The Communications Officer within the District acts to coordinate campaign publicity to all its members by utilizing local media and District publications to ensure that members of the District are educated about Ablaze! for God’s Mission and the Ablaze! movement in the District.
Campaign Director-A professional advisor from Community Counseling Service, Co., LLC will support the effort’s activity in all participating congregations by working personally with local congregation leadership and volunteers to facilitate congregational appeal strategies, volunteer recruitment, provide training, offer various materials, answer questions, assist with challenges, offer strategic guidance with solicitations and help maintain the pace of activity necessary to achieve the district’s objectives.