About Us
Together we are the New Jersey Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The word "Synod" comes from Greek, meaning "walking together". The New Jersey Synod is congregations and individuals walking together in faith to cultivate Christ-centered, generous, resilient, missional communities for the sake of the world. We are guided by six Core Values- Faithfulness, Respect, Diversity, Generosity, Change, and Interdependence.
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Who Leads the Synod?
A Bishop, The Rev. Tracie L. Bartholomew, provides pastoral and administrative leadership.
The Synod Assembly, whose voting members include lay representatives from NJ congregations, Ministers of Word and Sacrament (pastors), Ministers of Word and Service (Deacons), is the Synod's highest legislative authority. Meeting annually, the Assembly elects the Synod Council, Bishop, and other officers, and voting members to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. In addition, it is a time of gathering, discussion, reflection, and discernment for the ways that we are the church in New Jersey.
The Synod Council appoints Mission Teams and recommends program goals and budgets, and carries out the resolutions of the Synod Assembly. It issues letters of call to ordained pastors and deacons.
How is the Synod Funded?
The Synod relies primarily on annual mission support gifts from congregations.
What is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)?
The ELCA was formed in 1987 by the merger of three Lutheran Church bodies -- the ALC (American Lutheran Church), the LCA (Lutheran Church in America), and the AELC (Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches). To learn more, go to the ELCA's website.
Where Can I Find Information About the Lutheran Faith?
You are welcome to worship at a local congregation and speak to the Pastor about classes and where to find more information. You can also check out the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) website for information about Lutheranism.