The Larger Lutheran Church

St. Philip Lutheran Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. Our faith is built around a strong belief in God as made known to us in Jesus Christ. Through worship, service and education, we practice our faith, grow our relationship with God and experience God’s grace in our lives. We also work hard to put our faith into action. In today’s complex world, we strive to make a difference in practical, realistic ways.

With nearly 10,500 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and nearly 5 million members, we welcome you to experience this church right in your community. Explore the ELCA and help us celebrate our gift of faith – with action.  For more information on the ELCA, go to www.elca.org.

North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church

In addition to the national church body, the ELCA is divided into 65 synods. St. Philip is part of the North Carolina Synod, which has its headquarters in Salisbury, NC. Each of the ELCA’s synods elects a bishop and other officers. As the synod’s pastor, the bishop oversees the ministry of other pastors and congregations. The North Carolina Synod bishop is the Rev. Timothy M. Smith. Together with his staff, the bishop provides support to congregations and leaders. This includes assistance in calling pastors and other staff to congregations, support in times of difficulty and congregational conflict, and joining in the celebrations of congregations.

The mission of the North Carolina Synod is “Walking Together – Sharing Christ.”  Its vision is that “together we center our life in worship, prayer and scripture; identify and equip leaders; support the ministries of congregations; reach out through witness and service to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a changing world; and serve as stewards of the property and resources of the synod.”

For more information on the ministry of the North Carolina Synod, including its work with agencies such as Agape+Kure Beach Ministries, Lutheran Services for the Aging and Lenoir-Rhyne University, go to www.nclutheran.org.