The NALC has described its theological stance as occupying what it considers the “center” of Lutheranism in North America, with an emphasis on continuity with historic Christian teachings. It has stated an intention to avoid alignment with either liberal or conservative political or ideological categories.[4] The denomination summarizes its mission through four internally articulated values: “Christ Centered,” “Mission Driven,” “Traditionally Grounded,” and “Congregationally Focused.” These reflect the organization’s self-identification and theological priorities.[5]
In denominational reporting for 2025, the NALC stated that it included 557 congregations and approximately 125,000 baptized members.[6] Independent reporting varies by reference year; the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA), drawing on U.S. Religion Census reporting streams, lists 457 congregations in the United States for 2020.[7]
History
Background and origins (2009–2010)
The NALC developed out of Lutheran CORE (Coalition for Renewal), a confessional renewal network operating within and across North American Lutheran denominations. Lutheran CORE drew support from multiple ELCA renewal currents, including WordAlone and (earlier) the Solid Rock Lutherans coalition, as well as figures associated with the broader Confessing Movement.[8] Contemporary reporting in 2009–2010 connected emerging Lutheran realignments to the ELCA’s decisions at the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly permitting the ordination of ministers in publicly accountable, lifelong same-sex relationships, alongside wider disputes concerning doctrine and church life.[9][10]
On February 18, 2010, Lutheran CORE circulated A Vision and Plan for the North American Lutheran Church and Lutheran CORE, proposing a church structure that combined episcopal oversight with a stated emphasis on congregational mission and mutual accountability.[11]
Constituting convocation (2010)
The NALC was constituted at a Lutheran CORE convocation held August 26–27, 2010, in Grove City, Ohio.[12] Contemporary reporting indicated that the denomination began with approximately 17 charter congregations and grew rapidly in its initial years.[13] The convocation elected the retired ELCA bishop Paull Spring as provisional bishop.
Leadership developments (2011–present)
At the NALC’s 2011 annual gathering, John Bradosky was elected bishop; he served until 2019.[14] In 2019, Dan Selbo was elected bishop and was re-elected in 2023.[15][16]
According to its published doctrinal statements, the NALC understands itself to be part of the one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.[17] It affirms the Bible as the inspired Word of God and as the authoritative source and norm by which all doctrine and practice are judged.[18]
The denomination receives the faith of the Church as confessed in the ecumenical creeds and understands the Lutheran Confessions to be faithful witnesses to the teaching of Holy Scripture. In continuity with historic Lutheran practice, the NALC also makes liturgical use of the Apocrypha in its lectionary and worship life, while maintaining that doctrine is established on the basis of the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. This approach reflects the Lutheran confessional distinction between books received for instruction and edification and those used to establish doctrine.[citation needed]
NALC leaders and materials have also described the denomination as encompassing a range of Lutheran theological and spiritual emphases held together within a shared confessional framework. These include commitments to doctrinal clarity, discipleship and catechesis, pastoral proclamation centered on Law and Gospel, sacramental and liturgical continuity with the historic Church, and an outwardly focused missional orientation shaped by global Lutheran partnerships. The denomination has presented these emphases as complementary rather than competing, reflecting a self-understanding that Lutheran identity is most faithfully expressed through the integration of confession, proclamation, worship, and mission.[citation needed]
Ordained ministry
The NALC provides for the ordination of men and women to the ministry of Word and Sacrament and states that all ecclesial offices, including the office of bishop, may be held by qualified persons.[19]
Marriage, sexual ethics, and life issues
The denomination affirms marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman and teaches that sexual activity belongs within such marriage. It has also published teaching materials opposing abortion and advocating the protection of nascent human life.[20]
Polity and governance
The NALC describes its structure as supporting congregational mission while providing pastoral oversight and doctrinal accountability through representative bodies.[21]
Bishop and General Secretary
The Bishop serves as chief pastor and chief executive officer of the church body. The office is described by the NALC as including responsibilities for oversight of ordained ministry, visitation, doctrinal guidance, and representation in ecumenical relations. The General Secretary is designated by the constitution as chief operating officer, responsible for the administration of denominational operations.
Governance
The NALC constitution provides for a biennial Convocation as its primary representative assembly. Between convocations, an Executive Council functions as the board of directors, with membership and responsibilities defined by the constitution. The constitution provides for a Court of Adjudication to hear appeals in disciplinary matters and to interpret governing documents. The NALC Canada Section is the legal entity of the North American Lutheran Church in Canada, and is a registered charity in Canada.
Mission districts and deans
The NALC organizes congregations into regional mission districts (and, in some cases, mission regions) overseen by mission district deans who collaborate with the bishop in pastoral care and support for congregations and clergy. Denominational reporting has also described the use of “Area Assistants to the Bishop” to support regional oversight and coordination across North America.[22]
Ministries
The NALC describes its work as including domestic and global mission partnerships, church planting initiatives, multicultural ministries, youth and family ministry, and disaster response.[23] Denominational reporting for 2025 describes work in “New Mission Starts,” including grant-supported initiatives and mission development in multiple contexts.[24] In connection with its 2025 “Lutheran Week” gathering (a denominational reporting and convocation cycle), the NALC also published summary materials that described an emphasis on congregational renewal, equipping resources, and mission initiatives to “transform” local communities.[25][26]
Disaster response
NALC Disaster Response is an affiliated ministry that coordinates volunteer deployments and material aid in response to natural disasters and emergencies.[27] NALC reporting also identifies NALC Disaster Response as a designated mission fund and describes coordinated disaster-response support as part of its ministry portfolio.[28][29]
The NALC held an ecumenical summit with representatives of the ACNA, the LCMS, and the LCC on May 3–5, 2013, at the Church of the Holy Communion in Dallas, Texas, on the theme of “Biblical Teaching on Marriage and Sexuality”. The summit issued the joint document “An Affirmation of Marriage”, signed by representatives of all four church bodies, which defined the institution of marriage as the unity between a man and a woman.[38]
At its 2012 Convocation, the NALC approved, by the required majority of two thirds of the voters, a resolution to seek membership in the Lutheran World Federation.[39] The application request was not approved by the LWF, remaining in a pending decision, according to a letter issued in May 2014, despite the support of the Lutheran Churches of Ethiopia and Tanzania.[40] The NALC has described possible associate membership in the International Lutheran Council.[41]
The NALC is a founding and convening participant in the Global Confessional and Missional Lutheran Forum (Global Forum). In September 2018, the Global Forum met in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, and released the “Bishoftu Letter to the Churches” on Reformation Day (October 31), describing the document as a summary and clarification of Lutheran biblical and confessional teaching and as a response to perceived recent doctrinal errors. Forum gatherings have also been hosted in Oklahoma City (2023), Nairobi, Kenya (2025), with a future gathering planned for Orlando (2027).[42]
References
↑"Our Congregations". North American Lutheran Church. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
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