ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)
We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person: questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the world.
Quick Facts
Good stuff to know about the ELCA.
Fact 1: The ELCA has many members, spread across the country.
Fact 2: The ELCA is a diverse church body, becoming more so every day.
This church is committed to growing in diversity and strengthening its global, ecumenical and interfaith relationships around the world.
Fact 3: ELCA congregations are led by gifted men and women who have been called by God to serve their community.
The ELCA calls both women and men to serve as pastors and lay rostered leaders. Here are some other facts about ELCA leaders:
As of September 23, 2011, there are 18,264 leaders on the ELCA roster including:
In 2010, 21% of clergy on the ELCA roster are women. In seminaries, the numbers of women and men preparing for ministry are about equal.
Approximately 86% of ordained women and 83% of ordained men are actively serving in congregations.
Fact 4: The ELCA offers opportunities for Lutheran education at every level.
The ELCA considers education an important part of our calling, and we offer quality education at every level through our institutions:
Fact 5: The ELCA is committed to making the world a more just and peaceful place to live.
Through programs, ministries and partnerships, the ELCA works every day to address inequities in political, economic and social systems—and to end conflict and violence all over the world.
History of the ELCA
A Union of Common Beliefs
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was formed over 20 years ago. This new church was formed from three separate and well-established North American church bodies:
Beginning January 1, 1988, these churches, with shared beliefs and missions, officially formed the ELCA. Two decades later, this energized church is composed of 4.8 million members and nearly 10,500 congregations across the U.S. and Caribbean. Today, the ELCA reflects the rich and diverse heritage of the people it serves.
But to understand our heritage fully, one must trace our roots back through the mid-17th century, when early Lutherans came to America from Europe, settling in the Virgin Islands and the area that is now known as New York. Even before that, Martin Luther sought reform for the church in the 16th century, laying the framework for our beliefs.
To learn more about who we are, what we believe, the history and the life of the ELCA, go to the ELCA website.
Quick Facts
Good stuff to know about the ELCA.
Fact 1: The ELCA has many members, spread across the country.
- Baptized members (2010): 4,272,688
- Congregations: 10,008
- Synods: 65 in nine geographic regions
Fact 2: The ELCA is a diverse church body, becoming more so every day.
This church is committed to growing in diversity and strengthening its global, ecumenical and interfaith relationships around the world.
Fact 3: ELCA congregations are led by gifted men and women who have been called by God to serve their community.
The ELCA calls both women and men to serve as pastors and lay rostered leaders. Here are some other facts about ELCA leaders:
As of September 23, 2011, there are 18,264 leaders on the ELCA roster including:
- 1,017 associates in ministry
- 66 deaconesses
- 169 diaconal ministers
- 17,012 ordained clergy
In 2010, 21% of clergy on the ELCA roster are women. In seminaries, the numbers of women and men preparing for ministry are about equal.
Approximately 86% of ordained women and 83% of ordained men are actively serving in congregations.
Fact 4: The ELCA offers opportunities for Lutheran education at every level.
The ELCA considers education an important part of our calling, and we offer quality education at every level through our institutions:
- 8 seminaries and 2 seminary extension centers
- 26 colleges and universities
- 50 or more lifelong learning programs
- 14 high schools
- 296 elementary schools
- 1,573 early childhood programs
- 145 camp and retreat centers, serving 450,000 yearly
- Our institutions can be found throughout the country, and probably in your hometown.
Fact 5: The ELCA is committed to making the world a more just and peaceful place to live.
Through programs, ministries and partnerships, the ELCA works every day to address inequities in political, economic and social systems—and to end conflict and violence all over the world.
History of the ELCA
A Union of Common Beliefs
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was formed over 20 years ago. This new church was formed from three separate and well-established North American church bodies:
- The American Lutheran Church
- The Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches
- The Lutheran Church in America
Beginning January 1, 1988, these churches, with shared beliefs and missions, officially formed the ELCA. Two decades later, this energized church is composed of 4.8 million members and nearly 10,500 congregations across the U.S. and Caribbean. Today, the ELCA reflects the rich and diverse heritage of the people it serves.
But to understand our heritage fully, one must trace our roots back through the mid-17th century, when early Lutherans came to America from Europe, settling in the Virgin Islands and the area that is now known as New York. Even before that, Martin Luther sought reform for the church in the 16th century, laying the framework for our beliefs.
To learn more about who we are, what we believe, the history and the life of the ELCA, go to the ELCA website.
SOURCE: Used by permission from Transfiguration Lutheran Church, www.tlcmn.com