Being Lutheran in Social Ministry

The Board as a Lutheran Partner

"One of the important focal points of the work of Lutheran Services in America is to assist its member organizations with the task of continually discerning what it means to be a Lutheran social ministry organization.  In the complex, pluralistic world in which social ministry organizations do their work, this can be a daunting task …. "

So begins the Foreword to the LSA booklet, Being Lutheran in Social Ministry is … , a study guide for boards of Lutheran social ministry organizations that stimulates open and honest discussion and the sharing and exchange of understandings, values and viewpoints about Lutheran identity.

Many board members come to Lutheran social ministry organizations from within congregations. Others come from outside the church. As organizations that serve a wide variety of people, have staff members of many backgrounds and faith traditions and reach out into all areas of the community, we welcome diversity.  To seize the advantages of such diversity, it is helpful to have a common awareness and understanding of the social ministry organization’s faith identity and commitments.

LSA also offers consultations to boards to enable them to operate effectively and faithfully.

Peek Inside the Booklet: Lutheran Identity and Lutheran Social Ministry Worksheet (PDF, 725kb)

For more information, or to order this resource, email LSA at resources@lutheranservices.org or call 800-664-3848 or download a printable Order Form and see additional resources available for purchase here.