Under the Gospel Imperative of the Great Commission, the Michigan District values the planting and development of new congregations so that the Gospel message of Jesus Christ can reach the unchurched populations within the State of Michigan. A new congregation, referred to as a New Church Start or Mission, is: 1) an intentionally organized gathering which; 2) comes together on a regular basis for worship and/or Bible study, and; 3) is intended to grow into a member LCMS congregation.

The following are steps taken to develop a new mission:

- Identify cities and communities where a new mission would bring new people into the kingdom.
- Contact Circuit(s) and discuss the need for a mission in those communities.
- Receive Circuit approval for the formation of a mission.
- Identify the appropriate method for starting a mission:

-District calls and deploys a Missionary-at-large
-Local congregation starts a daughter congregation
-District partners with a Mission Society such as POBLO, Lutheran City Ministries, Ephphatha, LATINO, etc.

How much does it cost to start a New Mission?

$250,000 - $500,000 over 7 years

The Michigan District Offers a subsidy grant to New Missions in the Michigan District. For information about or to be considered for this subsidy, please contact the Michigan District Mission Director, Rev. Roosevelt Gray, Jr.

To view locations where new churches are being started, visit our directory of District Missions.