The gifts He gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and someteachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-13

The vocation of the program is the development of leadership for renewal of Christian mission in congregations and communities through the training of the priesthood of all believers.

How will the vocation be fulfilled?

• Christian Education
• Personal renewal and growth
• The discernment of one's gifts and vocation
• The sending out for mission

What do we need to learn in order to fulfill our vocation?

• The commands and promises of God in the Bible
• What serves the gospel of Christ from the history and theology of the church
• Christian care giving
• Christian leadership in church and community
• Appropriate ways of sharing the story of Jesus Christ

How will this learning take place?

• Reflection of personal study experiences
• Mentor relationship
• Congregation and cluster classes and meetings
• Weekend events and seminary events
• Continuing education and support of ordained leaders

How long does it take?

GIFTS is a means for you to experience a life-long catechumenate.  That is, an intentional process of Christian education lasting from baptism to death.  The purpose is not to finish, but to participate in an ongoing mission.  Those who have participated in the program for three years and have attended twelve training events will be recognized and may be commissioned for ministry within their own congregation.

How much does it cost?

There is an initial $25 fee.  Each weekend and seminary event has a registration fee; which does not usually include housing.  Books and other resources are always an optional purchase on your part.

Puzzled about the GIFTS Program?  Here are the pieces:

• Participant-- baptized child of God, called to serve, gifted and equipped for the work of ministry
• Congregation-- indigenous center for mission resource for encouragement, learning and service
• Community-- the mission field, place to fulfill Christian vocation
• GIFTS-- resource for intentional study and spiritual growth, an innovative approach to leadership for mission
• Clergy/Mentors-- identify and encourage participants for mission resource for learning
• Seminaries-- teach our ordained leaders, a resource for learning
• ELCA Synods-- partners in mission, a network of support for mission

GIFTS
An innovative approach to leadership for mission in the ELCA

How do I get started?
Discuss your interest to become a part of GIFTS with your pastor.  Request an information form from Pastor Ray Branstiter.  You may direct any questions you or your pastor have to him.

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