Growing in Faith - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

As Lutherans, we don’t just practice our faith, we live it. Each new day presents a new opportunity to deepen our relationship with God.

Through our worship services, education at every level and ministries of all kinds, we live our lives with meaning and purpose.

Experience how we as ELCA members are growing in faith.

Spotlight On...

The focus of Daily Discipleship for March/April is Prayers of Discipleship.

Try 'Daily Discipleship' this Lent

Daily Discipleship is a downloadable lectionary Bible study based on the gospel lesson used at Sunday worship. The focus for Lent is "Prayers of Discipleship."

Each weekly session is designed for Bible study groups of two to seven people who gather to prepare for Sunday worship by discussing the implications of this week's gospel lesson for daily living. | More

Lutheran Schools Week Is March 7-13

The ELCA has 1,530 early childhood education centers, 257 elementary schools and 14 high schools. The theme for the 2010 Lutheran Schools Week (March 7-13) is "Follow Jesus in the World."

Celebrate by exploring lessons on being disciples of Jesus Christ and ideas for daily classroom activities and a service learning project.

Enjoy, share and spread the gospel! | More

The catechumenate prepares adults for baptism.

Preparing for Adult Baptism

Since 1988 there have been 158,880 adult baptisms in the ELCA. One process for preparing adults to be baptized is called the catechumenate, based on ancient practices of forming disciples. It often includes the six weeks of Lent for those candidates to be baptized at the Easter Vigil.

The catechumenate is all about the seven faith practices named by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: pray, study, worship, invite, encourage, serve and give. | More

Epiphany Lutheran Church, Eagle Lake, Minn., greet newcomers in their community with “Welcome Bags.”

Evangelism is in the Bag at Epiphany Lutheran

Meet the members of Epiphany Lutheran Church, Eagle Lake, Minn., who greet newcomers in their community with a warm smile and one of their innovative "Welcome Bags." The benefits of their commitment to welcoming the stranger have extended as far away as Chile. | More

Read more Stories of Faith in Action
Learn about the ELCA Evangelism Strategy

Join the Conversation about Life and Vocation

"What is God calling me to do with my life? How does my faith live and breathe every day?" Through a wide variety of online resources, Imagine Yourself invites young adults to explore what it means to live out a sense of vocation in today's world.

Read stories of discovery and discernment
Join in the conversation
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Find out the ELCA's current ministry policies and information on the process for implementing changes in ministry policies mandated by the 2009 Churchwide Assembly.

Revisions of Ministry Policies in Process

Policy documents implementing the actions of the Churchwide Assembly on issues related to official church rosters are posted in draft form at www.elca.org/ministrypolicies for review and comment.

The revisions will be reviewed by the ELCA Conference of Bishops and considered by the Church Council in April, 2010.

Ministry Policies

As Lutherans, every day we are...

Living Explore our diverse communities of faith. Visit Ministry.	Learning Following our callings, developing our faith. Visit Vocation or Education.	Celebrating Resources for our worship services. Visit Worship.

Our ministry is as varied and diverse as our members are, and it offers new ways to connect with and gain inspiration from fellow members of the ELCA.	Whether you’ve been called to service in the world, or are seeking faith-based education, the ELCA may have the opportunity that fits your needs.	From sermon starters and lectionary resources to music resources and worship calendars, our Worship section has the resources you need.