Mission Support at Work: From Christ Lutheran to Nineveh’s New Beginning

In the December 2025 Mission Support Memo, we are invited into the story of Radford, Virginia, where the closing of Christ Lutheran Church became the seedbed for something new. On Easter 2023, the congregation transformed into Nineveh Lutheran Justice Ministry—a synod-authorized worshiping community grounded in healing, justice, and radical welcome for people on the margins, including those impacted by addiction, mental health challenges, and exclusion.

This story from the Virginia Synod highlights how ELCA Mission Support and innovation grants make space for courageous new ministry, partnerships, and hope-filled imagination. As we wait for Christ’s light this Advent, Nineveh’s journey invites us to reflect on what inspires us—and how God may be calling our own congregations to try something new. Read the full Mission Support Memo and explore ways to partner with ELCA Innovation in this powerful story of healing, community, and hope.