Question 1

WHO ARE WE? WHAT IS A SYNOD?

Accepted Answer

We are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); a church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's grace.  For us this faith comes through the good news of Jesus Christ and gives us the freedom and courage to wonder, discover and boldly participate in what God is up to in the world.  Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person – questions, complexities, and all. We believe we are freed by Christ to serve and love our neighbor; with our hands at work restoring and reconciling communities in Jesus Christ's name throughout the world.

Our values:
We are a church that belongs to Christ. There is a place for you here.
We are a church whose unity is in Jesus Christ, who gathers us around word and water, wine and bread.
We are a church that believes Jesus is God's "yes" to us. Our lives can be a "yes" to others.
We are a church that believes God is calling us into the world – together.
We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work.
We are a church that is a catalyst, convener and bridge builder.
We are a church that is energized by lively engagement in our faith and life.
We are a church that is deeply rooted – and always being made new.

As the Central States Synod of the ELCA, we are one of 65 synods (geographic areas) in the U.S. that connect its congregations with one another and with the larger denomination. Our synod includes 150 congregations throughout Kansas and Missouri. We are united with Christ in Baptism. Traveling the way of Jesus. Joining God's reign of justice and radical love in the world.

Question 2

WHAT AREA MAKES UP THE CENTRAL STATES SYNOD?

Accepted Answer

Our synod covers the entire states of Kansas and Missouri. The synod is divided geographically into five conferences each represented by a dean who serves as a liaison between the bishop's office and the congregations in that conference. There is great diversity throughout the churches in our territory. Parishes range from small rural churches to inner-city churches, with a good number of mid-sized suburban congregations as well. Ethnic diversity also spans the synod — from Hispanic ministries in Garden City and Wichita, KS; and a Sudanese Ministry in St. Joseph, MO.  Click on New Ministries to learn more.

Question 3

WHO LEADS THE CENTRAL STATES SYNOD?

Accepted Answer

The Rev Donna Simon was elected to a six-year term as Bishop in 2025. She oversees the ministries of the congregations in the synod; she also oversees the work of the synod's rostered leaders and Parish Ministry Associates.

The highest legislative body of the synod is the Synod Assembly. Voting members from each congregation and all rostered leaders gather annually for this meeting. Between assemblies, the Synod Council serves as the "board of directors." The Synod Council is made up of voting members from the five conferences, as well as four officers: The Bishop, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Question 4

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SYNOD OFFICE? HOW DO CONGREGATIONS WORK TOGETHER?

Accepted Answer

The synod office is located in downtown Kansas City, MO. The staff of the Central States Synod works to resource, equip, and support congregations as they carry out their ministries.  Areas addressed by the synod staff include candidacy, the call process, leadership formation and development, stewardship, evangelism, church finance, property administration, and conflict resolution. The staff also takes care of administrative responsibilities such as maintaining the roster of ministers, accounting, and communication.

Just as congregations expect pastoral care, a clear vision for mission, companionship in the call process, and excellent stewardship of mission support dollars from the synod, synod leaders depend on mutual ministry with congregations and rostered leaders. Congregations are expected to attend Synod Assembly, complete parochial reports, fulfill mission support commitments, follow their constitutions, and responsibly care for their assets. In our interrelatedness, we covenant to pray for one another.

Question 5

HOW IS THIS WORK FUNDED?

Accepted Answer

As Lutherans, we believe that Christ has freed us from sin and death, even from ourselves, so that we love and serve our neighbors.  One way we put our faith in action is by making a financial gift – an offering – to our congregation.  When you give an offering to your congregation a percentage of that financial gift is designated to be shared with the Central States Synod to fund ministries we do together as ELCA congregations throughout Kansas and Missouri. This is called "Mission Support."  The synod then shares 50% of what is received from congregations with the churchwide expression of the ELCA, our mission support to the larger church.

Question 6

WHERE DOES MY CHURCHWIDE MISSION SUPPORT OFFERING GO?

Accepted Answer

This  video five-minute video shows how your congregational offerings support the ministries of the ELCA and the church around the world. Learn more by visiting our Stewardship page.

Question 7

HOW CAN I GIVE TO THE CENTRAL STATES SYNOD?

Accepted Answer

Visit our Give page to make a contribution by credit card

Question 8

WHAT IS THE MISSION ENDOWMENT FUND?

Accepted Answer

Visit our Mission Endowment Fund page for complete information.

Question 9

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A GRANT?

Accepted Answer

Grant applications can be found on our Mission Endowment Fund page.

Question 10

WHEN IS SYNOD ASSEMBLY?

Accepted Answer

Our Assembly is usually held in early June,  Learn more on our Central States Synod Assembly page, or the Synod Calendar for dates.

Question 11

WHERE CAN I FIND DIRECTORIES?

Accepted Answer

Directories of congregations, pulpit supply and synod teams and committees can be found on our Documents and Resources page and selecting Directories form the available options. You will also find a map showing all of the congregations of the Central States Synod.

Question 12

WHAT IS THE PMA PROGRAM?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of the Parish Ministry Associate (PMA) program is to raise up and equip lay leaders who understand themselves to be servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. More information is available on our PMA page.

Question 13

IS THERE A SUPPLY PASTOR LIST?

Accepted Answer

A Pulpit Supply directory can be found on the Pulpit Supply page. This page includes a map to help you identify supply pastors closest to you.

The Supply list can also be found by visiting the Directories tab of the Documents and Resources Page.

Question 14

HOW DO WE UPDATE OUR CONGREGATIONAL CONSITUTION?

Accepted Answer

A sample constitution is provided by the churchwide office of the ELCA. You can find this document by selecting the Policy & Governance tab on the Documents and Resources page of the synod website.

Once you are ready to begin the process, we encourage you to contact administrator@css-elca.org for assistance and to ask specific questions regarding your constitution and the process of making updates.

Question 15

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR CONGREGATIONS IN TRANSITION?

Accepted Answer

When a congregation calls a pastor or lay rostered leader (diaconal minister, associate in ministry, deaconess), many people have responsibilities. A complete manual is available under the Transitions tab on the Documents and Resource page.

Bishop's Associate, Rev. Chad Langdon will guide you through the process. You can reach him at clangdon@css-elca.org or 913-948-9701.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS