Quick Facts
Good stuff to know about the ELCA
Fact 1: The ELCA has many members, spread across the country.
- Baptized Members (2011): 4,059,785
- Congregations: 9,638
- Synods: 65 in nine geographic regions
Fact 2: The ELCA is a diverse church body, becoming more so every day.
This church is committed to growing in
diversity and strengthening its global, ecumenical and interfaith relationships around the world.
Fact 3: ELCA congregations are led by gifted men and women who have been called by God to serve their community.
The ELCA calls both women and men to serve as pastors and lay
rostered leaders. Here are some other facts about ELCA leaders:
As of October 22, 2012, there are 18,010 leaders on the ELCA roster including:
In 2012, 23% of clergy on the ELCA roster are women. In seminaries, the numbers of women and men preparing for ministry are about equal.
Approximately 86% of ordained women and 83% of ordained men are actively serving in congregations.
Fact 4: The ELCA offers opportunities for Lutheran education at every level.
The ELCA considers education an important part of our calling, and we offer quality education at every level through our institutions:
8 seminaries and 2 seminary extension centers
26 colleges and universities
50 or more lifelong learning programs
14 high schools
296 elementary schools
1,573 early childhood programs
145 camp and retreat centers, serving 450,000 yearly
Our institutions can be found throughout the country, and probably in your hometown. To learn more about our educational institutions, visit ELCA and Education.
Fact 5: The ELCA is committed to making the world a more just and peaceful place to live.
Through programs, ministries and partnerships, the ELCA works every day to address inequities in political, economic and social systems—and to end conflict and violence all over the world. You can learn more about our efforts in this arena in Justice.