Link Table of Contents

Care and Development of Church Leaders

Community Services Ministries

Generational Ministries

Health and Wellness Ministries

Global Ministries

Peace and Justice Issues

Leadership, Management and Governance

Other Lutheran and Christian Organizations and Resources

Grant Writing Resources

Grant Makers

Congregational Resources

Care and Development of Church Leaders

• Gifted People - When change and conflict impact a Christian congregation it is often helpful to have outside help in dealing with issues and emotions. Rev. Tim Fangmeier consults and coaches clergy and other church leaders in promoting congregational health and peace.

• Grace Place - Grace Place Retreat Ministries provides retreats for clergy and spouses that will help them integrate and model physical, emotional, intellectual, relational and spiritual health in their lives.

• Ministry Health - Support and resources for pastors and Christian leaders.

• Ministry Mentors - Ministry Mentors is a spiritually based, not-for-profit organization staffed with active, retired, and part-time clergy who are exceptionally qualified to provide mentoring and support services for pastors of all Christian denominations.

• Pastoral Leadership Institute - Provides opportunities for pastors to gain advanced knowledge and skills helpful in fulfilling the Great Commission.

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Community Service Ministries

• Bethel New Life, Inc. - A faith-based community development corporation dedicated to weaving a healthier, sustainable community in West Garfield Park, located on Chicago's West Side, offering a variety of special services, housing development, child and senior care programs, and employment training and placement services. 

• Carter Center - Site for the Carter Center in Atlanta, established by Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter. The center is dedicated to fighting disease, hunger, poverty, conflict, and oppression through collaborative initiatives in the areas of democratization and development, global health, and urban revitalization.

• Community Health Centers Around the World: an International Exchange - One of the major goals of the Development Education Program is increased US public awareness of international development; including greater interest, understanding, and participation in US public and private international development efforts. The specific goal of the MSH project is to feature community-based strategies and initiatives as examples of successful interventions in improving the health of underserved populations throughout the world.

• Family Promise (formerly National Interfaith Hospitality Network) - The National Interfaith Hospitality Network is a national, non-profit organization that assists religious and community organizations in developing and operating Network programs. Our goal is to alleviate homelessness by fostering the development of Networks that provide shelter, meals, and assistance for homeless persons, and that increase community involvement in direct service and advocacy.  Click here to view Wheat Ridge grant to this organization.

• Good News Garage - The Good News Garage helps low income residents of Chittenden County and surrounding areas of Vermont with affordable transportation in several ways: the donation of an automobile and a bicycle, auto repairs at an affordable rate, and affordable van pooling connecting bus routes and job sites.  Click here to view Wheat Ridge grant to this organization.

• Health Ministries Association - A membership organization of persons bonded together in the faith/health ministry movement and dedicated to networking, educating, supporting, sharing and promoting whole-person health through faith groups in the community.

• Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service - The LIRS mission statement:  "In response to God's love in Christ, we welcome the stranger, bringing new hope and new life through ministries of service and justice."

• Lutheran Volunteer Corps - The Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) is a program of volunteers from around the country who serve for one year receiving housing and a small stipend. Volunteers agree to live by three tenets: work for social justice, Explore simplicity and Build community.

• PeaceCenter - The PeaceCenter exists to give form and provide support to the already existing efforts to bring our community together on a much deeper level. It serves to connect the kaleidoscope of existing peacemakers, financial and human resources, in a unified approach to ending violence in our San Antonio and Bexar County. The vision of the PeaceCenter is one that honors diversity, practices inclusion and values each and every member of our community.  Click here to view Wheat Ridge grant to this organization.

• The Urban Institute - The Urban Institute investigates social and economic problems confronting the nation and analyzes efforts to solve these problems. The Institute seeks to increase Americans' awareness of important public choices and improve the formulation and implementation of government decisions. Much of its research is available to the public.

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Generational Ministries

• Adults Saving Kids - Our mission is to prevent commercial sexual exploitation of young people, and bring honor and accountability to all relationships. 

• Augsburg Youth and Family Institute - Dedicated to providing research related to children, youth, and families, to designing and sharing conceptual models of effective ministry to and with youth and families, and to providing research-based consultation and resources.

