Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) is committed to the full participation of persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life and ministry of the Lutheran church.

Congregational Resources

WHAT’S NEW ABOUT ELM? 
Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries is more than a merger of ECP and LLGM.  The biggest NEW part of this community is the role of congregations.  In this new organization, congregations are critical to the movement.  Congregations have an opportunity to affiliate with ELM as a way to actively live out their commitment to full inclusion in life and ministry of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the Lutheran church.

The second big NEW thing in this organization is that people of ALL sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to be part of the movement.  Our identity is based on our commitment to full inclusion, not our own individual sexual orientations or gender identities.

OUR GOAL is to create a network of congregations who are committed to the vision and mission of ELM and choose to affiliate in an effort to energize and strengthen their own ministries and the wider ministry of the church. 

WHY SHOULD OUR CONGREGATION AFFILIATE WITH ELM?
By affiliating with Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, your congregation can:

• Belong to a larger movement, a larger mission
• Be an active part of the movement, regardless of who the pastor is at the time; ELM is about the congregation’s identity, not who the pastor is (ELM, ELCA, etc)
• Network with other Lutheran churches committed to actively working toward full inclusion in life and ministry of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities
• Share resources, gain energy about mission and the wider movement
• Provide support and be supported in your commitment to full inclusion
• Publicly and visibly show your commitment
• Be eligible to apply for ELM grants for ministry

WHO DO WE CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Susan Strouse, Chair of Congregations Ellipse
Jen Rude

FAQs

WHICH CONGREGATIONS CAN AFFILIATE WITH ELM?
Those currently served by ELM clergy
Independent Lutheran churches
Those who have had an ECP pastor in the past
Those who have or have had ELM interns.  
Progressive congregations that are ready to take a more active stance, who endorse and support the mission of ELM

CAN SOMEONE COME AND TALK TO OUR CONGREGATION ABOUT ELM?
YES! Contact Susan Strouse, Chair of Congregations Ellipse for more information.

 

 

 

Contact Us
For more information about how your congregation can get involved with the work and mission of ELM, contact Susan Strouse, Chair of Congregations Ellipse.

 

For more information about including candidates from the Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries roster in your next call process, contact the ELM Mission Development , Dr. Margaret Moreland.