What Does Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Do?

Total employees1123
HeadquartersChicago
Founded1988

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with approximately 3 million baptized members in about 8,600 congregations across the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Formed in 1988 through the merger of three predecessor Lutheran church bodies, the ELCA's theology is rooted in the teachings of Martin Luther, emphasizing God's grace through faith. The church is structured in three expressions: congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization. The ELCA is committed to worship, service, education, advocacy, and global companionship, working ecumenically and with interfaith partners to address issues such as hunger, poverty, and social justice.

Where Is Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Headquarters?

HQ Function

Serves as the central administrative, ministry, and resource hub for the ELCA churchwide organization, supporting its 65 synods, congregations, and diverse ministries both domestically and internationally.

Notable Features:

The Lutheran Center houses the offices of the Presiding Bishop, churchwide staff for various ministry units, administrative services, and serves as a meeting place for church leadership and committees. It includes office spaces, meeting rooms, and a chapel.

Work Culture:

The work culture at the ELCA headquarters is mission-focused, collaborative, and guided by Christian values. Staff are dedicated to serving the church's mission and often bring a strong sense of vocation to their roles. There is an emphasis on inclusivity and community.

HQ Significance:

The headquarters is crucial for coordinating the denomination's efforts in areas such as global mission, ecumenical relations, advocacy, leadership development, resource creation, and administrative oversight for the entire church.

Values Reflected in HQ: The operations and environment of the headquarters aim to reflect ELCA's core values, including stewardship of resources, service to others, inclusivity, collaboration, and commitment to God's mission in the world.

Location:

The ELCA maintains a significant global presence through companionship with nearly 80 Lutheran and ecumenical church bodies in more than 90 countries. Key functions supported globally include: global personnel (missionaries, Young Adults in Global Mission), leadership development, theological education, healthcare, sustainable development projects, disaster relief (Lutheran Disaster Response International), advocacy for human rights, and peace-building. ELCA World Hunger is a major initiative addressing root causes of hunger and poverty worldwide. The ELCA is an active member of the Lutheran World Federation, a global communion of Lutheran churches.

Street Address:

8765 West Higgins Road

City:

Chicago

State/Province:

Illinois

Country:

USA

Where Else Does Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Operate Around the World?

Washington, D.C., USA

Address: 122 C Street NW, Suite 125, Washington, D.C. 20001 (Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Office)

To represent the ELCA's public witness at the national level, advocating for policies that align with the church's values and address systemic issues.

Various locations across the U.S. and Caribbean (Synod Offices)

Address: Each of the 65 ELCA synods maintains its own office within its geographical territory.

To act as regional centers for administration, resourcing, and mission facilitation, connecting local congregations with the churchwide organization and fostering ministry within their specific contexts.

Buying Intent Signals for Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

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Notable news
Hiring actively
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Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Evangelical Lutheran Church in America? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America' leadership includes:

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton - Presiding Bishop
Mr. William B. Horne II - Vice President
The Rev. Sue Rothmeyer - Secretary
Lori Fedyk - Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Executive for Administration
Rev. Dr. Philip Hirsch - Executive for Christian Community and Leadership
Deacon Tammarra M. Anderson - Interim Executive Director, Service and Justice
Rev. Dr. Robin Brown - Executive for Innovation
Rev. Dr. Sydia Massa - Executive for Mission

Who's Investing in Evangelical Lutheran Church in America?

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

As a non-profit religious organization, the ELCA is funded primarily through mission support (offerings) from its congregations and members, contributions to specific programs like ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response, grants from foundations, and income from endowments and investments. It does not have 'investors' in the traditional corporate sense.

What Leadership Changes Has Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Seen Recently?

Hire3
Exits1

The ELCA has seen key appointments and transitions in its Churchwide Organization Unit leadership over the last 12-18 months. These changes support the church's evolving strategic priorities in mission, innovation, and service. Constitutional officers (Presiding Bishop, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) typically serve multi-year terms determined by election.

Departures

Rev. Dr. Rafael Malpica Padilla, Rev. Dr. Rafael Malpica Padilla retired as Executive Director for the Service and Justice home area after many years of dedicated service to the ELCA.

New Appointments:

Rev. Dr. Robin Brown, Rev. Dr. Robin Brown was appointed as the new Executive for Innovation to lead and cultivate innovative approaches to ministry within the ELCA.
Rev. Dr. Sydia Massa, Rev. Dr. Sydia Massa was appointed as the new Executive for Mission, responsible for guiding the church's wide-ranging mission activities.
Deacon Tammarra M. Anderson, Deacon Tammarra M. Anderson was appointed to lead the Service and Justice home area on an interim basis, ensuring continuity in this vital ministry area.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byEvangelical Lutheran Church in America?

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Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Email Formats and Examples

Email addresses for staff at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's churchwide organization primarily use the elca.org domain. The most common format is firstname.lastname@elca.org.

first.last@elca.org

Format

john.doe@elca.org

Example

90%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Evangelical Lutheran Church in America?

ELCA NewsMay 30, 2024

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America News: ELCA fund grants support new mission and ministry development

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has approved grants totaling $600,000 to support 10 new mission and ministry development projects across the U.S. These grants, part of the ELCA Fund for Leaders and other programs, aim to foster innovative approaches to ministry and outreach in diverse communities....more

ELCA NewsMay 23, 2024

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America News: Lutheran Disaster Response supports communities affected by recent storms

Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), a ministry of the ELCA, is actively providing aid and support to communities in several states impacted by recent severe storms and tornadoes. Efforts include providing emergency supplies, emotional and spiritual care, and partnering for long-term recovery assistance....more

ELCA NewsApril 25, 2024

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America News: ELCA Council approves strategic direction, budget process

The ELCA Church Council met in April 2024, approving a refined strategic direction for the church and the process for developing the 2025-2026 fiscal year budgets. Discussions focused on priorities such as leadership, community, and justice....more

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