• Evergreen Youth Television - Evergreen Youth Television, or simply EYTV, was founded with the mission of teaching youth to produce videos from a faith and values perspective.

• Family Crossfires, Inc. - Family Crossfires, Inc. works to reunite generations to help prevent the problems and tragedies caused by a growing lack of generational support. Review and use Intergenerational Resources uniquely designed to reunite generations in faith through the knowledge and strength of God's Word. The following Resources are Available for a Suggested Donation: Sunday School Lessons, Vacation Bible School, Worship Services, Newsletter Articles, Bulletin Inserts, Student Lead Chapel, Faith and Family School Newsletter, Retreats for Youth and Parents, Couples and Families, etc

• Family Village - The Family Village is a global community that integrates information, resources and communication opportunities on the Internet for persons with mental retardation and other disabilities, for their families and for those that provide them services and support.

• Fitz Family Entertainment - Information about the Fitz Family, a family of Christian entertainers who share their gifts by providing a ministry of health, hope, and fun with a variety of audiences.

• The Haven Network - Provides emotional, spiritual and practical support to families experiencing the death of a pre-born or newly born baby with a terminal condition.

• The Lion and Lamb Project - The mission of The Lion & Lamb Project is to stop the marketing of violence to children.

• Lutheran Campus Mission Association - A mission society working in partnership with LCMS World Mission to provide creative leadership that will enable and empower campus ministers and the broader Church to be effective witnesses of Christ in the academic community and the world

• National Fatherhood Initiative - The mission of the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) is to improve the well-being of children by increasing the number of children growing up with loving, committed and responsible fathers.

• National Institute on Media and the Family - Information regarding the impact of media on children and ways parents and others can help children make responsible choices regarding what they see and hear through various media.

• Rainbows - Rainbows is a not-for-profit, international organization that offers training and curricula for establishing peer support groups in churches, synagogues, schools or social agencies. These curricula are available for children and adults of all ages and religious denominations who are grieving a death, divorce or any other painful transition in their family.

• Search Institute - An organization highly respected for its practical research benefiting children and youth.

• Voices of Youth - This site, sponsored by UNICEF, is designed for children and teachers to engage in discussion with others about the needs of children around the world.

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Health and Wellness Ministries

• Adult Health & Development Program - The AHDP is an intergenerational health promotion and rehabilitation program in which college students are paired with older adults for the purpose of engaging in health and wellness activities.

• Al-Anon-AlaTeen - Information about these programs for families and friends of alcoholics.

• American Cancer Society - Home page for the ACS, includes information about cancer and cancer research.

• American Hospice Foundation - The American Hospice Foundation aids programs that serve the needs of terminally ill and grieving individuals of all ages.

• ELCA Division for Church in Society - Disability Ministries - this website has information on how to create and increase accessibility for congregations and organizations for persons with physical challenges.

• FullValue Ministries - The vision of FullValue Ministries is that people church-wide and worldwide hear, experience, and be empowered to share full value through JESUS.

• Grief and Loss Resource Centre - A variety of resources and links to other sites related to dealing with grief and loss.

• Health Fair Manual - To help plan a congregational health fair from LCMS Health Ministries.

• HealthVision International

• Lutheran Disability Ministries - LDM equips the Church to minister with persons who are mentally impaired by providing innovative programs, developing relationships, modeling servanthood, and discipling leaders.

• Lutherans in Medical Missions - Connects people and resources with medical mission opportunities to advance health and healing ministries at home and throughout the world.

• National Institute of Health - Provides information on several health related government agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control as well as general information regarding health and wellness.

• Prayer Surfers Ministries - Prayer Surfers Ministries offer free internet access and prayer support for the hospitalized critically ill and their families.
  
  
• Resounding Joy - Resounding Joy, Inc., brings together community and faith-based organizations to train, equip, and mentor volunteers to provide supportive music and recreational music-making services at no cost to adults and children in need.
  
  
• Rest Ministries, Inc. - A service ministry for people who live with chronic illness or pain.

