GUIDELINES FOR PROVIDING

MISSION AND MINISTRY GRANTS TO CONGREGATIONS

 

 

 

I.       INTRODUCTION

 

As partners in ministry, the Southeastern District seeks to resource congregations, circuits and mission committees in developing new or expanded opportunities for outreach. Such opportunities may lead to the development of a new congregation. Every endeavor will be mission-focused and will increase the potential for outreach to the unchurched through new expressions of mission and ministry.

 

This creative partnership is a collaborative relationship that is built on the common goal that God desires everyone to be saved and that he has instructed us in our going to make disciples of all peoples, baptizing and teaching them.

 

It is a partnership shaped through mutual conversation, planning, and preparation with a mission committee of a congregation, circuit, or cluster of congregations who see the need for new outreach and envisions mission beyond their existing ministries.

 

The resources of the staff of the Southeastern District will be available to mission committees as a strategy for new work is developed. Mission and Ministry Facilitators are prepared to assist with developing strategies, mission and ministry plans, and the development of new ministries. Additional assistance with educational ministries and ethnic ministries are available through the Mission and Ministry Executive for Black, Urban and Multi-Ethnic Ministries and Mission and Ministry Executive (Schools). Financial guidance and demographic resources through the Facilitators and Lutheran Church Extension Fund Vice President is also available to the mission committee.

 

Believing that God hears and answers the prayers of the faithful, knowing that the full power of God is needed to begin and sustain new work, the Mission Prayer Partnership network of the District will be engaged to support the efforts of mission outreach and growth. This growing number of individuals will be provided with regular mission updates. Special prayer needs will be communicated to this group as well.

 

It may be that a financial partnership is formed with the SED and the congregation/mission committee through a Mission and Ministry Grant. This is always shaped in consultation with the Mission and Ministry staff and based on the availability of funds. While each new start will have unique needs, a general guideline for providing a mission and ministry grant is used. Financial support is granted for one year and may be extended. (This is generally not extended beyond three years.)

II.                 PURPOSE

 

Mission and Ministry grants may be provided in support of:

  1. New congregations during the first years of development with the expectation that such assistance will increase the potential for outreach to the unchurched through new expressions of mission and ministry by committed people.  New congregations may receive a 3-year grant for calling its first mission developer/pastor. This grant is factored at two years full salary and one year at half salary.  It will always be the encouragement of the District for new missions to be able to support their worker after three years. As the new mission works with the Regional Mission and Ministry Facilitator, this may be adjusted. Mission and Ministry grants for Mission Developers generally do not extend beyond three years.

 

  1. Established congregations in certain situations where there is an identified opportunity for expanded outreach ministry, but where the congregation is unable to proceed without initial financial assistance may be awarded a staffing grant (generally a two-year partnership grant). They must demonstrate that the new position supports mission growth and not maintenance.

 

  1. A new mission utilizing an Open Arm Child Development concept bases the building of its first unit on the building of a childcare facility. Because of the liability of underwriting the funding for land and/or building, the number of such partnerships is limited by the contingent liability policy as set forth by the Board of Directors. However, the Southeastern District will consider partnering with the mission to assist in calling/contracting a director for the program. This staffing partnership is generally a two-year commitment for salary assistance.

 

  1. Congregations beginning an ethnic ministry outreach may apply for a grant to assist with a portion of the financial obligations of supporting an ethnic leader. The DistrictÕs first priority will be to provide support for the preparing of the worker through the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology. This funding support includes providing tuition for classes and housing while the student is on campus. It is understood that this support is generally for a 3-4 year period while the student is taking classes. Support for the congregation engaged in ethnic ministry is generally a two-year grant to support the worker in ethnic ministry who is rostered and who is working with the congregation to develop an LCMS outreach mission.

 

  1. The start up of a new school is an example of a congregational outreach to families and children. Congregations beginning new school ministries may be eligible for assistance with identifying a principal that is mission-focus. These are generally two-year limited grants in partnership with the congregation to support the workerÕs salary.

