Information for all congregations, SAWCs, and new starts about annual congregation report

Each year the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) asks congregations to provide information about their people and activities. Though each congregation is much more than these numbers, the information contributes to a greater knowledge of overall trends in the ELCA.

As in previous years, all ELCA congregations, synod-authorized worshiping communities (SAWCs), and new starts will receive an annual congregation report packet through the mail. This packet should arrive during the second week of January. It will contain paper copies of Form A and Form C, instructional documents on how to complete these forms, and the password you will use to file your reports online.

We recognize that your congregation may wish to begin compiling information for the annual congregation report before you receive the packet through the mail. You can access electronic versions of the forms and instructions here.

The Office of the Secretary asks that your congregation submit its annual report online, if at all possible. Filing online reduces errors in data entry and eliminates both postage expenses and the chance that your forms will get lost in the mail. Additionally, when your congregation files online, the data becomes immediately available to staff in your synod and at the churchwide organization. The system for online submission of annual congregation reports, accessible at elca.org/congregationreport, will open during the second week of January.

If you need to submit your forms on paper, you will mail the original completed forms to your synod office. Whether you respond electronically or on paper, please submit the forms by March 1, 2023.

If you have not yet submitted your congregation’s 2021 data, you can still do so through the online system through Dec. 21, 2022.

If you have questions, comments or suggestions, email us at SEC@elca.org.