Companion Synods
Our Commitment to Accompaniment
At the heart of companion synod relationships is the principle of accompaniment: walking together with our partners in solidarity – not as benefactors, but in mutual, respectful, sustainable relationships. One of the three sub-committees of the Global Church Network includes our Companion Synods in the Malagasy Lutheran Church (FLM), all four of which are located in the northern third of Madagascar, serving a growing Lutheran community in that region. Through this partnership, we support ministries, theological education, and community development – and walk together in the shared mission of the Gospel.
Our Companion Synods in Madagascar
As part of the global companion-synod program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Rocky Mountain Synod is in relationship with four synods in the island nation of Madagascar—members of the Malagasy Lutheran Church (FLM). Our four companion synods are:
- Mahajanga Synod
- Antsiranana Synod
- Sambava Synod
- Sofia Synod
President Tsiry, Mahajanga Synod
President Jocelyn, Antsiranana Synod
President Fidele, Sambava Synod
President Eugene, Sofia Synod
What This Partnership Looks Like: Ministries, Seminary, & Shared Life
- Betela Regional Seminary—This seminary serves all four of our companion synods, and has been a primary focus of our support. Over the years, congregations and individuals in our synod have contributed to solar power and lighting, new student housing, improvements to wells (electric pump), and bikes for pastors.
- Seeds of Hope—Since 2002, this companion-synod funding effort has enabled significant support: solar lighting for Betela Seminary, bicycles for pastors, funding for theological conferences for pastors and women theologians, and more. To date, Seeds of Hope has raised over US$200,000 for projects in Madagascar.
Ministry & Outreach—In our companion synod regions, FLM synods engage in ministries that integrate evangelism with holistic care: for example, a health, literacy, and agricultural ministry among Muslim communities in northern Madagascar (through what FLM calls “Project Shalom”).
This partnership reflects our belief in a “glocal” church — a church rooted in our local Rocky Mountain context while connected in faithful, mutual partnership to the global Lutheran family.
Why This Partnership Matters
- Mutuality over charity—This isn't about "helping the distant poor," but about walking together, learning from each other, and sharing God's mission across cultures. The GCN emphasizes accompaniment as "mutually, inclusively, vulnerably, empowering, sustainably"—values that shape how we approach global relationships.
- Deepening Christian identity globally—Through our companion synods in Madagascar, we are reminded that the body of Christ is global. Our faith, worship, service, and witness are enriched when we broaden our horizons beyond our regional borders.
- Long–term, sustainable partnership—through seminary support, pastoral mobility, shared ministries, and continuing relationships, this is not a short–term outreach, but a long–haul walk of solidarity—walking together, in grace, over time.
How You Can Participate & Connect
We invite congregations, ministries, and individuals within the Rocky Mountain Synod to engage with our companion synods in a variety of ways:
- Pray & learn—Stay informed about the life, ministries, and needs of our Madagascar partners; share in prayers for their leaders, congregations, and seminary students.
- Give & support—Contribute to Seeds of Hope or special offerings that support seminary work, pastoral mobility, and ongoing education. Seeds of Hope has also provided motorcycles for pastors, helped Betela launch a sustainable mango project, and supports companion-synod visits to and from Madagascar to deepen relationships.
- Invite global awareness—Use resources like the GCN’s “Global Church Resources” (Bible studies, worship liturgies, speaker bureau, missionary stories, etc.) to help your congregation grow in global understanding.
- Engage in mutual relationships—Be open to exchanges, visits, communication, collaborations — recognizing that this is a relationship of mutuality, gifts, challenges, learning, and growth.
Get in Touch
Fill out the form below to connect with Terry Cole, Companion Synod Chair
