Who we are-
Congregation, Synod, Churchwide
Since our beginning in 1988, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has been one church body organized in three expressions - congregations, synods and the churchwide organization. Each expression has its particular functions but all three together share a common mission of doing God's work in the world and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Together, they ensure a solid foundation of leadership, active involvement in communities, opportunities for dialogue and diverse perspectives, creative partnerships, and support for members and ministries of the ELCA.
We do exist to serve and to inspire in God's name and for God's glory... but WHY do we serve our neighbors and try to inspire each other? Obligation? Guilt? Boredom? Because we've always done it? NO.
We live in a world that will break us down before it will ever build us up. The media will tell us just how terrible it all is. The wicked foe will worm it's way into our hearts and fill us with venom about our self worth and abilities. We are broken and live in a broken world.
That's why we do what we do. Serving the other- putting ourselves in their shoes- not only builds them up, but it builds us up as well. When we serve others we reap the benefits of improved spirits, depression lifted, joy renewed. We inspire each other by sharing our gifts with others- not just financial gifts, but gifts of time, love, creativity, friendship, patience, compassion.
WHY do we do what we do? Because the wicked foe does not have the last word.
God does.
God's work. Our hands.
The Southwestern Minnesota Synod is one of 65 synods in the ELCA, which are grouped into nine regions. Our Region 3 consists of the nine synods of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. We are the third largest synod in terms of number of congregations with 240 congregations and one mission start. We are the fourth largest synod in terms of baptized members with 113,896. The synod is divided into 10 geographical conferences.
More than 360 ministers (including 125 retired ministers) are rostered in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
This is Christ's church.
There is a place for you here.
We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person--questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God's work in Christ's name for the life of the world.