 

  1. New and established congregations in response to emergency situations that may require short-term financial assistance (one year or less). 

 

  1. Note additional models of mission/ministry are included at the end of this document.

 

III.               PRINCIPLES

 

  1. Central mission of the church. The Southeastern District is committed to encouraging and challenging congregations to growth and excellence in ministry, believing that vital and healthy congregations:

1)     See themselves in primary mission beyond their current membership, focused on outreach to the unchurched;

2)     Have lay and clergy leadership which share an outreach focused vision;

3)     Are flexible in methods of communicating the unchanging message of Jesus Christ within a changing world;

4)     Are committed to developing leaders for ministry through nurture and discipleship.

 

  1. Continuation of financial assistance depends upon adequate mission, ministry planning, and reporting.

1)     In agreeing to assist congregations financially, the Southeastern District expects the congregation to demonstrate responsibility toward GodÕs mission in its own mission and ministry planning.  The congregation is expected to develop a realistic plan of ministry, taking into consideration the needs of its local community.

2)     The Southeastern District, through staff and other trained resource persons, assists congregations in processes for developing mission and ministry plans. The continuation of financial assistance during the course of the year is contingent upon completion and submission of quarterly reports. These reports assist the Mission and Ministry Office in understanding growth and challenges. They also enable the story of the mission to be shared with others.

 

  1. Decisions concerning mission and ministry grants will be made in consultation with the local group.

 

Decisions concerning financial assistance through a mission and ministry grant will take into consideration local needs, the availability of funding, and the overall priorities consistent with the Mission and Vision Statements, Priorities and Goals of the Southeastern District.  Mission and Ministry grant requests will be reviewed by the Regional Mission & Ministry Facilitator, the Circuit Mission Advocate, and the Circuit Counselor.  Mission and Ministry grant decisions will be granted based upon final evaluation and review by the SED Staff.

 

When working with congregations and projecting financial assistance, it is the intent of the Southeastern District to make a commitment for one year at a time and project for  additional  years according to the guidelines that have been developed for funding new mission and ministry. It is the DistrictÕs intent to follow through the commitment and to honor this projected support of mission as the District is able based on availability of funds.

 

  1. Mission and Ministry grants will be used primarily to support outreach ministry through staff.

 

SED financial resources will be used primarily to provide adequate pastoral leadership and outreach staff. 

 

As the need for first unit construction becomes apparent, congregations may be assisted with meeting new debt obligations in consultation with the District LCEF Vice President and in accordance with LCEF policies and guidelines.  Financing of any structures will take into consideration the amount of long-term debt that the congregation can realistically support.  Debt repayment shall ordinarily not exceed 33% of the total budget required for operating the congregationÕs mission and ministry, including anticipated debt repayment in future budgets.

 

  1. Mission and Ministry grants will be granted proportionate to the   ability of the local congregation to finance its own basic program.

1)     The Mission and Ministry grant is seen by the Southeastern District as seed money.  Its primary purpose is to provide start-up funds rather than long-term support.  It is the general policy of the Southeastern District that assisted ministries move to self-support for pastoral salary and outreach within 3 years.

2)     District staff will assist the congregation in determining certain benchmarks when it is appropriate to call the first pastoral staff. This will be done with the understanding that a critical mass of members is necessary to support a pastoral staff and a building project in a way that will prove healthy for the long-term growth and ministry of the congregation. 

3)     It is recognized that there are special ministries, which by their very nature may require financial assistance over a longer period.   It is also recognized that certain ministries, by virtue of their location, cost of land and construction, may require greater levels of support.  Each ministry will be reviewed in accordance with general guidelines taking into account special needs and circumstances.

