Your Northwestern Minnesota Synod
The word “synod” comes from two Greek words “syn” (together) and “hodos” (a way)

“A way together” or “walking together”

“Together” is an important idea for understanding Christianity and the Church.

• Christians are joined to the Church through baptism into Christ

• The Christian Church is understood as “the Body of Christ” with individual parts that all contribute to the whole

Indeed, there are some things that can't be done alone, but must be done together

Practically speaking, this requires organization

The Northwestern Minnesota Synod includes 21 counties in the northwest corner of the state. It represents:

107,082 baptized members

271 congregations      

369 rostered leaders

Broadly speaking, our synod helps congregations do together what they can't do alone. Much of this work falls under two vital areas:

• Support and development of pastors and lay leaders for their congregational ministry.

• Extending and coordinating ministry beyond the local setting.

What is the Cost of Supporting Synod Ministry?

Congregations base their budgets on regular giving by members. In 2006, congregations of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod reported $30,662,883  in regular giving.

Each congregation decides annually what amount will be passed on to the synod budget as “mission support.” In 2006 congregations sent the synod $1,677,001 in undesignated Mission Support.

The synod budget divides Support into three general areas

• ELCA: 51 percent goes directly to Churchwide and worldwide ministry

• Ministry Partners: 20 percent supports Luther Seminary, Campus Ministry, etc.

• Congregational support through staff, office and programming: 29 percent provides office, transportation, salaries and benefits for synod staff, as well as program resources.

In 2006, for every $100 of regular giving by members to their congregations:

$94.60 supported the ministry of the local congregation $5.40 went to ELCA/synod “mission support,” and of that amount

• $2.75 funded Churchwide ELCA Ministries

• $1.08 funded Northwestern Minnesota Synod Ministry Partners

• $1.57 funded NW MN synod staff, office, and programs

The Synod Staff...

• Works with congregations in times of pastoral transition.

• Provides support and training for lay leaders.

• Provides support and training in youth ministry for adults.

• Coordinates the work of the Candidacy Commission in overseeing candidates.

• Provides support and training for rostered leaders through educational events, support in transitions, individual conversations and consultations.

• Consults with congregations to provide resources in times of conflict or crisis.

• Provides help, resources and networking for congregations in areas such as stewardship, finances, paperwork and statistics, outreach, worship, constitutional questions.

• Is in touch with congregational leaders by phone, mail, and email, including personal visits with congregations and staff.

• Follows a regular pattern of prayer for congregations, rostered and lay leaders and others in weekly staff devotions.

• Assists congregations in making transitions to being missional congregations.