St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States. The church operates under the legal entity with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) of 161100572.

Overview

The ELCA, to which St. Paul's belongs, is a mainline Protestant church with its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. It was officially formed on January 1, 1988, through the merger of three Lutheran church bodies. As of 2023, the ELCA has approximately 2.79 million baptized members in over 8,498 congregations across the United States and the Caribbean.

Mission and Purpose

Like other ELCA congregations, St. Paul's is committed to serving its community and spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. The church likely aligns with the broader ELCA mission to accompany faith communities and equip leaders for God’s mission in the world, emphasizing values such as authenticity, compassion, connection, and curiosity.

Community Involvement

St. Paul's likely participates in various community and social activities typical of ELCA congregations, such as advocating for social justice, providing local support through food drives or volunteer work, and engaging in global partnerships similar to those supported by other ELCA synods.

Worship and Education

The church offers regular worship services and educational programs, such as Sunday School classes, which are typical components of ELCA congregations. These activities help foster a sense of community and spiritual growth among its members.

Ecumenical Relationships

As part of the ELCA, St. Paul's benefits from the denomination's strong ecumenical relationships. The ELCA is in full communion with several other Christian denominations, including the Episcopal Church and the United Methodist Church, promoting unity and cooperation among various Christian communities.

Organizational Structure

The ELCA operates under a modified episcopal polity, which combines elements of both episcopal and congregational governance. This structure allows congregations like St. Paul's to maintain some autonomy while being part of a larger denominational network.

Challenges and Changes

Like other ELCA congregations, St. Paul's may face challenges related to societal shifts and internal denominational issues. The ELCA has experienced changes in membership and congregational affiliation over the years, reflecting broader trends in Christian denominations in the United States.