Types of groups in Women of the ELCA

There are three kinds of Women of the ELCA groups. We call these groups "units." Technically speaking, the unit is the "member" of Women of the ELCA, and individual women are participants in their units. To officially set up a Women of the ELCA group, you would organize into one of the following three kinds of units: congregational, intercongregational or special unit.

Each congregation of the ELCA may have only one congregational unit of Women of the ELCA, but each unit can have as many small groups within it as desired. There is lots of room under the umbrella. For example, within a unit, there may be one or several Bible study groups, fellowship groups, service groups and so forth.

Two or more congregations may choose to form an intercongregational unit of Women of the ELCA if the size of each congregation or their proximity to one another, for example, makes this an appealing option.

Consult the model constitution for congregational or intercongregational units and ways to organize as you begin to consider setting up or reorganizing a unit.

Likewise, a special unit may be established on a college or seminary campus, in a nursing home or retirement community, and so forth. If you are interested in forming a special unit, complete an application for approval. Applications are reviewed by the churchwide executive board in consultation with the president of the synodical women’s organization where the special unit would be geographically located. Like all other units, special units are guided by a constitution--see the model constitution for special units.  

Do you have questions? We're happy to help! Please contact our office at 800-638-3522, ext. 2450, or email Eva.Yeo@elca.org.