Click the buttons above to see additional videos.
Equipping the Saints Mission Appeal
Coming together to find new ways to follow Jesus, form communities, love all.
"Equipping the Saints for the work of ministry; Building up the Body of Christ."- Ephesians 4:12
About the Equipping the Saints Campaign
The Equipping the Saints mission appeal is a bold plan to build and strengthen our life and work together in mission. Events surrounding us underline the need to step out with curiosity, courage, and compassion to collaborate in new, creative, and innovative ways to “follow Jesus, form communities, and love all.”
Summary of the Campaign
Innovation & Collaboration ($1.2 million)
- Grants to congregations for innovative projects to reach more people in the name of Jesus
- Collaboration grants through Outreach for Hope to build partnerships among congregations, organizations, and communities
- Synod staffing for Innovation and Collaboration
- Missional Tithe to ELCA Holy Innovations (5%) and Lutheran Social Services Refugee Resettlement (5%)
Click the buttons above to see additional videos.
Leadership ($1.1 million)
- Racial Equity Organizer to develop Anti-Racism strategies with at least 50 congregations
- Lutheran Campus Ministry long-term funding strategy
- Support ministry candidates from diverse backgrounds (people of color, LGBTQIA+)
- Support for rostered ministers with professional development and wellness grants
- Missional Tithe to Global Companions in Tanzania and El Salvador to support leadership development
Stories of Impact
Gifts Needed
You are being asked to prayerfully consider your participation in this vision. The accompanying table indicates the size of gifts needed to achieve the campaign goal of $2.3 million. The commitment you make can be given over a three-year time period, or if more convenient for you, over a shorter or a longer timeframe.
| # of Gifts | Amount | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $250,000 | $250,000 |
| 1 | $150,000 | $400,000 |
| 2 | $100,000 | $600,000 |
| 3 | $75,000 | $825,000 |
| 6 | $50,000 | $1,125,000 |
| 8 | $25,000 | $1,325,000 |
| 18 | $15,000 | $1,595,000 |
| 35 | $10,000 | $1,945,000 |
| 50 | $5,000 | $2,195,000 |
| 30 | $2,500 | $2,270,000 |
| 28 | $1,095 ($1/day for 3 years) | $2.3 million |
The commitment you make can be given over a three-year time period, or if more convenient for you, over a shorter or a longer timeframe. A gift over time can really make a difference.
| Amount Per Month | 3-Year Amount |
|---|---|
| $150 | $5,400 |
| $100 | $3,600 |
| $75 | $2,700 |
| $50 | $1,800 |
| $30 | $1,080 |
| $20 | $720 |
| $10 | $360 |
| $5 | $180 |
Commonly Asked Questions
When do I begin my payments for the appeal?
For some, gifts to the campaign will begin in 2020, but the beginning date is flexible, depending on your circumstances. The intent card has a place for you to indicate how and when you intend to fulfill your commitment.
Most gifts will be made over a three-year period. However, if you feel you can make a larger gift by extending the time, you are welcome to do so. You may also make a one-time gift or make payments for less than three years.
Can I make a non-cash gift to the campaign?
Yes. Gifts of property, appreciated stock, mutual funds, cash value from insurance policies or policy loan proceeds, certificates of deposits (CDs), bonds, and annuities are just some of the ways you can give. Commitments of planned estate gifts are being sought specifically to build endowments for Campus Ministry and Outreach For Hope initiatives. All of these non-cash gifts may be subject to restrictions and limitations, so it is wise to consult your financial advisor or accountant.
- Note: Contact the Synod Office (414-671-1212) for information on making non-cash gifts.
- Important! To avoid the capital gains tax, do not sell or cash out the asset yourself (unless you are trying to capture a capital loss).
Who should I contact for more information?
Please contact a member of our Steering Team by calling the synod office at 414-671-1212.
Steering Team Members:
- Rev. Marilyn Miller, General Campaign Chair
- Dr. Joyce Caldwell, Campaign Manager
- Rev. Jim Homberg, Co-Chair for Congregational Gifts
- Rev. Frank Janzow, Co-Chair for Congregational Gifts
- Deacon Jan Janzow, Co-Chair for Congregational Gifts
- Rev. Chris Manke, Outreach for Hope Executive Director
- Rev. Paul D. Erickson, Bishop
- Rev. Jim Bickel, Co-Chair for Major Gifts
- Tim Knutson, Co-Chair for Major Gifts
- Mark Christiaansen, Co-Chair Synod Council Gifts
- Vickie Stretz, Co-Chair Synod Council Gifts
- Rev. Larry Westfield, Co-Chair Retired Rostered Ministers
- Rev. Jim Stein, Co-Chair Retired Rostered Ministers
