ELCA New Congregations

The ELCA is starting new congregations across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands that are multicultural, multi-generational expressions of word and sacrament ministries. Here you’ll find information about the discernment process and other tools to equip you and your faith community in starting new ELCA congregations.



Looking to start a new congregation in your area? The resources in this tab can help.

7 Points of Discernment

Here we list questions that must be asked before any new ministry takes off. These questions are important to consider before taking steps to develop a mission.

7 Points of Discernment

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Entry Points for New Starts

Not all congregations start the same way. This list gives a short description of the different kinds of new starts and how they differ from the rest.

Entry Points for New Starts

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New Starts Overview


New Starts Overview

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The resources in this section provide helpful background information about new congregations across the United States and in the Caribbean.

Biblical Principles for New Starts


Biblical Principles for New Starts

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New Start Pie Charts

These pie charts give a visual example of who is represented in budding congregations and how missions differ in order to meet the economic and social needs of their intended membership.

New Start Pie Charts

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Below are a list of resources you can download or purchase. For more information about a specific resource, just hover over the icon.

New Congregations Kit

New Congregations Kit

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New Congregations Reply Cards

Before printing these response cards, please choose “fit to print” on your printer settings to ensure they are scaled appropriately

New Congregations Reply Cards

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New Congregations Reply Cards- Synod

Before printing these response cards, please choose “fit to print” on your printer settings to ensure they are scaled appropriately

New Congregations Reply Cards- Synod

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