Prepare to embark on a transformative journey as we gather for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025. This momentous event promises to ignite our faith, inspire our service, and strengthen our bonds as a community of disciples. Let us come together with open hearts and minds, eager to discern God’s call upon our lives and the church in this changing world.
The assembly will be a vibrant tapestry of worship, learning, and fellowship, where we will explore the theme “Proclaiming the Promise: Rooted in Christ, Living with Hope.” Through keynote addresses, workshops, and panel discussions, we will delve into the depths of our faith, examining our identity as God’s people and the ways in which we can share the gospel with boldness and compassion. Together, we will grapple with the challenges facing our society and discern how we can be a beacon of hope and healing in a world that yearns for God’s love.
As we gather in fellowship, we will also celebrate the diversity that enriches our church. Representatives from every corner of the ELCA will come together to share their experiences, perspectives, and gifts. Through these interactions, we will deepen our understanding of the rich tapestry of our faith and the ways in which God is at work in the lives of our communities. Let us come with a spirit of unity and collaboration, knowing that we are stronger together than we could ever be alone. The ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025 is a pivotal moment for our church. It is an opportunity for us to renew our commitment to following Jesus Christ, to equip ourselves for the challenges ahead, and to embark on a bold new chapter in our shared journey as disciples.
The Prophetic Call of the Church
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025 will explore the prophetic call of the church. This theme is based on the conviction that the church is called to be a voice for justice, peace, and reconciliation in the world. The assembly will focus on how the church can live out this call in the 21st century.
The Prophetic Witness of the Church
The church has a long history of prophetic witness. The prophets of the Old Testament spoke out against injustice and oppression, and they called the people of God to live in accordance with God’s law. In the New Testament, Jesus himself was a prophet who proclaimed the kingdom of God and called people to repent and believe. The church has continued to carry on this prophetic tradition, speaking out against injustice and oppression and calling people to live in accordance with God’s will.
In recent years, the church has been called to speak out on a number of issues, including:
- Racial injustice
- Economic inequality
- Climate change
- War and violence
The church’s prophetic witness is not always popular, but it is essential. The church is called to speak truth to power, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
| Year | Assembly Theme |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Rooted in Hope: Growing by God’s Grace |
| 2025 | The Prophetic Call of the Church |
| 2027 | Living the Gospel: Embracing God’s Mission |
Rooted in God’s Mission
Living into our baptismal calling
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly is a gathering of the church to celebrate our unity in Christ, to discern God’s call for us, and to equip ourselves for the mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ. We are rooted in God’s mission, and our baptismal calling compels us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world. Through worship, study, and fellowship, we will explore what it means to live into our baptismal calling as we gather in Milwaukee in 2025.
Engaging the world with God’s love
As we gather in Milwaukee, we will engage the world with God’s love. We will learn from each other, share our stories, and work together to address the challenges facing our communities. We will also celebrate the many ways that the ELCA is making a difference in the world, both locally and globally. Through our worship, study, and fellowship, we will be inspired and equipped to live out our baptismal calling to love our neighbors as ourselves.
The mission of the ELCA
The ELCA is a church that is rooted in God’s mission. Our mission is to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We are committed to being a church that is welcoming, inclusive, and just. We believe that all people are created in the image of God and that we are called to love and serve one another.
| Values | Description |
|---|---|
| Grace | We believe that we are saved by God’s grace alone. |
| Love | We believe that God’s love is unconditional and that we are called to love others as we have been loved. |
| Justice | We believe that God calls us to work for justice and peace in the world. |
| Inclusion | We believe that all people are welcome in the church, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or other differences. |
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly is an opportunity for us to come together as a church and to live into our baptismal calling to make disciples for Jesus Christ. We will worship together, study together, and fellowship together. We will also learn from each other and share our stories. Through our worship, study, and fellowship, we will be inspired and equipped to live out our baptismal calling to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Empowering Congregations to Thrive
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025 is committed to empowering congregations to thrive in the 21st century. This means providing congregations with the resources, tools, and support they need to:
1. Grow in Faith and Discipleship
Providing opportunities for spiritual growth and development through Bible study, worship, and service.
2. Engage in Mission and Ministry
Supporting congregations in their efforts to address the needs of their communities and to share the love of Christ with the world.
3. Develop Leadership and Stewardship
a) Nurture and Develop Leaders
Identifying and training future leaders within congregations, providing opportunities for leadership development, and supporting the call and ordination of pastors.
b) Promote Stewardship and Generosity
Encouraging congregations to practice faithful stewardship of their time, talents, and resources, and supporting programs that focus on financial health and sustainability.
c) Enhance Communication and Collaboration
Facilitating effective communication and collaboration among congregations, synods, and the national church, and providing resources to help congregations connect with each other and with the wider church.
