Grants

Helping our Congregations Renew and Grow

The Metropolitan Chicago Synod has made a commitment to helping our congregations grow and thrive.

Ministry From the Margins Fund

Renewed and Relaunched in 2021, Opens October 2021

Marginalized adjective
mar·gin·al·ized | \ ˈmärj-nə-ˌlīzd , ˈmär-jə-nᵊl-ˌīzd \

Definition–
: of a person, group, or concept treated as insignificant or peripheral.
: relegated to a marginal position within a society or group
“members of marginalized cultural groups”,
“to relegate to an unimportant or powerless position”
(that is, to the metaphorical margins of society).

Those of us living on the edges of society, those of us frequently referred to as marginalized, experience ministry differently than what is “traditional”, “normal” or expected. Our communities are, by necessity and through experience, extremely flexible and resilient. Faced with scarce resources our communities still manage to rise to the challenge in times of crisis; our communities manage to look at the world and see opportunity instead of limitation. The diversity that is constant in these communities drives possibility and creativity; it drives outreach and new ways of ministering. This is the essence of strong ministry.

We live in a world and in a Church that reinforces the “norm”; that which has always been done, that which is expected (read “traditional”). Our institutions seek diversity but expect the marginalized to assimilate, to conform to the institution and its practices or norms. The inherent tension created by this approach, measuring success by the norms of the institution as opposed to seeing the impact or gains made by distinct ministries, leads to struggle and makes ministry from the margins vulnerable and difficult.

It is intrinsic to our role as leaders of a church that seeks to be prophetic to embrace new paradigms for ministry by supporting those doing ministry in ways that do not conform to what we expect. We need to ensure that we create and sustain ministries where all can thrive.

Our church faces many challenges and tensions as our membership diminishes. These conditions frequently lead us to f
all back into a pattern of seeing scarcity where there are bountiful blessings. Our challenge, our calling, therefore, is to identify and support ministry being done from the margin, by the marginalized.
• Ministry that is strong in leadership and service.
• Ministry that has assets, connections and partnerships with their community.
• Ministry that is present in times of crisis.
• Ministry that is growing in impact.
• Ministry that reflects the diversity of the community.
• Ministry that seeks equity and liberation for all.

Note that assets do not necessarily refer to physical goods nor does growing refer to numerical or financial growth. A ministry can be strong in leadership, response and impact while remaining small of members.

In Luke 13, Jesus used yeast as a metaphor for the kingdom of God. Like yeast, God’s kingdom acts as an agent of change. Throughout the process of bread-making, the yeast enables the rise of the bread, strengthens the gluten and contributes to the flavorful taste. For the yeast to work, it needs to be mixed, kneaded and stretched through the dough to transform the dough into a delicious bread. We see Ministry from the Margins in our midst as this precious yeast.

Fund for Mission

Established in 1997 to Assist in the Mission of Proclamation, Service, and Justice

READ MORE OR APPLY FOR THE FUND FOR MISSION

Continuing Education

Supporting mission is connected to lifelong learning. Learn more about our continuing education efforts: