Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries is incredibly grateful and fortunate for the contributions of out-going board member Rev. Lura Groen.  Lura was one of the founding members of ELM’s leadership team. She has been a consistent voice for greater diversity, especially in the areas of racial and gender diversity.

“Lura’s insight and leadership will have a lasting impact on our work long after her time on the Board.  I love and appreciate how she thinks about and approaches ministry. Grace Lutheran is a special place and I’m excited to see what is coming next for the congregation,” said executive director Amalia Vagts.

Lura is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Houston, TX.  Grace Lutheran is a small urban congregation discerning ways to embrace their communities, and to become more economically sustainable. Lura and her congregation are doing all kinds of amazing ministry, including recently launching Grace Place, a drop-in center for homeless LGBTQ youth.  

Grace Lutheran Church has been an ELM Ministry Grant recipient for three years.  Thank you, Lura, for your leadership and visionary work with Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries and for your ministry at Grace Lutheran!

Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries has a team that is always seeking diverse and innovative leaders committed to the vision and future of ELM. If you are interested in learning more about serving on the ELM Board of Directors, please contact Amalia Vagts at director@elm.org.