Each year the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) asks congregations to provide information about their people and activities. During the second week of January, all ELCA congregations, synod-authorized worshiping communities (SAWCs), and new starts will receive the 2022 annual congregation report packet through the mail. If your congregation would like to begin compiling information for the 2022 annual congregation report before receiving the packet, use the electronic versions of each form included here. Additionally, there is a set of Frequently Asked Questions to help your congregation navigate the process.
The annual congregation report is comprised of two forms.
This information contributes to a greater knowledge of overall trends in the ELCA.
The 2022 annual congregation report packet should arrive during the second week of January 2023.
The packet will contain a cover letter from Secretary Rothmeyer, paper copies of Form A and Form C, and instructional documents on how to complete these forms. Your congregation’s ID and password — needed to file your report online — are printed at the top of the paper versions of both Form A and Form C.
The system for online submission will open during the second week of January 2023. Your congregation can access this system at elca.org/congregationreport.
You can find the password for your congregation in several places:
If your congregation never receives its 2022 annual congregation report packet, please download and complete the sheets included on this page.
You can then submit the forms online at elca.org/congregationreport. To file online, you will need your congregation ID and your password.
If you need to complete your forms on paper, please mail the original completed forms to your synod office.
Whether you complete your forms electronically or on paper, please submit them by March 15, 2023. This date has been extended due to some congregations having issues submitting forms electronically.
The best place to find data from previous years is through your congregation’s trend report, accessible through directory.elca.org. Go to the “Congregations” tab and enter information about your congregation. Clicking on your congregation’s name will bring you to your congregation’s directory page.
On the right-hand side of the page is a green “Trend Report” button. The trend report includes current congregational information, as well as historical trends in attendance, membership and active participation. Previously submitted information on giving can be found in the “Printer Ready Report.”
The online system, available at elca.org/congregationreport, will remain open to collect 2021 annual congregation reports through Dec. 21, 2022.