About our Synod

From the website of the Northwest Minnesota Synod

What is the Northwestern Minnesota Synod?

The Northwestern Minnesota Synod is a geographical designation and a Church arrangement for carrying out the Church's mission. We are part of Region 3 of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The word "synod" comes from two Greek words: syn meaning together, and hodos, meaning the way. A synod is a group of people on the way together, and that is exactly what we are. Our synod is comprised of 274 congregations, 343 pastors, 20 Associates in Ministry, and 112,767 baptized members. The synod is grouped into ten conferences: Laroki, Agassiz, Pine to Valley, Headwaters, Prairie Land, Moorhead, White Earth, Otter Tail, Lakes and Prairie, and Runestone. The territory covers the upper western half of the state of Minnesota.

What we at the synod office do to help congregations:

Helps congregations with their ministry...

> Call Process ~ Provide help with pastoral changes. Synod staff are extensively involved with the congregation until a new pastor is called.

> Consultation ~ As congregation's plan their ministry, synod staff meets to help leaders map their future. Common areas of assistance include: visioning for congregational leaders, guidance with staffing questions, help with stewardship drives, or assistance with building project plans. In addition, several area strategy processes have been conducted around the synod.

> Celebrate ~ We will celebrate with congregations on anniversaries, dedications, and installations.

> Conflict ~ From time to time every congregation experiences conflict. When conflict becomes disruptive to the congregation's ministry, the staff can help clarify issues and assist the move toward resolution. We are here to support and help with congregational closings and in times of conflict.

> Share the Good News! ~ As part of the Body of Christ, we are all called to tell the Good News. The synod office works with you as a congregation to do just that!