2025 Model Constitution for Congregations
The 2025 ELCA model constitution for congregations includes required and recommended amendments. Required changes reflect our shared identity as this church, binding congregations together in unity while allowing local freedom. Updating your congregation’s constitution brings it into conformity, ensuring both consistency across the ELCA and alignment with collective wisdom for healthy ministry.
Following the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, held Monday, July 28, through Saturday, August 2, each of this church’s expressions—congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization—has a revised constitution. The amendments and rationale are noted on the synod webpage and the ELCA webpage.
May 2026 UPDATE:
The NC Synod Council has approved a Checklist and Process for Submission to aid congregations as they work to bring their congregation’s constitution into alignment with the recent changes approved at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Look for them on the synod’s website.