Strength Through Shared Ministry

Pittsburgh Lutheran United Ministries (PLUM) is a cooperative ministry of ten ELCA congregations serving the Pittsburgh area.

PLUM provides shared pastoral leadership, collaborative worship, and joint outreach and fellowship opportunities among its member congregations. Founded in 2004 by the Rev. Beth Siefert and the Rev. John Gropp, the ministry was created to strengthen congregations through partnership while honoring each church’s unique identity and mission.

Member congregations share in the financial support of pastoral staff and participate together in ministry activities, while remaining fully independent in their governance and local ministries. Through this collaborative model, PLUM enables congregations—particularly those that are small, rebuilding, or without a full-time pastor—to continue serving their communities with confidence and care.

PLUM also serves as a model for other churches seeking sustainable ways to remain active and faithful while navigating change and renewal.