Equipping Leaders
Stories of Faith in Action 2009
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SOUTHWEST, CALIFORNIA
Equipping Leaders for Mission (ELM) is a program of the
Southwest California Synod that trains laity to serve their congregations and neighborhoods. ELM prepares participants to share their gifts as evangelists through evangelism and outreach, as catechists through education and discipleship, or as deacons through service and advocacy in a wide variety of congregational and community needs. Through ELM, participants identify their gifts for ministry and develop these gifts to become effective leaders.
ELM courses focus on discipleship and leadership.
Dean Nelson, the synod’s bishop, had the vision to train 10 percent of the synod’s 40,000 members in 10 years. The vision is becoming reality thanks to a grant made possible through your mission support. The grant helped launch the program in 2003. Since then ELM has graduated more than 200 lay members.
Professors from California Lutheran University and Fuller Seminary teach the first-year foundational courses. Nelson teaches courses focused on discipleship and leadership. Pastors and local laity teach second-year courses.