A Path Forward
Introducing The ELCA Innovation Lab
What is the Innovation Lab?
You are an expert in your area of ministry. You know which systems can be funky and which processes are a little clunky. Whether you’ve got an idea you’d like to try, or a problem you can’t quite solve and don't know where to start, we are here to support you on the journey.
Designed for church leaders, the ELCA Innovation Lab provides collaborative workshops, resources and tools that explore new and useful ways to experience community, justice and love, together.
Meet the Innovation Lab Staff
The staff members below serve as the primary Innovation contacts for synods, congregations, and other ministry partners.
Rahel Mwitula Williams
Director, Innovation + Ideas
Rahel.Mwitula-Williams@elca.org
Tyra Dennis
Program Manager, Innovation + Ideas
Tyra.Dennis@elca.org
Rebecca Payne
Program Director, Congregations Lead Initiative
Rebecca.Payne@elca.org
Maddie Fairfax
Innovation Services Coordinator
Maddie.Fairfax@elca.org
The full ELCA Innovation staff in Fall 2023.
A portion of this team works internally at the Churchwide Organization, providing support for new and useful initiatives to other areas of the ELCA.
“The way people hear and receive the gospel is changing at an increasingly rapid rate. The competitors of the gospel are many. What hasn’t changed is the liberating good news that we are loved and are set free to serve the neighbor. The Innovation Lab gives us the space to experiment and innovate in real time so more people can know more about Jesus and experience the love of God.”
—The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop
