Mission Support for 2023: Resources for Conversation
One of the questions we get at the synod office from time to time is “How much does our church owe in mission support?” The truth is - mission support is an offering. Like any offering, it’s an act of worship. We return to God a portion of what’s been entrusted to us as an act of faith.
As congregations develop ministry spending plans for 2023, part of that work will be to discern the amount of that offering. Here are the benefits of sharing mission support:
It models generosity to congregation members. Consider what kind of gift your congregation would like to receive. Model that.
It connects you in relationship with the whole church. Not one of our communities has to “go it alone.” We support one another in actual relationship in the body of Christ. Your gift ensures that neighbors are able to have resources that make their communities thrive, too.
It emulates the sacrificial giving we are called to in the gospels. Through countless parables and conversations with those who would question him, Jesus called his followers to release those things that compete for first place in our lives. Martin Luther writes of the first commandment in the Small Catechism, “We are to fear, trust, and love God above all else.”
Through the links below, you will find Bishop Anne’s Mission Support letter for fall of 2022 and a presentation to share with your council leaders about the work of the synod and what our numbers for 2023 look like. Thank you for being connected in relationship and the gifts you share. All the more, we give thanks to God that you exist. Your ministries make a difference in the real lives of people. For the gospel work you share in our region, thanks be to God!
