The Church Council is the governing board of the congregation, and is responsible for carrying out the mission and ministry of the congregation between meetings of the congregation itself. It is a collaborative leadership body, rooted in the ELCA’s emphasis on shared governance.

A church council in an ELCA congregation typically:

• Serves as the board of directors of the congregation as a legal entity

• Implements decisions made by the congregation at its annual or special meetings

• Provides leadership for the congregation’s mission, ministry, and administration

• Oversees finances, property, and staff

• Supports the pastor(s) in the life and work of the congregation

• The congregation itself is the highest authority; the council acts on its behalf between meetings.

While each congregation’s constitution adds its own details, ELCA model constitutions outline several core responsibilities:

Governance & Administration

• Manage the congregation’s day‑to‑day operations

• Ensure compliance with the congregation’s constitution and bylaws

• Maintain official records and reports

Financial Oversight

• Prepare and recommend the annual budget

• Oversee income, expenses, and financial controls

• Ensure responsible stewardship of assets

Mission & Ministry Leadership

• Set goals and priorities for ministry

• Support committees and ministry teams

• Encourage the congregation’s involvement in local and global mission

Personnel Oversight

• Support and supervise rostered ministers (pastors, deacons)

• Oversee other staff, often through a personnel committee

Relationship to the Wider Church

• Maintain connection with the synod and ELCA

• Ensure the congregation participates in the life of the wider church

Who Serves on the Council?

Most councils include:

• The pastor(s) (with voice but usually no vote)

• Elected lay members, often including:

  • President

  • Vice president

  • Secretary

  • Treasurer

• Youth or young adult representatives (in many congregations)

Terms are usually staggered to maintain continuity.

How the Council Operates

• Meets regularly (monthly is common)

• Uses consensus or parliamentary procedure (often Robert’s Rules)

• Works through committees or ministry teams (e.g., worship, property, finance)

• Makes decisions that guide the congregation’s life between annual meetings

The council’s authority is limited by the congregation’s constitution—major decisions (calling a pastor, buying property, approving the budget) must be made by the congregation itself..