Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries

Proclaim - proclaim is a professional community for publicly identified lgbtqia+ rostered leaders, candidates, and seminarians. Elm supports a professional network for publicly identified lgbtqia+ rostered leaders, candidates, and seminarians from multiple Lutheran rosters committed to raising the visibility of Extraordinary leaders and ending discrimination towards people for reasons of sexual orientation and gender identity. The proclaim community gathers annually for learning and renewal and connects throughout the year for networking and mutual support. Proclaim is uniquely positioned to help the Lutheran church and society become more welcoming and inclusive of church leaders of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Proclaim is open to rostered leaders or those preparing for rostered ministry from multiple Lutheran rosters (for example, elca, elcic, lcms, elm).

Ministry engagement - elm works to encourage a diversity of calls for gifted lgbtqia+ leaders, while celebrating and highlighting Extraordinary congregations and Ministries impacted by the ministry of lgbtqia+ leaders.

Candidacy accompaniment - elm staff and volunteers work directly with candidates for rostered ministry in the elca and elcic. Elm also develops relationships with church-wide staff, synods, and seminaries and to make resources available to candidates, candidacy committees, and synod staff to ensure respectful, effective, and meaningful engagement throughout the candidacy process. As queer seminarians graduate, they are paired with a firstcall coach which draws from wisdom and counsel of proclaim members in settled calls who have regional connections and coaching skills.

Other - the total amount includes various "shared" expenses which support the organization's program, management, and fundraising efforts including staffing and office expenses.