Directories & Administrative Resources

Guidance for Part Time Ministers

The ELCA Office of the Treasurer offers advice for handling congregation funds, including how to conduct an internal audit. Please visit the ELCA's Financial Page for documents and helpful information.

ELCA Finance Resources

Aligning Congregational Assets with our Values

Congregations may download their mission support form here.

Congregational Mission Support - English

Congregational Mission Support - Spanish

Note: All grant applications are due by December 15 each year. Please read the grant description below for grant specific details and include the completed grant application with your request. Completed applications, including the form below, should be sent to Synod House either by email, attention of This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by mail, to the attention of Lyn Wasilewski, New England Synod, 20 Upland St., Worcester, MA 01607-1624.

The Congregational Renewal Grants assist in efforts designed to bring renewed vitality to your congregation.

Congregational Revitalization Grant

Sample Grant Proposal

Grant Application

Download a sample of an employee handbook from one of our congregations. This template can be used as a guide for congregations wishing to develop their own employee handbook.

Employee Handbook Sample

For a definition of sexual misconduct and more information please read the linked document

First Contact Brochure

Note: All grant applications are due by December 15 each year. Please read the grant description below for grant specific details and include the completed grant application with your request. Completed applications, including the form below, should be sent to Synod House by email, attention of This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by mail, to the attention of Lyn Wasilewski, New England Synod, 20 Upland St., Worcester, MA 01607-1624.

The I Have a Dream Fund, established by Margaret and John Payne, provides financial resources for those who long for an end to racism and an increase in understanding across cultural barriers.

I Have a Dream Grant

Sample Grant Proposal

Grant Application

The ELCA Office of the Secretary has a page from which you can access a copy of the Model Constitution.

ELCA Office of the Secretary

Guidance for Constitutional Revisions

Pulpit Supply List & Lay Presiding Guide - for access to this directory, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Recommended Honoraria for Supply Pastors (from the New England Synod 2023 Compensation Guidelines): $200 minimum for a single worship service, plus $0.67 per mile (2024 IRS rate); $75 for each additional service that week (same preparation). NOTE: LAY PERSONS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO PRESIDE AT EUCHARIST WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE BISHOP.

If your name or information is listed incorrectly, or if you would like your name added, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with that information.

Reconciling in Christ

The Synod encourages congregations, groups and individuals to utilize these forms to secure permission and release for the use of photos and video images - particularly when securing the image of a person under 18.

Child Image Release Form

Adult Image Release Form

All congregations are encouraged to develop Safe Church Policies and have all volunteers with Youth and Children attend or view the Safe Church Training materials.

Safe Church Resource Page

Safe Church Training Video

2023 Synod Assembly Minutes

2022 Synod Assembly Minutes

2021 Synod Assembly Minutes

Synod Budget - 2024-2025

Synod Budget Narrative 2025

Note: All grant applications are due by December 15 each year. Please read the grant description below for grant specific details and include the completed grant application with your request. Completed applications, including the form below, should be sent to Synod House by email, attention of This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by mail, to the attention of Lyn Wasilewski, New England Synod, 20 Upland St., Worcester, MA 01607-1624, and they must be received by December 15.

The Youth and Young Adult Grants support ministries to serve outreach to those particular age groups.

Youth and Young Adult Grant

Sample Grant Proposal

Grant Application