The Greek word Agora means "market place". The Apostle Paul preached in the marketplace (Agora) in Athens during his second missionary journey (49-52 AD) – Acts 17:17

Agora began in 1999 as a ministry of the Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA. This program grew out of the commitment of the ELCA to assist congregations to grow and flourish by increasing the diversity of its membership. Agora established programs to reach this goal – Mission Awareness Training, Leadership/Discipleship School, and multi-cultural celebrations, specifically Agora Sundays, Christmas of Nations and a Pentecost celebration.

In 2003, Agora became a separately registered 501 c-3 organization to make its ministry and programs available to more synods and congregations in Minnesota and in the United States. Mission Awareness Training has taken place across Minnesota, and in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Jersey.

During the last seven years of ministry, over 300 congregational leaders received Mission Awareness Training and over 28 worshipping partnerships have been established between congregations and worshipping communities. More than 150 people attended and graduated from the Agora Leadership/Discipleship School.