Rev. Wanda Frenchman
Christ, Culture, and Community
Native American Urban Ministries will develop, initiate and implement a community-based Christian educational program for indigenous, Native American people. This project will utilize culturally respectful strategies to encourage participation. The “Christ, Culture and Community” project will work with Indigenous people to share the message that they can believe in Jesus Christ and still respect and practice their tribal traditions. It will support positive Christian community development and increase indigenous peoples’ participation within a community of believers that supports culture, traditional practices, and Christianity. The project will host three community events designed to provide information on accessing community resources, targeted leadership training, culturally respectful practices and social connection.
Reverend Wanda K. Frenchman is an Indigenous leader in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is a member of the Oglala Lakota (South Dakota) and Lenape (Oklahoma) tribes and serves as one of two Pastors at Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix, Arizona.
Wanda was Ordained and Installed into the leadership at Native American Urban Ministry to continue the work that was started by her mother, Pastor Mary Louise Frenchman in 2012. Native American Urban Ministry serves all urban Natives in Phoenix, providing a community for Christian believers and traditional culture to come together for spiritual growth.
Wanda is a Mission Developer and ELCA Fund for Leaders Mission Developer Scholarship winner in 2021. Wanda is also the program assistant to the Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations of the ELCA. She will be completing the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in February 2026.
Congregations and Communities grants provide support for urban pastors, churches, faith-based community organizations, and theological institutions to share resources, ideas, and practices for life-giving ministry in cities across North America. Typically, we invite those who have not previously had access to resources or grant funding.