 

  1. Financial assistance must be adequate.

 

Given a priority emphasis on mission growth and excellence in ministry, financial assistance will be adequate to enable congregations to succeed in fulfilling their mission.  Congregations will be held accountable annually to mission and ministry plans, goals and objectives for continuation of financial assistance through Mission and Ministry grants.

 

  1. Agreements between the Southeastern District and the congregation will be made in writing.

1)     In order that the congregation and the Southeastern District both might fully be aware of the mutual responsibilities they have assumed, financial assistance understandings and agreements will be committed to in writing.  The agreements will include, but not be limited to, the annual amount of grant assistance and projected assistance, the financial assistance reduction schedule, and the plan for ministry of the congregation.

2)     The Southeastern District does not make mission and ministry grant commitments beyond the current fiscal year.  All multi-year grant agreements and understandings are conditional upon availability of funds.  Adjustments in grant funds may be necessary within the fiscal year if District cash flow problems occur.  Ministries receiving Mission and Ministry grants will be notified in writing of adjustments in grant assistance.

 

  1. Mission and Ministry grants will be used strategically.

 

Challenged by funding limitations, the Southeastern District will prioritize grant requests and assistance consistent with the Mission Statement, Vision, Priorities and Goals of the District. Questions (criteria) to be considered in establishing priorities and in determining qualifications for financial assistance include:

 

1)     Will this new work reach unchurched people? Does demographic research support this? What is the target audience?

2)     Is there a mission and ministry plan? How is/will the written mission and ministry plan being/be utilized?

3)     Is there circuit support (endorsement, prayer, financial)?

4)     Is there a parenting/partnering congregation to provide local support and resources to the new mission, including staff? (This may be through the supervision of a Mission Track Vicar or a lay worker, or calling a pastor.)

5)     Does the partnering congregation demonstrate support for the mission work of the District (financial support and participation in District-sponsored activities)?

6)     To whom is the mission accountable?

7)     Will this new mission begin its ministry with a vision for ministry beyond itself?

8)     In what ways does this mission demonstrate a people Ablaze! for the work of sharing the Gospel?

9)     Are local/circuit funding partnerships in place to support the work of the mission?

10) When seeking to renew a grant has the mission provided regular mission information and accurate, current financial reports?

 

IV.              Alternatives to Mission and Ministry Grants.

 

If the answers to the questions above raise concerns about the continuation of financial assistance to any congregation, other alternatives should be considered, such as:

1)     Sharing a pastor with another congregation or ministry

2)     Use of a part-time pastor

3)     Use of a pastor who receives salary from secular employment

4)     Lay workers providing pastoral services under the guidance of a nearby pastor

5)     Sharing of facilities with another congregation

6)     Relocation

7)     Merger with another congregation

8)     Temporarily recess the work

9)     Disbanding the congregation and arranging for its members to join other congregations

 

V.                PROCEDURES

 

 

  1. In an attempt to assist both the congregation and the Southeastern District in monitoring the congregationÕs progress, the congregation's leaders will be requested each year to complete Planning and Budgeting Documents.   The purpose of the documents is to provide a number of indicators that can lead to further discussions about a congregationÕs conscious movement toward growth and excellence in ministry and in achieving its target date for self-supporting status.

 

  1. The Southeastern District requests congregations receiving Mission and Ministry grants to provide annual Planning and Budgeting Documents:

1)     Each Fall the congregationÕs annual request for a Mission and Ministry grant must be accompanied by the Planning and Budgeting Documents which are provided by Southeastern District. 

a)     These documents will be mailed to grant funded ministries in the summer of each year and are to be completed and submitted to the District office.

b)     Failure to return the documents by the due date may result in grant funding being delayed or not granted.

c)     Missions less than three years will be asked to complete a New Mission Start Report Form and submit it for review. This is done three times yearly in March, June, and September. The report is found on the SED web site at www.se.lcms.org under resources.

