new and strategic ministries


types of communities

Synod Authorized Worshipping Communities  

Synod Authorized Worshipping Community (SAWC) is the designation used for a worshipping community that has not yet formally organized as congregation. SAWCs are often new ministries or ministries that are still forming or need additional support. SAWCs receive part of their funding through grants from the synod and/or Churchwide Organization, as well as from supporting congregation.  
EaND SAWCS: The Neighborhood Church, South Sudan Lutheran, and The Way (Native American Christian Ministry). 



Strategic Ministries 

Strategic Ministries are organized congregation that are designated by the synod as having strategic priority due to location or ministry focus (minoritized group, low-income neighborhood, etc.). Strategic ministries may receive grant funding from the synod and/or the Churchwide Organization.  
EaND Strategic Ministries:  St. Mark’s Fargo and Dacotah Oyate Lutheran Church  

  • the neighborhood church

    The Neighborhood Church is located in the Golden Ridge Neighborhood in North Fargo. The former congregation of Golden Ridge Lutheran Church celebrated holy closure in 2019 with the trust that God would bring about new life in that place. In March 2020, The Neighborhood Church and Community Center began. The Neighborhood Church (TNC) is focused on being a space of community and belonging, loving and feeding their neighbors. Ministry includes Wednesday Church Nights, monthly Sunday worship, and pop-up pantries.


    Mission Developer: Pastor Jessica Miller


    Support The Neighborhood Church:  https://tncfargo.com/support

  • south sudan lutheran church

    South Sudan Lutheran Church began in 2010 as a worshipping community with South Sudanese living in the Fargo area. Ministry is focused on weekly worship in the Dinka language and care and support for the South Sudanese community.  SLL currently worships on Sunday afternoons at St. John Lutheran Church in Fargo. 


    Mission Developer: John Malwal  

  • the way (formerly native american christian ministry)

    The Way (formerly named Native American Christian Ministry) began as an ecumenical ministry serving in the F-M area. Today The Way is rooted in the ELCA and Eastern North Dakota Synod. The Way is a spiritual community serving Indigenous Peoples in Fargo and has a ministry focus on caring for those in recovery and suffering from addiction. The Way gathers on Sunday evenings at The Neighborhood Church in Fargo for song, prayer, worship, and a meal.  


    Mission Developer: Amanda Vivier 


    Connect with The Way

  • dacotah oyate lutheran church

    Beginning as a mission outreach, Dacotah Oyate Lutheran Church became an organized congregation and has been serving the Spirit Lake Nation since 1957. Across the decades ministry has included worship, youth ministry, immersion and learning events, and community outreach. A primary ministry focus of DOLC is being an outreach ministry in the community. DOLC gathers for worship each Sunday at 11:00am. Additional ministry includes clothing give-aways, a monthly youth event, and a Christmas Gift give-away in partnership with congregations in the Eastern North Dakota Synod.  


    Leader: Merlyn Greene 


    Support Dacotah Oyate: Checks should be made payable to Dacotah Oyate Lutheran, but mailed to Atonement Lutheran in Jamestown, who serves as their financial partner: 1009 12th Ave NE Jamestown, ND 58401.

  • st. mark's lutheran church

    St. Mark’s began as the first English speaking church in Fargo, and has been serving their urban neighbor for over 136 years. St Mark’s became the first Reconciling in Christ congregation in the synod in 1991 and their mission continues to be focused on providing a welcoming space for those displaced, marginalized, and oppressed, with a specific focus on inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community.  Currently St. Mark’s shares office space with Crossroads Campus Ministry at NDSU and worships at Temple Beth El.

    Leader: Pastor Micah Louwagie


    Connect with St. Mark’s: http://www.stmarkslutheranfargo.com/