CHICAGO and GETTYSBURG, PA. (Feb. 27, 2025) — The board of trustees of United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) has voted to transfer the institution’s endowment fund, valued at approximately $100 million, to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Foundation’s Endowment Fund Pooled Trust, also known as the Ministry Growth Fund. This strategic move aims to align the seminary’s financial resources with its mission and values, ensuring sustainable support for its educational and ministerial initiatives.
The Ministry Growth Fund is a long-term, stable and socially responsible endowment fund designed specifically for ELCA-affiliated ministries. With over $1 billion in assets under management, the fund offers participants the opportunity to collectively invest in a diversified portfolio that adheres to the ELCA’s guidelines for socially responsible investing.
By moving its endowment to the Ministry Growth Fund, ULS will benefit from stable, quarterly distributions to support the seminary’s mission of preparing leaders for the church, community and world. This decision reflects ULS’ commitment to responsible stewardship and its dedication to fostering spiritual leadership, public advocacy, impactful worship and care for neighbors.
“ULS is proud to partner with the ELCA Foundation, whose proven track record of prudent, socially conscious and effective financial management aligns with our values,” said Conor Brooks, vice president of Institutional Advancement. “As the stewards of resources entrusted by thousands of donors committed to raising future leaders for the church, we are confident that this decision will enhance the long-term impact of our endowment. This partnership empowers ULS to sustain and strengthen its mission, ensuring we continue forming faithful, innovative leaders for generations to come.”
Annette Shoemaker, interim president and CEO of the ELCA Foundation, welcomed ULS’ decision. “The Ministry Growth Fund exists to support and sustain the long-term financial health of ELCA ministries, and we are honored that United Lutheran Seminary has chosen to entrust their endowment to us,” Shoemaker said. “I look forward to seeing all the ways in which their commitment to theological education and leadership formation will continue to flourish through this partnership.”
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
About United Lutheran Seminary
United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) was formed in 2017, when the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia joined as one. With two physical campuses and a robust Distributed Learning cohort, ULS builds and sustains an affirming and diverse learning community of faithful, well-educated leaders skilled at guiding grace-filled encounters. For more information, visit uls.edu.
Media Contact:
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
ELCA Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
Linda Fiore
United Lutheran Seminary Communications
lfiore@uls.edu
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
