Plan for Mission
Strategic plan for the mission and future of the ELCA
Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world.
- Mission Statement of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The ELCA Church Council adopted in April 2003 an ELCA mission statement, an ELCA vision statement, five strategic directions, and four implementation commitments that will guide the work of the churchwide organization through 2012.
“Faithful Yet Changing,” the ELCA's strategic planning process, included:
A brief history of the strategic plan
The strategic planning process began in 2001 and its implementation is ongoing. ELCA members and leaders from across this church offered input at strategic roundtables and focus groups, which led to an initial proposal for church restructuring. This proposal was further refined to create the Plan for Mission presented on this site.
Throughout the process, ELCA teaching theologians offered reflections on the structure and function of this church. Find their essays in the Background Reading section. Watch a video of Bishop Hanson describing his vision of the ELCA in 2012.
Take a look at these materials and think about ways the mission, vision and strategic directions might come alive in your ministry context.