About the Northwestern Minnesota Synod (ELCA):

About the NWMN Synod of the ELCA
The Northwestern Minnesota Synod (NWMN) is Region 3D synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). It is large geographically, diverse in its culture and educational background, economically challenged but rich in resources and people.

What is a Synod?The word “synod” comes from two Greek words “syn” (together) and “hodos” (a way). So synod is “a way together” or “walking together”. “Together” is an important idea for understanding Christianity and the Church.

• Christians are joined to the Church through baptism into Christ
• The Christian Church is understood as “the Body of Christ” with individual parts that all contribute to the whole

Broadly speaking, our synod helps congregations do together what they can’t do alone. Much of this work falls under two vital areas:

• Support and development of pastors and lay leaders for their congregational ministry.
• Extending and coordinating ministry beyond the local setting.

Our Purpose
Vision: A people so emboldened by the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we are freed to become communities wholly devoted to loving Jesus and Loving our Neighbor.
Values:

• Faithfulness: Keeping faith with God, our unique expression of the Gospel and our neighbors. It’s about always remembered who we are in relationship to each other – Co-workers in the Gospel, Siblings in Christ, Children of God.
• Authenticity: Knowing and fully using the our own uniquely authored gifts and passions while deeply valuing and finding space for the diverse gifts of all of God’s people.
• Love: Making a real difference in the life of our neighbor. Good intentions are no good unless they yield good results.

Core Processes (Mission):

• Make a safe space for the ministry of the Gospel to unfold
• Make a way into the future
• Make places at the table for unheard voices

For more information about the Northwestern Minnesota Synod, click here!