Churchwide Organization
Visit a Unit or Office of the ELCA
The churchwide organization functions interdependently with congregations and synods to carry out God's mission in the world -- to share God's boundless love with the world. The churchwide organization is guided by the biennial Churchwide Assembly, the Church Council and the four elected officers of this church.
The churchwide organization also has staff who work from the Lutheran Center in Chicago, Ill., and from locations around the globe. Staff members serve as administrators, advisors, conveners and resource people for this church and its ministries. Each of its individual departments (called “units,” “offices,” and “sections”) shares a common goal to advance the mission of the ELCA. A detailed description of churchwide offices, units and sections is available in chapters 15-17 of the ELCA constitution.
To follow recent activities of a specific churchwide ministry, click on its title below:
Program Units
Coordinates ELCA involvement in and statements on social, policy and justice issues in our world.
Grows the church and spreads God’s Word through stewardship and discipleship.
Serves the church’s mission outside of the United States by walking faithfully with global companions.
Celebrates diversity and welcomes all of God’s people in this church and our communities.
Provides products and services that enrich the life of the Christian community from a Lutheran perspective.
Nurtures our calling to serve others and promotes education through all parts of the ELCA.
Encourages and supports women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.
Service Units
Provides retirement, benefits and services to ELCA pastors, leaders and employees.
Shares the ELCA’s message of God’s love to all audiences, across all media.
Directs efforts for support of ELCA churchwide ministries.
Encourages lifelong stewardship in support of ELCA ministries.
Publishes The Lutheran, the magazine of the ELCA.
Grows this church through loans to ELCA ministries for vital capital projects.
Offices
Serves as the administrative office of the ELCA Presiding Bishop, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson.
Prepares and preserves the records and policies of the ELCA; led by Secretary David D. Swartling.
Manages the finances, financial policies and business affairs of the ELCA; led by Treasurer Christina Jackson-Skelton.
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Information Technology
Provides information and technology services that support the mission of this church.
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Management Services
Manages the building operations for the Lutheran Center and the ELCA Archives.