Together in Mission
Frequently Asked Questions

In 2012, congregations and individuals throughout the Florida-Bahamas Synod will be invited
to provide financial support for Together in Mission. Use this FAQ to learn more about the
vision to grow Christ’s church in this time and place.

1.  What is Together in Mission (TiM) and why is it important to me and my congregation?

The 188 congregations of the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the ELCA have common mission: “Sharing Christ + Making Disciples + Doing Justice.” Of course, each congregation participates in this mission in its own unique ways. TiM is an effort to connect people and congregations across the synod in new ways. It is about growing Christ’s Church through collaborative ministries that make a difference in the lives of people. It is about celebrating results when Christ is shared, disciples are made, and justice is done.

2.  Isn’t TiM primarily about raising money through a capital campaign?

No. TiM is first and foremost a vision to encourage and support congregations in their outreach to others in the community. There is also a funding appeal to raise new dollars to help fund collaborative ministries across the synod that seek to share Christ, make disciples and do justice in new and creative ways. A Grant Team makes decisions on proposals submitted by individuals and congregations. Funds received for TiM provide for these grants within our synod as well as providing direct financial support for our mission partner, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Haiti. In 2011, $146,400 was distributed to congregations, conferences, and to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Haiti to further mission.

3.  Doesn’t our congregation already give money to the synod for these purposes?

The dollars that congregations give to the synod for mission support (“benevolence”) are used to support the on-going mission of the Florida-Bahamas Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The reality is that limited financial support exists for new initiatives. TiM grants make possible direct program support to congregations in new and exciting ways. TiM relies on the generosity of individuals and congregations who want to grow the church to complement the ‘formal’ structures. TiM is also a way to share human and financial resources across the boundaries that sometimes separate congregations.

4.  Don’t we have congregations doing creative ministries without TiM funding support?

Absolutely! In 2012 and 2013, TiM communications will celebrate collaborative and outreach ministries throughout the synod, whether or not the ministries receive grant funding. The grants are one-time awards designed to encourage congregations to invest themselves more fully in their communities. As long as TiM contributions come in, we will be able to make grants that go back out to promote more good ideas.

5.  Does TiM have an end date?

No. The vision for growing Christ’s church continues. One of the goals of TiM all along has been to grow the church and increase member involvement. That goal does not end. We are charged with doing all we can to make Christ known and to grow Christ’s church in this time and place. The strengthening of bonds among our congregations will continue to reveal Christ in our lives today. The commitment to being together in mission and ministry will inspire us for years to come.

6.  How about changes in the leadership of the Florida-Bahamas Synod?

Bishop staffs and synod councils do change and are always entrusted with the responsibility to provide leadership for the synod in ways that are relevant and needed at different times. Yet, we feel confident that collaboration in ministries to grow God’s Church will remain a priority. TiM is more than a program or a funding appeal. It really is a way of unlocking the creativity of God’s people to work together in being more intentional in doing the work of the Holy Spirit in our communities and in the synod. It is about changing lives.

7.  How are financial gifts to TiM accepted? Are pledges necessary?

Most of the contributions to TiM to date have been in the form of three-year commitments. Pledges will still be encouraged through May 2013. For example, a three-year pledge received in April 2013 can be paid until April 2016. One-time contributions to TiM will also be invited beginning on Together in Mission Sunday 2012 set for Sunday, March 25, 2012.

8.  What are the expectations for congregations on Together in Mission Sunday 2012 on March 25?

Every congregation in the synod is being asked to participate by using the TiM litany, singing the TiM hymn for 2012 (“Let us Talents and Tongues Employ”), and distributing TiM envelopes. Congregations with access to video technology are asked to play the 3-minute TiM video at the offering during worship. Some congregations are planning additional TiM activities for March 25. The main point is to celebrate in some visible way on that Sunday our being together in mission as God’s people in the Florida-Bahamas Synod.

9.  How can individuals and congregations help to promote the vision of TiM and raise the dollars to support TiM grants to congregations and the church in Haiti?

The long-term goal is to have at least one TiM advocate in each congregation! The plan is that these advocates will be lay leaders who accept the responsibility to tell the story of TiM and generate new ideas for grants. The TiM coordinating team is working hard to enlist these leaders. Pastors, deacons, and Associates in Ministry are being invited to assist in identifying these advocates. In some congregations and conferences, large donations ($25,000 and above) have been given as matching gifts to encourage a greater number of smaller gifts. The coordinating team will continue to invite Challenge-Gifts of cash, stock, and property gifts in amounts greater than $10,000 through May 2013.

10.  Where is a good place to find information about TiM and share stories about collaborative ministries that are working or are needed?

Go to the homepage of the Florida-Bahamas Synod and click on the Together in Mission logo. You will be directed to the TiM homepage where you can find newsletters, communications, links to video presentations, and copies of TiM materials being used in congregations. You may join the Together in Mission Facebook page to share stories and raise questions. You may email questions or idea to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . You may also call the synod office at 813.876.7660 and ask about TiM.

11.  Are there other ways to support this ministry in addition to giving money or volunteering?

The church in our time and place is sustained by the prayers of its people. TiM is as much about people coming together to pray for our congregations, the many ministries we offer, and the people engaged in mission and those who are served in our communities. The TiM litany can be used as part of home devotions and in other settings as a way to link our hearts and lives together in the Spirit.