Embracing Racial and Social Justice
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025 will prioritize embracing racial and social justice, addressing systemic barriers and working toward a just and equitable society.
Addressing Systemic Racism
The assembly will confront the legacy of racism within the church and society, seeking to break down structural barriers that perpetuate inequality. This includes examining policies, practices, and attitudes that contribute to racial disparities.
Promoting Social Inclusion
The assembly will foster an inclusive community where all people feel valued and respected, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or immigration status. This will involve creating welcoming spaces, providing equitable opportunities, and addressing bias and discrimination.
Empowering Marginalized Voices
The assembly will make space for marginalized voices to share their experiences and perspectives. This will create a platform for dialogue, understanding, and action to address systemic injustices faced by communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.
Specific initiatives
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Racial Equity Task Force | Develops recommendations to dismantle systemic racism within the ELCA. |
| Justice for Immigrants | Advocates for policies that protect the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees. |
| LGBTQ+ Inclusivity | Promotes welcoming and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ members within the ELCA. |
Renewing Our Commitment to Global Witness
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025 will be a time for us to come together and renew our commitment to global witness. We will discern God’s call for us in a changing world and explore ways to live out our faith in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the globe.
One of the key ways we can do this is by supporting the work of our global partners. These partners are working on the front lines of mission, providing critical services and sharing the gospel with those who need it most.
Supporting our global partners
The ELCA supports a wide range of global partners, including:
- Churches and other faith-based organizations
- Development and relief agencies
- Educational institutions
- Health care providers
- Advocacy groups
These partners are working in some of the most challenging places in the world, but they are making a real difference in the lives of those they serve. By supporting their work, we are helping to build a more just and equitable world.
Here are five examples of how our global partners are making a difference:
| Partner | Location | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Lutheran World Federation | Worldwide | Provides humanitarian aid, development assistance, and advocacy for refugees and other vulnerable populations. |
| Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania | Tanzania | Runs schools, hospitals, and orphanages, and provides training for pastors and lay leaders. |
| Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe | Germany | Provides emergency relief and long-term development assistance in response to natural disasters and other crises. |
| Lutheran Church in the Philippines | Philippines | Works to address poverty, hunger, and injustice, and provides disaster relief and rehabilitation services. |
| Christian Aid | United Kingdom | Works to alleviate poverty, promote justice, and provide emergency relief in over 50 countries. |
Discerning God’s Guidance for the Future
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025 will be a pivotal moment for the church as it discerns God’s guidance for the future. This discernment will require careful listening to the Spirit, prayer, and thoughtful dialogue among all members of the church.
Lay and Clergy Discernment
Lay and clergy leaders from across the church will gather at the assembly to discern God’s guidance. They will engage in deep listening, Bible study, and prayer to seek the Spirit’s leadings.
Consultation with Experts
The assembly will also consult with experts in various fields, such as theology, missiology, and social policy. These experts will provide insights and perspectives to help inform the discernment process.
Witness of Global Partners
Representatives from ELCA global partners will share their experiences and insights with the assembly. Their perspectives will widen our understanding of the church’s mission and help us discern God’s guidance for the future.
Discernment Groups
The assembly will form discernment groups to focus on specific areas of concern. These groups will engage in focused discussions and prayer to discern God’s guidance for the church.
Role of the Assembly
The assembly will make decisions and recommendations based on the discernment process. These decisions will help shape the future direction of the ELCA and its ministries.
The Spirit’s Guidance
Ultimately, the church trusts in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, study, and dialogue, the assembly seeks to discern God’s will for the future of the ELCA.
Celebrating Our Rich History
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025 will be a time to reflect on our rich history and the many ways that we have grown and changed.
Embracing New Perspectives
We will also be looking forward to the future and embracing new perspectives on our faith and our mission.
Welcoming All Voices
We believe that the ELCA is a church for all people, and we are committed to welcoming all voices into our assembly.
Honoring Our Diversity
We celebrate the diversity of our membership, and we believe that this diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
Working Together in Unity
We are committed to working together in unity, even when we disagree, to build a stronger church.
Building Bridges of Understanding
We believe that the ELCA can be a bridge of understanding between different cultures and traditions.
A Church for All
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025 will be a time to celebrate our diversity and unity, and to recommit ourselves to being a church for all.
Equipping Leaders for Mission and Service
Cultivating Spiritual Formation
The assembly will prioritize nurturing the spiritual growth and well-being of leaders through prayer, meditation, and communal worship.
Developing Theological Understanding
Participants will engage in theological reflection and dialogue, exploring the church’s mission and identity in a changing world.
Enhancing Leadership Skills
The assembly will offer workshops and training sessions to develop practical leadership skills, such as communication, conflict resolution, and team building.
Encouraging Collaboration and Networking
Leaders will have opportunities to connect with colleagues, share best practices, and build relationships for future collaboration.
