As the Synod of the Northeast continues to live into the work of “Reimagining the Church in the World”, a new season of imagination and collaboration is taking shape across our region. Guided by the Vision Group’s discernment, we are embracing not only the ministry of grantmaking, but also the ministry of accompaniment—walking alongside congregations, faith-based innovators, and emerging gospel communities as they develop new expressions of leadership and witness.
In 2026, our grants programs will continue to invest in Campus Ministries, Youth & Young Adult Leadership Development, Innovation Grants, Emerging Gospel Community Grants, and Connectional Ministry Grants, These ministries have blessed the Synod with a remarkable diversity of Spirit-led ventures—programs that build leadership, gather unlikely communities, serve neighbors, and experiment with new models of church beyond traditional walls.
To strengthen these emerging and innovative ministries, the Synod will begin recruiting a cohort of mentors drawn from recent grant recipients. These veteran leaders have firsthand experience navigating the practical and spiritual challenges of launching and sustaining grant-funded ministries. They will be invited to accompany new grantees in areas such as program design, budgeting, evaluation, promotion, community partnerships, fundraising, and long-term sustainability.
This mentorship initiative reflects what we are learning: innovation flourishes when rooted in relationship. Grants provide resources, but mentorship provides the lived wisdom, mutual encouragement, and connective tissue that helps ministries endure. Across our region, we have seen that when ministries learn from one another, new visions become possible and discipleship deepens.
The Synod is grateful for those who have paved the way through their creative ministries, and we look forward to walking with the next generation of leaders. In the coming months, additional information will be shared about qualifications, expectations, and timelines for serving as a Mentor. We invite all who have received grants in recent years to prayerfully consider whether this form of service might be part of their witness in 2026 and beyond.
Together, we continue nurturing a community of practice where bold ideas take root, leaders are equipped, and the Good News finds new voice in every corner of our Synod.
vision to build community, embrace diversity, deepen accountability, and cultivate sustainable gospel-rooted ministry. This pillar prioritizes collaboration and a focus on sustainability, along with measured mission impact.
