Parish Builders

Parish Building Ministry

Who are Parish Builders? They are adults—single, married, or of retirement age, preferably graduates of AFLBS who have served on a summer team, volunteering any amount of time assisting the Pastor of a Home Missions congregation through teaching and outreach.

Parish Building is all about a passion for God and the local church. It’s team-centered, participatory servant-leadership with lots of opportunities to grow, share, teach, and pray hard.

>>Where do they live?

Wherever there is an AFLC Home Mission church! They locate housing, move into a local community, and find ways to integrate into the lives of people around them.

>>What about money?

Parish Builders are not paid a salary, but they are commissioned with an umbrella of prayer and guidance by AFLC Home Missions. Some Parish Builders raise support, others find part-time jobs.

>>What do Parish Builders do?

They assist in areas like teaching, visitation, canvassing, working with youth, special outreach events...wherever there is a need! They support the pastor and his family, and encourage the congregation members to become more vitally involved and assume leadership.

Click here to view a brief video about Parish Building. These interviews with Parish Builders past and present were filmed at the 2009 Free Lutheran Youth Convention in Estes Park, CO.

>>Report from the Field

alt “Working as a parish builder here in Camarillo, California has far exceeded my expectations. I thoroughly enjoy working alongside Pastor Jim and have savored every opportunity I've had to learn from him. I love ministering to the people of Good Shepherd Church and have felt loved and embraced by them. Our youth group is growing and our church continues to see new people. The Lord is at work among us and I love being a part of something like that - a place and a ministry where God is moving.”

>>Parish Builder Checklist:

Do you have a consistent, daily quiet time with your Bible and in prayer?
Are you actively involved in a local church?
Do you enjoy connecting with people in new places?
Do you have a passion for seeing people grow in their faith through authentic relationships?
Do you enjoy connecting with people in new places?