Who We Are
Our ELCA schools and early learning centers represent one of our denomination's most significant and impactful ministries. These educational institutions are not merely auxiliary programs—they are vital lifelines that connect our church to the broader community and serve as powerful instruments of God's mission in the world.
Each day, nearly 140,000 students walk through the doors of ELCA schools and early learning centers nationwide. These young people, from infants to teenagers, experience Christian education that nurtures both their academic growth and spiritual development. This reach extends our church's influence far beyond Sunday worship, creating daily opportunities for ministry, witness, grace, and service.
ELCA schools and learning centers stand as one of the most—if not the most—diverse ministries within our denomination. Our educational institutions welcome families from various cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic, and faith backgrounds, creating vibrant communities that reflect the breadth of God's creation. This diversity enriches the educational experience for all students while demonstrating our commitment to being a church for all people.
As we seek to "grow young" as a denomination, we must recognize that our students, their families, and caregivers are not merely recipients of our services—they are vital participants in the life of our congregations. These relationships, forged through daily educational interactions, often become the bridge that connects families to our worshiping communities.
When we view parents, grandparents, and caregivers as partners in ministry rather than outsiders to be converted, we create authentic opportunities for spiritual growth and community engagement. Many families first encounter our Lutheran tradition through our schools, and these initial connections can blossom into lifelong relationships with Christ and our church community.
Our educational ministries deserve our recognition, support, and investment. They are doing the essential work of nurturing young minds, building bridges across communities, and planting seeds of faith that will bear fruit for generations to come. As we consider the future of the ELCA, let us remember that our schools and early learning centers are not just serving our mission—they are leading it.
The future of our church walks through our school doors every day. The ELEA is here to celebrate, support, and strengthen these vital ministries that are shaping both our communities and our faith for tomorrow.
Connect, Develop and Inspire.
ELEA Promise
As an ELCA ministry, the ELEA provides exceptional services and support to faith-based schools and centers.
Organization
The organization's national-level governance is led by a Board of Directors comprising seven voting members and advisors from diverse backgrounds representing different types of programs and regions across the country. This composition ensures a wide range of perspectives to guide the association's leadership. The Board members, staff, and Executive Director meet monthly online or in person.
ELEA is committed to building awareness and support through local engagement across the country. The organization facilitates Lunch and Learn events in various regions, connecting with schools, centers, Synod staff, and other leaders to strengthen relationships and foster community.
To meet ELEA members' evolving needs, the organization offers a comprehensive range of member benefits including consulting services, professional development programs, employee benefits plans, annual conferences, and other resources designed to support members across various areas.
Our History:
Benefits and Services
Employee Benefits
The ELEA Employee Benefits Plan is open to schools and centers that are members of ELEA. The plan offers an "unbundled" group plan, which includes Disability and Life Insurance, Vision and Dental, and Student Accident Insurance for eligible employees. The administration of the Employee Benefits Plans is handled by Nancy Bond Insurance Services located at 201 West Lemon Avenue, Monrovia, CA. You may contact them at 866-899-8559. Nancy Bond Insurance Services donates a percentage of all proceeds from these programs to ELEA.
Resource Materials and Discounts
ELCA curates and maintains digital resources that are available on our webpage or through the Member Information Center (MIC). Printed resources in bulk are available by request by calling 800-500-7644 or email [email protected]. To see a full listing of discounts offered by our strategic partners check out our resource page.
Consultation and Coaching Serivces
Administrators and rostered leaders of all member schools and centers receive services and support in a variety of ways to help boost their skills and connectedness, particularly in the church/school relationship. Consultation services are availabe to members by contacting Cory Newman, ELEA Executive Director at [email protected]. The ELCA Coaching Network offers ELEA members discounted coaching packages to support ELEA schools and centers.
Testing Programs
ELEA is proud to be a partner with Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) and offer MAP - Measures of Academic Progress and soon CPAA - Children's Progress Academic Assessment as state-of-the-art benchmark assessment programs.
Annual Fund Drive
The Annual Fund drive is a fundraising campaign aimed at benefiting the organization and all its members. This drive also provides an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about the organization and the services it offers to its members. Your generous donation will enable us to expand our reach locally, regionally and nationally, and connect, develop and inspire the entire community of ELCA Schools and Learning Centers.
In alignment with the ELCA social policy resolution, we are grounded in the scriptural truth that we are all created good and in the image of God; the ELEA stands alongside the ELCA’s commitment to “speak with one voice against racism, and white supremacy and privilege.” As a Christian community, specifically engaged in education and moral awareness, we task ourselves to provide safe environments that oppose racism and actively teach appreciation for diverse peoples in an inequitable world.
Furthermore, ELEA’s administrators, teachers, and staff are committed to: practice anti-bias education; show love; teach tolerance; model acceptance on a daily basis; set the goal for each child to possess positive self-identity and family pride; express comfort and joy with human diversity; and, embody the will and the skills to act against injustice and prejudice.