Funding Strategy

Statement of Need
At the Last Supper, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet before they ate. He did this to “set you an example that you should do as I have done for you . . . Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:14-17) Jesus’ act of servanthood modeled the lifestyle he desires for churches and Christians today.

Congregations act as a powerful force in modeling Christ’s servant leadership through social service outreach ministries. As Christians, our faith in the Gospel compels us to serve our neighbors, just as Jesus did. We don’t have to travel far to see people in need; the mission field is ripe in our own back yards.

Lutheran Foundation has provided a significant portion of our grant awards over the past two decades to area congregations to carry out these important social service outreach ministries. Over the years, we have helped churches launch or grow food pantries, after-school programs, homeless outreach services, counseling programs, parish nurse ministries, and much more – all of which minister to those in need. Through our new strategic funding plan, we are more formally focusing our funding on encouraging congregations to reach out to their surrounding communities through organized, effective social service outreach ministry efforts.

We have found, through our own funding experience and external research, six factors that must be in place for a successful congregational community engagement project:

A vision to serve the community, not just the congregation;
Strong initial planning for the project and congregation buy-in;
Strong, effective leadership (both lay and clergy) which motivates and inspires others to share actively in a project(s);
A good fit (skills, interests, and leadership) between those involved and the target population/community;
Ability to understand and communicate with the target population/community; and
Ongoing congregational participation in implementing the outreach project(s).

Definition
Social service outreach ministry is defined for this funding focus area as activities or services designed to reach out to others on a local level (St. Louis metropolitan region). Examples include a food pantry, senior visitation program, after-school program for youth, citizenship classes for New Americans, and much more. The focus is on bringing the care of Jesus Christ to the lives of hurting people in the community, rather than serving the congregation’s own members. This funding focus area is not meant to support “word and sacrament” activities.

Goal
To strengthen the capacity and number of congregations successfully engaged in social service outreach ministry, with an emphasis on efforts that bring the care of Jesus Christ to the lives of hurting people living in underserved communities.

Objectives, Activities/Funding Priorities, and Outcomes
Lutheran Foundation has established the following objectives, activities/funding priorities, and outcomes for this funding focus area. We are also establishing evaluation methods to determine our success in achieving the outcomes identified.

Objectives

Activities & Funding Priorities

Outcomes

Strengthen the ability of congregations to engage in social service outreach ministry activities.

Provide one-on-one coaching and equipping consultation.
Provide ongoing support, training, and coaching.

Short-term:

An increased number of congregations are engaging in social service outreach ministry activities.

Long-term:

Congregations believe that their mission is to be engaged in the lives of hurting people living in underserved communities.
Congregations incorporate social service outreach ministry into their organizational structures.
Congregations report increased ability to provide social service outreach ministry activities.

Support congregational service outreach ministry activities.

Award planning grants to congregations to prepare to engage in social service outreach ministry efforts.
Award program grants to congregations to carry out social service outreach ministry activities/ programs.
Evaluate impact made through congregational social service outreach ministry programs.

Short-term:

An increased number of congregations are engaging in social service outreach ministry activities.
Those served by the ministry programs feel welcomed by the Church community.
Those served by the ministry programs report satisfaction with the services they receive.

Long-term:

Congregations increase the availability of health and human care services in underserved communities.
Those served by the ministry programs experience positive outcomes that are tracked by the program (congregations evaluate their services).
Those living in underserved communities perceive the congregation as a vital part of the life of their neighborhoods.

Lutheran Foundation has provided a grant to The Missouri District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) to provide mentoring and coaching assistance to area LCMS congregations interested in engaging in or improving their existing social service outreach ministry activities. Please contact Melinda K. McAliney, Program Officer/Communications Director, to learn how your congregation can participate. Non-LCMS congregations can apply for a planning grant from the Foundation to contract with a consultant of their choice for similar services.

Beginning in 2009, free and low-cost group training opportunities will be made available to area congregations to equip them with the skills and tools needed to engage in or improve their existing social service outreach ministry activities. Information will soon be posted; check back for updates.

Overview Funding Strategy How to Apply Grant Application Resources