Innovative Outreach Opportunities at Mission Ignition
In partnership with the Lutheran Ministry Foundation, the Nebraska District held their second Mission Ignition event in September 2026. During this Saturday morning event, five ministries shared innovative mission opportunities in their community. Each of these grant requests received funds in varying amounts. The groups shared their mission plans and received feedback and encouragement from one another and the panel that evaluated their grant proposals.
Rev. Lonnie Jacobsen, Mission and Ministry Executive for the Nebraska District, commended the participants. “The mission of the Nebraska District is summarized in this way: ‘God’s family together—joined in His mission.’ These forgiven saints of God were living it with each other and encouraging each other to continue to live in mission in their own unique way.”
Mission Ignition grants were given for the following projects:
- Grace School of Music, a project of Grace Lutheran Church of Norfolk. Their vision is to enrich lives through music, provide professional studio lessons, serve their community, and raise up the next generation of musicians for the Church. ($5,000)
- Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Community Benevolence Ministry, a project of First Lutheran Church of Plattsmouth. This project will provide compassionate, dignified, and timely assistance to individuals and families experiencing temporary financial hardship, while creating opportunities for caring relationships, community support, and Christ-centered outreach. ($7,000)
- Rooted Together, an event at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Arlington. This event, hosted in the winter when many families stay at home and are more isolated, hopes to create an opportunity for families from their wider community who might not be part of the church family to come together, experience joy, and build meaningful connections as they hear the Word of God. ($4,000)
- Soaked in Joy – The Great Word of Life Back-to-School Event, hosted by Word of Life Lutheran Church in Lincoln. This event is open to the wider community, and is a time to demonstrate the love of Christ through joyful fellowship, hospitality, service to the community, and blessings for the new school year. ($4,000)
- Strength in Community: Building Resilience, Relationships, and Leadership, a project of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont. Through counselor-led small group sessions, students in the community will have the opportunity to develop healthy communication and relationship skills, build resilience, strengthen emotional regulation and problem-solving abilities, and grow in confidence as they learn to make positive choices. ($5,000)
Consider how your ministry could put a grant like this to work in your community! The application window opens in May, and finalists are announced in August so that they can be prepared to present and receive more than funding. All applicants are invited to the September “best practices” event to celebrate what God is doing among us and to receive feedback, prayers, and encouragement from God’s Family Together—Joined in His Mission.