From Spring 2022 Ministry Update
We never know where God will lead us, but we always know He has a plan. The unfortunate closing of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Des Plaines in April of 2021 will nevertheless enable a dynamic continuation of our Lord’s good works. After the sale of their property, the members of Good Shepherd entrusted some of the proceeds in a generous gift to the LCMS Northern Illinois District. The NID is using these funds for new Mission Target Grants.
These grants will offer a further way to assist our mission starts, congregational plants, expansion of current outreach focused ministries, enhanced school connections to their communities, and Recognized Service Organization (RSO) launches and expansions. The Mission Target Grants are being developed to assist NID partners in their Word, Wellness, and Witness initiatives.
“The grants give us the ability to move forward,” said Rev. Kris Whitby. “We can take what may be a sad time for the closing church and give back to fellow congregations by putting resources right back in the ministry right now.”
Whitby explained that Mission Target Grants will be different from Partnership and Endowment Grants in that there will be no cap on the amount requested. This will allow ministries to take the next step in bringing the Gospel to their communities.
“We want churches to ask for what they truly feel they need,” explained Whitby. “We want to come alongside these ministries on a strong level, to do work that takes a serious investment.”
The language that will establish the fund and application process is still under review with the Administrative Services Committee and will eventually go before the NID’s Board of Directors for approval. The goal is to accept grant proposals by spring of 2022, solicit for grant applications through the summer, and have the team consider the grant proposals in the fall of 2022.
“It is my hope that this grant fund will be used by our Lord to bring the Good News of the Gospel to the lost among us in the NID in major ways,” said Whitby.
Look for details on the NID website this spring!
WITNESS: Encouraging personal witnessing, congregational engagement with their community, support of our NID partnerships and missions and sharing in a world mission field together.