There are a number of ways you can sponsor a new congregation. You might

• Birth a satellite congregation in an underserved, neighboring community by offering funds, a core group of people, and a vision for evangelizing in that community. Be involved in determining an appropriate site, in all aspects of the planning, and in the day-to-day implementation. Pray for and prepare leaders.

• Or you may start a second campus to your own congregation in another part of town.

Cost? That may vary considerably. Some congregations may find creative ways of using their current staff and lay volunteers to start a new ministry without a huge outlay of funds. Some may partner with several other congregations or their entire cluster or synod.

• Become Mission Founders, providing the compensation package for a mission developer in a new ministry site, nearby or across the country.

Cost? The total cost is usually about $180,000 over a period of three years. Obviously, the actual cost to you or your congregation will depend on the partners involved.

To indicate your interest in Making Christ Known by helping to start a new ELCA congregation and to get additional information, please contact your Mission Director or the Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission unit.

Read about congregations who have “multiplied” themselves by starting other congregations in the Summer 2003 issue of Mission Partners Focus.

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