Equipping Congregations for Ministry

The MNO Synod is here to support the congregations, leaders and specialized ministries in our broad geographic area covering urban, suburban, exurban, and rural churches within our synod.

We are specifically a resource for congregational leaders charged with the important responsibility of working with the rostered staff to sustain a vibrant faith-based community. Synod staff members help congregational leaders respond to the needs of their communities and mission work by providing clarity, coaching, or other connections.

Click on the tabs below to find a resources and forms related to that topic.  Scroll down to find out more about our ELCIC National Office and Anglican Church partners.  Information about other ecumenical, inter-faith and non-profit partners is available on the PARTNERS page.  If there is a resource you cannot find or would like to see on this page, please contact the synod office.

The call process includes specific policies/practices that apply to ELCIC congregations and rostered ministers when contemplating a call.  Please call the bishop’s office early for guidance and explanations. The bishop will walk with congregations and calling agencies through the whole process.

This section includes information and forms intended for the use of congregational councils. These Handbooks, Guidelines, and Policies are to help congregations and ministries engage in healthy and accountable structures and processes. We are in the process of developing sample policies that congregations can adopt if they currently do not have policies in place. Please check back for updates.

Parochial Report

The parochial report gives important updates and information to the ELCIC National Church Office and the synod office.  This information helps inform ministry plans and priorities, and also helps to identify trends within the ministry of the church.  Please fill the report out and submit as soon as practical, ideally by March 31 of each year. Note that once submitted, a copy will be emailed to the email filled out in the report for your records. Email the synod office for access to the online or printable version of the parochial report.

Should you have any questions on the report, please get in touch with the Synod Office.

Request to Reduce Tax Deductions at Source–CRA

Information re Form T1213: Request to Reduce Taxes
CRA T1213 Form – Request to Reduce Tax  Deductions at Source
CRA T1223 Form – Clergy Residence Deduction

ELCIC Group Services

This is the current list of rostered ministers available for pulpit supply.  It is the responsibility of congregations to arrange for their own pulpit supply.  There is a limited number of pastors available for pulpit supply, so we encourage lay leaders to lead as often as possible and to refer to the pulpit supply list when sacramental ministry is needed.

More information about Grants can be found on the GRANTS PAGE.

Shared Ministry is becoming a more popular and common arrangement for many of our congregations. It allows congregations and ministries to partner with others in order to share resources, skills, and programs. Shared ministry could be between congregations of the same denomination, but also often takes place between denominations – what we call Ecumenical Shared Ministry (ESM).

There is no single model for Shared Ministry. In some cases, there are fully blended congregations representing two or more denominations. In others, several congregations share a rostered leader. Some congregations share programing or seasonal worship events. Shared Ministry could also be as simple as sharing a building, with each congregation working independently.

The videos below give an overview of the benefits of Ecumenical Shared Ministry. There is also a link to the Ecumenical Shared Ministries Handbook from the ELCIC. If your congregation or ministry is interested in exploring Shared Ministry (Ecumenical or with other MNO Synod Congregations), please reach out to the synod office to help guide the discussion and look at possibilities.

Why Does Shared Ministry Matter?

ESM Examples

Moving Forward

[dg id=-1 fbv=18]

Ministry Partners

The MNO Synod works with a variety of partners for mutual support, advocacy, and shared learning.  Learn more about each ministry partner, and how congregations can participate and support them.

Canadian Lutheran World Relief

As an international relief and development agency of the Lutheran communities, CLWR provides opportunities for Canadians to respond to national and international needs.

Luther Village

Luther Village is a Lutheran camp nestled amongst the majestic pines on the shores of Dogtooth Lake which exists to give all individuals the opportunity for growth and renewal of mind, body and soul. Seasonal programs are offered on site.

Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon

Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon (LTS) is a seminary owned by the four Western Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. LTS offers basic degrees, such as various Master of Theological Studies options. LTS also offers training and webinars for congregational leaders.  Through the Lay Academy, congregational leaders can get training in various aspects of congregational leadership.

Lutheran Urban Ministry (The Urban)

The Lutheran Urban Ministry, known simply as The Urban, is a ministry of presence that expresses God’s grace to inner city residents in Winnipeg. Programs offered include meals, classes, men’s/women’s groups, sharing circles, children’s time, worship, and fellowship. The Urban invites individual volunteers and teams of volunteers to support various programs. Congregations can support The Urban through financial and in-kind donations as well.

Discipleship. Community. Transformation. Support.

Centrality of worship and sacramental ministry. Strong Communication. Developing leaders and ministries through training and resources.

I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ.

Philemon 1:6

Get the Latest MNO News and Resources Through Our Newsletter

Updates, Information, and Resources Every 2 Weeks