Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know
Information for all congregations, new starts, and synod-authorized worshiping communities
Each year, congregations, new starts, and synod-authorized worshiping communities (SAWCs) across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are invited to participate in the Annual Congregation Report. This report gathers essential information about your community’s people, finances, and resources—and plays a key role in helping our church understand its vitality and plan faithfully for the future. elca.org/congregationreport
What to Know Right Now
Deadline: March 1
How to submit: Online is strongly encouraged
Why it matters: Your data is included in synod and churchwide reports only if submitted by the deadline
How to Submit Your Report
In mid-January, each congregation should have received a letter from Secretary Mills. This is the only mailed communication from the churchwide organization about the report. It contains your congregation ID and password, which are required to file online at:
If you did not receive the letter or have misplaced it:
Visit elca.org/reportinstructions for instructions and resources
Retrieve your password directly at elca.org/congregationreport
Your password will be emailed to the address your congregation has on file
For additional help, contact your synod office or email research@elca.org
The instructions page also includes:
A downloadable copy of Form A
Step-by-step completion instructions
A financial stewardship worksheet
Helpful videos for navigating the redesigned reporting system
Online vs. Paper Submission
The Office of the Secretary strongly encourages online submission, as it is the most secure and efficient way to share data.
If you need to submit Form A on paper, please mail the original completed form to your synod office.
Why This Matters
The Annual Congregation Report is more than a form—it is one way we discern who we are as church together. The information you provide helps the ELCA measure congregational vitality, understand available resources, and plan for how we are equipped to share the good news of Jesus Christ with our neighbors.
Thank you for your faithfulness and care in completing this important work on behalf of the whole church.
Not Receiving ELCA Emails?
If your congregation is not receiving churchwide emails about the Annual Congregation Report, please update your contact information here:
