about us


the synod at a glance


  • Staff

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  • strategic plan

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  • Synod council & conference leadership

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  • Synod Committees & Teams

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  • Ministries of the synod

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  • frequently asked questions

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eastern north dakota synod 101


Watch the video below for an overview of the EaND Synod and our ministry partners.

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about the eastern north dakota synod

Our Mission:

United in Christ, we dare to invite, connect, and act. 

The Eastern North Dakota Synod is one of 65 synods that make up the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. The word “synod” comes from the Greek words “syn” (together) and “hodos” (the way.) A synod is a group of people on the way together.  


The Eastern North Dakota Synod is made up of over 180  congregations, 2 campus ministries, 2 outdoor ministry sites, a number of specialized ministry teams, baptized members, and rostered ministers spread out across the eastern third of the state. Together, we strive to live out our mission, professing that “United in Christ, we dare to invite, connect, and act.” The synod office provides support to rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregations, accompanies individuals discerning a call to ministry, organizes conferences and events, facilitates partnerships with the larger church, and strives to serve as a resource and connection hub for all ELCA members in Eastern North Dakota.  


The Eastern North Dakota Synod is one of nine synods making up Region 3 (all of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.) The Eastern North Dakota Synod is divided into 8 geographical conferences, each of which is led by an elected Conference Dean and leadership team. Our Global Companion Synod Partne r is the Central African Republic, and our domestic partner synod is the Alaska Synod.  


Leadership is provided to the synod by the Synod Assembly, Synod Council, Synod Bishop (elected by the Synod Assembly to serve a 6 year term), Office of the Bishop staff, and Conference Deans & leaders.   

we are a reconciling in christ synod.

We, as the Eastern North Dakota Synod ELCA, welcome all into the fullness of God's boundless love, without exception. This welcome is inclusive of people of every race, national origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical or mental ability, sex, or station in life. United in Christ, we pledge to use and celebrate our differences as gifts for our work together in all things, including racial equity, intentional invitations, and radical hospitality. Inspired by Christ, we commit to advocate for justice, working for dignity, equity, and wholeness for all people.