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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Be sure to also check out Help for additional tips on using ELCA.org.

Why does ELCA.org have a new look?
Our new story-based look invites ELCA members, and those who would like to get to know us, to learn about what God is up to in the world. You will also enjoy easy access to information about this church's ministries, resources and giving opportunities, and learn about the millions of ways ELCA members put their faith into action every day.

I can’t find what I’m looking for.
Try first entering keywords or the name of the ministry in the Search box. You can also visit the A-Z Index for an alphabetical listing of content areas and corresponding URL shortcuts. Also try the Churchwide Ministries page, which features a list of links to various ministries.

Where can I find the ELCA brandmark?
Information about the ELCA emblem, tagline and more is still available at www.ELCA.org/brandmark.

Why has the footer changed?
At the bottom of each page, you'll see what's called a footer. The footer is designed to offer quick links to the most requested features of ELCA.org, such as finding a congregation, an individual staff member and one of the various churchwide ministries. Be sure to visit the ELCA Churchwide Ministries page for additional links to offices, units and teams of the churchwide organization.

What are some other ways to help me navigate through the site?
There are four main content areas relating to the ELCA that appear on each page:

  • Who We Are – Here you'll find general information about this church, its history, leaders and organization. Under Churchwide Ministries, you'll find direct links to programs.
  • What We Believe – Learn about the ELCA's traditions, theology and statements and find resources on prayer and beliefs. If you're new to this church, this is a great place to start. You'll find a glossary of terms and other resources for learning more about our faith tradition.
  • Our Faith in Action – From disaster relief to advocacy, the ELCA is actively engaged in helping neighbors throughout the world. In Stories of Faith in Action, you'll find amazing stories of how this church is reaching out in many different ways.
  • Growing in Faith – Through education, ministries and evangelical outreach, we are called to continually deepen our faith in God who invites us to be active in the world. Here you can find information on ELCA colleges and seminaries, vocation and specific ministries of the ELCA such as youth, young adult and multicultural ministries.

Are there any free Web tools to help me view content on this site in the best way possible?

To view videos and listen to audio on ELCA.org, you will need to have Flash or Windows Media Player (or Quick Time) installed. These plug-ins, along with instructions on how to install them, are available free from their respective websites:

quicktime


For documents download Adobe Reader.

 

What are some quick facts about the ELCA?
The ELCA has 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations organized into 65 synods in nine geographic regions. The ELCA is a diverse church body and becoming more so every day. This church is committed to growing in diversity and strengthening global, ecumenical and interfaith relationships around the world.

Does the ELCA offer educational opportunities?
In the ELCA we believe God calls both women and men to serve as pastors as well as lay rostered leaders (deaconesses, associates in ministry and diaconal ministers). There are eight ELCA seminaries and two seminary extension centers, 26 colleges and universities, in addition to lifelong learning programs, high schools, elementary schools, early childhood programs and camp and retreat centers. 

What are the ELCA's Statements of Belief?
Lutherans believe in the Triune God. God created and loves all of creation -- the earth and the seas and all of the world's inhabitants. We believe that God’s Son, Jesus Christ, transforms lives through his death on the cross and his resurrection and new life, and we trust that God's Spirit is active in the world.

We are part of God's unfolding plan. When we gather for worship, we connect with believers everywhere. When we study the Bible or hear God's word in worship, we are drawn more deeply into God's own saving story.

The convictions shared by Christians from many different traditions are expressed in statements of belief called creeds. These ecumenical creeds that Lutherans affirm and use in worship confess the faith of the church through the ages and around the world. The Confession of Faith of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is part of our founding constitution. The ELCA accepts the following creeds as true declarations of the faith of this church: the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed.

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