The ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the primary decision-making body of the church, is a process of communal spiritual discernment. When the ELCA Churchwide Assembly convenes, its voting members meet with confidence in God’s grace around word and water, wine and bread, to carry on their work on behalf of the entire church.

The most recent Churchwide Assembly was held July 28 – August 2, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ.

The next Churchwide Assembly will be held August 7-11, 2028 in Des Moines, Iowa. Learn More.