What is the ELCA

What is the ELCA?

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

God's work, Our hands

http://www.elca.org

The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. Our faith is built around a strong belief in God as made known to us in Jesus Christ. Through worship, service, and education, we practice our faith, grow our relationship with God and experience God's grace in our lives. Learn more about What We Believe.

We also work hard to put our faith into action. In today’s complex world, we strive to make a difference in practical, realistic ways.

With nearly 10,500 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and nearly five million members—we welcome you to experience this church right in your community. Explore the ELCA, and help us celebrate our gift of faith—with action.

MEMBERS:
* Baptized Members: 4,930,429

* Communing and Contributing Members: 2,304,976
* Congregations: 10,500

* Synods: 65 in nine geographic regions
* Members of Color:
African-American/Black: 54,241
Latino/Hispanic: 38,255
Asian/Pacific Islander: 22,395
Multiethnic: 11,036
American Indian/Alaska Native: 6,780
Arab/Middle Eastern: 1,638

Other: 12,440

LEADERS:
* Clergy: 17,694 (3,140 female; 570 people of color)
* Associates in Ministry: 1,249 (1,019 female, 230 male; 18 people

of color)
* Diaconal Ministers: 98
* Deaconesses: 65
* Missionaries: approx. 280 adult missionaries, of which some 78 self-funded volunteers, serving in over 48 countries
* Campus Pastors and Ministries: 185 campus ministry sites supported by synod and/or churchwide funds
* Federal Chaplains: Approximately 770 (Retired Military, Armed Forces Active Duty, Reservists, Veterans Affairs, Civil Air Patrol, Federal Bureau of Prisons)
* Chaplaincy, Counseling and Clinical Education: Approximately 980 ordained and lay rostered people serving in 12 specialized ministries such as correctional, health care, CPE, substance abuse, police, etc.

INSTITUTIONS:
* Theological Seminaries and Deaconess Community:
       8 Seminaries
      2 Seminary Extension Centers
      1 Deaconess Community
* Colleges and Universities: 28
* Schools:
       16 High Schools
        210 Elementary Schools
        1526 Early Childhood Programs
* Social Ministry Organizations:
        280 parent corporations, providing service in 3,000

communities, and serving one in 50 Americans every year
* Camps and Retreat Centers: 145, serving 450,000 yearly
(summer programs 175,000, retreats and conferences 275,000)

Music: River of Dreams