Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) is committed to the full participation of persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life and ministry of the Lutheran church.

What We Do

Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) seeks to expand ministry opportunities for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities called to serve God as clergy and rostered leaders.

Since 1990, ELM has credentialed pastors for ministry, worked with Lutheran congregations to open their calls to members of the ELM roster, and provided direct financial grants to fund this ministry. Since the changes in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's ministry policies in 2009, ELM has focused on supporting the transition of ELM pastors to the ELCA roster and continued its work with non-ELCA pastors. ELM has provided over $800,000 for ministry by openly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender pastors since 1995 and will provide nearly $80,000 in 2010.

In the future, ELM will continue to support people of all sexual orientations and gender identities called to serve God as ordained pastors and rostered leaders throughout the Lutheran church. ELM is funded by donations from individuals and congregations. God's work is alive in our ministry today - and each gift to ELM makes that ministry happen.