Inspire Leadership, Build Discipleship, Grow Stewardship

Mission Interpreters

Sharing the Good News of Christ's Mission Throughout the Church

"But you are God's chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that He has done."  -1Peter 2:9 (CEV)

Mission Interpreters are volunteers from congregations in each Synod of the ELCA, who go into local churches to tell the story of how our offerings and gifts are transformed into effective ministries. They remind us of how w make a difference in Christ's mission and the work of the church, and they thank our people for their faithful giving. This is primarily done through temple talks, visits with councils and committees, as well as helping in any way they are asked to share information, provide resources, and give guidance on doing God's work at the congregational, synodical, and churchwide levels. They also develop connections between the ELCA membership and it's leadership and mission. Mission Interpreters are trained in the various aspects of church ministry and mission and have the resources available to carry them out as a member of the ELCA.

Congregations Benefit!

• When members understand their identity as partners in a wider church, they become strong advocates supporting the mission and ministry we share beyond the congregations, through the synod and then on through the churchwide organization
• The Mission Interpreter Ministry helps congregations by increasing the understanding of the work we do together beyond the congregation
• By looking beyond the congregation, members see how they are personally connected to mission and ministry around the world
• "Mission Minded" congregations are growing in membership and spirit

Mission Interpreters Receive:

• Training workshops
• Resource materials
• Coaching
• Inspiration
• Networking
• Annual gathering to share ideas and information

Want to be a Mission Interpreter?

• Be faith-filled, loving Christ and the church
• Be knowledgeable about the ELCA
• Be an active member of a congregation
• Be a strong steward
• Be willing to attend training sessions
• Be willing to make congregational visits

Mission Interpreters:

• Present at least one talk per quarter. This presentation may be in the form of a temple talk, Sunday School lesson, address to the church council, etc., depending on which method works best for the Mission Interpreter and the congregation
• Communicates with the congregation monthly via newsletter, bulletin board, or other means. The Mission Interpreter decides how simple or elaborate it will be
• Serve at least one other congregation in their conference
• Attend one training workshop, and if possible, one annual gathering per year. These gatherings enable attendees to share ideas and experiences and to learn new ways to share, and thus celebrate, the message of hope in Jesus Christ
• Commit to the Mission Interpreter Ministry for at least two years

Mission Interpreters are NOT:

• Fundraisers
• Promoters for local activities

Why Mission Interpreters are important to me:

"Many of us love to sing, 'I Love to Tell the Story'. A Mission Interpreter is one who loves to tell the story of Jesus' love connecting locally, nationally, and globally. The more folks hear the story, live the story, and tell the story, the healthier our communities of faith will be."  -Bishop Steve Talmage, Grand Canyon Synod

"Mission Interpreters are important because they help to cross-pollinate the church! They tell the stories of what God is doing in congregations, synod, and churchwide expressions of the church."  -Rev. Charles Newman, Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop for Outreach and Stewardship

We Have a Wonderful Story to Tell!

Working together, we are making Christ known in ways no individual member or single part of the church could do alone!

• We support Christ's mission around the world
• We support new and redeveloping congregations
• We provide congregations with resources
• We train and equip pastors and other leaders
• We support education
• We help the poor and the powerless
• We support each other as partners in ministry
• And so much more!

Are YOU willing to serve?

Please prayerfully consider becoming a Mission Interpreter. Contact one of the following people for additional information or to volunteer:

• Capital and Northeast Valley Conferences
  • Rev. Jacqui Pagel - 602.943.3311
• High Country Conference
  • TBA
• Colorado River Conference
  • TBA
• Rio Salado and Fiesta Conferences
  • Ms. Andrea Arey - 612.619.4990
• Cactus Conference
  • TBA
• Sunrise and Santa Cruz Conferences
  • Janis Richert - 520.749.5938

Mission Interpreter Training Events

2011 Events will be posted as they are scheduled