An affinity group is a gathering of people or congregations with a common interest. It provides support, information, and opportunity for members to pursue this common interest. Anyone can start and be a member of these groups. To establish an affinity group, there must be at least three members willing to join. Our only expectation is that an affinity group does not go against our beliefs, theology, polity, etc. IMPORTANT: Affinity groups ARE NOT synod committees. They do not require synod council action in order to be formed. Each one truly is an "affinity group" of individuals with commitments to a specific cause.
Affinity groups are "birthed and burned" as needed.
If interested in starting one, please contact Pr. Julianne Smith at jsmith@neos-elca.org.
Sharing Congregational Resources
The Sharing Congregational Resources team is a spin-off group created to address the Synod Spine-tingling Goal of an equitably paid pastor, deacon or lay person in every pulpit. Just as individuals have God-given unique gifts and talents to share, likewise congregations also have unique God-given gifts and talents to share. Our purpose is to explore the possibilities of congregations sharing the gifts they have with one another, so that all may benefit, not just financially, but more importantly as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.