2)     Annual Schedule:

d)     May - District staff adopt a Ōtarget figureĶ for Mission and Ministry grants for the  following year. New Mission Start reports are due.

b)     July/August - Planning and Budgeting Documents for Mission and Ministry Grant requests mailed to ministries.

c)     September - Planning and Budgeting Documents are due in September.  The Southeastern District Staff reviews financial assistance requests with Circuit Mission Advocate and Circuit Counselor.  The draft Southeastern District Budget for the next year is prepared. New Mission Start Reports are due. 

d)     December -A balanced budget is presented to the SED Board of Directors.

e)     All amounts are subject to final approval by the Board of Directors and may be reduced, if necessary, based upon actual income received by the Southeastern District. 

f)       January - The Southeastern District Staff informs congregations of anticipated Mission and Ministry grants for the new fiscal year.

 

3)     When a pastoral vacancy begins in a congregation that is receiving a Mission and Ministry grant in support of pastoral ministry grant assistance is reduced for the duration of the vacancy.  This reduction is based on the budgeted cost of pastoral services, and usually results in no grant assistance during the vacancy.  When a pastoral vacancy ends, the grant is reviewed and generally resumed at the previous level, based on the cost of the new pastoral services and the availability of funds. 

 

4)     The Southeastern District does not provide Mission and Ministry grants for capital improvements or general operating expenses.  Grants are ordinarily designated in support of staffing for outreach.

 

 

VI.              PRECAUTIONS

 

  1. Dependency

1)     Grant funded congregations and ministries need to guard against problems that may develop in the area of financial management.

2)     Too much assistance over a long period tends to create a sense of dependency on the part of the congregation and ultimately shifts responsibility for ministry from the local level to the District.

 

  1. Excessive Debt

1)     The congregation cannot assume more debt than it can realistically expect to service.  Excessive debt may foster a survival attitude and may direct the congregationÕs attention inward on its own struggle for existence.  The debt repayment should not ordinarily exceed 25% of the total congregational budget.

2)     The Southeastern District staff will work in partnership with the LCEF Vice President before financially assisted congregations and ministries receive loan approval.  A mission and ministry plan, which includes information on the congregationÕs stewardship program, must be in place before the LCEF loan approval is granted.

3)     Congregations receiving Mission and Ministry grants and become delinquent for a period of three months in payments on LCEF loans may have their grant funding reduced accordingly, with payments made by the Southeastern District to LCEF.

 

Note:  Possible Models of Mission Development

Cell Group / Multiple Site

A local congregation establishes a cell group at one or more other sites where Bible study and small groups gather. This may or may not become a congregation. 

Host Congregation / Side by Side Ministry

Unique in this model is that a new ministry meets within an existing congregation, using the facilities and resources of the host congregation. This may be an ethnic outreach ministry.

Mission Track Vicar

This creative partnership (local congregation, North American Missions and the SED) is shaped by the local congregation requesting a mission track vicar who will, during the vicarage, begin work to establish a new congregation. After the year of vicarage, the vicar may be called as pastor.

Bi-vocational Worker

In this new ministry start, the worker and/or spouse has a secular job to assist in providing the financial resources needed for personal support.

Lay Leader

A lay leader, who has completed TLM and is participating in TLO and is working under the supervision of a pastor, provides leadership and ministry to the new mission.

Ethnic Worker (in Training)

A leader who demonstrates a desire to serve by enrolling in the EIIT (Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology) or Hispanic Institute of Theology program and is provides leadership to an ethnic ministry.

Open Arms Ministry

Shaping a new mission to children and families, the Open Arms Ministry is designed to reach the very young with Christian day care. The partnership of the ministry team of pastor and director is critical to the development of this program. This model enables the congregation to provide an appropriate facility for childcare and congregational ministry.

School Ministry

Lutheran schools offer excellent Christian education to the communityÕs children and a natural avenue for outreach to families. Approximately 40% of the students in SED schools do not have a church home.

Mission Developer

Generally called by a congregation, this ordained worker is sent to develop a specific mission and to plant a congregation.