ELCA Takes Emergent Churches to the Next Logical Step

ELCA young adults land on their feet
13-54-CHB

“Nadia Bolz-Weber has probably done more than any other pastor in recent times to poke therapeutic fun at the misdemeanors and flaws of overly-churched Christianity and Christians. The passion behind her words, however, is as deeply pastoral as it is God-drenched and liberating….thus the affection as well as the respect that attend her and her work wherever she goes.” -Phylis Tickle author of “The Great Emergenc

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=5326

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Every year young adults from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) volunteer to take a huge leap of faith and offer themselves in service in distant places. They pack their bags, say goodbye to family and friends and embark on a life-changing journey.

     The ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program is a one-year international mission opportunity for young people between the ages of 19 to 29 to learn about themselves, their relationship with God and their place in God’s world.

     When the program started in 1999, eight young adults volunteered in the United Kingdom. Since then, more than 450 volunteers have participated in the program, working with Lutheran companion churches and organizations around the world. Young adults from other U.S. Christian denominations also participate in the ELCA’s program.

     In August 2013, 64 young adult volunteers will travel overseas to serve with ELCA mission personnel in locations that include Africa, Asia, Mexico, the Middle East and South America. The volunteers work 35 to 40 hours a week at a variety of placement sites including churches, schools and hospitals.