What is the ELCA?

Trinity Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA. But what is the ELCA? ELCA stands for "Evangelical Lutheran Church in America" and is the largest Lutheran denomination in the US, with 8,900 member congregations in all 50 states and the Caribbean. It was formed in 1988, as a merger of three Lutheran denominations. 

Though we are part of a larger denomination, our polity (the way we are organized) is not a hierarchy, with the Presiding Bishop at the top and congregations at the bottom. Instead, we are one church in three expressions - the churchwide organization, synods, and congregations. All three expressions work together to support one another in sharing the good news of Jesus. 

The three expressions of the ELCA.

Churchwide organization - The churchwide organization is located in Chicago. The Presiding Bishop, Secretary, Treasurer, and other staff members and elected officers coordinate a variety of efforts that are much broader than any one synod or congregation could accomplish on its own. The churchwide office provides resources, administration, and guidance for a variety of ministries in the US and across the globe. This includes things like ELCA World Hunger, ELCA Youth Gatherings, education and worship resources, support for congregations and leaders, and more!

Synods - There are 65 synods that make up the ELCA. Some cover geographically large areas (like the Rocky Mountain Synod, which is made up of 159 congregations in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and western TX), while others are more geographically compact (Pennsylvania contains seven different synods, and our SWPA synod alone has 157 congregations). Each synod is led by a bishop, and is served by other staff members as well. Synods help congregations find pastors, provide resources and guidance, and raise up new leaders through the candidacy process, among other things. 

Congregations - Congregations of the ELCA are very diverse! While we hold in common certain core beliefs, the worship styles, organization methods, curriculum, and programs we utilize all vary from place to place. Our shared beliefs are outlined in the required provisions of the model constitution for congregations (here's Trinity's constitution), but even then individual congregations have different ways of living out those beliefs. We give thanks for this rich diversity, and for the Holy Spirit who unites us as the body of Christ in the world.

Bonus resources: 

• Here's the ELCA website. How about a scavenger hunt? See if you can find: 
  • the name of the ELCA secretary,
  • the number of ELCA colleges & universities,
  • the dates and location of the next Churchwide Assembly,
  • the number of congregations in Pennsylvania with "Trinity" in their name,
  • the title of one of the ELCA social statements. I'll share the answers next week!
• Do you have other questions about the ELCA, its ministries, or what we believe? I'd love to talk with you or write about it in a future email! Share your questions with me via text message, email, or in person!