CHICAGO -- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations spend nearly $30 million each year in social service activities, mostly collecting and distributing food and clothing, according to a study conducted by the denomination.
A study of 400 ELCA congregations from 1998 to 2000 revealed that up to one third devote a significant amount of time and budgets to local social ministry activities. Limited budgets and volunteer staff keep them from doing more, according to the study.
The report, released May 9 and titled "Lutheran Congregational Social Ministries in the Era of Welfare Reform," also found:
- ELCA congregations with various hunger ministry programs feed an average of 4.3 million people annually.
- about 16 percent of ELCA congregations provide blood pressure screening out of concern for members' health.
- 11 percent of ELCA congregations make beds and shelter available for homeless people, and 40 percent financially support community organizations that help the homeless.
- 22 percent of congregations participate in a preschool program.
