Churchwide Organization

Visit a Unit or Office of the ELCA

 
 

The churchwide organization functions interdependently with congregations and synods to carry out God's mission in the world -- to share God's boundless love with the world. The churchwide organization is guided by the biennial Churchwide Assembly, the Church Council and the four elected officers of this church.

Learn more about churchwide planning and download the ELCA Churchwide Organization chart.

The churchwide organization also has staff  who work  from the Lutheran Center in Chicago, Ill., and from locations around the globe. Staff members serve as administrators, advisors, conveners and resource people for this church and its ministries. Each of its individual departments (called “units,” “offices,” and “sections”) shares a common goal to advance the mission of the ELCA.

To learn more about a specific churchwide unit, section, or office, click on its title below:

Program Units

Church in Society 

Coordinates ELCA involvement in and statements on social, policy and justice issues in our world.

Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission

Grows the church and spreads God’s Word through stewardship and discipleship.

Global Mission 

Serves the church’s mission outside of the United States by walking faithfully with global companions.

Lutheran Men in Mission

Builds men's faith, relationships and ministry through events and leadership development.

Multicultural Ministries

Celebrates diversity and welcomes all of God’s people in this church and our communities.

Publishing House of the ELCA

Provides products and services that enrich the life of the Christian community from a Lutheran perspective.

Vocation and Education

Nurtures our calling to serve others and promotes education through all parts of the ELCA.

Women of the ELCA 

Encourages and supports women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.

Service Units

Board of Pensions

Provides retirement, benefits and services to ELCA pastors, leaders and employees.

Communication Services 

Shares the ELCA’s message of God’s love to all audiences, across all media.

  • The Lutheran 

    Publishes The Lutheran, the magazine of the ELCA.

ELCA Foundation

Encourages lifelong stewardship in support of ELCA ministries.

Mission Investment Fund 

Grows this church through loans to ELCA ministries for vital capital projects.

Offices

Office of the Presiding Bishop 

Serves as the administrative office of the ELCA Presiding Bishop, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson.

Office of the Secretary

Prepares and preserves the records and policies of the ELCA; led by Secretary David D. Swartling.

  • ELCA Archives
    Is the collective memory of the ELCA churchwide organization and its predecessor church bodies.

  • Lutheran Center Library
    Serves those who work and study in the churchwide organization as well as the public.

Office of the Treasurer

Manages the finances, financial policies and business affairs of the ELCA; led by Treasurer Christina Jackson-Skelton.

  • Information Technology
    Provides information and technology services that support the mission of this church.

  • Management Services
    Manages the building operations for the Lutheran Center and the ELCA Archives.