From Development to Organization Steps to Organizing From Development to Organization (in six simple steps) Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

#1 Assessing Readiness Assessment done by Mission Director, Mission Developer and congregational leaders Membership Strength: preferably over 120. This may vary according to context, ethnicity,etc Understanding of the Christian Faith Understanding of what it means to be part of the ELCA Ownership of the Ministry Leadership Development

#2 Pre-Organization Work Mission Statement Development Form follows function! Charter or Commitment Events Planned Group Goal Setting Preliminary Program Budgets Developed Continue 15% mission support to ELCA through synod Stewardship Task Force begins work

#2 More Pre-Organizing Work Development of Constitution and By-Laws Synods have examples Office of Secretary is also a resource for this Articles of Incorporation Best to work with an attorney Formation of Council Gather nominees Look for leaders with ownership of ministry, Christian values and ability to lead and follow-through

#3 Congregational Meeting Set a date for the Congregational Meeting Coordinate with Synod for representative to be present Publicize the meeting widely Every household calls, mailings, etc Synod representative conducts the Congregational Meeting Items for action include: Decision to organize Accepting the constitution and by-laws Voting to call the pastor

#4 Organizing Celebration Formal celebration can be part of worship Bishop is invited to participate Celebrate the important marker in the life of the newly organized congregation! Celebration often extends to formal acceptance as a congregation at Synod Assembly

#5 Wait! There’s More! Call process (if necessary) Pledging Working out a balanced budget Complete applications for financial support: EOCM grants for Newly Organized Congregations Mission partners

#6 Not Finished Yet! Send copies of Constitution and By-Laws to Synod Send Recognition of Congregation form to EOCM Contact ELCA Risk Management for continuation of insurance coverage Apply for EIN (Employer Identification Number) if not already done Apply for State tax exempt status if not done already Place property on tax exempt status if not already done by Mission Director File Articles of Incorporation with appropriate representative of the court

Welcome! Pastors and leaders of Newly Organized Congregations are invited to attend the Newly Organized Congregation Leadership Conference held in Chicago 1-2x per year. Congregations should budget $500 to contribute toward the expenses of this conference. Objectives of the conference are to connect new congregations with resources, identify and encourage characteristics of healthy congregations and help new congregations multiply leaders.