Getting Started »

• New to ELCA

  New to the ELCA?

  Welcome to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA is a church of about 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.

  
  Learn More:

  • ELCA Teaching
  • Our History
  • Our Mission
  • Our Vision
  • ELCA in the News
• Congregations

  Congregations

  A congregation is a diverse community of believers who gather for worship, exploring God’s word together, mutual care and support, and equipping one another to live and serve in the world.
  
  

  About 4 million members of the ELCA gather in nearly 10,000 congregations across the 50 states, Caribbean and U.S. Virgin Islands. Chances are there is a congregation near you. Find a congregation today and connect with other people who are committed to participating in what God is up to in the world.
  
  

  
  Learn More:

  • Find a Congregation
  • Congregations and Synods
  • ELCA New Congregations
  • Renewing Congregations
  • Form A and C
• Lay Leaders

  Lay Leaders

  We believe that we all have a calling — a vocation — to follow Christ’s example of serving and loving our neighbor, pursuing justice and peace in the world. The ways in which lay leaders serve this church, their
  
  

  communities and the world are as diverse as the strengths, life experiences, interests and skills each person brings with them as part of their unique story. Learn more about yourself, how and where God may be calling you as a leader and what opportunities there are for further preparing yourself.
  
  

  
  Learn More

  • Lay Schools for Ministry
• Rostered Ministers

  Rostered Ministers

  Rostered ministers are called, equipped and theologically trained to serve in the ELCA on a roster (or list) to do God’s work in the world. Rostered ministers include those on the word and sacrament and the word and service rosters.
  
  Rostered ministers work in congregations, special ministries, social service agencies, youth and
  
  

  family ministries, schools and colleges, parish nursing, and wherever God is at work and calling leaders to serve. Do you have a sense that God is calling you to serve? Learn more about the process and opportunities for ministry.
  
  Learn More:

  • Become a Leader
  • ELCA Leadership
  • Rostered Ministers of the ELCA
  • First Call Process
  • ELCA Fund For Leaders