Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
God's work. Our Hands
The ELCA is a church of more than 4 million members who actively participate in God’s work in the world. We believe that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
With our hands, we do God’s work of restoring and reconciling communities in Jesus Christ’s name throughout the world. We are a church that belongs to Christ. There is a place for you here. We live in many different communities, span all ages, cultures and races and bring to this church unique life experiences and perspectives. Seek answers to your questions and discover what God is calling you to in life.
10,000 serving in Christ
Our nearly 10,000 congregations and 65 synods across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are where you’ll find us hard at work loving and serving our neighbors, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
by grace through faith
Congregations are communities of faith that reach out to all people, serve all people and help us negotiate the complexities and questions of life with a daring confidence in God’s grace and love.
working together
Synods support, connect and guide the leaders and ministries of congregations, working together to achieve things on a scale and scope that we could never do otherwise.
Deeply rooted
Together, we are a church that is deeply rooted and always being made new. We strive for strong, vibrant congregational ministries that are relevant to our ever-changing neighborhoods and world, actively engaged in God’s mission.
collaboration
The blessing of ELCA congregations and synods working together is that we are able to draw upon a wealth of leaders, resources, networks, support, ideas, experiences, diverse perspectives and diverse communities for doing God’s work in the world.