North America

Opportunities and challenges for holistic mission 

The two member churches in the Lutheran Communion in North America carry out their holistic mission in a diverse and pluralistic context. The member churches of the region: 

• strive to strengthen evangelical witness and proclamation of God’s saving grace through the gospel, especially by renewing congregations and ministries within a pluralistic society 
• live in ecumenical partnership and collaboration
• are emboldened by the gift of God’s grace poured out for the sake of the world and therefore   proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, serving all people and striving for justice and peace in all the world 
• are deeply rooted in global relationships, recognizing that the body of Christ is interconnected and always being made new and in mission for others. 

In North America, the church has an opportunity to rethink mission and ministry. Historical ways of working as a church are becoming less and less certain as the population ages, becomes more diverse and with fewer people involved in church life.

Communion relationships

The Lutheran Communion in North America works to strengthen relationships with partners – Lutheran, other Christian churches and those of other faiths – by hosting, convening and participating in events that allow for learning, collaboration and service. 

Minority church context

The synods of the two member churches in the Lutheran Communion in North America vary greatly in size, geography, membership, staffing and programming.