ABOUT THE ELCA
On the Day of Pentecost, people heard the good news in their own language. (Acts 2:1-21)
Regardless of age, race, or status in life, members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America welcome you to join this community of faith. If you're unfamiliar with our church, some of what you learn may surprise you.
The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. Our faith is built around a strong belief in God as made known to us in Jesus Christ. 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. Through worship, service, and education, we practice our faith, grow our relationship with God and experience God's grace in our lives.
In today’s complex world, we strive to make a difference in practical, realistic ways. The ELCA is an engaged, active body of people who put our faith in God into action – in millions of ways, all over the world. Join us!
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​HISTORY OF THE ELCA
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was formed in 1988. This new church was formed from three separate and well-established North American church bodies with shared beliefs and missions:
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The American Lutheran Church
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The Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches, and
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The Lutheran Church in America.
Now over 30 years later, the ELCA is a church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. As members of the ELCA, 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 trace our roots back through the mid-17th century, when early Lutherans came to America from Europe, settling in the Virgin Islands and the area that is now known as New York. Even before that, Martin Luther sought reform for the church in the 16th century, laying the framework for our beliefs.
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