Our Purpose & Values

As the NC Synod of the ELCA, God calls us to...

Cultivate & Celebrate Vital Congregations

Led by clear vision, vital congregations strengthen their relationship with God, nurture their relationship with others, and are a life-giving presence in the community.

What does this mean?

Vital congregations embrace and reflect the fullness of the reign of God. Realizing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, we seek to cultivate vital congregations through resources and leadership. Together, we model faith practices for all generations and give and serve generously.

Identify, Equip, and Nurture Whole & Healthy Leaders

We seek to support rostered and lay leadership in healthy habits throughout all areas of life.

What does this mean?

We hold leaders accountable to a life committed and equipped for giving witness to the gospel. We seek to support leadership in healthy habits in all areas of life (social, emotional, physical, financial, vocational, intellectual, and spiritual). Reflecting the diversity of God’s world, we commit to develop multi-cultural and culturally sensitive leaders who engaged in life-long learning. Walking with leaders, we strive to identify and nurture and create space for on-going discernment.

Embrace & Engage in Collaboration

Knowing we are better together, we seek to embrace being a church of three expressions—congregations, synod, and churchwide ministries.

What does this mean?

Called to unity by the Holy Spirit, we work to build and live into the holy relationships with our ecumenical and inter-faith partners. Expanding our witness to the gospel, we faithfully partner with NC Synod agencies and institutions and with ELCA Ministries.

Proclaim the Promise of the Resurrection with a Prophetic Voice

Anchored in hope, we seek to engage congregations in vital conversations about purpose and ministry in the world.

What does this mean?

God is always doing a new thing in congregations and systems, freeing us to speak truth to power and advocating for the dignity of all God’s people. The Gospel frees us to live and proclaim courageously.

…All for the Sake of the World.

NC Synod Core Values

Christ-Centered

The living Word, Jesus the Christ, is the very center of all we do. In Jesus Christ, we experience God’s grace and are set free to be God’s beloved in this world.

Generosity

There is enough; there is more than enough. We will trust God’s provision for tomorrow. With gratitude for what God first gives us, we live and give generously today.

Relationship

Just as we belong to one body in Christ, we belong to each other. Inspired by the Gospel, we will choose to live and work together for the sake of the world.

Reconciliation

God’s deep desire is to reconcile all relationships—with each other and creation. We will actively strive to experience the fullness of God through radical welcome, diversity, justice, compassion, peacemaking, advocacy, and healing.

Affirmed by the North Carolina Synod Council, September 2019