Outreach Board

Enflamed by the Spirit of God, the mission of the Southwestern Washington Synod Outreach Board is to…

• Enable new mission starts,
• Empower the renewal of congregations, and
• Educate the people of God for mission

Enabling new mission starts is really an exercise in active listening.  The primary calling for beginning a new ministry comes to local people.  A group catches a vision for ministry and the Holy Spirit fans their energy and passion moving forward.  The Outreach Board exists to listen to the vision of the people and to help these new ministries through prayer, training, resources and financial means when possible.

Empowering the renewal of existing congregations is an ongoing process.  We are interested in encouraging every congregation to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and move in the directions where they have the most energy.  Our congregations are vibrant places of ministry to members; our goal is to encourage congregations to continue existing outreach ministries and to look to their communities to share the gospel in new ways with those around them.

Educating the people of God for mission is as simple as encouraging them to tell those around them that Jesus loves them.  But educating also involves giving people tools and resources for the conversations and relationships that follow.  We hold training events and workshops at various times across the synod to help people begin and continue their answer to God’s call to mission in their lives.

Finally, in order to enable, empower, and educate, the Outreach Board is in partnership with many congregations, institutions, and individuals across the synod to provide funding for new and existing ministries.  Through 1000 Mission Friends, Mission Endowment Fund, and general giving to the SWWA synod, the Outreach Board receives money to use to support new mission starts and congregations in renewal.

Outreach Board Members

Rev. Kent Shane - Chair                 
Mr. Mike Bena
Rev. Nina Body                                 
Ms. Leesa Bowie
Ms. Teresa Jackson                          
Rev. Mark Johnson
Rev. Doug Knutson-Keller            
Rev. Peter Mohr
Rev. Valinda Morse                        
Mr. James Reddick- Synod Council Rep
Rev. Melanie Wallschlaeger        
Rev. Eric Wangen-Hoch
Rev. Eugene Wiegman