Use my location
Allow location access to find Lutheran churches closest to you, then look for "ELCA" on the congregation's website or sign.
What is the ELCA?
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was formed in 1988 through the merger of three older Lutheran bodies with roots in German and Scandinavian immigration. It is headquartered in Chicago and is the U.S. member of the Lutheran World Federation. The ELCA describes itself with the phrase "God's work. Our hands." — community service, disaster relief, and social ministry are central to its identity.
ELCA congregations are strongest in the Upper Midwest — Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and Iowa — but exist in every state, often under names like "First Lutheran," "Grace," "Bethlehem," or "Our Savior's."
What makes the ELCA distinct
- Open communion — all baptized Christians are welcome at the Lord's Table in most ELCA congregations. Many now welcome all who seek Christ, baptized or not.
- Women in ministry — the ELCA and its predecessors have ordained women since 1970, and women serve as pastors and bishops throughout the church.
- LGBTQ inclusion — since 2009 the ELCA has ordained pastors in same-gender relationships; many congregations are formally "Reconciling in Christ" (publicly affirming).
- Ecumenical partnerships — the ELCA shares full communion with the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the United Methodist Church, and several others, so members may commune across these traditions.
What to expect at an ELCA service
Worship is liturgical — hymns, lectionary readings, a sermon, and usually weekly communion — but the tone varies from high-church formality to relaxed family services with contemporary music. Services run about an hour. Dress is casual to smart casual nearly everywhere, and visitors are not singled out.
Frequently asked questions
What does ELCA stand for?
ELCA stands for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, formed in 1988 by the merger of the American Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Church in America, and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches. 'Evangelical' here is the historic Lutheran usage — centered on the gospel — not the American political label.
Is the ELCA liberal or conservative?
The ELCA is a mainline denomination and the most progressive of the three major Lutheran bodies. It ordains women, welcomes LGBTQ members and pastors, and allows a range of views on many questions. Individual congregations vary — some are quite traditional in worship and outlook.
Can anyone take communion at an ELCA church?
In most ELCA congregations, all baptized Christians are welcome to receive communion, regardless of denomination. Many congregations extend the invitation to everyone who wishes to receive. The worship folder will usually spell out the invitation.
What is the difference between the ELCA and the Missouri Synod?
Both are Lutheran, but the ELCA is mainline and inclusive while the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod is confessional and conservative: the LCMS teaches biblical inerrancy, ordains only men, and practices closed communion. The two bodies are not in fellowship with each other.
Advertisement