Introducing: Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries

Just Lutheran is funded in part by a grant from Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (E-L-M). ELM has been providing financial support for Welcome since 2007 through our Grants program. Here's some information about this innovative Lutheran ministry:

ELM works to expand ministry opportunities for publicly-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Lutheran rostered leaders and seminarians who are changing the church and society through their ministry. ELM provides grants to LGBTQ rostered leaders and scholarships to LGBTQ seminarians; fosters community among these leaders through Proclaim, the professional community for publicly-identified LGBTQ Lutheran rostered leaders and seminarians; and supports LGBTQ Lutheran candidates for ministry.

These are ELM's primary programs:

Proclaim, the professional community for publicly identified LGBTQ Lutheran rostered leaders and seminarians. This community welcomes all who fit this criteria and who wish to join. Membership is on an annual basis and provides access to ELM grants, scholarships, an annual retreat, and community throughout the year.

Grants. Each year, ELM gives grants to ministry led by an LGBTQ person. ELM also names one or more Joel Workin Memorial Scholars each year. This award includes a $1,000 scholarship for education or candidacy expenses.

Candidacy Accompaniment.ELM operates a grassroots program of candidacy accompaniment to support LGBTQ people in Lutheran candidacy.

ELM is governed by a 12 person Board of Directors. ELM’s staff includes full-time Executive Director Amalia Vagts (based in Decorah, IA) and part-time Operations Coordinator Rachael Johnson (based in Chicago, IL). ELM is funded almost entirely through donations from individuals and congregations and is based in Chicago, IL. You can make a donation or learn more at www.elm.org.

CONTACT: Amalia Vagts; director@elm.org; 563-382-6277