Quick Facts

Good stuff to know about the ELCA

Fact 1: The ELCA has many members, spread across the country.

  • Baptized Members (2006): 4,774,203
  • Congregations: 10,470
  • 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: Many ELCA congregations are led by men and women who have been called by God to serve as rostered leaders.


The ELCA calls both women and men to serve as pastors. Here are some other facts about ELCA leaders:
  • In 2007, 19% of clergy on the ELCA roster were women. In seminaries, the numbers of women and men preparing for ministry are about equal.
  • 86.1% of ordained women and 83.1% of ordained men are actively serving in congregations.
  • The pastor who has been in the same call the longest has served the same congregation for 52 years. The pastor is 82 years old.
  • The ordained woman who has been in the same call the longest has served in that call for 37 years.

    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: [link each bullet point to appropriate page]

  • 8 seminaries and 2 seminary extension centers
  • 28 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 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.

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