• Smokescreen Action Network - Information on tobacco legislation, support groups for those trying to quit smoking, and links to other resources.

• Wheelchair Foundation - An organization that provides wheelchairs for adults, teens and children in the United States and abroad.

Health Ministry/Parish Nursing

• Health Ministries Association - A membership organization of persons bonded together in the faith/health ministry movement and dedicated to networking, educating, supporting, sharing and promoting whole-person health through faith groups in the community.

• Health Ministry Resource Project - Supporting the development of congregational health ministries for the building up of the Body of Christ for service to neighbor and world. HMRP is a project of the Health Ministry Task Force of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Southeastern Synod, in partnership with Wheat Ridge Ministries.

• Interfaith Health Program - Formerly the Faith and Health Program of the Carter Center, maintains a number of programs aimed at achieving whole community health through relationships between health and faith organizations.

• International Network for Interfaith Health Practices - IHP-NET is an internet electronic forum for dialogue and resource sharing among persons of all religious traditions, regarding the dynamic relationship between spirituality and health.

• International Parish Nurse Resource Center - Home page for the IPNRC, which provides information about the philosophy and activities of nurses in congregations, publishes materials related to parish nursing, convenes educational programs, consults healthcare institutions and churches, and promotes the role of parish nurse within the church community.

• LCMS Health Ministries - LCMS areas of health ministry include congregational health ministry, parish nursing, mental health ministry and health issues for professional church workers.

• Milwaukee Synod - ELCA - Parish Nursing - a guide for developing health ministry in the congregation.

• Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries - Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries (NPNM) is an interfaith, non-profit agency. Its purpose is to initiate, develop and support parish nursing/health ministries within congregation/faith groups throughout the Pacific Northwest.  Click here to view Wheat Ridge grant to this organization.

• Puget Sound Parish Nurse Ministries - Founded as a parish nurse interest group, its focus is to equip persons to serve as parish health ministers in communities of faith.

Medical Reference

• American Medical Association - The official site of the AMA. Provides linkage to health and medical resources. Site includes the AMA Physician locator.

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention - To promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury and disability.

• HealthAnswers - A link to health organizations and information. Includes a "Health Passport" section that provides information for international travel.

• Healthfinder - A gateway consumer health information site from the U.S. Government.

• Institute of HeartMath Research - IHM's Research Division is exploring the central role the heart's electrical system plays in health and well-being.

• Mayo Health Oasis - The URL of the Mayo Clinic. Includes links to a variety of prevention and wellness materials.

• NetWellness - NetWellness is a Web-based consumer health information service developed by the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with many partners. The medical centers at Case Western Reserve University and The Ohio State University collaborate with the University of Cincinnati to provide the most current and accurate health information.

• New England Journal of Medicine - A weekly journal reporting the results of important medical research worldwide.

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Global Ministries

• Association of Lutheran Mission Agencies - Providing fraternal and spiritual support to Lutheran mission agencies, mission societies and mission-involved congregations as they reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

• Christian Connections for International Health - The mission of Christian Connections for International Health is to promote international health and wholeness from a Christian perspective. CCIH provides field-oriented information resources and a forum for discussion, networking, and fellowship to the spectrum of Christian organizations and individuals working in international health.

• Lutherans in Medical Missions - Connects people and resources with medical mission opportunities to advance health and healing ministries at home and throughout the world

• MOST Ministries - Mission Opportunities Short Term (MOST Ministries) is an independent short term Christian mission agency that facilitates interested and committed Christians from all over the United States who are looking for opportunities to live out their Faith by serving missionaries, partner churches and related charitable organizations throughout the world.

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Peace and Justice Issues

• Alternatives to Violence Project - A national association of community-based groups and prison-based groups offering experiential workshops in personal growth and creative conflict management.

• California Council of Churches Violence Prevention Project - The project has produced a study guide which brings senior high youth and adults together in a local church setting to dialogue about violence in the lives of young people.

• Catholics Against Capital Punishment - Promotes greater awareness of the church's teachings that characterize capital punishment as inappropriate and unacceptable in today's world.

• Center for Democratic Renewal - Organization that helps communities combat racism and bigotry and is committed to policies based on equity and justice.

• Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence - The Center provides a number of training programs and resources aimed at education about and prevention of sexual and domestic violence.

• Community Renewal Society - A social justice organization that seeks to renew communities by empowering people to dismantle racism and poverty.

• Congregations Concerned for Children Child Advocacy Network - A faith-based voice for children to train advocates for children, especially those living in poverty or experiencing violence.

• Early Warning, Timely Response - Offers research-based practices designed to assist school communities identify warning signs early and develop prevention, intervention and crisis response plans.

• Families Against Violence Network - A network of organizations, families and individual committed to violence prevention and promotion of alternatives to violence.

• Illinois Violence Prevention Authority - A state agency dedicated to violence prevention in the United States.

• Justice Coalition of Greater Chicago - An alliance of civic, religious, legal, educational, business and community organization and concerned individuals working toward reform of the criminal justice system.

• Lamp of Hope - Project founded by Texas Death Row prisoners to educate the public about the death penalty and to promote healing and reconciliation.

• Lutheran Peace Fellowship - Lutheran Peace Fellowship (LPF) is a community of Lutherans across the U.S. and around the globe responding to the gospel call to be peacemakers and justice seekers.  LPF offers a wide range of expertise, encouragement, and resources.

• The Moratorium Campaign - Dedicated to obtaining a moratorium on the death penalty and to the full protection of human rights.

• Moratorium Now! - Provides a number of resources for groups wishing to address the death penalty in their communities.

• Neighbors Who Care - Organization related to Prison Fellowship Ministries, a nationally known Christian prison ministry.

• The Other Side - Dedicated to upholding a Christian vision that works toward a transformed world of justice and peace.

• Pace e Bene Franciscan Nonviolence Center - A Franciscan organization that provides a ten-part study and action program in the spirituality and practice of active nonviolence.

• Pax Christi USA National Catholic Peace Movement - This organization promotes peace and nonviolence education.

• PeaceCenter - Focused on the vision of God's peace, the peaceCENTER supports the learning of peace in our lives and the demonstration of peace within our community

• Religious Organizing Against the Death Penalty Project - An organization coordinated by the American Friends Service Committee's criminal justice program to empower the religious community to work against capital punishment.

• Southern Poverty Law Center - Organization that combats hate, intolerance and discrimination through education and litigation.

• Survivors of Torture International - Survivors of Torture, International (SOTI) is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 1997 to care for survivors of politically-motivated torture and their families.

• United Power for Action and Justice - Broad-based organization whose goal is to build relational power for collective actions in the name of justice and the common good.

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Leadership, Management & Governance

• Action Without Borders - Founded in 1995 and based in New York, Action Without Borders is a nonprofit organization that promotes the sharing of ideas, information and resources to help build a world where all people can live free, dignified and productive lives.

• Carver Governance Design - Information and forums related to the use of policy-based governance by public and not-for-profit boards.

• Center for Creative Leadership - A leader in leadership training.

• Center for Excellence in Nonprofits - A learning community of nonprofits with programs in leadership development, systemic change, continuous improvement and best practices.

• Church Coach - Training and consultation services for congregations offered by Kurt Bickel of CORNERSTONE

• IdeaList - A gathering point for good ideas and resources shared by not-for- profit organizations.

• Impact on Line - A resource page for potential volunteers and service programs.

• Injoy - Resources and insights for Christian leaders provided through the ministry of Dr. John C. Maxwell.

• Internet Non-Profit Center - Information about a large number of not-for- profit organizations, as well as resources and information helpful to these organizations.

• Leader to Leader Institute (formerly the Drucker Foundation) - A variety of leadership resources based on the concept of Servant Leadership.

• Leadership Network Home Page - A variety of resources for church leaders, designed to encourage innovation and health among Christian churches.

• The Mining Company Site for Nonprofit Charitable Organizations - A wide variety of information and resources for not-for-profit organizations. Topics include grant writing, volunteer training, job searches, and philanthropy.

• Non-Profit Nuts and Bolts

• Starting a Non-Profit Organization: One-Step Answer Page

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Other Lutheran and Christian Organizations and Resources

• About Lutherans.Net - An index of links related to Lutheran and Lutheran-related web sites.

