ELCA NEWS SERVICE November 24, 2003 Moller-Gunderson Resigns as ELCA Director for Congregational Ministries 03-216-MR CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Mark R. Moller-Gunderson, executive director and coordinator for mission support, Division for Congregational Ministries (DCM) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), resigned effective Dec. 8. Moller- Gunderson has accepted a call to serve on staff at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lake Geneva, Wis. "It is with gratitude to God that we bid farewell to Mark Moller-Gunderson. Mark's commitment to and enthusiasm for the mission to which God has called this church is infectious. He leads by personal example as a generous steward who witnesses boldly to God's love in Christ for the whole world. Mark is an encourager who knows when to affirm and when to challenge. He has built strong relationships with synod leaders. We will miss Mark's clear voice calling us to faith in Christ, sending us into the world and reminding us of the centrality of dynamic and growing congregations," said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the ELCA. Since 1992 Moller-Gunderson, 53, served as coordinator for mission support and as one of two executive directors for DCM. The Rev. M. Wyvetta Bullock, serves as the other executive director. The division is designed to support the ELCA's 10,721 congregations in the areas of education, culture-specific ministries, evangelism, men's ministries, outdoor ministries, social ministries for congregations, stewardship, worship and youth. As coordinator for mission support, Moller-Gunderson oversaw all income-producing efforts for the ELCA churchwide organization, which includes global mission work, preparing lay and ordained ministers and starting new congregations. "I am thrilled at the opportunity to be involved in parish ministry once again, and I am excited about the chance I will have to work with my wife, Mary Ann. Immanuel is a growing, vital and generous congregation that has much to teach me. My work will start with them on a half-time basis, and the other time I plan to be involved with stewardship and fund-raising that connects with congregations and synods," said Moller-Gunderson, who also will continue to serve as a volunteer captain in the Lake Geneva Fire Department. "It has been a privilege to serve in the churchwide organization for 12 years. I'm very thankful for the partnership with colleagues here and with the bishops of the 65 synods of the church. I appreciate their friendship and leadership." From 1988 to 1991, Moller-Gunderson served as assistant to the bishop, ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod. He served as a parish pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Madison, Wis., from 1982 to 1987, and at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Portland, Ore., from 1977 to 1982. Moller-Gunderson received a master of divinity degree from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 1976, and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Illinois, Champaign, Ill., in 1972. Moller-Gunderson and his wife, the Rev. Mary Ann Moller- Gunderson, are the parents of two children, David and Maria. They are members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where Mary Ann serves as pastor. For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news