Whether we like it or not, God has flipped the script on what it means to be church. The goal has been to attract members to join the congregation, financially support the institution, and be active in the organization’s scheduled events. This model of church has disintegrated in our lifetime.

The Mission Endowment Fund is to enhance the mission outreach of the synod. Grants include: Seminary scholarships, debt reduction, continuing education, and other grants to support the missions of the synod ministries and congregations.

Join us September 28th as Rev. Donna J. Simon is installed as the fifth bishop of the Central States Synod.

Join Rev. Dr. Michael Adam Beck, Director of Fresh Expressions for the United Methodist Church, for monthly sessions that will provide a practical toolkit, training, and resources. More than just a seminar or training, this is an initiative, an equipping, empowering, and sending experience!

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly was held July 28–Aug. 2, 2025, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Ariz.

The ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the primary decision-making body of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is a process of communal spiritual discernment. 

View the archive of recent synod newsletters and subscribe to the the latest announcements, news,  and events happening across the Central States Synod