Promoting Inclusivity and Accessibility
The assembly will ensure that all leaders feel welcomed, respected, and empowered, regardless of their background or experience.
Empowering Youth and Emerging Leaders
Young leaders will be actively involved in the assembly, participating in decision-making and shaping the future of the church.
Facilitating Intercultural Exchange
The assembly will foster intercultural dialogue and collaboration, recognizing the diversity of the ELCA and the global church.
Transforming Mission and Service
Through the assembly’s learnings and collective action, leaders will return to their congregations equipped to transform their communities and advance the church’s mission.
Addressing Urgent Issues Facing Our World
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025 will address a range of urgent issues facing our world, including:
Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship
The Assembly will explore ways to mitigate climate change and protect the environment, focusing on issues such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and conservation.
Economic Justice and Poverty
The Assembly will discuss solutions to economic inequality and poverty, including policies that address systemic barriers and promote economic mobility.
Racial and Social Justice
The Assembly will continue its work on racial and social justice, confronting racism and discrimination in all its forms.
Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation
The Assembly will foster interfaith dialogue and cooperation, building bridges with people of other faiths to address common challenges.
Mental Health and Well-being
The Assembly will address the growing mental health crisis, providing resources and support for individuals and congregations.
Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
The Assembly will combat human trafficking and modern slavery, raising awareness and supporting efforts to prevent and end these injustices.
Food Insecurity and Hunger
The Assembly will address the issue of food insecurity and hunger, working with partners to provide food assistance and advocate for policies that promote equitable access to healthy food.
Affordable Housing
The Assembly will explore solutions to the affordable housing crisis, promoting policies that increase housing availability and affordability for all.
Health Care Access and Equity
The Assembly will discuss ways to improve access to affordable and equitable health care, advocating for policies that expand health coverage and reduce health disparities.
| Issue | Assembly Goals |
|---|---|
| Climate Change | Reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy |
| Economic Justice | Address income inequality, create economic mobility |
| Racial Justice | Confront racism, dismantle systemic barriers |
| Interfaith Dialogue | Foster cooperation, address common challenges |
| Mental Health | Provide resources, support individuals and congregations |
| Human Trafficking | Raise awareness, support prevention efforts |
| Food Insecurity | Provide food assistance, advocate for equitable access |
| Affordable Housing | Promote policies that increase availability and affordability |
| Health Care | Expand coverage, reduce health disparities |
Hope and Healing in the Face of Challenges
1. Embracing the Power of Diversity and Inclusion
The ELCA recognizes the richness and diversity of its membership and seeks to create a welcoming and inclusive church where all are valued.
2. Addressing Racial Justice and Reconciliation
The church is committed to confronting systemic racism and advocating for justice and equity for all people of color.
3. Engaging in Advocacy and Public Witness
The ELCA will continue to speak out on social and environmental issues that affect the well-being of all.
4. Cultivating Spiritual Practices
The assembly will explore ways to foster meaningful spiritual practices that nurture hope and healing.
5. Strengthening Congregational Life
The church aims to equip congregations with resources and support to strengthen their ministries and reach out to their communities.
6. Empowering Youth and Young Adults
The ELCA recognizes the importance of engaging youth and young adults and will provide opportunities for them to lead and contribute.
7. Investing in Leadership Development
The assembly will focus on developing and supporting the next generation of church leaders.
8. Fostering Partnerships and Collaboration
The ELCA will seek to strengthen partnerships with ecumenical partners, other faith communities, and community organizations.
9. Navigating the Changing Landscape of the Church
The assembly will reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing the church in a rapidly changing world.
10. Discerning the Leading of the Holy Spirit
The ELCA will seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in shaping its decisions and future direction.
ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025: A Vision for the Future
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly is a gathering of the representatives of the ELCA’s synods and congregations. It meets every three years to conduct the business of the church, including setting policies, electing leaders, and discerning the Spirit’s call for the church’s mission and ministry.
The 2025 Churchwide Assembly will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from August 19-23. The theme of the assembly is “Hope in Action: Rooted in Christ, Living in Love, Sharing the Good News.” The assembly will focus on the ELCA’s commitment to being a church that is rooted in Christ, living in love, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the world.
The assembly will be an opportunity for ELCA members to come together and worship, learn, and discern God’s call for the church. It will also be an opportunity for the ELCA to celebrate its diversity and unity. The assembly will be a time of renewal and inspiration for the ELCA as it continues to live out its mission and ministry in the world.
People Also Ask About ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025
When is the ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025?
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025 will be held from August 19-23, 2025.
Where is the ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025?
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025 will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
What is the theme of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025?
The theme of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025 is “Hope in Action: Rooted in Christ, Living in Love, Sharing the Good News.”
