2. 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

3. #1 Assessing Readiness
Assessment done by Mission Director, Mission Developer and congregational leaders
Membership Strength: preferably over 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

4. #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

5. #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

6. #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

7. #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

8. #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

9. #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

10. 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.