• Association of Lutheran Mission Agencies - Providing fraternal and spiritual support to Lutheran mission agencies, mission societies and mission-involved congregations, as they reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

• Augsburg Fortress Publishers - The publishing house of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

• Bible Gateway - The Bible in a variety of languages and translations. Includes a search tool. Developed by the Gospel Communications Network.

• CharityChannel.com - CharityChannel was established in 1992 as a volunteer-driven on-line community of voluntary-sector professionals that offers public and private e-mail-based forums dedicated to charitable efforts.

• Concordia Publishing House - The publishing house of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

• Lutheran Community Services Northwest - Lutheran Family Service is a nonprofit family service agency providing a safe place for people from all walks of life to work through problems, develop confidence, connect with others and generate hope for the future.

• Lutheran Education Association - Web site for L.E.A., the membership organization for educators serving the congregations and schools of the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod. L.E.A.'s mission is to promote Christian education and support the education minister.

• Lutheran Foundation of Texas - Our mission is to educate members and churches about stewardship of accumulated resources, facilitate opportunities for planned gifts that will benefit Lutheran churches and ministries, and manage funds that have been donated to benefit individuals and ministries. The Foundation operates as a charitable, non-profit tax exempt ministry to help people give to loved ones and Lutheran ministries.

• Small Group Network - Helpful resources and training tools related to small group Bible study and other care groups.

• The Lutheran - Home page for the Lutheran, official journal of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

• The Joyful Noiseletter - This award-winning newsletter, a publication of the Fellowship of Merry Christians, provides churches with a monthly supply of hilarious cartoons, clean jokes, one-liners, inspirational stories, and joyful Scripture references.
  
  
  
• Spiritual Help for Abuse Victims - This site is intended for both victims and those who want to learn more about the issue and how to help those who are suffering from the effects of abuse in their lives. There are a short video, hotlines, links to other websites, abuse warning checklists, workshops that are available as well as books, a Bible study, Bible verses, and articles addressing various aspects of the abuse issue, for example: forgiveness, the commandment to honor one’s parents, how to help victims spiritually, and what congregations can do to help.

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Grant Makers

• LCMS World Relief and Human Care- The alliance of disaster relief, self-help and human care ministries of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

• The Lutheran Foundation - Ft. Wayne, IN - The Lutheran Foundation is a Christ-centered ministry of the member Lutheran congregations in northeastern Indiana dedicated to demonstrating the compassion of Christ by promoting, improving, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals, families, congregations, and communities.

• The Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis - To the honor of Christ Jesus, the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis seeks the improved care of people in the greater St. Louis metropolitan region.

• The Siebert Foundation - The mission of the Siebert Lutheran Foundation is to be wise stewards enabling Lutheran congregations, associations, organizations and institutions to be more responsible, creative, compassionate and effective in sharing God's Word serving people.

• Women of the ELCA Grants Program - Mobilizing women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.

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Congregational Resources

• The Alban Institute in the DC area – The Alban Institute was founded in 1974 as a major resource for American congregations facing the challenges of a changing society. While today’s challenges are even more pressing than they were three decades ago, the opportunities have never been clearer for congregations to be vital communities of faith, health and leadership. Alban stands at the forefront of knowledge and experience regarding congregational vitality and positive trends across denominations and faith traditions. Its work is helping shape the strong congregations of tomorrow.
  
• Indianapolis Center for Congregations – The Indianapolis Center for Congregations is dedicated to helping Indiana congregations find solutions to their pressing practical problems. An affiliate of the Alban Institute, the Center assists congregations in finding and utilizing the very best resources; brings in leaders from various fields for workshops, connecting events, conferences and long-term learning groups; and helps congregations to learn from one another through networking and sharing stories in publications.
  
• Congregational Resource Guide - An effort of the Alban Institute in consultation with the Indianapolis Center for Congregations and other specialists, the Congregational Resource Guide (CRG) exists to help congregational leaders connect with resources that will enable them to face challenges and foster vitality in their communities of faith.

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