Claimed. Gathered. Sent.
The Saint Paul Area Synod is one expression of a three-expression church. With the churchwide organization, 64 other synods, and some 10,000 congregations in the ELCA, this synod engages in ministry under the following mission: “Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world.”
Our context
The 107 congregations, five congregations under development, and three synodically authorized worshiping communities serve as catalysts for vision and mission.
Synod staff is frequently called upon by leaders during times of transition and crisis to assist leaders in thinking about the mission question, calling attention to the church’s role in the world, the breadth of the church’s work, the many ways we become powerful together. During such times, congregations are challenged to consider: How is God walking with us into the world? Where are we going? How do we get there?
Collaborative mission tables, mission renewal opportunities for congregations seeking to revitalize their ministry, companion synod endeavors, and supervision and mentoring for mission developers have sought to broaden partnerships among local congregations and the synod and spark and multiply mission opportunities.
Local and global mission
The Saint Paul Area Synod is involved in local and global mission. Through the Mission Renewal Process, congregations are dedicated to a time of focused reflection, discernment, and action strives to renew the congregation's commitment and expand its capacity to engage in God’s mission in the community. Through the mission support that congregations send to the synod and ELCA churchwide organization, grants are given to support hunger programs, seminary students receive help with tuition, congregations ministering to new populations are supported, missionaries are sent abroad, and victims of disasters receive immediate relief. Global mission takes shape most pointedly in this synod's companion relationships with the Iringa Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) and the Augustinian Lutheran Church in Guatemala (ILAG). The synod is also partnered with or supports organizations that work for justice and advocacy.
Through all of these avenues, we live out God's mission to love the neighbor and live into the gospel. “Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world.”
Mission questions
Contact the Rev. Paul Erickson, assistant to the bishop for evangelical mission, paul.erickson@elca.org, or the Rev. Susan Miller, assistant to the bishop for congregational life and mission, susan.miller@spas-elca.org.
