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Welcome to Our Synod

We are glad you found this site and welcome you to learn about the ministries of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod. Perhaps you are looking for a church home. Perhaps you are here to find information as a leader or congregation. Whether you’re here for a specific reason or just curious, you are welcome here.

As the ELCA professes, we are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person—questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the sake of the world.

Recent events

Synod youth celebrate being 'fearfully & wonderfully made'

More than 50 young people and youth ministry leaders gathered at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in West Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 16, for a one-day fall retreat.

Rachel Kurtz (pictured at right), a Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter, was guest speaker and musician.

The retreat, with the theme “Created to Be ME,” was focused on mental health, building on last summer’s youth gathering theme, “Created to Be.”

Proclaim the gospel, make disciples and do justice in Jesus’ name

Who We Are

The Metropolitan Chicago Synod (MCS) is made up of 165 congregations and eight Synodically Authorized Worshiping Communities (SAWC). We are both urban and suburban, with 64,000 baptized members in four counties: Cook, DuPage, Kane and Lake. We are one of 65 synods in the ELCA.

Our mission statement calls us to proclaim the gospel, make disciples and do justice in Jesus’ name. We hope the images and information on these pages will introduce you to our synod—our faith and values, ministries and events. These pages are filled with practical information for congregations and leaders, and will help you become familiar with the synod staff and governance.

Voting Metropolitan Chicago Synod Assembly
ANSWERING THE CALL

Candidacy Process

Are you considering a vocation in the church? The candidacy process–which includes Entrance, Endorsement and Approval–begins by contacting your synod office: or 773-248-0021. Our director of candidacy will visit with you about your vocational discernment and the candidacy process, what forms are necessary and how to complete them. Blessings on your journey! 

Bishop Placing Hands on Candidate
Leadership Event

Rostered ministers gather for boundaries education

Rostered ministers, and members of the synod’s pastoral staff, gathered Nov. 7 at the churchwide office for boundaries education.

This year’s boundaries education was a collaborative effort among the 12 synods of Region 5 as part of a three-year focus on professional ministry standards, gender justice, and racial justice. 

Publications

Get connected to the MCS by signing up for publications and following us on social media.

Congregational Support

As a synod, our work focuses on supporting and partnering with our congregations.

Leadership Support

Lay and clergy, find resources that will assist you in the work to which God has called you.

Ministries

God’s work takes many and various forms. Learn about the ministries of our synod.

Our Stories

South African Delegation Visit

A visit from the MCS’s companion synod, the Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA), was a highlight of our June 1 synod assembly and the days which followed.

Read More

Metropolitan Chicago Synod Office

Ph: 773-248-0021 | Address: 1420 W. Dickens Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614