Equipping people to become Steward Leaders in our homes and congregations, as a response to a generous and loving God who showers us with abundant grace and forgiveness in Jesus.
The Stewardship Team seeks to glorify God by assisting individuals and congregations to identify, develop, and use their resources to further the kingdom of God on earth.
It achieves this by communicating how the mission dollars are spent through the annual narrative budget, letting congregations know of up coming stewardship events across the country, and providing educational opportunities for congregations to learn more what it means to be good stewards of what God has first given to us.
Stewardship Team members
Janis Richert (azrichert@comcast.net)
Duane Gilson
Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity and Strategic Development
Linda Staats
Click for full screen.
Where does my congregation’s mission support go?
Communicate
Jesus
Contributes funds to Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, California Lutheran University, and supports 4 Lutheran Campus Ministries (UofA, ASU, NAU, ASU Polytech)
Expands ministry and resources to serve the poor and provide basic needs to 70,000+ through partnership with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) and Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN)
Nurtures companion synod relationship (Senegal) and develops new synodical relationships (Mexico)
Funds 16 project grants for congregations and organizations
Supports Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran World Relief
Supports ELCA Membership in the Lutheran World Federation: 145 ecumenical partners for world service, relief, & development
Supports the work of the Arizona Faith Network (AFN)
Promotes a culture of lifelong learning through First Call Theological Education for 9 newly called pastors and deacons serving in the Grand Canyon Synod and sponsors each FCTE guest speaker
Connect
People
Shares mission support dollars with ELCA (churchwide) and Region 2 (southwest) funding ministry across the country, world, and in the Grand Canyon Synod, including the work of our DEM, Pastor Miguel
Coordinates with Region 2 synodical partners to offer collaborative retreats and ministry opportunities
Provides a ministry of presence for congregations & clergy during crisis & transition, as well as financial assistance to congregations with pastors on leave due to bereavement or self-care
Leads Convocation of rostered leaders (active and retired pastors/deacons) for theological discussion and fellowship, and supports the retired pastors’ retreat
Supports and helps lead youth faith formation camp
Organizes Synod Assembly meeting and voting based on congregational identity
Participates in Churchwide Assembly, ELCA Youth Gathering, and Rostered Ministers Gathering every 3 years
Supports the work of the Northeast Valley Consortium
Connects every GCS congregation through visits by Bishop Hutterer and Office of the Bishop staff
Create
Possibilities
Supports & oversees 6 strategic ministries and 8 synod authorized worshipping communities
Organizes candidacy, supporting 27 candidates in the process for ordination
Supports pastors and deacons in mobility and leadership
Supports 15 congregations in transition
Funds ACTS grants for 8 congregations under development and renewal, or strategic ministry
Works in collaboration with Rocky Mountain Synod on Lilly 3E program (Stewardship for all Seasons, Beginning a Culture of Generosity, Ministerial Excellence Fund, Vital Right-Shaped Congregations)
Applies funds from church property sale to encourage diverse and new emerging ministries through Mission & Ministry, including Vida Nueva, Emmanuel Sudanese, West Valley Young Adults, Trinity (PHX), La Fe/Faith, San Juan Bautista, and Armenian Las Vegas
Collaborates with the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ and the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona to support the ministry of Cruzando Fronteras
Supports the ministry of House of Prayer
Promotes & supports the ministry of Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center
ELCA NARRATIVE SPENDING PLANS
You may also find the ELCA's Narrative Spending plan to be a great resource, particularly the WDMOG Infographic.
stewardship resources
Legacy Planning: Enjoy this dynamic conversation with Lisa Higginbotham, CFRE and Josh Kerney of ELCA Foundation, as they help us connect our charitable hearts and desires to our gift planning intentions. Watch here »
Often referred to as “charitable checkbooks,” donor-advised funds are charitable accounts established by donors with current gifts to provide future support to ministries. These accounts are opened and funded by a donor who then advises distributions to charity over time.