ELCMA

ELCMA advocates for social justice, stewardship of our natural resources, and a protected environment for all people of Appalachia. Through partnerships with ecumenical associates, as well as the Lutheran state public policy offices and the Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs, ELCMA alerts constituency to concerns that need their attention and action. Additionally, ELCMA resources locales who are addressing issues they have identified and around which they are strategizing solutions. In a move to more effectively address environmental issues, ELCMA is considering the development of regional cell groups to work on regional, site-specific topics.

RESOURCING

The Assets and Resources for Mission in Appalachia Database (ARMA) is a knowledge base of people and resources available to be shared for purposes of empowering and equipping mission and ministry throughout the Appalachian Region. With ARMA as foundation, ELCMA is able to maintain and grow a network to effectively connect people and ministries with resources to address their needs and build on their assets. Through ARMA and this network, resources and assets residing within one area of Appalachia become accessible to all in Appalachia and beyond.

Currently stored as hardcopy, computer data files and in the memories of individuals, a project is now in the development stages which will augment and condition ELCMA’s Web presence, and provide the necessary equipment and software to establish a web based database for ARMA, as well as to provide staffing and training for dataset maintenance and data retrieval. When completed, this database will drastically improve ELCMA’s ability to connect and resource ministries in the Appalachian Region thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the ELCMA network.

CONSULTING

ELCMA provides consulting services to synods, local congregations, faith based agencies and community groups which are committed to improving life in Appalachia. Consulting can include sharing of ideas, introduction to shortcuts, resource stretching and efficiencies, presentation of ministry models, assistance with ministry planning, support, encouragement and connections for development and startup of new ministries, and can include analytical review of existing ministry programs and problem resolution. ELCMA is called upon by agencies to consult in the founding and development of new ministries and to assist with the preparation of applications for 501(C3) non-profit status. When appropriate, ELCMA seeks out partners to define and develop new programs for the delivery of interventions to address local concerns in Appalachia which are currently in need of attention.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING

The development and nurturing of local leadership is crucial to effective ministry programming throughout the Appalachian region. ELCMA provides training in such areas as grant writing and funding research, and in the cultural immersion process. “The Handbook for Small Churches” is maintained, updated and published as a means for nurturing and developing effective ministry in local congregations as well as in developing clergy and church councils who are then equipped to lead and serve effectively within the context of Appalachian Culture. Likewise, a theologically sound, cost effective, flexible and user-friendly Sunday school curriculum has been developed and distributed for the cost of printing and shipping. The curriculum is designed for use in small town and rural congregations of Appalachian and elsewhere in churches with membership of under 100 people. This Sunday school curriculum, along with the Handbook, will soon be available on the ELCMA website (www.elcma.org) as a download, making the material available without cost to all who want it.

Another resource available is Traumatic Distress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Training, ELCMA’s newest offering. With so many natural and man-made disasters in recent months, ELCMA realized that congregations would need to be equipped for ministry with members and friends who are suffering from PTSD and related ailments. The awareness training assists leaders in recognizing symptoms and aids them in identifying effective treatment opportunities in their communities.

A MINISTRY OF PRAYER

Recognizing and appreciating the power of prayer, ELCMA cherishes our prayer partners as we strive to incorporate prayer in all facets of our work. The ELCMA Council is sustained through the guidance of a spiritual director whose calling is the enabling of the Council to focus on God, our source for strength and guidance.

ELCMA receives personal prayer requests daily via telephone, Email and through our website. At our website and in printed form, ELCMA offers a Prayer Invitation resource that allows partners to pray for ministries in and affecting the Appalachian Region. Utilizing the ELCMA electronic network and personal contacts, persons and concerns are kept in prayer throughout Appalachia. New mission developers are offered a prayer network that holds their ministry in prayer each day. ELCMA prayer partners send mission developers notes of encouragement, and frequently travel to celebrate in person with immerging congregations and ministries. Prayer has knit the ELCMA folks together into a strong community, enabling us to work on common issues, as we cheer one another on through the tough times and rejoice together in common community whenever anyone of us is blessed by the Spirit with success. We invite you to join us, through your personal participation in this prayer partnership, as together we lift up the mission, ministry and people of Appalachia.

Last Updated: 11/30/2005

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