Multi-National Congregations refer to congregations that worship in a language other than English. These congregations work with the Mission Specialist and the Assistant to the Bishop for International Missions and may also be Church Plants. They can apply for Multi-National grants or Mission Start grants. Mission Districts, Regions, and Areas are encouraged to support these Multi-National missions in their area. Multi-National Congregations may apply to be approved by the Missions Vetting team to be on the NALC website for support. 

Starting a Multi-National Congregation requires identifying a language or culture group with a need for ministry and having someone within that community or an existing congregation who can serve as a liaison. To begin, the congregation needs to communicate with the Mission Specialist and the Assistant to the Bishop for International Missions, who can provide resources and support for starting the congregation.  

Multi-National Congregations may apply for Multi-National Grants or Mission Start grants to support their ministry. The Great Commission Fund is designated for supporting our Ministry Partners by awarding grants. 

Grant applications are available in the fall, beginning in October. The applications will be sent to those who request the application after consultation with the Missions Team. The deadline for applying is November 15, and applications will be submitted on Airtable where they can be accessed by everyone on the Grant Committee. 

The Grant Committee consists of the General Secretary, Treasurer, and members of the Missions Team including the Assistant to the Bishop for International Missions, Missions Specialist, and others. Grant approvals will be made by the end of January. Approval and agreement letters are sent out to be signed and returned. Then the checks can be sent. Most grants are distributed at that time. 

Mission Start grant checks are sent each quarter after the recipients have met with the Director for Church Plants and the Mission Specialist or have submitted a report. All grant recipients are required to submit a report describing how the grant money has been used to benefit the ministry. 

The amount of a grant can be up to $12,000, and the amount of money available for grants is part of the NALC budget. The amount of grants is dependent on the number of applicants and the amount budgeted each year. Grant applications that are submitted after the deadline will be considered at the discretion of the Missions Team. 

For more information on any of our ministry partners, please contact the Rev. Carol Fryer at [email protected]. 

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20 ESV