What is the Ablaze! Mission Outpost Grant Initiative?
The Ablaze! Mission Outpost Grant Initiative was started by the Northern Illinois District LCMS in 2006 to help congregations launch new starts that lead to sharing the Gospel with people a congregation is not currently serving. Grant money is available to district congregations and their partnerships through a selective application process.
In the words of District President Dan Gilbert: "Because new starts are where new believers are consistently found in larger numbers than in existing ministries. That's what makes new starts the 'one thing' 230 congregations should be doing together." A new start may be a variety of things, but a typical new start is:
A multi-site or satellite location of a congregation
An additional venue at an existing site of a congregation offering a way to reach new people
A mission plant for a new self-sustaining congregation
Grant funds come from:
Direct gifts of individuals for this purpose
A portion of the annual congregational offerings to the district
