The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) currently has approximately 150 fully supported missionaries, including nine evangelists. These missionaries are sent by the ELCA to various parts of the world to engage in mission and ministry work. They serve in a variety of capacities, including teaching, medical care, community development, and spiritual guidance.
The ELCA’s mission to send missionaries is rooted in its understanding of the Great Commission given by Jesus to his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. The church believes that it is called to share the good news of God’s love and grace with people around the world, and the missionaries play a crucial role in fulfilling this calling.
The ELCA missionaries are supported financially by the church, which provides them with the necessary resources to live and work in their respective mission fields. This support includes funding for housing, healthcare, education, and other basic needs. It also covers the cost of travel and logistics, allowing the missionaries to reach their destinations and carry out their work effectively.
Being a missionary is not an easy task. It requires a deep commitment to God’s mission and a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone. Missionaries often face challenges and hardships in their work, such as cultural adjustments, language barriers, and unfamiliar living conditions. However, they also experience the joy and fulfillment of seeing lives transformed and communities impacted by the message of the gospel.
I had the privilege of meeting and hearing from some ELCA missionaries during a church conference. Their stories were inspiring and eye-opening. One missionary shared about her experience working in a remote village, where access to healthcare and education was limited. She spoke passionately about the impact she was able to make by providing medical care and teaching basic hygiene practices to the villagers. Another missionary shared about his work in a war-torn region, where he focused on peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts among different ethnic groups. It was evident that these missionaries were deeply committed to serving others and sharing the love of Christ in tangible ways.
In addition to supporting missionaries overseas, the ELCA also encourages its members to engage in mission work locally. The church believes that mission is not limited to geographical boundaries but encompasses the everyday aspects of life. This means that every member of the ELCA is called to be a missionary in their own context, whether it be in their workplace, neighborhood, or family.
The ELCA currently has around 150 fully supported missionaries, including nine evangelists, who are sent to various parts of the world to engage in mission and ministry work. These missionaries play a vital role in sharing the love of Christ and making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities. Their work is supported financially by the church, allowing them to fulfill their calling and carry out their mission effectively.