Mission Interpreter Ministry

Telling the story of our hands doing God’s work in the world.”
Mission Interpreter Ministry is a new ministry in the Northeastern Minnesota Synod. Michele Plagman, from First Lutheran in Aitkin, is our volunteer Mission Interpreter Coordinator. Julie Lepisto, from Littlefork Lutheran in Littlefork, is a trained Mission Interpreter.Both of them are charged with recruiting, training and supporting Mission Interpreters throughout the synod. It’s our goal to have at least one Mission Interpreter in every congregation of our synod. They are prepared to come and talk about Mission Interpretation in your congregation – please invite them!

Why Have Mission Interpreters?

When Christians understand their baptismal identity as co-workers in a wider church, they become strong advocates supporting the mission and ministry we share beyond the congregation, through our synod, our churchwide organization and partner organizations.
The Mission Interpreter Ministry helps congregations by increasing the understanding of the work we do together. Members of the congregation see how they are personally connected to mission and ministry around the world. 

How Mission Interpretation Strengthens Congregations

• Supports congregations as centers for mission in their community and beyond
• Connects congregations with our synod and our churchwide ministries to increase opportunities for participation and support  
• Grows faithful and courageous leaders to serve within and beyond the congregation
• Supports Rostered Leaders in their role as missional leaders
• Teaches congregations creative ways to approach new challenges and opportunities
• Increases regular, special and planned giving within the congregation
  

Mission Interpreters:

• Thank people for what they do in Jesus’ name
  
• Inform people about how their giving makes a difference in the lives of others
• Teach people about the ministries and contexts we serve together
• Inspire people to be aware of and connected to ministries of the church
• Tie together our efforts in common ministry
• Invite people to be active participants and supporters of the mission we share
  

What Do Mission Interpreters Do?

• Mission Interpreters are volunteers who help bring to life the stories of how our offerings and gifts are transformed into effective ministries through our ELCA and ELCA mission partners.
• Mission Interpreters remind us how we make a difference in Christ’s mission and the work of the church.
• They thank people for their faithful giving, share information, provide resources, and give guidance on doing God’s work through the congregation, our synod, our churchwide organization and mission partners.
• This is accomplished through talks, presentations, visits with councils and committees, social media, church newsletters, etc. Our Mission Interpreters Team will help provide you with these resources.
  

Please prayerfully consider joining the Mission Interpreter Ministry!
For more information contact the Mission Interpreter Coordinator :
Michele Plagman: 218-927-3544 or email interpretnemnsynod@gmail.com  
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nemnsynodMissionInterpreters